In the spring of 1943, the special mission of the Eighth Route Army's Southern Hebei Military Region was preparing to set off on a special mission. Just then, a mysterious letter disrupted all plans. It turned out that the object they wanted to rescue was Shi Jiazhi, the head of the Operations Section of the Ministry of Enemy Works. It is reported that after Shi Jiazhi was captured, he could not withstand the coercion and temptation, and not only defected, but also married the daughter of a traitor. However, the content of that letter is quite the opposite.
What's going on? Did Shi Jia-sik really defect? Who is the daughter of that traitor? Why is the rescue of a section chief so important that it is worth using the strength of a regiment? What's even more puzzling is that since Shi Jiazhi did not defect, why did he cancel the rescue operation? What kind of thrilling story is hidden behind all this?
Shi Jiazhi was born in March 1918 and lives in Panshi Village, Xue Town, Fuping County, Shaanxi Province. Located in the northern part of the Guanzhong Plain, this small mountain village is barren and has been farming for generations. The Shi family is no exception, and their ancestors have been farmers facing the loess with their backs to the sky for generations. In that turbulent era, the life of ordinary peasants was extremely difficult, not only to endure the harsh natural environment, but also to endure the exploitation and oppression of the landlords.
Shi Jiazhi's father, Shi Daniu, deeply understood the importance of knowledge to change destiny. He often said to the young Shi Jiazhi: "If we poor children want to turn over, we have to study." In order to provide for his son's schooling, Shi Daniu did not hesitate to smash the pot and sell iron. He sold the few valuable items he had in his family to make up enough for Shi Jiazhi's tuition.
In 1934, 16-year-old Shi Jiazhi was admitted to Xi'an Provincial No. 1 Middle School. This school was one of the best middle schools in Shaanxi Province at that time, bringing together many excellent students and teachers. Here, Shi Jiazhi not only learned a wealth of cultural knowledge, but more importantly, came into contact with progressive ideas.
At that time, Xi'an Provincial No. 1 Middle School was a place of active thinking. Various progressive books circulated in the school, such as the works of Lu Xun and Guo Moruo, as well as some pamphlets on Marxism. Shi Jiazhi read these books voraciously, and his thoughts gradually changed. He began to realize that only the Chinese Communist Party could truly save China.
In December 1936, the Xi'an Incident broke out. This incident caused a huge shock in Xi'an and also had a profound impact on Shi Jiazhi. He witnessed with his own eyes the important role played by the Communists in mediating the contradictions between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, and strengthened his determination to follow the Communist Party.
In April 1937, the dark clouds of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression loomed over the country. Shi Jiazhi did not wait for the high school graduation ceremony, and resolutely embarked on the road to Yan'an. At that time, Yan'an had become a revolutionary mecca, attracting progressive youth from all over the country.
Shi Jiazhi traveled for several days and finally arrived in Yan'an. He came to the Chinese Anti-Japanese Military and Political University to report and became a glorious member of the Anti-Japanese University. Kang Da was an important base for training revolutionary cadres at that time and was known as the "cradle of generals". Here, Shi Jiazhi systematically studied Marxist-Leninist theory and military knowledge, which laid a solid foundation for his future revolutionary work.
The study life of Kang Da is hard, but it is also fulfilling. During the day, Shi Jiazhi and his classmates went to class and worked together; In the evening, they sat around under a dim oil lamp to discuss the situation. Shi Jiazhi not only increased his knowledge here, but also exercised his will and cultivated a tenacious revolutionary spirit.
In March 1938, the fifth class of students graduated from Kang University. With excitement, Shi Jiazhi accepted the assignment of the organization and went to the front line of resistance against Japan. He was assigned to the 129th Brigade of the 386th Division of the Eighth Route Army as a propaganda officer. Although this position is not a combatant, it is a rare opportunity for Shi Jiazhi, who has just embarked on the road of revolution, to exercise.
Less than ten days after Shi Jiazhi arrived in the army, he caught up with a famous battle - the ambush of Shentouling. The battle took place on March 16, 1938, in the area of Shentouling, between Lucheng and Shexian counties in Shanxi Province. The commander of the 386th Brigade, Chen Geng, personally commanded, and the deputy brigade commander Chen Zaidao also participated in the combat command.
As a new propaganda officer, Shi Jiazhi should not have been involved in actual combat. However, the harsh realities of war do not open up to recruits. In the fierce battle, Shi Jiazhi relied on the military knowledge and extraordinary courage he learned in the Anti-Japanese University, not only did not hold back, but killed 3 Japanese soldiers with his own hands and captured 3 rifles.
This combat experience made Shi Jiazhi quickly transform from a scholar into a real warrior. His performance has also been appreciated by Chen Zaidao and other leaders, laying the foundation for his rapid growth in the future.
After the Shentouling ambush, Shi Jiazhi grew rapidly in the 386th Brigade. He not only conscientiously performed his duties as a propaganda officer, but also took the initiative to learn military skills and participate in various combat missions. This aggressive attitude quickly caught the attention of the superiors.
In the spring of 1939, the 386th Brigade received an important task: to raid a Japanese stronghold in Xingtai County, Hebei Province. This stronghold was located in a small town called Nanhe, which was an important fulcrum for the Japanese army to control the local area. According to intelligence, there was a Japanese army squad, about 50 people, and a company of the puppet army, totaling more than 200 people.
The brigade commander Chen Geng personally formulated a surprise plan. He decided to send an elite detachment, taking advantage of the cover of night, to sneak into the stronghold and deliver a surprise blow to the enemy. The success or failure of this operation will have a direct impact on the strategic layout of the Eighth Route Army in this area.
Shi Jiazhi took the initiative to invite Ying to participate in the operation. Although he was a communications officer, he believed that advocacy work could only be carried out better if he had experienced the fighting firsthand. Chen Geng thought twice, agreed to Shi Jiazhi's request, and incorporated him into the assault team.
On the night of April 15, 1939, the assault team, led by a squad leader named Zhang Deyou, quietly infiltrated the Japanese stronghold in Nanhe Town. The night was dark, and there was silence all around, except for a few dog barks in the distance. The assault team members held their breath and cautiously approached their targets.
Just when he was less than 100 meters away from the base, he suddenly heard a sound of footsteps from ahead. It turned out to be a squad of Japanese patrols. The situation is extremely critical, and if discovered, not only will the operation fail, but the entire team will be in danger of being destroyed.
At this critical moment, Shi Jiazhi had an idea. He crept behind a large tree on the side of the road, quickly cut off a branch with the knife he carried with him, and then threw it into the grass not far away. This action attracted the attention of the Japanese patrols, who looked in the direction of the grass.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhang Deyou waved his hand, and the assault team quickly bypassed the patrol and continued to advance towards the stronghold. Shi Jiazhi's witty performance not only avoided exposure, but also bought valuable time for the operation.
Finally, the assault team managed to infiltrate the Japanese stronghold. As soon as Zhang Deyou gave the order, the assault team immediately launched a fierce attack on the enemy. Although it was the first time for Shi Jiazhi to participate in such an operation, he showed extraordinary bravery. With his captured submachine gun, he rushed to the front and killed several enemy soldiers in succession.
The raid was a great success. Japanese strongholds were destroyed, a large number of enemies were annihilated, and a lot of weapons and ammunition were captured. More importantly, this operation dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the Japanese army and greatly encouraged the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the local people.
Shi Jiazhi's outstanding performance in this operation was highly praised by his superiors. Chen Geng personally awarded him the honorary title of "Shocking the Enemy's Courage" and praised him in the whole brigade. This experience not only allowed Shi Jiazhi to accumulate valuable practical experience, but also greatly enhanced his prestige in the army.
Since then, Shi Jiazhi has been involved in more combat missions. He not only performed well in propaganda work, but also performed miraculous feats in actual battles. Whether it was reconnoitring the enemy's situation, destroying the enemy's lines of communication, or rescuing captured comrades, Shi Jiazhi always charged ahead and showed courage and decisiveness.
In 1941, due to work needs, Shi Jiazhi was transferred to the Enemy Engineering Department of the Southern Hebei Military Region. Here, he was responsible for plotting against the puppet army and traitors in the enemy-occupied area, collecting enemy intelligence, and providing important support for the military operations of the Eighth Route Army. With his ingenuity and experience, Shi Jiazhi quickly rose to prominence in his new position.
At the beginning of 1942, Shi Jiazhi was promoted to the chief of the Operations Section of the Enemy Engineering Department of the Southern Hebei Military Region because of his outstanding work achievements. Although this position is not very high, it has a heavy responsibility and has a direct bearing on the intelligence work of the military region and the situation on the battlefield behind enemy lines.
As the head of the Operations Section, Shi Jiazhi is even busier. He often went behind enemy lines, liaising with local underground party organizations and guiding them in their work. Sometimes, he also has to carry out some high-risk special tasks himself. Under Shi Jiazhi's leadership, the work of the enemy engineering department of the South Hebei Military Region was impressive, providing strong support for the Eighth Route Army's military operations in this area.
However, danger has always been with Shi Jiazhi. During an operation in early 1943, Shi Jiazhi encountered a change of events that could change his fate. This turn of events not only puts him in danger, but also sets off a series of thrilling events that eventually lead to the tense scene described at the beginning of the article.
On March 15, 1943, Shi Jiazhi received instructions from his superiors to go to a village outside Xingtai County to contact the underground party liaison. The village was located on the edge of the Japanese-held zone and was not usually too dangerous. This time, however, the situation is different.
The day before Shi Jiazhi arrived at the agreed place, the Japanese army suddenly launched a large-scale "clean-up" operation in this area. They sent a large number of troops to conduct a carpet search of the surrounding villages, in an attempt to wipe out the local anti-Japanese forces.
Shi Jiazhi had no idea about this. When he arrived at the entrance of the village on his bicycle, he suddenly found that his surroundings were unusually quiet. Just as he sensed something was wrong and was about to turn away, a group of Japanese soldiers suddenly rushed out of the woods by the roadside and surrounded him.
In the face of the sudden crisis, Shi Jiazhi was calm and calm. He knew that if his identity was revealed, brutal torture and death awaited him. So, he quickly made up an identity: he was an ordinary farmer from a nearby village, and he came here to borrow money from his cousin.
The Japanese took Shi Jiazhi to a temporary command post in the village. There, a Japanese captain began to interrogate him. The captain's name was Ichiro Fujita, an intelligence officer in the local garrison, known for his cunning and cruelty.
Fujita Ichiro stared at Shi Jiazhi and said in fluent Chinese, "You say you are a farmer? But you don't have calluses on your hands, and you dress more carefully than the average peasant. You'd better be honest, or you'll have something to do. "
Shi Jiazhi replied unhurriedly: "Sir Mingjian, the small ones are indeed farmers. It's just that there are a few acres of good land at home, so I don't have to work too hard. Besides, who wouldn't want to dress modestly? "
Fujita Ichiro was clearly not satisfied with this answer. He ordered his men to search for Seok's belongings. Soon, the soldiers found a notebook in Shi Jiazhi's pocket. Fujita Ichiro flipped through his notebook and found some strange numbers and symbols recorded in it.
"What is this?" Fujita Ichiro asked sharply.
Shi Jiazhi replied calmly: "This is what I use for bookkeeping." Most of the people in our village are illiterate, so we use some simple symbols to record the loan relationship. "
Fujita Ichiro will be skeptical. He ordered his men to continue the search, but found no other suspicious items. Just then, a Japanese soldier ran in to report that an abandoned bicycle had been found outside the village.
Fujita Ichiro immediately realized that this was most likely the same car that Shi Jiazhi was riding when he came. He decided to check it out for himself. During the time that Fujita was away, Shi Jia-sik took the opportunity to carefully observe his surroundings and look for possible escape routes.
After a while, Fujita Ichiro returned. He held a piece of paper in his hand and a triumphant smile on his face. It turned out that they found a note with a code written on it in the basket of the bike. Now, Shi Jiazhi's situation is even more dangerous.
Fujita Ichiro put the note in front of Shi Jiazhi and said coldly, "What else do you have to say now?" "
Shi Jiazhi knew that if he continued to quibble, it would only arouse greater suspicion. So, he decided to use a risky strategy. He sighed and said, "Well, I admit that I'm not an ordinary farmer. Actually, I am a businessman who travels a lot from village to village for small business. The content of this note is the code between me and my partner, which is used to record transaction information. "
Fujita Ichiro showed an interested expression. He asked, "What kind of transactions need to be recorded with a password?" "
Shi Jiazhi replied: "It is mainly the purchase and sale of some controlled materials. As you know, there is a shortage of materials right now, and many things are not allowed to be traded freely. This is the only way we can avoid detection. "
This explanation seems to have impressed Ichiro Fujita. He began to inquire in detail about Shi Jiazhi's "business". Shi Jiazhi racked his brains and concocted a set of seemingly reasonable trading networks and operating methods.
While Fujita Ichiro was talking to Shi Jiazhi, a Japanese officer hurriedly ran in and whispered a few words in Fujita's ear. Fujita's face suddenly became serious. He said to Shi Jiazhi: "Don't leave for the time being, we still have questions for you." With that, he left in a hurry.
Shi Jiazhi was locked up in a hut. Through the gap in the window, he saw that the Japanese soldiers outside seemed to be busy with something. After about two hours, Fujita Ichiro returned. To Shi Jiazhi's surprise, Fujita's attitude suddenly became kind.
Fujita said, "Mr. Shi, after our investigation, your identity has been confirmed. I apologize to you for your suspicions. We're in some trouble right now, though, and I hope you can do us a favor. "
It turned out that when Shi Jiazhi was being interrogated, the Japanese army discovered a secret radio station of the Eighth Route Army nearby. They believe that Shi Jiazhi, as an "underground businessman", may have a better understanding of the local situation, and hope that he can provide some valuable information.
Shi Jiazhi realized that this was a rare opportunity. He decided to take advantage of this opportunity not only to get out of himself, but also to help the Eighth Route Army. So, he began to selectively provide some information to the Japanese army. Among these messages, there are true and false, which are really enough to win the trust of the Japanese army, and false can mislead their actions.
In this way, Shi Jiazhi maneuvered in danger, on the one hand, avoiding revealing his true identity, and on the other hand, buying valuable time for the Eighth Route Army. Little did he know, however, that greater challenges awaited him. An unexpected marriage will push him into an even more dangerous situation.
Shi Jiazhi successfully deceived the Japanese army, not only saving his own life, but also gaining the trust of Fujita Ichiro. However, the twist of fate is far from over. Just when Shi Jiazhi thought he could find a chance to escape, an unexpected event happened.
In early April 1943, Fujita Ichiro's daughter, Fujita Sakurako, came to Xingtai from Japan. Sakurako is 20 years old and has just graduated from a women's university in Tokyo. Fujita Ichiro originally wanted his daughter to stay in Japan away from the war, but Sakurako insisted on coming to China to accompany her father.
Sakurako's arrival brought a touch of unusual atmosphere to the Japanese garrison. This young and beautiful Japan girl quickly became the center of attention. For the safety of his daughter, Fujita Ichiro specially arranged for Shi Jiazhi to serve as Sakurako's guide and interpreter.
At first, Shi Jiazhi was very difficult about this task. He had to deal with the Japanese army's interrogation, but he also had to be careful not to reveal his true identity. But over time, he discovers that Sakurako is different from other Japan. She showed a genuine interest and respect for the culture and people of China.
In his contact with Sakurako, Shi Jia-sik cautiously plays the role of an "enlightened businessman". He introduced Sakurako to Chinese history and culture, took her on local attractions, and even taught her some simple Chinese. Sakurako was impressed by Shi Jiazhi's erudition, and a subtle emotion gradually developed between the two.
Fujita Ichiro quickly noticed his daughter's special attention to Shi Jia-sik. As a shrewd intelligence officer, he was acutely aware that this might be an opportunity to take advantage of. If Shi Jiazhi can establish a closer relationship with his daughter, he may be able to further control this "valuable informant".
In mid-May 1943, more than a month after Sakurako arrived in Xingtai, Fujita Ichiro suddenly made a shocking suggestion: he wanted Shi Jiazhi to marry Sakurako.
This proposal put Shi Jiazhi in a huge predicament. On the one hand, he knew that refusing this family affair might arouse Fujita's suspicions, and might even reveal his true identity. On the other hand, if he accepted this family business, not only would his situation become more complicated, but he might also be regarded as a traitor by the comrades of the Eighth Route Army.
After weighing the pros and cons, Shi Jiazhi made a difficult decision: he agreed to the marriage. He believes that this may be an opportunity to penetrate into the enemy's interior and obtain more important information. At the same time, he also hoped to take this opportunity to protect some innocent Chinese people and alleviate the atrocities of the Japanese army.
On June 1, 1943, the wedding of Shi Jiazhi and Sakurako Fujita was held in a Japanese-style garden in the county town of Xingtai. Weddings are simple, but they are also pompous. Local high-ranking Japanese military officials and some traitor leaders came to the wedding. Shi Jiazhi stood beside Sakurako, his heart full of mixed emotions.
After getting married, Shi Jiazhi moved into the Fujita family's mansion. His identity also changed from an ordinary "businessman" to the son-in-law of a high-ranking Japanese military official. This status gave him more freedom and access to the inside intelligence of the Japanese army.
However, Shi Jiazhi has not forgotten his true mission. He began to use his new identity to secretly collect important information such as the military deployment and troop movements of the Japanese army. He also used his influence to intercede for some innocent Chinese people, alleviating the suffering of many people.
At the same time, Shi Jiazhi is also facing great psychological pressure and moral distress. He had to live with the enemy every day, and even with the enemy's daughter. Although Sakurako treats him well, he is never able to forget who he really is and the responsibility he shoulders.
At the end of 1943, Shi Jiazhi finally found an opportunity and secretly made contact with the Eighth Route Army. He passed on his situation and the important information he had gathered. The superiors of the Eighth Route Army highly affirmed Shi Jiazhi's actions, believing that he was carrying out an extremely dangerous and important special mission.
However, the good times were short-lived. At the beginning of 1944, an accident occurred, and Shi Jiazhi's situation suddenly became precarious. The Japanese captured a cadre of the Eighth Route Army during an encirclement and suppression operation. Under severe torture, this cadre accidentally revealed some information about Shi Jiazhi's true identity.
Although this information is incomplete, it is enough to arouse Fujita Ichiro's suspicions. Fujita begins to secretly investigate Seok's background and closely monitor his every move.
Shi Jiazhi sensed the approaching danger. He knew that he had to act quickly, otherwise not only would the mission fall short, but his life would also be at stake. That's when an even bigger challenge comes before him: Sakurako tells him that she's pregnant.
The news makes an already complex situation even more difficult to manage. Seok must choose between protecting himself, completing his mission, and facing the upcoming child. And this choice will be directly related to his life and death.
In March 1944, Shi Jiazhi's situation became more and more dangerous. Fujita Ichiro's suspicions about him grow day by day, and Sakurako's pregnancy puts additional pressure on him. In this complicated situation, Shi Jiazhi had to be extra careful and at the same time speed up the completion of his task.
It was at this time that Shi Jiazhi learned through secret channels that the Eighth Route Army was planning a large-scale spring offensive. The success of this operation will have a direct impact on the anti-Japanese situation in the entire North China region. Shi Jiazhi realized that this could be his chance to make his final contribution to the anti-Japanese cause.
Shi Jiazhi began to take risks to gather more information about the deployment of the Japanese army. He used his status as Fujita's son-in-law to go in and out of various military meetings and social occasions, carefully observing and recording every detail. In the process, he discovered that the Japanese army was secretly mobilizing a large number of troops to prepare for a surprise attack on the base area of the Eighth Route Army.
In order to pass on this vital information, Shi Jiazhi took a huge risk and sneaked out of Fujita's house on a rainy night to an abandoned mill outside the city. It was the secret junction he had agreed with the liaison officer of the Eighth Route Army.
However, what Shi Jiazhi doesn't know is that his actions have been discovered by secret agents sent by Fujita Ichiro. At the very moment when he handed over the information to the liaison, the Japanese troops suddenly surrounded the entire mill.
In the rain of bullets, Shi Jiazhi desperately covered the liaison to escape. He knew that only by getting this information safely could the lives of thousands of fighters be saved. In the end, the liaison officer managed to break through, and Shi Jiazhi was unfortunately captured.
After being arrested, Shi Jiazhi was taken to the secret interrogation room of the Japanese secret service. Fujita Ichiro personally presided over the interrogation, and his eyes were full of anger and disappointment. Fujita asked, "Shi Jiazhi, why did you betray us?" Do you know how much of a sin you have committed? "
In the face of interrogation, Shi Jiazhi remained silent. He knew that no matter what he said, he could not change his fate. More importantly, he had to protect the safety of his other comrades.
The Japanese army tortured Shi Jiazhi in various ways, but he never revealed any information about the Eighth Route Army. His strong will made Fujita Ichiro both angry and surprised.
It was then that Sakurako learned of her husband's arrest. Ignoring her father's obstruction, she insisted on seeing Shi Jiazhi. When Sakurako saw the scarred Seok Ka-sik, she couldn't stop crying. "Why?" she asked. Aren't we very happy? "
Shi Jiazhi looked at Sakurako's bulging abdomen and said softly, "I'm sorry, Sakurako." I want our children to grow up in a world without war. "
Sakurako then realized that her husband had been fighting for peace. She turned to her father and said, "Father, please forgive him." For my child's sake. "
Fujita Ichiro is in a dilemma. As a military man, he should immediately execute this traitor. But as a father, he can't bear to see his daughter lose her husband and his child lose his father. In the end, Fujita made a decision: he gave Shi Jiazhi three days, during which time he could save his life if he confessed all the information.
In these three days, Shi Jiazhi experienced the most difficult choice in his life. On the one hand, the soon-to-be-born child and his wife, who loved him dearly, on the other hand, the cause for which he fought and the thousands of compatriots.
On April 15, 1944, the deadline for the third day arrived. Fujita Ichiro came to the interrogation room again and asked, "Shi Jiazhi, this is your last chance." Have you thought it through? "
Shi Jiazhi raised his head and said calmly, "I have made a choice. "
Just when Fujita thought that Shi Jiazhi was going to confess, Shi Jiazhi suddenly used all his strength, broke free from the restraints, and grabbed the pistol of one of the guards. However, instead of shooting, he aimed the muzzle of his gun at his temple.
At the moment when he pulled the trigger, Shi Jiazhi said the last sentence: "For New China!" "
Gunshots rang out, and Shi Jiazhi collapsed in a pool of blood. He fulfilled his promise to the motherland and the people with his life, and also protected the safety of his comrades-in-arms forever.
Shi Jiazhi's sacrifice was not in vain. The important information he transmitted enabled the Eighth Route Army to successfully thwart the Japanese raid plan and achieve a major victory in the ensuing battle. This victory greatly boosted the confidence of the military and people throughout the country in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and became a key turning point in turning the tide of the war in North China.
In May 1944, Sakurako gave birth to a boy. She named her child "Peace" in honor of her husband and the ideals he fought for. After the war, Sakurako stayed in China with her children, hoping to continue her husband's unfinished business on her own terms.
Many years later, when people talked about the War of Resistance Against Japan, they often mentioned a hero named Shi Jiazhi. His story has become a model of national integrity and patriotism, inspiring generations of Chinese. In the martyrs' cemetery in Xingtai, Shi Jiazhi's tombstone is engraved with this line of words: "Rather die than give in, sacrifice your life for the country." "