She murmured to herself: "Chairman Mao, Chairman Mao! It was you who raised me up. During the nine years in Yan'an, I will remember every kind instruction you gave me to this day."

Preface

She murmured to herself: "Chairman Mao, Chairman Mao! It was you who raised me up. During the 9 years of Yan'an , I will remember every kind instruction you gave me to this day."

Picture | Wu Chaoxiang

That night, Wu Chaoxiang was lying on the bed, and many past events came to mind...

Wu Chaoxiang: "Being a female soldier and climbing mountains, following the team to conquer the country"

Wu Chaoxiang is from Tongjiang County, Sichuan. When she was 12 years old, her family was so poor that she had no choice but to work as a child bride in a wealthy family.

The life of a child bride was very difficult. She suffered from hunger and was beaten or scolded. Once, she was bullied so much that she chose to commit suicide by jumping into a river. Fortunately, she was rescued by a fisherman. The fisherman told her that the savior of the poor the Red Army was coming, so she must not seek death again.

From then on, Wu Chaoxiang began to look forward to the arrival of the Red Army every day.

In 1932, the Political Department of the 10th Red Division of the Fourth Red Army was stationed in a small village in , Tongjiang County, . After Wu Chaoxiang heard about it, he quickly fled from his husband's house overnight and joined the Red Army. After that, she was assigned to work in the publicity team. Because of her seriousness and hard work, she soon became the squad leader.

When she joined the army, she joined the "China Communist Youth League" at the age of 13. The following year, she officially became a member of the Communist Party of China.

Soon after, Wu Chaoxiang became the chairman of the Township Soviet. Under her propaganda, many local women joined the revolutionary ranks. At that time, the folk songs compiled by Wu Chaoxiang were unanimously praised by women.

"In the past, my daughter was tortured, as if she had fallen into a well.

When the Red Army came and the world changed, they smashed the feudal iron chains.

Her feet were not tied, her hair was not bent, and her hair was cut to promote propaganda.

When she became a female soldier, she climbed the mountain. "Follow the troops and conquer the country"

As "expanding popularity" became more and more popular, it soon aroused the hatred of the Kuomintang reactionaries. They deployed troops and generals to launch continuous military "encirclement and suppression" campaigns against the Sichuan-Shaanxi base areas.

In March 1933, the Sichuan-Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China transferred more than 100 women cadres from government agencies and more than 400 women mass activists to establish the "Fourth Red Army Women's Independent Battalion" in Tongjiang County. The battalion is directly under the leadership of the Central Military Commission and has 4 companies under its jurisdiction.

Wu Chaoxiang remembers that everyone from the battalion commander to the grooms were lesbians. Cadres and soldiers do not have long hair and dress the same as gay men: wearing an octagonal hat on their head, a gray military uniform, a belt on their waist, straps on their legs, straw sandals on their bare feet, and a small carbine or broadsword on their shoulder.

After the establishment of the independent battalion, it immediately launched intense and rigorous military training. In the "Battle of Yinglong Mountain", the cadres and soldiers were resourceful and brave, without losing a single soldier, easily defeated a regiment of Tian Songyao, and seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition.

In March 1934, Liu Xiang launched the "Second General Offensive" of the "Six-Road Siege" against our base area, and the enemy approached the "Wangcangba" supply station. In order to prevent the supplies from falling into the hands of the enemy, Wu Chaoxiang's "2nd Women's Independent Regiment of the Fourth Front Army of the Red Army" had a very heavy burden. After

accepted the mission, the headquarters ordered the entire regiment to engage in battle. On the mountain road of more than 200 miles back and forth, the soldiers ran non-stop regardless of day or night. The whole regiment had only a few animals, and a large amount of food and military supplies were all carried on the shoulders of the female soldiers.

During this period, Wu Chaoxiang's shoulders were bruised, his feet were blistered, and he didn't care about the blood. She and the female warriors only thought about food and forgot about the pain.

In the spring of 1935, the Fourth Red Army left the Sichuan-Shaanxi base area and began the arduous Long March. This women's armed force was organized into the "Women's Independent Division", with a strength of more than 2,000 people and two regiments under its jurisdiction. Zhang Qinqiu of the 1st regiment served as the regiment leader and political commissar. Zeng Guanglan served as the leader of the 2nd regiment, and Wu Chaoxiang served as political commissar and director of the political department.

Picture | Zhang Qinqiu

The main tasks of the 2nd Regiment are to protect institutions, Red Army hospitals, warehouses, transport ammunition, and transfer the wounded, etc.

During the Long March, they experienced numerous hardships. When the team arrived at the Security Bureau in northern Shaanxi, the number of women's independent division personnel had decreased significantly. In 1936, the Women's Independent Division was reorganized into the "Women's Anti-Japanese Pioneer Corps". In the same year, Wu Chaoxiang was received by Chairman Mao.

Chairman Mao: "Don't look down upon lesbians who come from big cities."

In October 1936, the Red Army came to the security guard in northern Shaanxi. The troops were temporarily separated from the fighting, and Wu Chaoxiang wanted to meet Chairman Mao. On this day, she took the initiative to speak to Jin Weiying, then chief of the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, to express her thoughts. Not long after, she received the good news that Chairman Mao would meet with her the next day.

On this day, under the recommendation of Jin Weiying , Wu Chaoxiang came to the cave dwelling where Chairman Mao lived. After hearing their voices, Chairman Mao came out of the cave to welcome them.

Picture | Jin Weiying

As soon as they met, Chairman Mao held Wu Chaoxiang's hand tightly and began to look at her from head to toe. Seeing that her face was sallow and her hands and feet were swollen, the chairman said with a heavy heart: "The comrades of the Fourth Front Army have endured hardship. The Party Central Committee cares about you very much, especially you lesbians." After hearing these words, Wu Chaoxiang could not conceal his inner feelings. Excited, tears streamed down his face. Seeing this, Chairman Mao stroked her head and comforted her: "Little devil, don't be sad. Your women's regiment carried stretchers, carried the wounded, built roads and built bridges along the way. It was harder than the male comrades. I know all this. You are It is very honorable to endure hardships for the revolution, to drive away the Japanese invaders and liberate the whole of China."

After talking for a while, Chairman Mao told Wu Chaoxiang: "Go to the hospital and take a good rest. I will tell other comrades when I get back." Say hello."

Wu Chaoxiang wiped away his tears and nodded vigorously.

On the second day, Wu Chaoxiang was admitted to Mozigou Hospital near Bao'an County. The doctor told her: "Chairman Mao and the central leadership comrades are very concerned about you. They are reluctant to eat fine grains and asked to leave it to you."

Soon, Mao The chairman also entrusted the comrades working around him to send Wu Chaoxiang a pair of gloves and a pair of thread socks. Regarding Chairman Mao's concern, Wu Chaoxiang felt warm in his heart.

After the "Xi'an Incident", a new situation emerged in the War of Resistance Against Japan. In order to establish the anti-Japanese national united front and strengthen the revolutionary forces, the central government established a youth training class in Anwubao near Xi'an.

On that day, Li Fuchun, then the head of the Central Organization Department, talked to Wu Chaoxiang and said, "Xiao Wu, the central government is considering transferring you to work in the youth training class. Do you have any opinions?"

Picture | Li Fuchun

After hearing this, Wu Chaoxiang , waved his hands repeatedly: "I have never been to school for a day since I was a child. If I am asked to deal with intellectuals, what should I do if I can't complete the task?"

Li Fuchun smiled and left. Wu Chaoxiang thought that he would just let it go. Unexpectedly, Chairman Mao would personally discuss this matter with her a few days later.

On this day, Wu Chaoxiang went to the old town of Yan'an for business. On the way, he met Zhang Hao, who was in charge of trade union work at the central government. The two talked for a long time, and suddenly Zhang Hao changed the subject and said, "Let's go, I'll take you to see Chairman Mao."

In this way, under the leadership of Zhang Hao, Wu Chaoxiang came to a row of cave dwellings. After a while, Chairman Mao came out of the cave, and he greeted cordially: "Comrade Wu Chaoxiang, we met at the security guard. Now your face is no longer yellow, your hands and feet are not swollen, and your body is in good shape! Come here quickly , let’s talk.”

After Wu Chaoxiang passed by, Zhang Hao immediately interjected: “Chairman, she is the one who will be sent to the youth training class.” Chairman Mao nodded and asked Wu Chaoxiang what he thought. Wu Chaoxiang still used his previous words and answered truthfully.

Picture | Wu Chaoxiang (left)

Chairman Mao said: "In order to liberate the whole of China, we Communists must learn not only to do army work, but also to learn to do intellectual and other work. It is impossible to have no intellectuals in the revolutionary ranks. Now I send you to the youth training class. This job is both arduous and glorious."

Wu Chaoxiang listened carefully, Chairman Mao lit a cigarette and continued: "You go to be the associate councilor, you must pay close attention to political work, maintain and carry forward the style of hard work and simplicity, lead by example everywhere, and be everyone's close friend. Can you do this? "

Wu Chaoxiang immediately stood up, saluted Chairman Mao with a military salute, and said firmly: "It can be done. "Chairman Mao nodded with satisfaction.

When Wu Chaoxiang went to take office, Chairman Mao met her again. When talking about how to do the ideological and political work of intellectuals, Chairman Mao especially emphasized: "There are those who study in youth training classes. Many people are from the Northeast. They have been humiliated by Japanese imperialism and have tasted the pain of being slaves to the subjugation of the country. We need to let them speak out and educate everyone to understand that the only way to save the country is to persist in the war of resistance and drive away the Japanese invaders.

At the end, Chairman Mao instructed: "For lesbians who come from big cities, those who have permed their hair, put on lipstick, and applied rouge , don't look down on them, let alone ridicule them, and slowly seduce them." Change your life style. "

Chairman Mao and Wu Chaoxiang talked for most of the morning. Chairman Mao's words set the tone for Wu Chaoxiang's future work direction.

Chairman Mao: "Xiao Wu, come and see how many peaches the cotton I planted has."

In order to cultivate more Many outstanding women cadres, in March 1939, Chairman Mao proposed the establishment of a special women's university . With the care of Chairman Mao and the central leadership, the China Women's University was quickly established. Yuan to help the Women's University purchase books. Dong Biwu and Deng Yingchao each donated 300 yuan to the Women's University.

Military leaders such as Zhu De, Peng Dehuai, Ye Ting and Xiang Ying from the front called the Women's University in time to congratulate them and promised to give the Women's University such as horses and trophies. . At that time, due to the lack of female cadres, Wu Chaoxiang was transferred to the deputy director of the School Affairs Office of the Women's University, responsible for the preparation of the school building and other work.

On the opening day of the Women's University, I heard that Chairman Mao was coming to give a report. The teachers and students did not wait for dawn. I climbed up and waited for the arrival of the Chairman.

Although the distance from Yangjialing to Women's University was not far, it was a bumpy hillside road. Everyone estimated that it would take more than 20 minutes to walk to Chairman Mao after breakfast. However, after a while, no one came. Someone muttered: "The chairman has a lot of work to do, maybe there is something big that will make him unable to come." "

Wu Chaoxiang said firmly: "No, if Chairman Mao says come, then he will definitely come! "

Sure enough, not long after, Chairman Mao, accompanied by the school leaders, walked towards the teachers and students. At this time, Chairman Mao shook hands with everyone enthusiastically. When he arrived in front of Wu Chaoxiang, Chairman Mao asked: "What difficulties does the school have? ? "Wu Chaoxiang said: "There is not enough housing for the time being.

Chairman Mao pointed to the houses in the Yangjialing area and said: "There aren't many houses here, but we will have them as long as we do it." "

Then, Chairman Mao pointed to a row of cave dwellings on the hillside and said: "Have you inspected the new cave dwellings? Is the soil solid? I need someone to identify it. An accident occurred while the students were living there, and the impact was not good, and I feel sorry for their parents. Wu Chaoxiang quickly replied: "Chairman, please rest assured, we have checked it all!" "

Soon, the opening ceremony began. Outstanding female comrades selected from all fronts gathered together to listen carefully to Chairman Mao's report.

At the meeting, Chairman Mao emphasized:

"The establishment of the Women's University is politically important It is of very great significance. It is not only to cultivate a large number of women cadres armed with theory, but also to cultivate a large number of cadres of the women's movement who do practical work. If China did not have the awakening of half of the women, China's war of resistance would not have been victorious. "

At the end, Chairman Mao concluded with two profound words: "The day women across the country rise up will be the day when the Chinese revolution wins. " finished speaking, and the audience burst into applause.

When the meeting ended, it suddenly started to rain. Seeing this, everyone repeatedly advised Chairman Mao and others to return to Yangjialing after the rain stopped, but Chairman Mao refused.

Chairman Mao rolled up his patched trousers and was walking out of the school when Wu Chaoxiang persuaded him, "Chairman, the road is full of yellow mud. How about I find you a pair of rain boots to put on?"

Chairman Mao said with a smile: "No need to change! During the Long March, we climbed the snowy mountains and crossed the grassland barefoot, and now we can't walk on this muddy road." After speaking, Chairman Mao took off the cloth shoes on his feet and tucked them into the creaking nest. Barefoot, walked in the direction of Yangjialing. This scene of

left a deep impression on Wu Chaoxiang.

During the 9 years he lived in Yan'an, Wu Chaoxiang felt that Chairman Mao did not specialize and always put himself on the same level as the masses. As he said, "I am the son of a farmer."

in Yan'an When large-scale production was launched, Chairman Mao also had to participate in production. He said to the guards: "I can't go far, so you can give me a plot of land nearby." The guards said that Chairman Mao had a lot of work and could not necessarily engage in production. Chairman Mao insisted on being self-reliant.

On this day, Wu Chaoxiang passed by the experimental field planted by the central leadership and happened to see Chairman Mao picking cotton in the field. At this moment, Chairman Mao also noticed her and greeted her warmly. Chairman Mao pointed to the cotton in his hand, smiled and said to her: "Xiao Wu, come and see how many peaches the cotton I planted has?"

Wu Chaoxiang couldn't walk quickly, and saw Chairman Mao tearing off a small white flower. He showed her the cotton lint and said: "How good this cotton grows! The soldiers and civilians of Yan'an grow some cotton, which can not only solve the problem of clothing, but also solve the problem of fuel consumption. The flat land around your women's university has been opened. In addition to growing vegetables, it can also We need to grow some cotton. I heard that Vice Chairman Zhou is going to buy you some sewing machines from other places. Have you bought them back?”

Wu Chaoxiang said: “I will definitely learn from the leaders of the central government. I will buy some sewing machines and set up a processing factory. , Soon all our comrades at the Women's University will be able to wear Lenin uniforms." Chairman Mao nodded and said with a smile, "Okay, I will definitely go and see it when I have time."

Picture | Cadres spinning in Yan'an. Thread

What Wu Chaoxiang did not expect was that Chairman Mao could not only farm, but also twist wool. On this day, Wu Chaoxiang was going to a meeting of the Central Women's Committee and took a shortcut to pass by the cave dwelling where Chairman Mao lived. At that time, I ran into a guard on duty. Wu Chaoxiang asked with concern: "Has the chairman gotten up?" The guard said: "The chairman has been working all night and he hasn't rested yet!"

Their conversation was heard by Chairman Mao, and the next moment Chairman Mao called Wu Chaoxiang in. It turned out that Chairman Mao was sitting in front of the door, twisting wool.

Seeing this, Wu Chaoxiang hurriedly said: "Chairman, you have so much work, let us do more labor such as twisting wool. You should pay attention to your health and take care of yourself!" Chairman Mao smiled and said: "There are two kinds of people. If we only have our hands, we must work. If we can work, we will not die of hunger, and the enemy will not be able to trap us."

Wu Chaoxiang: "We must be willing to be an ordinary soldier."

During the War of Liberation, in the autumn of 1947, Wu Chaoxiang served as the Supply Department of the 121st Division of the Northeast Field Army. minister. After that, she also participated in the battles of Liaoshen, Pingjin, Huaihai, and crossing the Yangtze River.

On October 1, 1949, Wu Chaoxiang happily came to Tiananmen Square to participate in the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China. Wearing a military uniform, she rode through Tiananmen Square on horseback and was inspected by Chairman Mao and other leaders.

Picture | Wu Chaoxiang

In 1950, Wu Chaoxiang left Beijing and successively served as political commissar of the Supply Division directly under the Logistics Department of the Central and South Military Region, deputy political commissar of the Logistics Department of the Hubei Military Region of Wuhan Military Region General Hospital, and consultant of the Provincial Military Region.

was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel in September 1955. In 1961, he was promoted to colonel.

In 1975, Wu Chaoxiang was elected as a representative of the Fourth National People's Congress. Before going to Beijing to attend the conference, he rummaged through the cabinets and couldn't find a decent shirt. All the shirts were patched. Wu Chaoxiang often taught his children, "You must be willing to be ordinary soldiers and not specialize." Therefore, under the influence of their mother, it can be said that it is commonplace for children to wear patched clothes.

In July 1979, Wu Chaoxiang served as consultant to the Hubei Provincial Military Region. He left his job in July 1981 to recuperate.

passed away in Wuhan on July 22, 1998.