Preface
After Chairman Mao passed away, Jiang Qing asked Zhang Yufeng to hand over the key to Chairman Mao's safe.
You must know that Chairman Mao’s safe contains top-secret materials that involve national interests and the fate of some senior leaders. The reason why Chairman Mao handed the keys to Zhang Yufeng before his death was because he trusted her to keep them properly and keep them strictly confidential.
In addition, Zhang Yufeng is one of the most important witnesses of Chairman Mao's later life, and is also one of the two people (the other is nurse Meng Jinyun) who can freely enter and leave Chairman Mao's room, whether it is senior leaders coming to discuss national affairs, or relatives and friends. When friends come to visit, they must inform them before they can decide whether to receive them.
At first, Zhang Yufeng was just an ordinary train conductor. Later, she served as Chairman Mao's secretary, which gave her an unusual experience and made her a figure that attracted the attention of the world.
So, how did Zhang Yufeng, who was born in poverty, become Chairman Mao’s secretary? What is it that makes her so trusted by Chairman Mao? What outstanding qualities and abilities does she possess? How did she respond when Jiang Qing asked for the key to the safe?
She comes from a poor family and knows how to cherish, but she has outstanding abilities and gets opportunities.
Zhang Yufeng's childhood was very difficult. It was this difficult experience that made her understand the meaning of cherishing from an early age.
Since her birth in 1944, Zhang Yufeng has lived with her parents and siblings in a simple bungalow on the outskirts of
, Mudanjiang City.In order to support the whole family, his father shouldered the burden of making money to support the family, and he lived a very poor life.
In order to raise tuition fees, the young Zhang Yufeng picked up cinders from the factory garbage dump near her home. However, her poor family background could not sustain her education for a long time.
After dropping out of school, Zhang Yufeng looked for work opportunities everywhere, but she repeatedly hit the wall as a teenager. It was not until a recruitment job from the Mudanjiang Railway System in 1960 that she escaped from the embarrassment of life.
However, this recruitment also changed her future life destiny.
After becoming a dining car waiter on an ordinary train, Zhang Yufeng felt cherished. She is serious and responsible in her work, and she works hard. Later, because of her outstanding business ability, she was selected by the Special Train Department of the Ministry of Railways to serve as a service member of the central government's special train.
It can be said that Zhang Yufeng's two selections, in addition to a small part of luck, depend more on her simple quality and outstanding ability. This opportunity to be selected to work on a special train also provides her with opportunities to see her in the future. Chairman Mao created opportunities.
has a cheerful and likable personality, is hard-working and trustworthy.
Working on a special train is different from ordinary trains. It requires conductors to have higher quality and perseverance. For Zhang Yufeng, this is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. .
At work, Zhang Yufeng not only had to carry water and meals, keep the carriage clean, but also take care of burning the boiler in winter. As soon as the departure order came, the special train would leave immediately. However, she did not know at first that the train she was in was It was actually Chairman Mao’s special train.
Because Zhang Yufeng was only responsible for the carriage of Chairman Mao's entourage at first, but she never thought that one day in the future, she would meet the great leader Chairman Mao.
That day, Chairman Mao was walking on the platform and happened to meet Zhang Yufeng, so he walked up to her and asked her name kindly.
Zhang Yufeng was stunned when she saw the beloved Chairman Mao. She couldn't believe her eyes and was so excited that she couldn't say a word.
Seeing Zhang Yufeng's panicked expression, Chairman Mao did not leave, but waited kindly and patiently.
After calming down her nervous mood, Zhang Yufeng summoned up the courage to speak her name generously.
Timid but courageous, nervous yet polite, Zhang Yufeng's measured words left a deep impression on Chairman Mao. From then on, Zhang Yufeng was transferred to work in Chairman Mao's carriage.
Zhang Yufeng was very careful when working. She never slacked off at any time and made the carriage neat and warm, which was highly praised by Chairman Mao.
Sometimes, when Chairman Mao felt bored due to some official duties, Zhang Yufeng would talk to Chairman Mao and tell some interesting things, bringing laughter to the dull carriage.
In 1969, Chairman Mao visited all over the country, and Zhang Yufeng was on duty for three months before returning to Beijing. Soon, the special train carried out another mission. This time it ran for 6 months. When Zhang Yufeng returned home, the child who was under 2 years old no longer recognized her mother.
It is precisely because of Zhang Yufeng's hard-working spirit and lively and cheerful personality that even though the crew of the special train changed batch after batch in the past few years, Zhang Yufeng was always left to work on Chairman Mao's special train.
Always have a grateful heart and consider every detail
For Chairman Mao, Zhang Yufeng not only worships and admires her, but also has gratitude and repayment. She never feels that she is helping Chairman Mao, but is sincerely grateful. Zhixin believes that it was Chairman Mao who gave her a rare job opportunity, and it was the country that pulled her out of the mire of poverty.
In 1970, Zhang Yufeng, who followed Chairman Mao all over the country, received a transfer order to Zhongnanhai, , to serve as Chairman Mao's life secretary. Zhang Yufeng was greatly surprised by this sudden job transfer.
Because in everyone's mind, being able to serve as Chairman Mao's life secretary is a high honor, and it is a job that many people dream of. However, Zhang Yufeng never thought that the person chosen was herself.
Zhang Yufeng did not hesitate. She knew that taking good care of Chairman Mao was her sacred duty, and she was also dedicating her strength to the party and the country. She cherished this new job very much.
However, this job is not only a new challenge for Zhang Yufeng, but also a new opportunity.
In 1971, Chairman Mao suffered from pneumonia. He often had difficulty falling asleep due to persistent coughing, and could even lie down on the sofa.
Zhang Yufeng saw it in her eyes and was anxious in her heart. She found relevant books and taught herself nursing knowledge. When she encountered something she didn't understand, she asked the doctor for advice. Even if the medical terminology was difficult to understand, she would bite the bullet and memorize it. The meaning is to help Chairman Mao reduce his suffering.
For the sake of Chairman Mao's health, doctors have repeatedly warned Chairman Mao to eat on time, but Chairman Mao often forgets to eat because of work and study, which makes Zhang Yufeng very anxious.
Therefore, Zhang Yufeng tried her best to persuade. Sometimes in desperation, she would take away Chairman Mao's pen and books and watch Chairman Mao finish the meal before willing to return the originals.
In this way, Zhang Yufeng took great care of Chairman Mao's daily life in Zhongnanhai, and Chairman Mao also recognized her work very much. However, there were also times when the two had "unhappy moments."
Once, Chairman Mao delayed his rest because he was receiving guests. Zhang Yufeng showed displeasure because the guests stayed too long.
After the guests left, Chairman Mao criticized Zhang Yufeng, and Zhang Yufeng left Zhongnanhai in anger. It was not until she stayed at home for more than 20 days that she was taken back to Zhongnanhai by a car sent by Chairman Mao.
Afterwards, Zhang Yufeng felt deeply self-blame, and Chairman Mao also forgave her, because Chairman Mao knew that Zhang Yufeng was thinking about him. This shows that Chairman Mao was both tolerant and dependent on Zhang Yufeng.
Fulfilling responsibilities is a mission, silently undertaking without requirements
Starting from 1971, Chairman Mao's health deteriorated, which made the nursing work more difficult. Zhang Yufeng became more careful as a result, for fear of any negligence.
However, Chairman Mao often rested during the day and worked until early morning at night, so Zhang Yufeng adjusted according to Chairman Mao's schedule.
At that time, Zhang Yufeng's children were still young, and Zhang Yufeng, who had to take care of work and family, returned home when Chairman Mao was resting during the day. Although the journey was a bit long, she would rather sacrifice her rest time to go home to feed her children and do some exercise. Housework, taking care of mother-in-law.
It can be seen from these that Zhang Yufeng is not only a serious and responsible life secretary, but also a considerate and considerate wife and mother. She has inherited the traditional virtues of Chinese women.
Chairman Mao also saw Zhang Yufeng's hard work and was moved in his heart. He asked Zhang Yufeng many times about her family situation and whether she had any difficulties in life. Every time, Zhang Yufeng thanked Chairman Mao with a smile and never mentioned it. No matter what was asked of her, she "stubbornly" stayed at work even after her second pregnancy.
It was the eve of the Army Day on July 31, 1973. Other military service personnel had gone home to prepare for the holiday, but Zhang Yufeng stayed.
In the evening of that day, Zhang Yufeng suddenly felt prepartum labor pains, but she still endured and finished the preparations after Chairman Mao got up. When Chairman Mao learned of the situation, he immediately sent a car to take her to the hospital.
Zhang Yufeng, who was resting at home after giving birth, was already the mother of two daughters. At this time, someone advised her to leave Zhongnanhai and find an easy job, so that she could take care of her children and enjoy family happiness.
However, Zhang Yufeng remained unmoved. She overcame various difficulties and returned to work one month after giving birth, because she knew that as a Communist Party member, it was her sacred mission to obey organizational arrangements and work beside the great leader. It is even more honor and pride.
Later, a senior leader commented on her: "Zhang Yufeng took care of Chairman Mao's life on behalf of the Communists."
Loyal and hard-working, shouldering heavy responsibilities, being modest and prudent, she praised her highly
From first becoming a conductor on Chairman Mao's special train to serving as Chairman Mao's Every experience she had as a life secretary was unexpected for Zhang Yufeng. However, what made her even more unexpected was that in 1974, she was appointed as Chairman Mao's confidential secretary. (In 1973, Chairman Mao’s confidential secretary Xu Yefu fell ill, and Zhang Yufeng temporarily replaced him as confidential secretary. When Xu Yefu passed away in 1974, Zhang Yufeng was officially appointed as Chairman Mao’s confidential secretary.)
Compared with the position of life secretary , Confidential Secretary is a more important and critical job. To do this job well, one must not only have a firm political stance, but also have keen insight and adaptability, and must withstand the test no matter what the circumstances. , can keep the secret.
It can be said that the position of confidential secretary is a higher challenge for Zhang Yufeng.
From the day she became the confidential secretary, Zhang Yufeng had two jobs. She not only had to take care of Chairman Mao's daily life, but also accompanied Chairman Mao to meet foreign guests, helped Chairman Mao organize documents, telegrams, and letters, and recorded Chairman Mao's remarks. Quotes. During the
period, in order to make up for the gaps in knowledge, Zhang Yufeng used her breaks to study hard, mastered the work process of a confidential secretary in a short period of time, and became Chairman Mao's right-hand man in handling official affairs.
In addition, as Chairman Mao’s confidential secretary, she naturally has the opportunity to contact other leaders. Whenever she meets leaders, regardless of her position, Zhang Yufeng maintains a humble and courteous attitude. In her dealings with others and polite interactions, she is deeply loved by many leaders. Good reviews.
For Chairman Mao, in addition to helping him with his work meticulously and thoughtfully, there is another important thing, and that is loyalty.
Zhang Yufeng did this.
During her work, Zhang Yufeng often came into contact with some state secrets, but she never revealed them to the outside world. Even Chairman Mao’s daily words and instructions were kept secret. She would never mention them to outsiders without Chairman Mao’s permission. One word.
Because Zhang Yufeng knew that being loyal to Chairman Mao meant being loyal to the party and the country, and her loyalty also deepened Chairman Mao's trust in her. As a result, Chairman Mao handed over the key to the safe to Zhang Yufeng for safekeeping.
Think carefully and decisively, and be resourceful when faced with crises.
In 1974, Chairman Mao suffered from cataracts . His vision declined significantly and he urgently needed surgery. However, due to factors such as Chairman Mao's busy schedule and people's concerns about the risks of surgery, the surgery was not arranged. As he put it off again and again, Zhang Yufeng patiently read to Chairman Mao and read newspapers every day.
Seeing the pain caused by Chairman Mao's eye disease, Zhang Yufeng felt very uncomfortable. She went to the attending doctor Tang Youzhi and asked about the probability of success and risks of the operation. After comprehensive analysis, Tang Youzhi gave her a "reassurance pill" ".
One day in July 1975, Zhang Yufeng saw that Chairman Mao was in good spirits after waking up from sleep, so she asked him for his opinion on whether he was willing to have an operation. Chairman Mao readily accepted, so Zhang Yufeng immediately called a doctor. After the doctor assessed that all indicators were qualified, Performed eye surgery on Chairman Mao.
A few days later, when Chairman Mao took off the gauze covering his eyes, he clearly saw the familiar room and familiar faces. At this time, Chairman Mao shed tears excitedly because he had been unable to study for more than a year. Writing.
Obviously, Zhang Yufeng's decisiveness and straightforwardness played a role in helping Chairman Mao recover his eyesight. If she had not prepared in advance and spotted the opportunity, the recovery of Chairman Mao's eyesight would have been delayed even longer.
For this, Chairman Mao was very grateful to Zhang Yufeng.
In July 1976, Tangshan earthquake , after Zhang Yufeng felt the shaking, she ran to Chairman Mao's bed desperately to protect Chairman Mao. At this time, Chairman Mao was very weak and could not move easily.
Just when everyone was panicking and trying to move Chairman Mao to a safe place, Zhang Yufeng suddenly came to her senses. She found a large sheet, and she and several others grabbed the four corners and hung it over Chairman Mao. The purpose was to prevent An object falling from the roof injured Chairman Mao.
It can be said that it was Zhang Yufeng's decisiveness and wit that helped Chairman Mao overcome difficulties and resolve the crisis.
Showing your stand at critical moments, silent companionship is the true love
In his later years, Chairman Mao sometimes felt lonely, and sometimes he even had no one to talk to.
The eldest son Mao Anying died on the Korean battlefield; the younger son Mao Anqing was in poor health due to his early hardships and needed to rest in peace; the eldest daughter Li Min started her own family and could not often accompany her father; the younger daughter Li Ne died after the divorce. Physically and mentally unwell, living alone with a child.
In order to resolve the sadness caused by longing and loneliness for Chairman Mao, Zhang Yufeng spent more time in Zhongnanhai after seeking understanding from her family. Sometimes she did not return home once for more than ten days in a row until Mao. She took good care of Chairman Mao when the Chairman was critically ill, and was later replaced by special medical care personnel.
In fact, Chairman Mao has long looked down upon life and death. He once said to Zhang Yufeng many times: "After I die, come to my grave every year to see me."
Zhang Yufeng would feel sad every time she heard Chairman Mao's words like this, because In her heart, Chairman Mao is not only a great man, a leader, an elder, but also a father.
Similarly, on the surface, Zhang Yufeng is Chairman Mao's secretary, but in fact, Chairman Mao has already treated her like a daughter. Over the years, the two developed a deep friendship with each other.
On September 9, 1976, Chairman Mao, the great leader who once solemnly announced to the world on the Tiananmen Gate Tower that "the Chinese people have stood up" passed away. Zhang Yufeng was extremely sad.
After Chairman Mao's death, Jiang Qing asked Zhang Yufeng to hand over the key to Chairman Mao's safe in his own name and for the reason of sorting out Chairman Mao's belongings.
Zhang Yufeng realized that Chairman Mao's safe contained top-secret materials, which were related to the interests of the party and the country and needed to be treated with caution and handled in strict accordance with the organizational principles and regulations, so she firmly said to Jiang Qing: "The chairman is staying Everything is the party and the country If the wealth is to be disposed of, it must be approved by Chairman Hua. "
It can be seen that Zhang Yufeng, as a party member and Chairman Mao's confidential secretary, showed a firm stance at critical moments. She took the overall situation into consideration, adhered to her duties, and was loyal. fulfill their promise to Chairman Mao.
Indifferent to fame and wealth, strict self-discipline, willing to be ordinary and high
Chairman Mao's death left Zhang Yufeng's heart unable to calm down for a long time. She left Zhongnanhai with the memory of Chairman Mao, transferred back to the Ministry of Railways, and continued to work in an ordinary position.
During this period, Zhang Yufeng never regarded herself as "Chairman Mao's Secretary", nor did she make any demands from the organization. She was strict with herself and indifferent to fame and fortune. Until her retirement, she lived a low-key, ordinary and simple life. .
Zhang Yufeng kept Chairman Mao’s teachings in mind; Zhang Yufeng followed Chairman Mao’s instructions. Every year, she comes to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall to visit the great leader Chairman Mao, who “gave her a job, taught her to read and write, pulled her out of the mire of poverty, and treated her like a daughter.”
Conclusion
Zhang Yufeng, a simple and kind-hearted woman, used her diligence and loyalty to accompany Chairman Mao through more than ten spring, summer, autumn and winter.
As a train conductor, she is hardworking and simple; as a secretary, she fulfills her duties; as a party member, she remains loyal. Even if the years go by, she never forgets her original intention. After silent dedication, she is willing to be ordinary. This is the glory that shines in Zhang Yufeng's character. , this is also the excellent quality that enabled her to move from an ordinary train conductor to a leader's secretary.
Time flies, times change, and everything is changing, but Zhang Yufeng’s spirit will never become outdated.
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