From his youth to his twilight years, Deng Xiaoping emphasized this sentence repeatedly. That day, Zhuo Lin hugged her son and said to Deng Xiaoping: "Our child is almost two years old. It's not enough to always call him Fatty. It's time to choose a name!"

Introduction:

"Everyone knows that there is no distinction between Liu and Deng!"

This sentence came from Deng Xiaoping. From his youth to his twilight years, Deng Xiaoping emphasized this sentence repeatedly. The first time he said this was because of his son's name.

That was 1945. That day, Zhuo Lin held her son in her arms and said to Deng Xiaoping: "Our child is almost two years old. It's not enough to always call him Fatty. It's time to give him a name!" Deng Xiaoping thought for a while and said, "Let's call him Taihang , Deng Taihang!"

These words were heard by Liu Bocheng who was standing aside. He came over happily and said: "We can't all call them Taihang!" It turned out that Liu Bocheng's son had been named Liu Taihang earlier.

When Deng Xiaoping saw Liu Bocheng like this, he had a rare moment of humor. It must be that Liu Bocheng's son had taken his son's name and asked Liu Bocheng to choose one for his own son. Seeing Liu Bocheng's evasion, Deng Xiaoping said: "Everyone knows that Liu and Deng are indistinguishable! Just name one!"

Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping

Finally, Deng Xiaoping got his wish and got a name for his son: Deng Pufang. Liu Bocheng said that these three words mean: simple and upright. Deng Xiaoping and Zhuo Lin were very happy. That day, Liu and Deng's army also felt a little happier because of this name.

Time flies. Now that Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping have left us, the four words "Liu and Deng's Army" have long been written into military history.

However, what many people don’t know is that Liu Bocheng actually “begged” the beginning of the “magic cooperation” between the two from Chairman Mao! Moreover, there were actually other candidates who were very suitable to partner with Liu Bocheng at that time, such as Xu Xiangqian, who was later awarded the title of Marshal.

All of this must start from the autumn and winter of 1937.

1: The former political commissar of the 129th Division had to leave

The 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army was one of the three main divisions led by our party during the Anti-Japanese War. Liu Bocheng was the division commander, Xu Xiangqian was the deputy division commander, and Ni Zhiliang was the chief of staff. As for the extremely important position of political commissar, it is held by the famous Zhang Hao.

Because Zhang Hao died young, many young people now don’t know much about him. In fact, no matter in every aspect, he is a great political commissar:

First of all, Zhang Hao joined the revolution early, and his qualifications are definitely not good. Born in Huanggang, Hubei in 1897, he participated in the revolution with Yun Daiying and others as early as the May Fourth Movement and became one of the earliest workers' members of our party.

Secondly, Zhang Hao's military level is excellent. He was sent to the Soviet system to study military affairs at the age of 26, and returned to China at the age of 28. We all know that Liu Bocheng's military qualities are among the best in the military. In a sense, there are really not many political commissars who can keep up with its pace in the military. And Zhang Hao is obviously one of them.

Once again, Zhang Hao has withstood the test. In 1930, at the age of 33, he was betrayed by a traitor in Northeast China and was arrested in Fushun, China. During this period, he was subjected to all kinds of torture and refused to admit it until he died. It was not until the September 18th Incident that he was secretly rescued and released from prison, and later served as a member of the Standing Committee of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. A political commissar like

was assigned to Liu Bocheng, and of course the two of them worked very harmoniously together. During this period, the performance of the 129th Division was obvious to all, and Zhang Hao's help was naturally indispensable. However, Zhang Hao had to leave in the end because his body did not allow it.

Zhang Hao

The heavy work, coupled with the torture he suffered earlier, made his body weaker and weaker. Sometimes, he even had to work with a brain machine.

This matter reached the central government, and Chairman Mao immediately made a decision: Our senior cadre cannot be allowed to work on the front line while sick, and ordered Zhang Hao to return to Yan'an immediately to recuperate. In this way, with Zhang Hao's farewell, Liu Bocheng lost a most suitable political commissar.

(Note: Zhang Hao later died of illness in Yan'an in 1942. On the day of the funeral, Chairman Mao, Zhu De, Ren Bishi, Liu Shaoqi and other Party Central Committee leaders carried the coffin from the entrance of the Central Party School to Taohua Ridge. This was the only time in Chairman Mao's life that he carried the coffin for his comrades, and Zhang Hao's status in the military can be seen from this.)

2: Chairman Mao’s candidates were considered.

129 The division was short of political commissars. This matter worried Chairman Mao a lot. Here, I would like to specifically mention to you: why the position of political commissar is particularly important to our army.

As we all know, the People's Army emphasizes that the party commands the gun , and the political commissar is a very key position. In the early days, political commissars were also called party representatives. Although he is not the military chief of the army, he is also one of the leaders of the army. His role and decision-making power at critical periods are very important.

For example, in the and that we are familiar with, although Lin Biao is the chief military officer, Luo Ronghuan can also play a role in intervening on behalf of the central government when he is hesitant. Moreover, just because Luo Shuai played a huge role, Lin Biao respected him quite a lot.

On the day after Luo Ronghuan's death in 1963, Lin Biao, who was in poor health, went to the hospital despite the heavy snow and bid farewell to Luo Shuai's body alone. Later, there was an inscription: a good teacher and helpful friend. It can be seen that for Lin Biao, who has always been introverted, Luo Ronghuan is extremely special.

Lin Biao and Luo Ronghuan

Since the position of political commissar is so important, and the 129th Division is the absolute main force of our army, Chairman Mao naturally thought a lot about the candidates. For this reason, he, Zhang Wentian, Wang Jiaxiang, Zhu De, Ren Bishi and others studied at the Central Committee for several days, and several names like these were pushed to the front.

The first one is the most recommended by everyone: Xu Xiangqian.

Taken together, Xu Xiangqian is indeed an extremely suitable candidate. At that time, he served as deputy commander of the 129th Division. The main force of this team was led by Xu Xiangqian earlier. If he becomes the political commissar, then the entire army will be absolutely convinced!

Xu Xiangqian, who was born in Yong'an Village, Wutai County, Shanxi Province, looks gentle and elegant. When meeting him for the first time, people who are not familiar with him often think that he is a bit shy and introverted, and that he should not be a capable leader. Regarding this point, and Chiang Kai-shek have also looked past it.

Back then, when Xu Xiangqian was studying at Huangpu Military Academy, he was cordially "interviewed" by Chiang Kai-shek. Chiang Kai-shek had a habit: every once in a while, he would bring some Huangpu students to his principal's office. He thought this was an excellent way to get closer to the students.

That day, it was Xu Xiangqian’s turn. Chiang Kai-shek sat on a chair, wearing a military uniform and sword, and asked: "Are you Xu Xiangqian?"

Xu Xiangqian replied in Wutai Mountain dialect: "Yes, principal!"

Chiang Kai-shek asked again: "Where are you from?"

Xu Xiangqian replied: "Shanxi people!"

Chiang Kai-shek asked again: "What have you done at home?"

Xu Xiangqian: "Been a teacher!"

This conversation made Chiang Kai-shek feel boring and dull. He even made an immediate judgment: In the Whampoa Military Academy, which is full of talents, students with such mediocre performance will not have any future. So, he waved his hand and sent Xu Xiangqian out of the office.

Xu Xiangqian

It is worth mentioning that many years later, when Xu Xiangqian became famous in the military circles, Chiang Kai-shek had to "pay" for his ignorance. He once sent two officers to the Xu family to find someone.

The visitor said to the Xu family's father (an upright old scholar): "Principal Jiang is very concerned about Xu Xiangqian. Let's ask the old gentleman if he has any difficulties at home!"

As a result, Mr. Xu replied: "Since I was admitted to Whampoa Military Academy, I don't know where to go." Go! I'm looking for someone from you, Principal Chiang!"

Corresponding to the changes in Chiang Kai-shek's attitude, Xu Xiangqian created several firsts in the military: for example, he was the first Huangpu student in the Kuomintang and Communist armies to become the chief military officer of the Front Army. Generals like

were recommended to Liu Bocheng as political commissar, but Chairman Mao did not agree.

At that time, the Eighth Route Army had already taken root in Shanxi, Hebei and other places. Chairman Mao’s idea was to build several Eighth Route Army columns equivalent to division levels in that area. These columns will be directly affiliated with the Eighth Route Army headquarters and will play an important role. Chairman Mao believed that Xu Xiangqian, as a first-generation military general, was suitable to be the military commander of the column.

The second candidate pushed to Chairman Mao was Ren Bishi.

In terms of qualifications, Ren Bishi obviously has nothing to say.Moreover, he has been by Chairman Mao's side for many years. Sending such a person to cooperate with Liu Bocheng will undoubtedly have an advantage in conveying the central government's orders.

Ren Bishi

But in the end, Chairman Mao did not agree to this proposal. The reason is: Ren Bishi already held an important position in Yan'an at that time, and his role was irreplaceable. Chairman Mao hoped that he would continue to assist him in the Party Central Committee.

In addition to Xu Xiangqian and Ren Bishi, many people were elected one after another, but Chairman Mao could never make a decision. After much thought, he believed that he must have a face-to-face interview with Liu Bocheng and listen to his own thoughts.

Three: Liu Bocheng gave 7 reasons to "beg" Deng Xiaoping from Chairman Mao.

The matter was urgent. Chairman Mao broke the habit of "not easily calling his subordinates back to the base camp" and called Liu Bocheng back to Yan'an. This is destined to be an important conversation related to the future of the 129th Division.

are all old comrades. Chairman Mao spoke very directly and asked Liu Bocheng to recommend a suitable candidate. As expected, Liu Bocheng recommended his deputy division commander Xu Xiangqian. Liu Bocheng even talked about two possibilities:

The first possibility is that he himself will still be the division commander, and Xu Xiangqian will be the political commissar;

The other possibility is that Xu Xiangqian will be the division commander, and he, Liu Bocheng, will be the political commissar.

Judging from these two possibilities, Liu Bocheng was very determined to support Xu Xiangqian. The love between heroes and heroes is also evident between the two famous coaches.

Chairman Mao was obviously very pleased with the second possibility Liu Bocheng mentioned. He smiled and said: "My general staff, didn't I tell you? Xu Xiangqian has other important responsibilities to shoulder. It is better to choose another talent for the position of political commissar of the 129th Division!"

Chairman Mao's words

Chairman Mao's words made Liu Bocheng's initial thoughts come to nothing. Then, Liu Bocheng became silent. Apparently, he was lost in thought. After a while, he said seriously: "I think there is a person who is very suitable, but I don't know whether the central government agrees or whether the chairman is willing to let him go!"

Liu Bocheng's words obviously aroused great interest in Chairman Mao, and he quickly asked: "Who is it? Say it quickly!"

What Liu Bocheng wanted was Deng Xiaoping.

This year, Deng Xiaoping was 33 years old. He is 12 years younger than Liu Bocheng, and both were born in the year of Dragon. In traditional Chinese terms, it is just one round too small. At that time, Deng Xiaoping's position was deputy director of the Political Department of the Eighth Route Army.

When Liu Bocheng said the three words "Deng Xiaoping", Chairman Mao had a feeling of sudden enlightenment. After he thought for a moment, he asked Liu Bocheng: "What are the reasons? Let's talk about it!"

Next, Liu Bocheng listed 7 reasons in a row, each of which was difficult for Chairman Mao to refuse:

One of them, Deng Xiaoping is a Sichuan native , the vast majority of the 129th Division are from Sichuan;

Secondly, Deng Xiaoping once served as the Secretary-General of the Central Committee and is now the deputy director of the Political Department, and the soldiers can obey him;

Thirdly, Deng Xiaoping has strong organizational and command capabilities and once led Baise Uprising;

Fourth, Deng Xiaoping was trustworthy on the route and attended the Zunyi Conference;

Fifth, Deng Xiaoping was the editor-in-chief of the "Red Star" and played an important role in uniting and boosting morale.

Sixth, Deng Xiaoping worked in France as a work-study student and was very united with Zhou Enlai and others;

Seventh, Deng Xiaoping is only in his 30s, and I, Liu Bocheng, am no longer young. The 129th Division needs a young leader.

Deng Xiaoping

These words of Deng Xiaoping clearly convinced Chairman Mao. He smiled with satisfaction: "Bocheng is right! Why didn't we consider Xiaopingtou?"

But then, Chairman Mao took another puff of cigarette and expressed his biggest concern: Deng Xiaoping had never worked directly with Liu Bocheng in the past, and he was worried that the two might not get along on the front line!

Chairman Mao's concerns, objectively speaking, actually have certain reasons. There was Zhang Hao, who performed extremely well, and Xu Xiangqian, who was recommended by many people as deputy division commander. Deng Xiaoping was a political commissar directly transferred from outside. You can imagine the pressure he may face.

However, Liu Bocheng was quite confident in this. He answered Chairman Mao: No problem.

4: "It is difficult to put a stop number between Liu and Deng"

In January 1938, Deng Xiaoping officially went to serve in the 129th Division. The person escorting him was a 22-year-old young general from Hubei. His name was Liu Huaqing, the naval commander we later became familiar with and the father of the Chinese aircraft carrier .

Along the way, Deng Xiaoping came to Liu Bocheng in a bumpy old truck seized from the Japanese. Amid the welcoming voices of Xu Xiangqian and others, Liu and Deng began a 13-year "fairy cooperation."

Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping

Regarding the 13 years of cooperation, there is one scene that has been deeply engraved in the hearts of his subordinates. It was during the Hundred Regiments War in 1940. A political cadre came to the headquarters. As soon as he entered the door, he saw this scene: In front of a map that was one in 50,000, Deng Xiaoping held a candle. Liu Bocheng, who was blind in one eye, looked at the map along the candlelight and found the names of the places one by one. During the process, Deng Xiaoping was worried that Liu Bocheng could not see clearly, so he held a candle and followed Liu Bocheng's hand.

Such a scene took place in a cave headquarters that could not be more simple, between the two top leaders of the army. Many years later, this cadre recalled this scene and still said with emotion:

"I have been a revolutionary for decades, and I have not seen many emotions as deep as those of Liu and Deng. It is really touching to look up at the mountains."

However, although emotions can be classified into one code, Liu and Deng's style is completely different.

In 1950, Zhou Enlai specifically asked Bo Yibo about this matter: "You have worked with Bocheng and Xiaoping for many years in Shanxi, Hebei, Luyu, and Xiaoping. What do you think of their work? " Bo Yibo summarized very accurately: "Comrade Xiaoping is a heavy-handed person, while Bocheng is a light-weight person. They interchange with each other and complement each other."

Liu Bocheng's light-weight attitude is reflected in the formulation of combat plans and preparations. He can always accurately judge the enemy's situation and make careful arrangements. At the same time, because of his advanced age and the temperament of a Confucian general, Liu Bocheng often gave the soldiers a kind of fatherly warmth.

Liu Bocheng

And Deng Xiaoping's ease of doing things is reflected in his ability to grasp the main contradictions in complex affairs, use the program to guide the purpose, and take an overall view. He is decisive, straightforward and dares to criticize, giving people the impression of being a strict teacher.

At that time, Liu Bocheng was ordered to go to Nanjing to prepare for the establishment of a military academy, while Deng Xiaoping continued to stay in the southwest. Before parting, Deng Xiaoping received a photo. That was a photo of Liu Bocheng when he was young. Behind the photo is written:

"After Yuan Shikai became emperor, the anti-Yuan war broke out. I was in the war against Yuan. So on the 27th of the second lunar month of that year in Fengdu City, Sichuan, he was injured on the top of his head and his right eye was disabled. This was a photo taken the previous year, thirty-six years ago. I just got it! Put it on the right side to make a difference! "

The photo that Liu Bocheng gave to Deng Xiaoping

This is a photo that Liu Bocheng cherishes very much, and it is also the last photo before his right eye was disabled. In the photo, his eyes are awkward and lively. Deng Xiaoping knew how precious the photos were and kept them.

On October 7, 1986, Liu Bocheng, the "military god of a generation", died of illness in Beijing. Deng Xiaoping was in great grief. At the farewell ceremony for the body seven days later, he led his whole family to the scene first. Looking at the remains of his comrades, he shed tears on the spot.

A few days later, Deng Xiaoping's article "Mourning Bocheng" was published on the front page of " People's Daily ". In the article, Deng Xiaoping wrote affectionately:

"I am more than 10 years younger than him, and my personality and hobbies are different... People are accustomed to linking Liu and Deng together, and in our hearts, we also find it difficult to separate from each other. I feel very happy working with Bocheng and fighting together..."

Regarding this "Mourn for Bocheng", Deng Xiaoping's daughter once said: "In my father's life, he was more serious than smiling, strong and showed little emotion.He wrote a tribute to Liu Shuai. Such deep feeling is rare! "

After the death of Deng Xiaoping

Liu Bocheng, according to his last wish, the ashes were placed on Miaopo Mountain in the north of Chi'an Village, She County, Taihang. Later, the ashes of Xu Xiangqian, Li Da and many other generals were placed here one after another. People called this place "Jiangjunling".

Here is also the place besides Apart from Babaoshan , it is the place where most marshals of the Republic are buried. In 1990, Deng Xiaoping personally inscribed the name of "Jiangjunling" and the name of the "Marshal Liu Bocheng Memorial Pavilion".

Time flies. Today, both Liu and Deng have left us, but the four words "Liu and Deng's Army" have already become a legend. The 129th Division has long become one of the most remarkable divisions in Chinese military history.