Zhou Enlai was honest and dedicated to the public, strict with himself, . After the founding of New China, he still maintained the hard and simple life style of the war years. He never wastes a stitch or thread, wears clothes patched over patches, and leather shoes that are repaired again and again.
Zhou Enlai said frankly: "China with a population of six to seven billion has only one prime minister. No matter how poor it is, it will not lack a few clothes. But the problem is not whether there is a shortage of clothes. What I do is not just my business, but to promote frugality." , do not pursue enjoyment, and encourage everyone to maintain the true nature of hard-working communists.”
However, what is surprising is that when Zhou Enlai went to inspect Northeast China in 1962, saw the pillars of a large auditorium and became furious and immediately instructed: "This auditorium is not allowed to be used again!"
You must know that Zhou Enlai has always been frugal, so what about this auditorium? What is so special about pillars? Why didn’t Zhou Enlai allow it to be used again?
Zhou Enlai: Hardship and simplicity are the true nature of the Communist Party
Hardship and simplicity are always the true nature of the Communists. During the fourth anti-"encirclement and suppression" war, Zhou Enlai, as the vice chairman of the Central Revolutionary Military Commission, fought personally and always lived a simple life. Like the soldiers, he ate "shaozi rice" cooked with wild millet and slept on a wooden bed covered with an old gray blanket. There was no pillow on the bed, so he just randomly picked a brick to cushion it...
The Red Army won the war The guards wanted to keep some of the spoils of war. He took care of Zhou Enlai's life, but he refused to accept anything he said. He always said: "Confiscate everything, what do you do to me!" , and wanted to get a new one. Who would have thought that Zhou Enlai not only disagreed but also criticized: "This teapot can still be used. Not to mention the current shortage of supplies for the Red Army. Even if it is sufficient, it must be used to its fullest and cannot be wasted! Communists must be hardworking and simple!" ”
During the Anti-Japanese War, Zhou Enlai worked in Wuhan as a representative of the Communist Party of China, and usually wore old military uniforms to see guests. But once there was a large press conference to be held, the staff wanted to buy him a new Chinese tunic suit , thinking that this would prevent him from being looked down upon by foreign reporters.
Zhou Enlai disagreed with the staff's approach. He said:
"I like to wear a brand-new Chinese tunic suit, but I can't do it now. First, the economic conditions are not enough, and second, I can't compare with foreigners. I will wear this suit to the meeting. They will not be looked down upon What's more, we don't rely on wearing beautiful clothes to make people admire us, but we take practical actions and practical methods to resist Japan and save the country!"
Sure enough, when Zhou Enlai wore his old military uniform to meet reporters from various countries, Everyone was attracted by his mannerisms. One of the American reporters commented: "I never expected that he was wearing an old patched clothes. Of course, the shabby clothes do not prevent him from becoming a hero of the Chinese generation."
At that time, in order to develop anti-Japanese National United Front , Zhou Enlai was going to take a train to Shijiazhuang to meet Wei Lihuang. The staff bought him a box ticket, but in order to save money, he insisted on buying a third-class ticket. When the train arrived at the station, the officer Wei Lihuang sent to greet Zhou Enlai did not find him in the box. Only when he came out did he see him coming out of the third-class carriage.
Later, this officer kept praising Zhou Enlai: "General Zhou is a senior general of the Communist Party. I didn't expect to take an ordinary third-class carriage to attend the meeting. It is really rare, rare!"
During the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, Zhou Enlai was in the Eighth Route Army in Chongqing. When working in the office, he often wears military uniforms with patches sewn on them. One time, the guard saw that his pants were too torn, so he took the initiative and ordered a new pair.
When Zhou Enlai learned about this, he immediately severely criticized him and said: "Why do you make the decision without my permission? There are still many meddlesome comrades who work in patched trousers!" Take it back and remember that hardship and simplicity will always be the true nature of our Communist Party! "
In the summer of 1948, when the Party Central Committee was stationed in Xibaipo, Hebei Province, Zhou Enlai led the agency staff to help farmers harvest wheat. He held the sickle in his hand, sweating profusely, and worked very happily. After the wheat was harvested, he took the initiative to help pick the wheat into the yard.
Local farmers saw Zhou Enlai working so hard and advised him to take a rest, but he smiled and said: "It is good to work more, not only to exercise your body, but also to hone your perseverance."
After the founding of New China in 1949, Chairman Mao and Zhou Enlai and others also moved into Zhongnanhai . At that time, in order to meet foreign guests and attend important meetings, Zhou Enlai came to the famous clothing store " Hongdu " in Beijing to make clothes. The staff of
introduced to Zhou Enlai: "This is a clothing store that is famous throughout the country." Zhou Enlai smiled and said: "I just came because of its reputation!" Facing the various foreign materials such as British cloth and Australian wool introduced by the staff, Material, Zhou Enlai shook his head and said: "Are there any Chinese materials? I only want Chinese materials, whether it is wool or cloth, I only want domestically produced materials."
In the winter of 1954, Zhou Enlai heard that it was difficult for people to take buses, so he personally conducted an inspection and research. One afternoon during the rush hour for getting off work, Zhou Enlai took the bus with his secretary and security guards.
During the inspection, Zhou Enlai was recognized by the people on the bus. Everyone stood up and offered their seats to Zhou Enlai, but Zhou Enlai refused to take his seat in order to understand the public sentiment. After getting off the bus, Zhou Enlai took the trolleybus and traveled most of Beijing on a cold winter night. Later, Zhou Enlai convened a meeting and put forward specific suggestions and requirements on the installation of safety islands, sidewalks, etc.
Although New China was founded, Zhou Enlai became the Prime Minister of the country, and his status changed accordingly, but his style remained unchanged and he still maintained the noble moral character of hardship and simplicity.
An old suit worn by Zhou Enlai when he was a work-study student in France has become too narrow to wear after more than 40 years of collection, but he still refused to throw it away. After liberation, Zhou Enlai handed it over to a tailor and asked him to find a way to piece it together and transform it into a Zhongshan suit , and then continue to wear it.
A set of pajamas bought in 1950. They were already patched and patched, and the blue-checked velvet on the white background was worn to a pulp. However, Zhou Enlai was still reluctant to throw them away and wore them until his death. A bath towel that had been used for more than 20 years had 14 patches on it, but he was reluctant to throw it away. When he was hospitalized in his later years, he still used it as a pillow towel under his head...
Paying more money made his subordinates stop giving gifts
Zhou Enlai not only The fine tradition of hardship and simplicity of the Communists has always been maintained in the use of things, and the same is true in terms of diet. Regardless of whether it was during the difficult war years or when life improved after liberation, he always required himself to eat the same food as his comrades, without any specialties.
Everyone knows that central government meetings last for most of the day, and sometimes even last all night. Therefore, many leaders will eat extra meals during the meetings. When Zhou Enlai went to a meeting for dinner, the first thing he wanted to know was whether the food on the table was the same as that of other comrades. He was not allowed to cook a special stove for him.
When Zhou Enlai was in charge of the Chongqing Eighth Route Army Office and the " Xinhua Daily " work, he became thinner and thinner due to very hard work. The comrades felt very distressed after seeing this. While eating, the kitchen staff specially fried mustard for him. Unexpectedly, Zhou Enlai made suggestions on the spot: "We in the rear have no reason to ask for more enjoyment. Those who can enjoy it should be those who are fighting on the front line." Soldiers! "
After liberation, living conditions improved significantly after moving from rural areas to cities, but Zhou Enlai always maintained a frugal style. Even when deputy prime ministers and ministerial heads have meetings, they only have a simple working meal for lunch.
Since 1950, the central government has stipulated the economical and affordable dining standard of " four dishes and one soup ". From then on, no matter where Zhou Enlai was, if he wanted to eat, he would follow the standards and take the initiative to pay for the food. Zhou Enlai's leadership in implementation also led to the formation of a system.
According to Bing Xin 's recollection, when she returned from Japan in 1952, Zhou Enlai invited her to have dinner with her. However, what Bing Xin never expected was that the country's prime minister only had four dishes and one soup. According to the memory of Fang Zhichun, the former governor of Jiangxi :
"In 1954, I went to Beijing to attend a meeting of the State Council. Premier Zhou wanted to stay with us for dinner at his home. We were very excited and thought about what delicacies Premier Zhou would entertain us with. The result was great The family was disappointed, and all they ate was ordinary home-cooked meals. "
Once, Zhou En came to Anshan for inspection. According to the regulations, lunch and dinner were two dishes and one soup, but the staff served four dishes and one soup. Zhou Enlai's expression changed when he saw the dishes on the table, and he immediately said: "Isn't there two dishes and one soup? Why are there two more dishes? Bring it down quickly!"
The staff wanted the Prime Minister to change the food, so he said: "Prime Minister , the food has been served, even if it is taken away, it would be a waste, why not just eat it like this at night? Come?" Zhou Enlai put down his chopsticks and said seriously: "You can't break the rules. Put these two dishes down. I will continue to eat them when they are hot in the evening!"
The staff had no choice but to put down the extra two dishes. In the evening, I gave the Prime Minister some hot food. Zhou Enlai was very satisfied when he saw the staff carrying out his requirements, and then said: "I don't eat rice, give me a bowl of sorghum rice."
Since sorghum rice is a specialty of Northeast China, most people are not used to it. Everyone was also worried that Zhou Enlai would not be used to eating and would not be able to digest it, so they hesitated. Seeing everyone's hesitation, Zhou Enlai said: "People in the Northeast can eat sorghum rice. As the prime minister, why can't I eat it?"
Later, the staff brought him a bowl of sorghum rice, and Zhou Enlai ate it with gusto.
During the three-year difficult period in our country, the country was in very short supply of grain, oil and non-staple food. Zhou Enlai emphasized that leading cadres should tide over the difficulties together with the masses. As Prime Minister, Zhou Enlai took the lead and practiced it personally.
Zhou Enlai often visited various places to understand the situation. In order to avoid special treatment for him, he listed a menu of forbidden foods, such as chicken, fish, eggs, all meats, etc. In addition, Zhou Enlai also stipulated that the food standard for each meal should not exceed 50 cents.
At that time, the hotel waiter was worried that Zhou Enlai's body would not be able to bear it if he only ate these, so he specially made fried dough sticks and fried soybeans for him. Zhou Enlai was very angry when he found out about this and severely criticized the staff: "Our country is still very poor. We must live a careful and careful life and cannot be so wasteful. Even though the situation will improve in the future, we must still be diligent and thrifty..."
in During the three difficult years, Zhou Enlai often queued up to buy meals in person in Zhongnanhai. One time he only bought a bowl of corn rice and a bowl of soup. Zhou Enlai dipped the leftover soup in the bowl with steamed buns and ate it without wasting any of it.
Comrades were very moved when they saw this scene, and they all advised him: "Prime Minister, the burden on your shoulders is so heavy, you must take care of yourself. Although it is very difficult now, a country as big as ours can always support you." Better."
Zhou Enlai said to everyone cordially: "People all over the country are in difficulty now. As leaders, we must set an example and take the lead."
On the eve of the Spring Festival in 1961, leading comrades from Zhou Enlai's hometown Huai'an brought him a lot of lotus root powder, lotus seeds and several small handicrafts. . After Zhou Enlai received it, he immediately entrusted his office to write a letter of criticism to the leading comrades in Huai'an, and attached a letter to comrades who were not allowed to give gifts by the central government, and also sent 100 yuan. It is worth mentioning that this 100 yuan greatly exceeds the value of the gift itself.
Zhou Enlai was strict in self-discipline, kept a clear distinction between public and private matters, and never took anything from public property privately.Even if he drinks a cup of tea or takes the bus to do personal errands, he will pay the money in accordance with the regulations. As the premier of the country, Zhou Enlai often traveled abroad, so foreign guests would give him some gifts from time to time, but he kept none and handed them all over to the country.
Once, the deputy commander of the Fuzhou Military Region, Long Feihu, missed his old leader Zhou Enlai too much, so he asked someone to send a basket of oranges from Fujian, and asked the Prime Minister to give them a try. After learning about this, Zhou Enlai quickly said: "I don't want it, let him take it back!"
Everyone felt that this was a bit unkind, so they advised him: "Since the things have been sent, don't send them back again." Zhou Enlai After thinking for a while, he asked: "How much does this basket of oranges cost?" the staff member replied. : "According to the market price, it is 25 yuan per basket." Zhou Enlai immediately told his secretary: "Send 50 yuan to Long Feihu!"
It is understood that Zhou Enlai often received souvenirs from his old subordinates. , he couldn’t refuse, but he also couldn’t take it for nothing, so he asked the staff to pay according to the market price. But this time he sent more than double the money to Long Feihu, which also puzzled the staff.
Zhou Enlai smiled and explained: "I paid more so that he would not send anything again." Sure enough, from then on, Long Feihu never sent anything to Zhou Enlai again.
When Zhou Enlai saw the pillars of the auditorium, he was furious: This auditorium is not allowed to use
. In the early days of New China, some localities and departments wanted to build larger halls and halls. Zhou Enlai did not sign and approve this move. He often said to his secretaries: "It is a very simple matter for me to sign and approve, but this is the country's funds and the people's hard-earned money. I can't approve it casually. The pen weighs a thousand pounds!"
In 1962, Zhou Enlai went to Anshan During the inspection of the city , a newly built hotel happened to be built in Anshan at that time, and the local person in charge was ready to let Zhou Enlai stay there. But when Zhou Enlai and his party came to the hotel and saw the facilities, they refused to check in. He said: "Why does the hotel have to be so well built? You must know that there are still many places in the country that are difficult. I can't live here." ! "
Later, Zhou Enlai and his party found a hotel with a not so good environment to stay. During the inspection process, Zhou Enlai discovered that Anshan City was also building a new auditorium, many of which imitated the column-style building of the Great Hall of the People.
Zhou Enlai was very angry when he came to see it. He was furious: "What are you doing? You moved the Great Hall of the People here?" Then Zhou Enlai issued instructions: "This auditorium does not need to be built anymore, and it cannot be used after it is built!"
Zhou Enlai was not only strict with the external buildings, but also very strict with his own residence.
After the founding of New China, Zhou Enlai moved into Xihua Hall in the northwest corner of Zhongnanhai. This is a typical Beijing courtyard building. Many major meetings have been held here and many major decisions have been made. Anyone who has been to the West Flower Hall thinks that this is the "unpretentious West Flower Hall", which is enough to tell that the decoration of the West Flower Hall is not very good.
The house in Xihua Hall is very old. Although Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao painted the walls and sprayed grout before they moved in, because the ground often returned to moisture, the walls soon turned black and gray. The square tiles on the floor were also very damp, and the carpet in the office was infested with insects because of the moisture. Zhou Enlai often suffered from arthritis as a result. The staff of
repeatedly proposed to renovate the house, but Zhou Enlai always refused to agree until the staff said: "Prime Minister, if the house is not renovated, it will be destroyed, and it will cost more to repair." Zhou Enlai then relaxed. After speaking, he said: "Renovation is possible, but it must not be extravagant and wasteful. Repair whatever is broken and try to save as much as possible."
In 1959, the staff took advantage of Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao's business trips to repair the West Flower Hall based on the principle of frugality and practicality. This renovation actually just replaced the rotten beams, repainted the peeling walls, replaced the curtains, chandeliers, and laid the floor. We also found an unused old wooden bed from Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Put on.
Although there are not many places for repairs, it has given the hotel a brand new look. However, the renovated West Flower Hall was not liked by Zhou Enlai. He was stunned as soon as he entered the door and quickly asked the staff on the side: "What's going on? Didn't they say what was good and what was bad should be repaired? Why is it so extravagant?" The country is still in a difficult period, who asked you to buy these things?"
Zhou Enlai simply didn't even enter the door and lived directly in Building 25, Diaoyutai html, where he worked and received foreign guests. The staff wanted to ask Chen Yi to help persuade Zhou Enlai. Unexpectedly, Zhou Enlai invited Chen Yi to the State Council first.
At the meeting, Zhou Enlai examined and self-criticized the decoration of his home:
"This time I went to the south to study and visited many places, but when I came back I found that my family had spent so much money on repairing my house. I It is necessary to have an inspection. What worries me the most is that my house has been repaired and it has taken the lead. It’s a very bad idea. Once this tip is opened, should the houses of the deputy prime minister, minister, and deputy minister be repaired or not?”
Zhou Enlai repeatedly inspected the houses at conferences and small meetings, and everyone thought they were very magnificent. , I didn’t expect to go and take a look, but there are places that should be repaired. Despite this, Zhou Enlai still refused to go back to live in Xihua Hall.
When Zhou Enlai's nephew Zhou Erjun knew about this, he came to persuade his uncle: "You usually teach us to take care of national property. The West Flower Hall is so dilapidated. If it is not repaired properly, it may be dangerous. Let alone repairing the West Flower Hall." The flower hall is also considered It is a way to protect national property. In this sense, there is nothing wrong. Uncle, please don't be angry!"
Zhou Enlai nodded after hearing this, but still said seriously:
"What you said makes sense, I agree. What is right is not simple decoration, but excessive decoration. You have to know that I am the prime minister of this country, and I cannot take this lead. Once I take this lead, the following deputy prime ministers, ministers, deputy ministers, etc. will also be affected. Imitation, by then I don’t know what the consequences will be… ..."
Zhou Enlai paused and continued: "The impact of repairing the place where I live is not bad. If you ask others to do it, you must do it yourself first, without being a little bit special." Zhou Erjun nodded. , said nothing more.
Later, it was not until the staff removed the curtains, removed the chandelier, and returned the bed that Zhou Enlai reluctantly agreed to return to the West Flower Hall. Even so, Zhou Enlai still made many self-criticisms and said: "As long as I am prime minister for one day, no major construction projects are allowed in Zhongnanhai." He also said earnestly to several deputy prime ministers and ministers: "You Don't repeat my mistake!"
I believe everyone must be very confused after reading this. Why did Zhou Enlai attach so much importance to this matter? That's because he thought more deeply.
Zhou Enlai once said: "As the Prime Minister of the country, I bring a good leader to influence a large area. Similarly, a bad leader also affects a large area, so I have to be strict with myself. Once everyone learns to build houses, I What else to say Others? I took the lead myself!"
Zhou Enlai used his hard and simple style and his words and deeds to set an example for the majority of leading cadres and party members. This is also a vivid embodiment and portrayal of his frugal virtues.
Zhou Enlai was not only strict with himself, but also very strict with his family. As Zhou Enlai's wife, Deng Yingchao had a deeper experience. She once said with emotion: "It is actually difficult to be the wife of a prime minister."
Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao lived together for more than half a century and helped each other throughout their lives, but they never Violated the principles of the organization. After the two got married, they had an agreement that they could work in the same place or agency, but they could not work together in a specific department.For decades, Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao have abided by this agreement.
After the founding of New China, many people said to Zhou Enlai: "Based on Deng Yingchao's qualifications and her contribution to the revolution, she should hold a ministerial position in the government." But no matter what others said, Zhou Enlai refused to agree. He said: "As long as I am prime minister for a day, Deng Yingchao will not be able to serve in the government."
Not only that, Zhou Enlai also repeatedly "suppressed" Deng Yingchao on issues such as appointment and promotion. Maybe people think Zhou Enlai did something unkind, but Deng Yingchao had no regrets. She said: "I understand what Enlai did!"
Zhou Enlai once said:
"Our country is not yet rich, and we must remain difficult The tradition of struggle, even if we become rich in the future, we cannot lose this glorious tradition!”
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