Text/Lao Q Lai Science Popularization
Editor/A Cup of American Style
Foreword
On April 23, 1949, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Sanye Eighth Corps successfully liberated Nanjing. In the afternoon of the same day, Commander Chen Shiju received a telegram from Marshal Ye Jianying, asking him to go to the prison immediately to find Xie Shiyan, an important agent of our party. After receiving the news, Chen Shiju immediately sent people to search. What I found was only the record in the prison execution book that Xie Shiyan had been murdered five months ago. What an effort! The tragic war tore apart all the beautiful things. The heroic sons and daughters of China took up their steel guns and stood up to resist!
Among them, compared to fighting the enemy bravely on the battlefield. In order to build a new China, the unsung heroes who paid silently in invisible places are more worthy of our memory! They went deep behind enemy lines incognito and delivered one piece of intelligence after another to our party. Some underground workers will never be known to anyone until they die. They are not in the Martyrs Cemetery, and they are not the heroes who are admired by others. Even they and their descendants have to bear the infamy of traitors, lackeys, and traitors.. These heroes in the darkness deserve our admiration even more!
Memorial Sculpture to the People’s Heroes
On the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xie Shiyan was such a great underground worker. He was originally a major general in the national army. During the battle in Zhangjiakou in 1947, he broke into the residence of his friend Chen Rongsheng. He put a gun to his friend's head and asked him to send a piece of information to our party, Ye Jianying.
From here on, Xie Shiyan became a glorious underground worker.
Xie Shiyan
In July 1926, Xie Shiyan, who graduated from high school, and the local people welcomed the Northern Expedition army. He was very envious as he watched the soldiers singing the Northern Expedition's military songs grandly and receiving the warm welcome from the common people. The idea of joining the army ignited in his heart . His ambition was supported by his uncles. In the autumn of this year, 14-year-old Xie Shiyan successfully applied for the Kuomintang's " Military School" in Nanjing, and began his military school career.
While in school, he mastered three foreign languages: English, French and Russian. After graduating with honors, he was admitted to the Central Army University for further study. is determined to become an outstanding professional soldier and then "serve the country"!
After the Anti-Japanese War broke out in 1937, Xie Shiyan, a graduate, actively participated in the Anti-Japanese War. He successively held the positions of Army Section Chief, Regiment Commander, and Chief of Staff. When he served as the commander of the 16th Infantry Division of the Third Theater in Zhejiang, he fought with a regiment against a Japanese brigade. After two days of fighting, Xie Shiyan was surrounded by Japanese troops. The main force had been dispersed. At this moment, there was only one orderly left by his side.
At this extremely critical juncture, he was quick to think and crossed the river with the orderly with a bath towel tied around his waist. Escaped from the Japanese pursuit. In this battle, more than 2,000 enemies were wiped out, including one Japanese brigade commander. After learning about it, the commander-in-chief praised Xie Shiyan greatly, saying that Xie Shiyan was "a promising general in his prime, good at literature and martial arts".
Kuomintang soldier
Later, after Japan's defeat, he was promoted to army colonel with his outstanding military exploits. Afterwards, he was ordered to fly to Wuhan to take charge of various matters after the Japanese surrender. On the day he arrived in Wuhan, he was personally greeted by commanders and soldiers of the National Army's advance team. At the airport, major media outlets rushed to report, praising Xie Shiyan as a man of "full glory, both civil and military".
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the corruption in the national army became increasingly serious. Before this, although Xie Shiyan could not accept many habits in the army. But resisting Japan was his top priority, so he chose to endure it. After coming to Wuhan to take up a post, he saw the corruption within the Kuomintang. Officials responsible for collecting materials after the war engaged in corruption and robbed people's wealth. is filled with grief and anger. Xie Shiyan had doubts about his faith for the first time. He did not understand that he fought desperately to save the country from decline. Is it just for these officials to make money?
In response, he ordered a resolute boycott of this behavior and actively fought against these corrupt officials. Not only did his behavior not receive praise, but it offended a large number of people . Military intelligence agents jointly falsely accused him of "making and receiving a fortune." Chiang Kai-shek ordered to dismiss Xie Shiyan and put him in a military prison without even investigating.
Chiang Kai-shek
Fortunately, his friends at the same position knew what he was like, and after many complaints, he was able to be cleared of the crime and was released three months later. This experience allowed him to see clearly all the unsavory behaviors within the Kuomintang. We also know that China in the future of must not fall into the hands of these people!
Feeling helpless that his own ability was too small to change this situation, Xie Shiyan fell into depression and hesitation. He doesn’t know what is the way out for China’s . After
was released from prison, he was sent to work in Peking . Although he won the trust of his boss Sun Lianzhong, already deeply hated this corrupt National Government. After taking office in Peiping, he witnessed more corruption incidents among officials within the Kuomintang, and there were countless cliques and intrigues. I feel deeply powerless and depressed about this. He has been completely disappointed with this government.
During this period, Xie Shiyan became good friends with Chen Rongsheng, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Department, who was also in the 11th War Zone, and the two gradually became close. Chen Rongsheng was the son of Chen Guangpu, a banker at the time. He studied at Huangpu Military Academy in his early years and later studied abroad. Xie Shiyan did not know that Chen Rongsheng's other identity was actually an underground member of the Communist Party of China.
old photos of Xie Shiyan
Chen Rongsheng often sent him some progressive books, and later recommended some works by Lu Xun and Mao Dun. After reading the new ideas in books, Xie Shiyan had a deeper understanding of our party, , and his inner beliefs were also somewhat shaken. After reading Mao Dun's " corrodes ", greatly expressed his indignation and hatred towards the Kuomintang's military reunification agents. But when Chen Rongsheng asked him insinuatingly what he thought of these books, Xie Shiyan was always very secretive and didn't mention a word.
Determined to join the Communist Party
In 1946, Chiang Kai-shek blatantly tore up the armistice agreement. Faced with the betrayal of the Chiang family regime, Xie Shiyan had a clearer understanding. He knew that the Kuomintang had no way out. Reading progressive books gave him a clearer perspective. The only way out is to follow the Communist Party. At this time, his beliefs completely changed. He decided to follow the Communist Party and join the torrent of revolution.
However, as a major general of the National Army, it was difficult for Xie Shiyan to get in touch with our party. How to find the Communist Party and join it became a temporary problem. He was thoughtful and knew that Chen Rongsheng, who had given him books to improve, might have something wrong with him.
Xie Shiyan
In daily communication, he found that this person was very extraordinary. He could give very insightful opinions and methods on any matter, no matter how big or small. Moreover, as a member of the Kuomintang, he often sends himself some progressive books that are not suitable for internal dissemination. They often ask for their opinions on the contents in a circumstantial way. This is obviously not normal.
Before, he was afraid that Chen Rongsheng was an investigative agent of the Kuomintang , so he deliberately showed him these books and asked him what he thought. If you answer inappropriately, you will be arrested, so I dare not go into details.
and now can't wait any longer. Because just when Chiang Kai-shek tore up the armistice agreement and launched a civil war . The top leaders of the Kuomintang held an emergency meeting. At the meeting, Xie Shiyan heard that his superiors planned to attack Zhangjiakou, and formulated a combat plan to annihilate the Communist troops. Xie Shiyan knew that he could no longer wait and had to take the initiative!
KMT meeting illustration
Therefore, after a profound ideological struggle, the idea of no retreat was formed in Xie Shiyan's mind. He decided to send the combat plan drawn up at the meeting to our party..
This is not easy. During this period, there are national army spies everywhere. Everything you say and do attracts the attention of many eyes. There was no chance or more time to find Communist Party members and help him send this information out.
After racking his brains to think, he thought that his old friend Chen Rongsheng might be a member of the Communist Party. No more time to verify. In this regard, Xie Shiyan decided to test this old friend by "burning the boat".
Underground Party Member
One night, he came to Chen Rongsheng's residence. Without waiting for the person on the bed to react, Xie Shiyan pointed the gun at his friend. And shouted: " Get up, honestly, who are you? "
Chen Rongsheng was startled by this sudden scene, thinking that his identity had been exposed and he was surrounded by enemies. Chen Rongsheng, who was a little confused, did not answer the question immediately, but accepted the situation calmly. He closed his eyes resignedly and waited for relief.
At this moment, the light suddenly turned on. Chen Rongsheng followed the light and looked closely, only to find that it was his old friend Xie Shiyan.
The two of them have a good relationship, why did he point the gun at himself? Could it be that he knows his identity and is here to take her away?
Chen Rongsheng thought about many possibilities for a while.
Xie Shiyan’s birthplace
Although it happened suddenly, with many years of experience in underground party work. Chen Rongsheng quickly clarified his thoughts. He pretended to be panicked and said in a reproachful tone: "Xie brother, it's midnight, what are you kidding me? "
Xie Shiyan stared at Chen Rongsheng's every move, and he had no way out. Moved the muzzle of the gun upward again: "I want to give you a generous gift. If you refuse or fail to do it, the two of us will have to die together! "
Chen Rongsheng looked at the muzzle of the gun that was approaching, feeling nervous. , I had to ask why I came. What exactly is the gift that requires this?
At this juncture, Xie Shiyan felt that there was no need to continue to talk in circles and directly explained his purpose. said that he wanted to find the Communist Party to send a piece of information , which was of great importance . The Kuomintang would take action soon, and he did not want to see fratricide. So I decided to reveal the news in advance.
"Brother Rongsheng, to be honest, I don't think you look like the Kuomintang. To be more precise, you are a Communist! Now, I want to find the party and submit a detailed plan for the Kuomintang army to attack Zhangjiakou. This matter is no small matter. Get it done. No, you and I will both die; if I misjudge you, I don’t want to live anymore!"
The ruins of Baishan High School where Xie Shiyan studied
Chen Rongsheng did not dare to reveal his identity, fearing that this would be another test by the Kuomintang. I had to say perfunctorily that was just a nationalist and didn’t know where the Communist Party was.
Seeing this scene, Xie Shiyan also knew that his words were unwarranted, so he took out a few pieces of official paper from his pocket and said directly that this was a military plan that was about to be launched. Within ten days, the Kuomintang will definitely take action. He now needs to be delivered to Ye Jianying as .
"This plan was drawn up by me on behalf of Sun Lianzhong. It has been approved for execution and will take action in less than ten days. Now, I want you to deliver it to General Ye Jianying. If you refuse to do it, we will die together." !"
Chen Rongsheng realized the seriousness of the matter . If this information is true, it will greatly allow our army to seize the initiative! But I was still worried that this was Xie Shiyan's test, and I didn't quite believe what he said.I had to pretend to sigh: " Well, then I will find a way to try it! "
For Chen Rongsheng, he was "gamble". I bet I didn't see the wrong person. Bet this is not a trap by the Kuomintang.
Intelligence document provided by Xie Shiyan
The two people quickly left their residence and drove to an underground party contact point in Peiping, waiting for Xu Bing, the head of the underground party, to meet them.
This information was later successfully handed over to Ye Jianying. Whether or not such information should be believed became a question. Later, was passed to Zhou Enlai and was developed after careful consideration. It was decided to send this information to the local theater commander Nie Rongzhen for him to decide. After read this information, Nie Rongzhen chose to believe it, and soon confirmed the accuracy of this information.
On September 29, the Kuomintang troops attacked Zhangjiakou according to the intelligence description. Our soldiers, who had made corresponding arrangements, wiped out more than 20,000 Kuomintang troops, breaking the Kuomintang's conspiracy to fake negotiations and prepare for war in one fell swoop.
After confirming the accuracy of the intelligence, Kuomintang General Xie Shiyan was trusted by our party. decided to recruit him as an underground worker to provide various important intelligence to our party. With his secret help, our party has learned about the military deployment of the national army many times in advance. Pieces of confidential information about the national army were sent to the headquarters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army through his cooperation with underground workers.
Chinese Communist Party Underground Party Wax Figure
Joined the Communist Party
After more than half a year of investigation, Our party organization determined that Xie Shiyan was a loyal revolutionary and could be considered for recruitment as a party member.
One night in early 1947, Chen Rongsheng took him to a suburb of Beiping. After arriving at the location, they got into a car sent by the organization. There was an old man in the car, wearing a black robe and a black felt hat. The car drove an unknown distance, and no one in the silent car spoke.
The old man was the first to break the silence and said: "I am Ye Jianying . I already know the situation of you two comrades. "
These words instantly aroused the hearts of the two of them , and for a moment I don’t know what to answer. There was silence in the car late at night, and the old man Ye Jianying had no choice but to break the silence again:
"What I want to emphasize to you is that what you are working hard for now is the great new democratic revolution . The direct purpose of this revolution It is to overthrow the rule of the Kuomintang reactionaries and establish the people's own red regime. You also know that the current situation is very complicated. Engaging in underground work requires a calm mind and a firm will, as well as a spirit of sacrifice."
Ye Jianying
Conversation It went on for half an hour. In a remote place. The two people who got off the car were extremely excited and stared at the leaving vehicle for a long time.
On February 4 of the same year, in a residence of Xie Shiyan, Ye Jianying personally held a party joining ceremony for him. The flag of the Communist Party of China was hung on the wall. Xie Shiyan took out the oath he had prepared and raised his right hand to swear an oath to the flag! From then on, a great red revolutionary was born, and the Communist Party ushered in a new party member.
Sacrifice before dawn
Unfortunately, not all heroes can be praised and welcomed by the masses in the end. In September 1947, Kuomintang agents cracked a secret radio station and followed the clues and arrested many underground workers of our party. The arrested Li Zhengxuan could not bear the severe torture, and took the initiative to confess many underground workers of our party in North China, East China and other regions.
The incident of our party’s underground liaison
was quickly reported to Chiang Kai-shek. After reading the reports sent by Director of the Secrecy Bureau Zheng Jiemin and Deputy Director Mao Renfeng , Chiang Kai-shek was furious and surprised. ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, saying that he would rather arrest someone by mistake than let anyone go.
The spies used the clues provided by Li Zhengxuan and his wife to arrest more than 120 underground workers of our party. What surprised the spies was that among these people were many senior KMT officers. Among them is National Army Major General Xie Shiyan .
On November 30, Xie Shiyan and five others were taken to Nanjing for interrogation. Faced with the torture of the enemies, no one among the five members told any secrets. For half a year, the interrogating agents could only get one sentence .
" You are baring your teeth today, and the Chinese people will punish you in the future!"
Arrest photos
After the Liaoshen Campaign, Chiang Kai-shek, who suffered a major military defeat, dug out "Xie Shiyan leaked military aircraft" that had been put on hold for a year Case . Issue execution orders to five people!
On November 19, 1948, followed five gunshots . Xie Shiyan and the other four fell to the ground.
Postscript
Five outstanding Communists fell on the eve of dawn. Xie Shiyan heroically sacrificed his life for the cause of national liberation. Although I could not see the liberation of the motherland. But the Chinese people will never forget them and their struggle and efforts for New China! The new Chinese flag will always have their colors on it.
The people will never forget the hero! The sun in the east is destined to rise, and the road of revolution will eventually succeed!
