Chapter 31 (1) Entering Zunyi City for the first time

On January 7, 1935, Lin Biao commanded the 2nd Division of the 1st Red Army to capture Zunyi City.Two days later, Zhou Enlai entered Zunyi City with the column of the Military Commission. Prior to this, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting in Houchang on New Year's Day.At the meeting, Zhou Enlai once again opposed Bogu and Li De's idea that they should not cross the Wujiang River and go back to Xiangxi to join the 2nd and 6th Red Army.Adopted the "Central Political Bureau's new action guidelines and decisions after crossing the river". The decision pointed out that since our field army is about to cross the Wujiang River and step into the Zunyi area, a part of the new Soviet base area scheduled for our Politburo meeting on December 18, and begin to completely smash the final stage of the enemy's five "encirclement and suppression campaigns", the Politburo It was decided to immediately prepare to switch to a counter-offensive in the vast areas of the Sichuan and Guizhou borders. The purpose is to fight against Chiang Kai-shek's main force, and first destroy a part of him to completely smash the five "encirclement and suppression" campaigns, and establish a new Soviet base area on the Sichuan and Guizhou borders.At present, it is the most central task to develop to the northern Guizhou area centered on Zunyi and then to the southern Sichuan.Under the basic slogans of "creating a new base area in the Sichuan-Guizhou border area", "thoroughly smashing the enemy's five 'encirclement and suppression'" and "eliminating Chiang Kai-shek's main force", we must carry out extensive and in-depth propaganda and agitation among all red commanders and fighters. , to maximize their fighting mood, strengthen their will to fight and their confidence in victory, and point out that the new Soviet base areas can only be established in arduous, cruel, and victorious battles, and oppose all inclinations to escape and rest. mood.Gain time to allow the troops to have a short-term rest, and carry out the work of rectification and supplementation, especially strengthening the political work in the company.Under the principle of enriching combat companies, our troops should be downsized, and the columns of the Military Commission should continue to shrink to suit the new combat environment.Now that the transition to the counter-offensive has favorable conditions for victory, the Military Commission must pay special attention to the analysis and study of the enemy's situation, the reconnaissance of the road and the enemy's situation, seize the favorable opportunity for the counter-offensive, and seek to defeat the enemy one by one in mobile warfare without losing the opportunity. to win.

As early as after the Red Army broke through the natural danger of the Wujiang River, Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, and Wang Jiaxiang jointly issued the "Instructions for Our Field Army to Quickly Rest and Prepare for Counter-Offensive War" by the Central Revolutionary Military Commission on January 5. The instructions first analyzed the deployment of Jiang's "encirclement and suppression" and pointed out: "The Xueyue Corps will reach the Guiyang, Guiding, and Pingyue lines in about seven days, and will build a blockhouse for five days; Bing, Xinjiu and Huangping advance, and they will arrive on the 7th. The 15th division is scheduled to concentrate on Tongren; the Guidi divisions are divided into Bazhai and Dujiang, and the Guangdong divisions plan to leave Liuzhou on the 15th to participate in the pursuit. ; The Sichuan enemy has two brigades from southern Sichuan and Zheng'an to occupy Meitan and Fenggang; while the main force of the Guizhou enemy about seven regiments were forced to enter the Zijiang, Yangtang, and Niuchang (south of Weng'an) areas to prevent blockade Our army also attempted to cross north to guard Zunyi. Accordingly, Xue's enemy temporarily postponed the pursuit and suppression, and after the 12th, it seemed to be related to Jiang's enemy's deployment of a new siege from various aspects. When the Qian's enemy lost on the north bank of the Wujiang River, there would be some They may retreat towards Sinan and Chishui."

Regarding the task of quickly resting and preparing for the counter-offensive, he pointed out: "In order to cross the Wujiang River and implement the basic tasks stipulated in the two decisions of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee on December 18 and January 1, we hereby decide to The Japanese and our field armies arrived at the concentrated area of ​​the first step, quickly rested, sorted out, replenished, and began to prepare for the counter-offensive battle and strive for development in northern Guizhou first. The first and first armies went to Zunyi Laopuchang and Xiazichang areas. The 2nd and 9th armies went to Meitanchang and Niutang (fields). The 3rd and 3rd armies went to Shangjichang, Chashanguan and Zhenguan. The 4th and 5th armies went to Zhuchang and Yangyanhe. Tuanxi area."

On the same day, Zhou Enlai crossed the Wujiang River at the Sanjie River. According to the deployment of the Military Commission, the Red Army was divided into three groups to pursue the Guizhou Army: the right column was composed of the Red 1st Army, the 2nd Division and the Red 9th Army. In Zunyi, the Guizhou enemy was eliminated, and the 9th Army stayed in Meitan and Niuchang to concentrate; the central column was composed of the Red 2nd Division, the Military Commission Column and the 5th Army.The main force of the 2nd Red Division and the cadre regiment was responsible for the task of capturing Zunyi and eliminating the enemy in Guizhou.The 6th and 7th columns of the Military Commission entered Tuanxi. The 5th Corps concentrated on the pig farm on the 6th, and guarded the Yuanjiadu, Jiangjiehe, and Sunjiadu Sandu river points with a small number of troops; the left column, composed of the Red 3rd Corps, sent a division to occupy Zhennan Pass after crossing the Wujiang River, and control the Wujiang River On the north bank, the main force was concentrated in the Shangjichang area, and a small number of troops guarded the crossing points south of Shangjichang.

After stationing in Zunyi City, the Central Revolutionary Military Commission and the Red Army headquarters were located in the mansion of Bai Huizhang, the former commander of the First Division of the Guizhou Army, at Loqua Bridge in the old city.Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Liu Bocheng all lived here.The other leaders, Mao Zedong, Luo Fu, and Wang Jiaxiang lived in the mansion of the brigade commander of the Guizhou Army in Mujiamiao Lane in the new city, and Bogu lived in a secluded alley a few streets away from the Bai mansion. On this day, Zhou Enlai was studying the battle plan with Zhu De and Liu Bocheng in the war room of the Military Commission, when Bo Gu came to his door.

Zhou Enlai said: "Comrade Bogu, you came just in time! We are about to report to you about the deployment of troops." "Didn't I come to visit and ask for advice!" Bo Gu made a very humble look. "Why did the number one say that?" Zhu De looked at Bo Gu in confusion. As soon as Bogu caught Zhu De's gaze, he couldn't help wondering, and said, "Why, can't I do this?" Zhou Enlai smiled and said: "Boss, Comrade Bogu condescends to come here, which means that we are not to blame for coming!" Bo Gu said: "Scared me. I listened all the time!"

Zhu De said: "We should be the ones who are shocked!" Bogu said, "So, the commander-in-chief doesn't welcome me?" Zhu De said: "How dare you not welcome us? We are flattered and terrified!" Bogu understood Zhu De's meaning, and his face was a little embarrassed.Since he led the work of the Military Commission on behalf of the Central Committee, he handed over the power of military command to Li De, and he issued orders for all major and minor matters through Li De, and he would not come to the headquarters of the Military Commission in person.Today's sudden visit is as "condescending" as Zhou Enlai said. No wonder Zhu De, the chairman of the Military Commission and the commander-in-chief of the Red Army, was surprised.

Zhou Enlai held a small wooden stick, pointed at the large map on the wall, and explained the enemy's dynamics to Bo Gu. After the Central Red Army defeated Wang Jialie's troops in Zhenyuan, Shibing, Huangping, Yuqing, and Weng'an in eastern Guizhou, the Gui army in the south also advanced towards Machangping.Judging from the movements of the Guangxi Army and the Guangdong Army after the Xueyue Department of the Jiang Army entered Guizhou recently, Li Zongren is very likely to join forces with Chen Jitang to take advantage of our westward advance and enter Guizhou first to control the entire situation in Guizhou.Because half of the Guizhou clan's financial resources came from the tax revenue from Guizhou's opium shipments, Guizhou's opium had to be transported through Guangxi.Of course, Chiang Kai-shek would not be stupider than Li Zongren and Chen Jitang. As early as when the Gui army arrived in Duyun, Guizhou, and the Guangdong army arrived in Liuzhou by water, Chiang Kai-shek ordered Xue Yue to seize Guiyang and appointed Xue as the director of "appeasement" in Guizhou.

It now appears that only the Xueyue Department poses a threat to the Central Red Army.The 1st Red Army was transferred to the north to guard the northern Sichuan army on the Tongzi and Songkan lines; the 3rd Red Army was placed on the lazy board in the south to the Wujiang line to guard Zhou Xue's column and the Qian army, and beware of them crossing the river to attack Zunyi; the 5th Red Army placed The Zhuzang and Tuanxi lines in the southeast of Zunyi guard the Yuanjiadu, Sunjiadu, and Jiangjiehe crossing points of the Wujiang River; the 9th Army Corps guards the enemy in the east and garrisons the Meitan line.The enemy in the west has not yet stepped in, so the garrison is not considered for the time being.

Bo Gu nodded again, and said, "Comrade Enlai, these matters are up to you. I still have something to discuss with you." "It turns out we were wrong!" Zhu De said angrily, "If you had said earlier that you wanted to discuss military affairs with Enlai, Bo Cheng and I would have avoided making room for you." Bogu smiled and said, "You don't need to make room, you can also sit down for the staff, isn't it great!" "Your supreme chief discusses matters, why should we interrupt? The level is a bit lower!" Zhu De said mockingly, and walked out with Liu Bocheng.

What Bogu wanted to discuss with Zhou Enlai was the issue of holding a Politburo meeting in Zunyi.At first, only Mao Zedong, Luo Fu, and Wang Jiaxiang advocated for a meeting. After the three of them instigated the call, more and more people responded, and the call for a meeting became louder and louder.Look at the momentum, this meeting has to be held. As the head of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, although he has suffered a lot of criticism due to military defeat, this will not shake his absolute authority. He is still very confident in this point.Because his authority was not usurped, but appointed by the Comintern and Wang Ming. His actions and actions were guided by the Comintern and Wang Ming, and right and wrong were decided by Moscow. Why should there be any fear of gossip here? To his annoyance, the connection with the Comintern is now broken!What worries him even more is that Zhou Enlai's views have gradually tilted towards Mao Zedong and the others!This was something he could never have expected, and it was also something he couldn't figure out.He had no choice but to do nothing about it. After all, Zhou Enlai was not an idler, and he could not offend this person, especially when he lost contact with Moscow. Originally, there was a meeting to summarize the fifth anti-"encirclement and suppression" war, but Bogu also felt that it was not enough.If this suggestion is made by someone else, maybe he not only does not object, but also treats it with a positive attitude.But this suggestion was first proposed by Mao Zedong!No matter what he said, he felt uncomfortable.He carried out the offensive line of the Communist International, and Mao Zedong's guerrillaism was incompatible with the offensive line of the Communist International. Based on this alone, it is impossible for him to ignore Mao Zedong's suggestion.However, after losing contact with Moscow, troubles continued one after another.First, at the channel meeting, due to Zhou Enlai's support, the troops changed the marching route according to Mao Zedong's proposal.Originally thought that Zhou Enlai, who has always been flexible in strategy, had to take this bad strategy temporarily because of the enemy's situation, so he compromised a step.Unexpectedly, at the Liping Conference, even the military advisers sent by the Communist International were ignored, and the original plan approved by the Communist International was completely negated, allowing Mao Zedong's ideas to prevail.In fact, this is an easy way for Mao Zedong to make a comeback! At this time, sitting alone with Zhou Enlai, Bogu's inner annoyance still did not dissipate.However, as the head of the Party Central Committee, he should not let his innermost emotions show in front of anyone, so he should try his best to appear calm and composed.He said: "Comrade Enlai, if a meeting of the Politburo is held at this time to summarize the five anti-'encirclement and suppression' campaigns, what unexpected situation do you think will happen?" Zhou Enlai said: "What unexpected things will happen? The big deal is that everyone will open their hearts and have a hearty argument. This is also normal!" Bogu smiled bitterly and said: "I think so too. Some comrades think that I don't want to hold this meeting. This is really a misunderstanding. Now there are so many rumors and rumors, and various opinions have confused the thinking of the troops. After the meeting is concluded, It’s clear if it’s right or wrong! Besides, it’s not up to the few of us to decide what is right and wrong, and we have to report it to Moscow for approval. Although the connection with Moscow has been temporarily interrupted, we still have to do everything we can to restore contact with them. Contact, you still have to follow Moscow's instructions in everything!" Zhou Enlai nodded thoughtfully, and said: "I have already told you about the enemy's situation just now. During this period of time, it is impossible for the enemy to attack us on a large scale. The conditions for the meeting in Zunyi are met. If there is nothing If there are major changes, I suggest that the date of the Politburo meeting should be held sooner rather than later, preferably not later than the end of this month." Bo Gu said: "It should be like this. So, today I came to discuss this matter with you." Zhou Enlai said: "The debate on military issues since the five counter-campaigns against 'encirclement and suppression' has now spread to the corps level, and the commanders of each corps also have a lot of opinions. I consider whether to invite them as well. Let's just start a political discussion." Bureau enlargement meeting. What do you think?" Bogu thought for a while and said, "No problem. Just do as you say!" Zhou Enlai said, "I will be in charge of the preparations for the meeting. Of course you will write the summary report." Bogu thought for a while and said, "I have an idea. The preparation time is short. Can our report be divided into two parts? I will be in charge of the main report, and you will do the sub-report on military issues?" Zhou Enlai thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "Sure. Should the secretariat hold a preparatory meeting first?" Bogu shook his head and said, "No need." After being stationed in Zunyi City, Zhou Enlai was still a busy man as before.After dealing with the daily affairs of the Military Commission every day, it was already midnight.He left the war room, went upstairs, opened the door and entered the room on tiptoe, for fear of waking up his sleeping wife.He lit the lantern on the case, opened his notebook, and spread out the manuscript paper, preparing to write the report on military issues.Outside the window, the cold wind blows, and the snowflakes are like catkins. Deng Yingchao, who was lying on the bed, was not asleep.She raised her head and saw that her husband was going to work at his desk again as soon as he came back, so she sighed softly.But she didn't want to disturb her husband's work, so she pretended to be asleep again.During this period of time, she was still in poor health, and with the long journey, her body became weaker. Before he came back at night, she went to bed early to rest. Zhou Enlai sat in front of the case, lost in thought.There was a troubled expression on his tired face.After thinking for a long time, he didn't pick up a pen to write a word.Is it because he can't learn it?No.He is both civil and military, and he has long been recognized in the party.Since entering the core of the Party Central Committee eight years ago, many important documents of the Party Central Committee and the Military Commission have been drafted by him.So, in front of such a report, why is he so worried and unable to write? In fact, as far as he is concerned, he is the least willing to write this report.But if he doesn't write it, who should?If Bogu or Li Delai were to write it instead, they might not have to bother so much. What kind of report would it be?What problems could such a report solve?The fifth counter-campaign against "encirclement and suppression" failed. Since the Western Expedition, the military has suffered consecutive defeats, and the troops have suffered heavy losses. This is a bloody fact!Does this mean that there is no problem with military command?Can it be said that the military strategy is correct?What courage it takes to admit that the military command was wrong! Just as Bogu and Li De said, the military line of the Comintern has been implemented for more than a year. Once the five counter-campaigns against "encirclement and suppression" and the military operations since the Western Expedition were admitted to be failures, that would not mean negating the Comintern. military line?To deny the military line of the Comintern is to deny the political line of the Comintern!If, like Bo Gu and Li De, they only admitted partial military defeats and the overall military strategy was correct, and the original plan approved by the Communist International achieved its goals in a large way, then it would be easy to go to Moscow in the future. The most important question is, will all comrades in the Party Central Committee and the vast number of Red Army commanders and fighters accept such a statement?If they don't accept it, the problem will not be solved, and the correct direction will not be found. Where will the party and the Red Army go? Is it to stand on the side of Mao Zedong and the others, admit that the military command was wrong, and correct the original military strategy?Or stand on the side of Bogu Lide, only admitting partial military strategy mistakes, and affirming that the entire military line is correct, which cannot be denied?At this moment, his attitude is very critical.His role in it cannot be replaced by anyone. "Enlai, it's time to rest!" The wife urged. Only then did he recover from his deep thinking.Walking to the bed, he bent down to look at his wife, and said with concern: "Why, you haven't slept yet?..." "Didn't you sleep too?" His wife scolded, "Lao Jiang chased and blocked us some time ago. You had too little rest, and your body was almost broken. Now that you have rushed out of their encirclement, why don't you take the time to rest?" He argued: "The Politburo is going to have a meeting, so I have to prepare a report!" "What's so rare for you to make a report at a meeting? I've never seen you worry so much about any report!" He sighed heavily.Seeing that his wife was about to sit up, he straightened her upright, took a cotton coat from the side of the bed and put it on her. Looking at her husband's sad face, she suddenly thought of something and said, "Well, I shouldn't have asked about your work, but there are some things I have to say. For more than a year, the military has suffered successive defeats. First, the Central Soviet Area Lost, and the troops have suffered heavy losses since the Western Expedition. Now, comrades have great opinions on your three-member regiment!" He nodded, sighed heavily again, and said, "We've lost the battle, no wonder everyone complains." "However, everyone mainly talked about Bo Gu and Li De, and didn't mention you." "Then I can't feel at ease because of this. I also have a responsibility to lose the battle!" "You have certain responsibilities, but you are different from Bogu and Li De." She said in a consoling tone, "You are in charge of specific work, and your work ability and enthusiasm are obvious to all. Anyway , At present, the work of the party cannot be separated from you, and this team still needs you to lead!" "Xiao Chao, tell me the truth." He held his wife's hand tightly and said solemnly. "If I candidly admit my mistakes to my comrades and criticize myself, will they forgive me Zhou Enlai?" "I think they'll forgive you!" she said thoughtfully and thoughtfully. "You are not the kind of person who is selfish and has an inflated desire for power. You work for the party, and you have always been conscientious and hard-working. No one in the party knows what you are like! They will forgive you for your mistakes in work." "At this time, how much I need comrades' understanding!..." He hugged his wife excitedly, tears welling up in his eyes.