Chapter 12 Three, the eldest sister acts as a matchmaker

Some people say that Song Ailing's greatest masterpiece in her life was the successful planning and matching of the marriage between Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Meiling, thus completely integrating Chiang Kai-shek's military power with the Soong family's financial power and Anglo-American background, and creating the Chiang Dynasty and the four major families. The pattern lays the foundation.No one dares to judge how much Ai Ling played in the marriage between Jiang and Song.However, it is a fact that Song Ailing liked and approved of the marriage of the younger sister.Song Ailing knew that although there were many difficulties on the road of Jiang Song's marriage, the key to solving the problem lay in the two parties, Song Meiling and Chiang Kai-shek. Can't succeed?

Therefore, Song Ailing's first step as a "matchmaker" was to persuade her younger sister Song Meiling to accept Chiang Kai-shek. Song Meiling was educated in the United States, and she pursued a free and open social life. During her stay in the United States, she got engaged to Liu Jiwen, but she was not very satisfied with this relationship.I always feel that there is something missing between the two parties. For the belated Chiang Kai-shek, Song Meiling also had doubts at first. Song Ailing has been active in the upper echelons of the Kuomintang for a long time and has unique insights into the analysis of the situation.

Ai Ling could see very clearly that in the circumstances at that time, the unification of China could be accomplished as long as the Kuomintang was united.And Chiang Kai-shek was a soldier. In any dynasty in China, soldiers were relied on to open up territory and establish political power.The combination of Ai Ling and Kong Xiangxi brought together the chaebol forces in the north and south of China; the marriage of Qing Ling and Sun Yat-sen linked the Soong family with the Kuomintang regime.In the whole family circle, only the military strength is lacking.Chiang Kai-shek, Sun Yat-sen's favorite general and the "hero" of the Northern Expedition, although temporarily in trouble, still has irresistible potential.

On this day, Song Meiling came to Confucian Mansion under the urging of her eldest sister.As soon as she entered the room, Song Ailing took her into her room, asked her to sit down, and said with a smile: "Little sister, today eldest sister wants to talk to you about something." Soong Ailing didn't try to be tricky, and said bluntly: "Someone is a matchmaker for you! It's not a son, but a commander. His name is Chiang Kai-shek." After Song Ailing finished speaking, she observed the expression on the younger sister's face. "Big sister, you are my big sister, how can you watch me marry a 40-year-old man, I'm only 30 years old, besides, who doesn't know a romantic surnamed Jiang?"

"Oh, you are so ignorant!" Song Ailing interrupted her, "I can't let you marry Liu Jiwen just because I am your eldest sister. What's so good about Liu Jiwen? You said he is an overseas student, what status does he have as an overseas student?" Can it be compared with Jiang? You say he is beautiful, but what good is it for a man to be beautiful! You say he is rich, so I’m afraid Jiang won’t even want money from others in the future?” Then, Song Ailing said again: "Let me tell you the truth, in my opinion, that Jiang is the most powerful and promising leader of the Kuomintang in China today. To say that he is an Eastern Napoleon is simply a bit outrageous." It is not an exaggeration. If I can become the wife of such a "great" person, it is not only the luck of my younger sister, but also the luck of my eldest sister, and it is also the luck of our Song family. Since ancient times, a "hero" deserves a beauty. I do not wrong you.

" Then, Song Ailing analyzed the current political situation in China for Meiling, and believed that Chiang Kai-shek would undoubtedly become the supreme ruler of China.To marry Chiang Kai-shek is to become the "First Lady" of China.In this way, Meiling can use her knowledge and talent to help Chiang Kai-shek govern China.The so-called Jiangshan beauty is even more valuable. Ai Ling sighed again and said to Mei Ling: "We are three sisters. Your eldest sister married Kong Xiangxi, and your second sister married Sun Yat-sen. Both of them are influential figures in Chinese political circles. Now you are the younger sister." One person. In terms of talent and learning, you are by no means inferior to the eldest sister and the second sister; in terms of family status, the Song family is also better than before. If the younger sister does not marry a "hero and great man", it would be a pity for the younger sister's ideals and ideals. ambition, but also the noble family background of the Song family."

In fact, deep down in Soong Meiling's heart, she liked Liu Jiwen, but she didn't admire him.Song Meiling studied English literature and liked "Legend of King Arthur". She especially admired King Arthur's assistant, Merlin, because he was a prophet with boundless magic power. Song Meiling also loves knights who go out alone to find the Holy Grail without hesitation.The characters in the legend can't be taken as real. Could it be that there are no superpowers in reality?Liu Jiwen is gentle, romantic, affectionate, smart and humorous, but he is only a lightweight "boxer" and can't be a heavyweight "boxer" at all.Although she is engaged to Liu Jiwen, sometimes there is still an insurmountable barrier between engagement and marriage.Song Meiling once said to her second sister, "Don't marry a non-hero"

If so, Liu Jiwen's sad exit is nothing more than a natural thing.When Meiling returned to China, the eldest brother-in-law was Kong Xiangxi, and the second brother-in-law was Sun Yat-sen. They were all dragons among men. With her unwillingness to admit defeat, she refused to keep a low profile in the marriage. After hearing Song Ailing's analysis, Song Meiling's heart was already moved.She has always had the vanity of wanting to get ahead. At this time, all the dreams of her teenage years came to her mind again, and she realized that only Chiang Kai-shek was the best choice for her marriage.But she still has a lot of worries: "After all, he has three wives..." "You don't care about his family problems, he has already divorced his three wives. Don't say he has three wives, there are 30, and they don't care about it." If you dare to come forward and make noise, isn't that a joke with your own life?"

Song Ailing eased her tone again, feeling in her heart that Song Meiling still couldn't let go of this issue, and she should try to persuade her.So she walked to Song Meiling's side and put her hands on her shoulders: "Little sister, you have studied in the United States, why do you have the same rigid ideas as ordinary Chinese women? Since the marriage contract is made by a person, then People can undo it. It is not difficult to tie the bell and untie the bell. Moreover, Chiang Kai-shek’s existing three wives and concubines are all ordinary village women with little political status. It would not be too difficult for Chiang Kai-shek to divorce them. "

"But, but..." Song Meiling blushed, but hesitated to speak. Song Ailing is such a smart person, she can tell what is going on in her heart just by looking at her. "I know, you must be thinking about all kinds of affairs about that Chiang Kai-shek in your heart, and you are afraid that after he marries you, he will do such shameful things again, right?" These words touched Soong Meiling's heart, she nodded embarrassedly. At this time, Song Ailing brought out her insightful insights.She explained: "At that time, at this time! When Chiang Kai-shek was living in Shanghai, he was pessimistic and disappointed with the revolution. Naturally, he would have some self-defeating behaviors. Once he became a 'revolutionary', 'leader' and a 'great man', he would naturally have to be careful Cautious, self-respecting and self-loving, setting an example, not to mention having a beautiful, capable and noble lady like my younger sister helping and controlling her, I am not afraid that he will rein in his horse and reshape his image."

"There is another very important issue, which is his religious belief. He is not a Christian. Let alone my mother, I cannot accept this." "Then don't worry, he is also a smart person who thinks about it, and he won't lose everything between the beauties of the country and religious beliefs." Song Ailing said confidently. Hearing what the eldest sister said, Soong Meiling felt much relieved. Seeing that Song Meiling has been persuaded by her, Ai Ling strongly encourages Meiling. Once the marriage between Jiang and Song is successful, it will become the most sensational marriage of the century in China in the 20th century.The combination of the two prominent families of Jiang and Song will change the trend of historical development, and its influence on the Song family is even more unpredictable.Once Meiling combines with Chiang, she can use her extraordinary charm to overcome certain negative factors in Chiang Kai-shek, and bravely shoulder the heavy responsibility with an attitude of being responsible for history. After persuading Meiling, Song Ailing's second plan was to introduce Chiang Kai-shek. One day in early December 1922, Chiang Kai-shek was invited to attend a Christian evening held by Song Ziwen at Sun Yat-sen's apartment on Molière Road in Shanghai. Chiang Kai-shek was not a Christian at all, and attending such a party was purely to support, to join in the fun, and at most it was an eye-opener.It was at this party that Chiang Kai-shek's porn star shined, met Soong Meiling, and fell in love with him, unable to extricate himself.Chiang Kai-shek is determined to catch him. Of course, Chiang Kai-shek is more aware of the benefits of marrying the Song family than Song Ailing.The relationship between the Song family and Sun Yat-sen was Chiang Kai-shek's first consideration. Once he became brother-in-law with Sun Yat-sen, then he, Chiang Kai-shek, was Sun Yat-sen's legitimate successor.The Song family's economic strength and ability to win foreign aid are also what Chiang Kai-shek has taken a fancy to. In addition, apart from political considerations, Song Meiling's beauty, knowledge, and temperament, especially the unique talent of the younger sister of the Song family, are probably few in China. Hu Lin, one of the founders of "Ta Kung Pao", said in a conversation: "Jiang's marriage was a well-planned political move. If Mei Ling became his wife, he would have a 'mouth and mouth' when dealing with Westerners. ears'. However, it would be unfair to say that Jiang did not fall in love with Mei Ling, Jiang obviously regards himself as a 'hero', and in Chinese history since ancient times, heroes have loved beauties. Due to political considerations , Jiang can do anything. Under the circumstances at the time, it was very reasonable for Jiang to marry a new wife.” But for Song Ailing, the key to the problem was how to get Chiang Kai-shek to accept her conditions.That is, if he wants to marry the Song family, he must first divorce his three wives and concubines; second, he must become a Christian; occupies an important position.It seems that it is not easy for Chiang Kai-shek to fully accept such a price. Fortunately, just as Song Ailing was racking her brains to design a policy, the situation in China's political arena changed suddenly.After the failure of the Great Revolution, Chiang Kai-shek established the "National Government" and "Central Party Headquarters" in Nanjing; Wang Jingwei established the "National Government" and "Central Party Headquarters" in Wuhan.Both sides claimed to be "orthodox", forming a confrontation between the Ning and Han regimes.The confrontation between Ning and Han took place, and the Song family, the main consortium in China at that time, became an important target of competition between Ning and Han, and their social status was extremely high for a while.At this time, Chiang Kai-shek took the lead in connecting with Song Ailing, the head of the Song family and the elder sister.They first had a meeting in Jiujiang, and then Jiang unconditionally accepted all the price offered by Song, so the overall situation of the marriage between Jiang and Song was settled.Since then, Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Meiling passed letters and messengers back and forth between them, just like a pair of inseparable lovers. After completing the work of Soong Meiling and Chiang Kai-shek respectively, Soong Ailing began to implement her third step plan, which was to send her mother, Mrs. Song, to Japan for tourism. Song Ailing understood that the person in the Song family who could really influence Jiang Song's marriage was undoubtedly the old lady.But if the mother travels far away, this issue is another matter.Not only is the weight of the big sister's words different, but it is also more convenient to design and plan behind the scenes to promote the development of the situation in the expected direction.When the matter is a foregone conclusion, and the raw rice is cooked, even if the mother objects, it is difficult to change it. Therefore, Song Ailing urged her mother to temporarily avoid Japan on the grounds of the chaotic situation.As a result, Mrs. Song had only left Shanghai for half a year, and the marriage between Jiang and Song had become an irreversible trend.Song Ailing also understands that political power and economic interests are important in matters of love between men and women, but the relationship between men and women is also indispensable. The top priority is to arrange a secret trip between Jiang and Song to enhance mutual understanding between the younger sister and Chiang Kai-shek. and trust.Chiang Kai-shek had known Song Meiling for a long time because of the relationship between Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching Ling.Although the two are considered brothers and sisters and are very affectionate, they have no intention of loving each other after all.When he decided to talk about marriage and love, Chiang Kai-shek suddenly became nervous and called Chen Bulei to ask for advice on how to arrange a first date. Chen Bulei believes that Nanjing and Shanghai are not good places for the first date.He said: "Mr. Jiang is in Nanjing and calls Ms. Song to see him. He is suspected of putting on airs; Mr. Jiang took the initiative to walk 100 miles to Shanghai, and Ms. Song chased 200 miles to Nanjing. The airs of being a man were put down, and Ms. Song's initiative and enthusiasm were brought into play again..." This suggestion was appreciated and approved by Chiang Kai-shek. Chen Bulei suggested that the meeting place be set at Jiaoshan, Zhenjiang.On the second day, Chen Bulei accompanied Chiang Kai-shek to visit the scenic spots on Jiaoshan, and explained in detail the origin, meaning and how to extend each scenic spot to love.On the third day, Chiang Kai-shek came to Jiaoshan Ferry early to meet Song Meiling.As soon as Song Meiling got out of the car, Chiang Kai-shek followed Chen Bulei's plan, stepped forward and cupped his hands and said, "Buddhist Purdue Cihang, may Ms. Song be willing to board the boat?" Seeing that Chiang Kai-shek is so gentle and refined today, Song Meiling immediately liked him.He said with a smile, "Although I don't believe in Buddhism but in Christ, the two religions are the same, and they can save all sentient beings." While talking, with Chiang Kai-shek's support, he boarded the ferry lightly.It's off to a good start, a good sign.On the first day, Chiang Kai-shek said alone that Soong Meiling just listened and didn't answer.Of course, what Chiang Kai-shek said was "off-the-shelf" from Chen Bulei.Although Song Meiling did not express her opinion, she already felt that Chiang Kai-shek was very knowledgeable. The next day, Chiang Kai-shek began to curry favor with Song Meiling. The two walked on the "Crane Bridge". Jiang first introduced why the "crane" symbolized longevity, and then wished Song Meiling "Songhe and prolong the year". Walking into the "Baishou Pavilion", he first introduced the beauty of the word "Shou" in 100 different fonts, and then wished Song Meiling "longevity and health". Song Meiling couldn't help laughing after hearing this. On the third day, Song Meiling took the initiative to invite Chiang Kai-shek to the "Guanlan Pavilion".Chiang Kai-shek shook his head again and again and said: "There are no waves to watch... There is no wave to watch..." Song Meiling suddenly felt strange: "Since there is a 'Guanlan Pavilion', why is there no 'Lan' to watch?" Regarding the answer to this question, Chen Bulei has already explained it, and he should clarify the two meanings before and after.At this time, Chiang Kai-shek reversed the order of Chen Bulei's two meanings, and blurted out the latter meaning first: "Ms. Song, don't worry, even if there are thousands of difficulties and dangers, as long as Jiang is there, the difficulties will be turned into ease and danger into safety." " Soong Meiling was taken aback for a moment, and then blamed: "What are you talking nonsense about? The 'Lan' in 'Guanlan Pavilion' is the 'Lan' in 'Waves'. How can you get involved in 'difficulties and dangers'?" Chiang Kai-shek thought Hurry up, knowing that I made a mistake in the order, I hurriedly mocked: "It's the same, it's the same... Didn't Ms. Song see the four big characters at the gate of the mountain, 'The sea is not disturbed'? 'What? There is no 'lan' on the river, and Jiang is not afraid of 'difficulty'. Isn't it easy to turn difficult into easy?" On the fourth day, Song Meiling took the initiative to invite Chiang Kai-shek to offer incense at the "Dinghui Temple" in the mountains.Chiang Kai-shek was a little hesitant, because Chen Bulei knew that the Song family believed in Christianity and would not be interested in Buddhist temples, so he did not explain Chiang Kai-shek's going to Dinghui Temple.Now that Song Meiling actually made this request, Chiang Kai-shek was worried that he would "ask three questions" when he entered the monastery. He dissuaded: "Ms. Song believes in Christianity, and Jiang also hopes to believe in the same faith as Ms. Song. Don't you need to go to a Buddhist temple?" Who knew that Soong Meiling didn't appreciate it, she also had her "filial piety", and asked Chiang Kai-shek: "Isn't Madam Chiang a devout Buddhist believer? Wouldn't it be better for us to offer a stick of incense on her behalf?" It turned out that Soong Meiling wanted to represent the future. What reason does Chiang Kai-shek, as a son, have to refuse?Jiang and Song asked their attendants to buy incense candles, and entered the temple together, lighting candles, offering incense, and kowtow according to Buddhist etiquette... Everything is so sincere. Walking out of the temple, Song Meiling faced the words "Dinghui Temple" on the mountain gate, and suddenly asked Jiang: "Excuse me, CEO, can you explain to the little girl the meaning of the word 'Dinghui'?" Chiang Kai-shek was stunned there for a while, but he was eager to gain wisdom, and immediately replied: "The one who is 'fixed' is the 'fixed' decided by Jiang, and the one who is 'wisdom' is the 'wisdom' of Ms. Song's insight——Jiang's heart has long been It is decided to use Ms. Song's 'wisdom' to add glory to the Republic of China." Soong Meiling laughed endlessly.On the fifth day, Jiang Song visited "Zheng Banqiao Reading Office". Jiang sighed: "Jiang spent half his life fighting in the army, so he wasted a lot of time studying. For the rest of his life, he really wanted to live in seclusion here, and follow Zheng Banqiao's example, and study hard for a few years." Song Meiling smiled knowingly.When the two walked to the door of "Biefeng Nunnery" next to "Zheng Banqiao Reading Place", Song pointed to the nunnery gate and said: "The chief executive lives in Jiaoshan to study in seclusion, and the little girl is willing to lead her hair in this nunnery to practice and accompany the chief executive all her life." Beside..." Chiang Kai-shek was ecstatic, and asked: "Really? Don't you regret it?" Song Meiling replied firmly: "Never regret it." In this way, Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling went to Zhenjiang for a 10-day tour.Flying and resting together every day, inseparable, like each other, expressing our heartfelt feelings. When Mei Ling returned to Shanghai, the first thing she said when she saw her elder sister Ai Ling was "I will not marry unless you are Jiang in this life". Song Ailing smiled sweetly when she heard this, but she secretly praised Chiang Kai-shek for his really good tricks. In just a few days, he made a very proud little girl fascinated, and she was determined to give up. Mrs. Song has left for a foreign country, and her younger sister's heart has already been promised. Song Ailing knew that the final obstacle was the second sister's dislike of Chiang Kai-shek and Song Ziwen's choice of Liu Jiwen. Soong Ching Ling expressed strong protest against Chiang Kai-shek's anti-communist and anti-people stance of launching the "March 20 Incident", "April 12" coup, and massacring workers and peasants. He has a wife and family, and there are constant scandals about whoring, and whoring is something the Song family cannot tolerate.In addition, Chiang Kai-shek's mind is full of corrupt thoughts of emperors, generals and ministers, and has nothing in common with Song Meiling, who is completely Westernized.Therefore, Qingling believes that: Chiang Kai-shek proposed to Song Meiling, except for political use, there is no love at all.She even said: "I would rather see Soong Meiling die than see her marry Chiang Kai-shek." But then, Ninghan merged.The Wuhan government collapsed, and Soong Ching Ling had no choice but to evacuate Wuhan and return to her apartment in the French Concession in Shanghai.Because of her steadfast anti-Chiang stance, Chiang Kai-shek hated her deeply, and secretly sent people to follow and monitor her, threatening and luring her.Soong Ching Ling's situation is very dangerous.At this time, Song Ailing was the only one who could force Chiang Kai-shek to curb his persecution activities and help Qingling change her situation. However, Song Ailing not only did not stop this, but acquiesced in everything.In front of Soong Ching Ling, she put pressure on her by pretending to be caring and caring, persuading her to withdraw from the political struggle, especially not to provoke Chiang Kai-shek with fierce words, so as not to force him to take some extraordinary actions.Ai-ling deliberately told Qing-ling that it would be best to leave the dangerous situation in Shanghai temporarily and travel abroad for a period of time.Under such internal and external pressure, Qingling had to secretly leave Shanghai to visit the Soviet Union.With Qingling gone, only Soong Ziwen remained as an opponent on the issue of Meiling's marriage.Song Ziwen and Liu Jiwen have a close relationship and are good friends who have known each other for many years. In addition, he thinks that Chiang Kai-shek's character and family status are not enough to be the son-in-law of the Song family. Opposition attitude. Song Ailing also prepared a trump card for this, which is to ask Tan Yankai, the veteran of the Kuomintang, to mediate.Tan is well-known in the Kuomintang for his slickness and smooth handling. He is called "licorice in medicine" and "the prime minister with food" in the political circle. He is very popular among both the left and right factions of the Kuomintang.Because of Song Ziwen's talent and knowledge, he showed his sharpness. When he first entered the political arena in Guangdong, he was inevitably shunned by the veterans of the Kuomintang and not valued by the people of the time.Only Tan Yankai recognized talents with his eyes, tried his best to overcome all opinions, and supported him from many aspects. Song Ziwen's situation in Guangdong began to improve from then on.With this kind of relationship, Song Ziwen regarded Tan Yankai as a mentor and referred to each other as confidants. Whatever Song asked, Tan always agreed to it; what Tan said, Song always obeyed.Because Jiang Song's marriage was stranded, Tan was entrusted by sisters Ai Ling and Mei Ling to have a private interview with Song Ziwen.Again and again, Song Ailing also actively mediated, improved the relationship between Soong Ziwen and Chiang Kai-shek, and recommended Soong Ziwen to be the Minister of Finance in Nanjing. As a result, Soong Ziwen changed his original intention and not only agreed to Jiang Song's marriage, but also agreed to go to Japan to help Ai Ling persuade Soong's mother.While Soong Ailing was eliminating the internal resistance of the Soong family one by one, Chiang Kai-shek also, at Soong Ailing's request, sent his third wife, Chen Jieru, to study in the United States with 100,000 yuan; a foreign house housed his second wife, Yao Yicheng, to live in Suzhou.For the eldest wife Mao Fumei, Chiang Kai-shek asked his uncle to show his cards to the Mao family. Mao Fumei could still be the hostess of Jiang's ancestral home, Fenghaofang, on the condition that he had to apply for a formal divorce certificate with Chiang Kai-shek.The Mao family is a weak woman, no matter how she is Chiang Kai-shek's opponent, she should not do so and has to do so. Chiang Kai-shek made three punches and two kicks, and the three wives went abroad, some of them went abroad, some of them avoided, some of them divorced, and finally they were single again. On August 13, 1927, Chiang Kai-shek went to the field for the first time.He began to make an all-out effort to propose to Soong Meiling, and shortly after that, he wrote a sincere "love letter" to Soong Meiling as "a samurai who was abandoned by the world" .The letter was published in a Catholic newspaper in Tianjin on October 19, 1927: "Yu Jin has no intention of political activities, but misses the person whom I have admired all my life, Ms. Juewei. When I was in Guangdong, I once had someone tell my brother and sister At that time, or because of political relations, Gu Yujin retreated and became a man of the mountains, abandoned by the world, and all thoughts were wiped out. In the past, hundreds of people fought against the frontiers, and they were proud of themselves. Thinking about it until now, the so-called achievements are like Fantasia. Only for the lady's talent and virtue, I will never forget the love, but I don't know how the lady regards the wild warrior who is so abandoned by the world." Chiang Kai-shek formally proposed to Song Meiling here.Soong Meiling formally accepted Chiang Kai-shek's marriage proposal with women's sympathy for "heroes" in distress and a chivalrous heart. On September 16, Song Ailing held a press conference at her home in Shanghai in her dual capacity of eldest sister and "matchmaker".He introduced Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling to many reporters and photographers, and announced: "Commander Chiang is about to marry my third sister." On September 28, Chiang Kai-shek went east to Japan and formally proposed to Mrs. Song to marry Meiling Require.After Jiang made a promise that he would do his best to study the "Bible" in order to convert to Christianity, Song's mother finally agreed to the marriage between Jiang and Song under the fait accompli caused by Ai Ling.So far, the marriage between Jiang and Song has become an irreversible trend, only waiting for the wedding to be held.