Chapter 26 Chapter 26 New Year

January 1949 Xibaipo Nanjing With several fluttering snowstorms, 1949 came quietly.The canteen of Xibaipo’s central authority is turning on electric lights, hanging colored papers, and preparing for the New Year’s dance.Mao Zedong walked out of the house, flicking his feet. His pair of cotton shoes, which had been scorched by the charcoal fire and patched with a large patch, creaked and stepped on the white snow. The air was cold and fresh, and Mao Zedong stretched his shoulders and opened his arms greatly, as if he wanted to embrace the earth.A few days ago he had just passed his fifty-sixth birthday. According to the saying of the peasant family, when he was over fifty-five, he was half buried in the loess. Mao Zedong didn't believe this.This man speaks Chong dialect in Shaoshan, Hunan, and wears patched jacket and trousers.The Chinese man who holds the thread-bound book in his hand when he has time has entered the world arena.No matter white skin and blue eyes, yellow skin and black eyes, or dark skin and black eyes, their eyes are all attracted by him.

His opponent announced to the whole of China and the world on New Year's Day last year: "The Communist Party will be completely wiped out in 1948." There have been drastic changes.The original size, strength, and strength changed rapidly in opposite directions with lightning speed.In September 1948, Mao Zedong drew his calculations. Based on the results of the past two years of combat and the situation of both the enemy and ourselves, he estimated that he would be able to fundamentally defeat his opponent in about five years. Entering November, the people's army under his command was in shattered condition.The ensuing battle reports made Mao Zedong very happy to deny his prediction two months ago, and he happily corrected with his fingers: "Because of the great victory in nine or twelve months, the estimate of the victory of the revolution in five years has already appeared to be behind. The completion of this task will probably only take another year or so."

Another two months have passed, and the victories in the eleventh and twelfth months are like the waves of the Yangtze River, with each wave getting higher and higher.Huang Baitao's corps and Huang Wei's corps were wiped out on the Huaihai battlefield, Li Yannian's corps disappeared from the Huaihai battlefield, and Du Yuming and his 200,000-odd army were besieged by Su Yu in a place called Chenguanzhuang.From a national perspective, the enemies in Northeast China have all been wiped out, the enemies in North China are about to be completely wiped out, and there are only a few enemies in East China and the Central Plains... There are not many "blue circles" left on the map of Xibaipo Command.Mao Zedong's victory is no longer a distant story, this point, even his enemies do not doubt.

The People's War of Liberation took sonorous and powerful steps, from the high slopes of the loess to the black soil, from the Jizhong Plain to the Jiaodong Peninsula, and then swept the ancient battlefields of the Jianghuai River with overwhelming momentum.Today, half of the country belongs to the people.The "Outline of China's Land Law" promulgated by the Communist Party of China clearly stipulates: "The land and public land of all landlords in the village shall be received by the rural peasant association, together with all other land in the village, it shall be distributed uniformly and equally according to the entire population of the village, regardless of gender, age or age. ..." The enthusiasm of the land-obtained farmers has directly affected the ongoing war. In the past two years, 1.6 million land-obtained farmers have enthusiastically joined the ranks of the People's Liberation Army.

Mao Zedong's land revolution made the desire of Chinese peasants for generations of land a reality. The spiritual transformation caused by this satisfaction is immeasurable. It made Chiang Kai-shek's remaining army of more than one million people rootless. Water without a source. The converted peasants supported the Communist Party without hesitation and stood on the side of the new regime. The embryonic form of a new China is clearly visible, however, her birth still has to go through the pains before childbirth. The new year has come, and this is the year that will determine China's destiny.Mao Zedong promised Xinhua News Agency to write a New Year's message for them.In 1949, what did he want to tell the people?

In that article entitled "Carrying the Revolution Through to the End", he used the boldness and foresight that only a leader can have to tell the people of the whole country that in 1949 the Chinese People's Liberation Army will march south of the Yangtze River and will achieve greater victory. An even greater victory in 1948. In 1949, there will be a Political Consultative Conference without the participation of reactionaries, with the goal of completing the tasks of the people's revolution, announcing the founding of the People's Republic of China, and forming the central government of the Republic...

Two jeeps from the Huaihai front line, covered with thick dust and covered with yellow mud, drove into Xibaipo.Chen Yi jumped out of the car and strode into the courtyard where Mao Zedong lived; Liu Bocheng adjusted his hat and collar, and slapped the dust off his body. "Don't shoot, this is the gunpowder smoke on the Huaihai battlefield. Gold is very expensive." Mao Zedong laughed haha ​​and had already walked out of the yard. "That's right! This is the New Year's gift we brought to the Chairman!" Chen Yi said quickly, "Chairman, we are just waiting to eat Du Yuming. We are so anxious to wait!"

Mao Zedong smiled and said: "Let's eat later, in order to catch that Fu Zuoyi. You, Chen Yi, are just greedy. It is said that Sichuan people are all delicious, and you are greedy. Comrade Bo Cheng, you Sichuanese, are you greedy?" Hungry?" Liu Bocheng raised his hand to the brim of his hat, which was tightly held by Mao Zedong. Liu Bocheng replied with a smile: "Chairman, I am no exception." Mao Zedong laughed. Chiang Kai-shek hung up the phone slowly, his withered fingers were still pressing on the receiver, and he didn't take it away for a long time.It was Song Meiling calling from New York. Her voice traveled halfway around the world, from the other side of the ocean to the Presidential Residence on Huangpu Road in Nanjing, and reached Chiang Kai-shek's ears.

Standing aside, Jiang Jingguo's thick Adam's apple trembled, feeling sad for a while.From his father's thin and nervously shaking fingers, he felt his father's anxiety, anger, confusion, loneliness and longing for his wife. "Father." Jiang Jingguo held a blue flower fine porcelain bowl over, which was ginseng soup. Chiang Kai-shek raised his hand from the microphone, shook it, and closed his eyes. Everything is not going well.Losses at the front, diplomatic missteps, internal divisions, economic collapse... "Damn Hippie!" Chiang Ching-kuo was startled, thinking his father scolded Truman.Then Chiang Kai-shek said again: "How dare you force the palace!" Only then did Jiang Jingguo realize that he was scolding Bai Chongxi.

A week ago, Bai Chongxi suddenly sent a Haijing (December 24) telegram calling for a truce for peace talks; yesterday, he sent another Haiquan (December 30) telegram, which was grandly called—— ...In today's situation, war is neither easy nor peaceful.Concerned about the urgency of time, fleeting, contempt seems to be quick to convey the sincerity of peace, to allies, to the people of the country, so that external forces can support peace, and the people support peace.If the other party accepts it, they can use this to get out of the predicament and create new opportunities, which will benefit both in one fell swoop.In short, regardless of whether it is peace or war, a decision must be made as soon as possible.Time does not give me, I implore to make an early decision...

On the same day, Chiang Kai-shek received another telegram from Zhang Zhen, chairman of the Henan government, expressing the same proposition.Then, Liu Jixue, chairman of the Henan Parliament, Cheng Qian, governor of Hunan Province and director of appeasement in Changsha, as well as Hubei and Anhui... were like arrows fired in unison, calling for peace and urging Chiang Kai-shek to step down.Liu Jixue's telegram was the most heartwarming, openly saying: "You dare to retire immediately to thank the people of the country; state affairs are left to the people's self-determination..." Chiang Kai-shek had to suspect that Bai Chongxi united Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Henan and other provinces to plan a conspiracy to force him to go to the field.In fact, the real behind-the-scenes manipulator of this matter is Li Zongren. Madam asked about the domestic situation on the phone, which made it difficult for Chiang Kai-shek to answer.He couldn't talk about the Huaihai battlefield, which was a crushing defeat, and he couldn't mention the "forced palace" telegrams in five provinces, and he couldn't scold that Leighton Stuart.She was in a bad enough mood, and it was evident in the tired and frustrated tone of her voice on the phone. She is an amazing woman, Chiang Kai-shek said of his wife.She was given to him by God.The "Song Meiling whirlwind" she set off in the United States six years ago lifted Chiang Kai-shek to a new height.Her well-educated noble temperament, fluent and proficient English, dignified and elegant oriental charm, and extremely infectious diction have captivated proud Americans.Among them is the president of this country.President Roosevelt, who was in a wheelchair, held a press conference for her in the White House. One hundred and seventy-two journalists were very excited to witness the demeanor of the first lady of the East. "Life" magazine called her "an avenging angel, a fearless warrior fighting for justice", and a donation of 17 million US dollars was remitted from the United States to the China Relief Federation. Entering the second half of 1948, the Kuomintang was in decline and the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous.She also proposed to visit the United States, and she wanted to restore the former glory.However, spring is gone, and the yellow leaves are falling.What the United States dedicated to her is no longer applause and flowers.The medium-sized President Truman, who was not elegant in appearance or conversation, didn't even miss any chance to embarrass and embarrass her.Like a "fearless warrior" and a "gorgeous beggar", she chewed the shame she had never encountered since she was born, and lowered her noble head to this world power.She and her husband need the country's giant hand too much. But to her request, Truman's answer was very simple: "The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, except for the actual use of American troops, any large amount of military assistance will not help." Some officials in Washington even said: "Whether it is one hundred million or one cent, giving it to Chiang Kai-shek is no different from throwing it into a mouse hole." Soong Meiling tenaciously sowed her "moving rhetoric" and "morbid beauty", but the result was fruitless.In Kong Xiangxi's mansion in Riverdale, New York, she spent Christmas alone and New Year's Day in 1949.Extreme depression and long nights of insomnia made her pruritus recur.In the phone call to Chiang Kai-shek, she said: "It is unspeakable pain to be with me here..." Chiang Kai-shek yelled at Truman as "Damn Xipi", but there was nothing he could do about it.Chiang Kai-shek never had a good impression of this American president who entered the White House after Roosevelt. He also knows that the US president has long intended to "change horses". In this year's U.S. presidential election, Chiang Kai-shek placed a large bet at all costs, counting on Dewey, the Republican Party of the United States, to be elected.As a result, Truman defeated Dewey and sat in the Oval Office again.Chiang Kai-shek's panic can be imagined.At this time, if he wants to reverse his already precarious fate, the only hope is the aid of the United States, and "getting awkward" with Truman is tantamount to suicidal.Chiang Kai-shek hastily wrote an impassioned letter of congratulations to Truman on November 9 in an attempt to defuse the stalemate.Truman is said to have glanced at it with a sneer and tossed it in the wastebasket.For Chiang Kai-shek, he had long been disappointed, and this move disgusted him even more. In Bai Chongxi's recent "Forcing the Palace" campaign, Chiang Kai-shek believed that it was Bai Chongxi who seized the opportunity of the United States' attempt to "change horses" and wanted to replace him.On the other hand, Li Zongren made friends with celebrities, went in and out of military and political dignitaries, and assumed an attitude of courtesy, corporal, enlightened and benevolent, in order to portray himself as a democratic politician expected by everyone amidst the voices of "democracy" and "peace".This hypocritical and shameless guy not only competes with the Communist Party, but also with him.Faced with the current situation of internal and external difficulties, Chiang Kai-shek expressed infinite emotion: the Communist Party has only one enemy, but he has two, three, or even more old enemies... "Father." Jiang Jingguo had to interrupt his father's meditation, "The New Year's announcement..." This was the last day of 1948. Due to the rapid changes in the domestic situation, Chiang Kai-shek's "New Year's Announcement" has been continuously revised for several days.Now 1949 is standing at the door waiting to enter, there is no room for delay. The core of the proclamation is the issue of Chiang Kai-shek's resignation, which is what the whole country, even the United States, and the world are concerned about.After decades of ups and downs in the government and the opposition, Chiang Kai-shek knew that at the current moment of internal and external coercion, only by "retiring" can he "start anew" and plan to "advance" in the future.However, he was so unwilling.Especially in the face of the "forced palace" of the Guangxi clique, he had to "retire" without losing the image of the party-state president, and also had to arrange everything after he stepped down so that he could continue to manipulate the military and government.Everything he and his son do these days revolves around "retirement" and the arrangements after "retirement". "Jing Guo," Chiang Kai-shek opened his eyes, "That's the way of the proclamation. Have you arranged everything for the dinner?" What Chiang Kai-shek asked was the annual New Year's dinner at the presidential residence. The participants are members of the Kuomintang Central Standing Committee and the Central Political Committee, which is a custom.Chiang Kai-shek had a gloomy face, and held a New Year's dinner in his official residence, probably for the last time. "Father, all the invitations have been sent out, and everything is in order." At eight o'clock in the evening, the New Year's banquet started on time. The President’s Mansion on Huangpu Road was full of festive occasions. Members of the KMT’s Standing Committee and Political Committee in Beijing arrived one after another. All arrived. At eight o'clock, the commotion hall was silent for a moment, like the undulating sea suddenly stopped and the waves calmed down. It seemed that time also stood still at this moment.Chiang Kai-shek walked in quickly, smiling, looking around.When his falcon-like eyes glanced at Li Zongren, he nodded specially, and his white dentures were exposed due to an enlarged smile. Li Zongren was wearing casual clothes this day, but saluting is not right now, nodding is disrespectful.Fortunately, he is a veteran general who has been honored and disgraced in the political arena, and he is very good at adjusting his emotions. He "stands at attention" and smiles neither humble nor overbearing, without showing a trace of embarrassment.He knew that at this moment, the eyes of more than forty people in the hall were focused on his face. "Take your seats, everyone!" Chiang Kai-shek waved his hand and took his seat first.Li Zongren, as the vice president, sat down on the right side of Chiang Kai-shek. Chiang Kai-shek's face was pale and his expression was melancholy.Whether it was due to the president's mood or the difficult current situation, the atmosphere of the banquet was dull and depressing, not at all like a festive dinner. This tasteless New Year's banquet will probably cause indigestion to all those who attend the banquet.Fortunately, after a short time, Chiang Kai-shek wiped the corners of his mouth with a snow-white napkin and stood up.Everyone then took their seats in the conference room, waiting for the thing they were most concerned about to start. "Now, the current situation has reached an extremely critical situation. I don't need to say more about this, everyone here understands it. At present, some people in the party advocate peace talks. I have to think about such an important issue. This... A statement has been drawn up and is going to be published on New Year’s Day, and now Mr. Yue Jun will read it out, and then please express your opinions.” After speaking, Chiang Kai-shek lifted his robe and sat down expressionlessly. The air in the room seemed to lose its tension. Li Zongren suddenly realized something and leaned his straight back on the sofa. Zhang Qun took the proclamation from Chen Fang, director of the Presidential Affairs Bureau, and began to read it out. "Compatriots all over the country: Today is the 38th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China and the first anniversary of the founding of the constitutional government. I deeply feel that the cause of nation-building has stalled and the Three People's Principles have not been realized. I am really ashamed... "Today's anti-rebellion military has entered a serious stage. The survival of the country, the prosperity and decline of the nation, and the continuation of history and culture will all be determined in this stage. ... Therefore, the issue of peace and war hovers in the hearts of every compatriot, and the government Fighting for peace is also the concern of every compatriot. "...But today's situation is war for peace, and the people's happiness instead of disaster. The key lies not in the government, nor can it be achieved by my compatriots' one-sided hopes for the government. It must be known that the decision on this issue lies entirely with the Communist Party. Whether the country can Turning danger into peace, whether the people can turn misfortunes into blessings, depends on the Communist Party changing its mind... As long as the Communist Party has the sincerity of peace and can make a definite statement, the government will meet with each other openly and is willing to discuss with them to stop the war and restore peace The specific method of... "As long as the peace agreement does not harm the independence and integrity of the country, but helps the people to recuperate and live; as long as I do not violate the sacred constitution, democratic constitutionalism will not be destroyed; the state system of the Republic of China can be guaranteed; the legal order of the Republic of China will not be interrupted; the army There are definite guarantees; if the people can maintain a free way of life and the current minimum standard of living, I will never worry about my personal entry and exit, but only follow the general will of the people..." Before Zhang Qun could finish reading the proclamation, there were already sighs in the room.Gu Zhenggang's eyes were filled with tears, and he moved his lips; by the time the statement was finished, tears had overflowed the corners of his eyes. Chiang Kai-shek scanned the venue, then suddenly turned his head and stared at Li Zongren's face: "Delin, what do you think of the proclamation?" Li Zongren answered calmly: "I have no disagreement with the president." Brothers Gu Zhenggang and Gu Zhengding stood up almost at the same time. They thought that the statement clearly stated that the president was retiring to seek peace, which undoubtedly destroyed the morale of the people and was extremely unfavorable to the current situation.In the end, the two brothers almost burst into tears. Xiao Tongzi and Fan Zisui immediately retorted, thinking that under the current situation, it is wise for the president to publicly say that he will step down, which will help stabilize the morale of the army and the people. So Gu and Xiao led the formation of two opposing teams, and the competition became more and more fierce, to the point where it was impossible to fight, and some people even shouted: "The president can't go down!" Just like Chiang Kai-shek who was waiting to be sentenced, his pale and thin face was distorted by the pain, his legs under the cotton robe shook violently, and he couldn't hold back the anger and embarrassment in his belly, so he stood up and shouted hysterically: "I don't want to leave It’s just that you party members forced me to leave! I was resigned not because of the Communist Party, but because of a certain faction in the party! Yue Jun.” He turned to Zhang Qun, “If I resign, write it like that, it must be written!” After saying that, he left in a huff. Li Zongren's face that is not handsome but yet determined has once again become the target of public criticism. On New Year's Eve in 1948, in such embarrassment and helplessness, it was heading towards the dawn of 1949. "Mr. De, the president has come to the mansion!" Li Zongren's personal adviser Gan Jiehou walked in hastily. Li Zongren was taken aback: "Who? President Jiang?! Did you make a mistake?" "The president's car has arrived at the gate, Mr. De!" It was January 4th, 1949. President Fu Hougang's official residence was in a panic because of President Jiang's personal visit, and he was at a loss. Chiang Kai-shek has always been "summoned" to Li Zongren when he has something to do, and today the president condescends to move him away, which is an exception.Li Zongren and his wife rushed out to greet them, saying "disrespectful", and invited the distinguished guests into the living room. Li Zongren entertained and exchanged greetings courteously, while thinking, this time Jiang's move to ask for advice probably deliberately exaggerated his "retirement" and made it more superficial, so as to test the CCP and the United States. Chiang Kai-shek quickly brought the conversation into focus: "Brother Delin, what do you think of the current situation?" A "Brother" reminded Li Zongren that they still had a sworn friendship.Li Zongren sighed, and said bluntly and not without complaint: "I have suggested to the President before that Wuhan and Xuzhou should be classified as one unit and unified command. Although there are many reasons for today's defeat, the biggest problem is that the command is not unified. above." "Well, there is no need to mention the past." A trace of displeasure flashed across Chiang Kai-shek's face, "The bandit army is going to Jiangbei soon, what do you think?" "Although we are at a disadvantage in everything now, we can only deal with the Communist Party to the end, taking every step counting!" "No." Chiang Kai-shek shook his head, looking very decisive, "It won't help the matter! I think I will step back and let you support this situation and make peace with the Communist Party." In fact, it is imperative for Chiang Kai-shek to step back from Li and replace him, but this is the first time that Chiang Kai-shek said it in person.Li Zongren knew Jiang's nature, so he hurriedly put on a look of sincerity and fear, and said: "I can't do it, I can't do it! If the president can't make peace, how can I be effective!" Chiang Kai-shek said coldly: "Well, Delin, if you take on this situation, it will be different immediately." Li Zongren still waved his hands repeatedly to refuse. "I think you should come out. Well, once you show your posture, the Communist Party's attack may be eased." Chiang Kai-shek "persuaded" patiently.In fact, he knew that the ambition of this politician-like figure in front of him to steal the presidency had already grown enormously. To be precise, half of Li Zongren's dodging is false and half is true.Although he had long wanted to oppose Chiang and replace him, he was not without concerns when he came to power at this time.First, he couldn't figure out Chiang Kai-shek's true intentions. Was it a test, or was he pushed to the front of the stage for emergency?If it was the latter, he would naturally not be Jiang's scapegoat.Second, Li Zongren found out that Chiang had the intention of abandoning the mainland and running Taiwan.If so, what future does he have in power?Third, he lacks confidence in the peace talks with the Communist Party.Given the current mess of the KMT, there is no price to pay.Fourth, didn't Chiang Kai-shek suspect that he and Bai Chongxi were in collusion to "force the palace" and were eager to usurp the throne?At this time, he wanted to make a gesture to show Jiang. Li Zongren said: "If the president can't support this situation, how can he make up for the lack of good neighbors? President, no matter what, I can't bear this matter." "I support you." Chiang Kai-shek said, "After you come out, at least the Communist Party will not push us so hard." "Not necessarily." A wry smile appeared on Li Zongren's face.Chiang Kai-shek understood what Li Zongren was referring to.The CCP announced on December 25, 1948 the list of 43 first-class war criminals, Chiang Kai-shek is the head, Li Zongren is the second, Chen Cheng is the third, Bai Chongxi is the fourth... At that time, Chiang Kai-shek sneered when he saw this list, but he was a little bit pleased.Just the day before, he received a telegram from Bai Chongxi to force him to leave the field and beg for peace with the Communist Party.He thought that the Communist Party regarded all factions and factions of the Kuomintang as war criminals who "all the people of the country are said to be murderable". Chiang Kai-shek said coldly: "I advised you not to run for vice president before, but you refused to listen. Now that I quit, you will succeed me in accordance with the constitutional procedure. Since you are vice president, there is no excuse. Dry!" "If I come out, the Communist Party will make me surrender unconditionally." "This... talk about it, I will be your backing." One and a half push, one and a half.Several hours passed without any result. It has been snowing heavily on Xibaipo for the past few days, and the yard with a stone mill and a persimmon tree is surrounded by heavy snow, coughing and laughter. At 4:30 pm on January 6, the East China Field Army launched a general attack on the Du Yuming Group.On that day, the meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee began.At the meeting, Mao Zedong made a report on "The Current Situation and the Party's Tasks in 1949", proposing that the main task in 1949 was to liberate Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shaanxi, All or most of Gansu and other provinces; convene a political consultative meeting to establish the People's Republic of China; further strengthen the regularization of the field armies. Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Ren Bishi and other central leaders spoke.On the 7th, Liu Bocheng and Chen Yi gave speeches on crossing the river and winning national victory. On the 8th, the meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee ended.On the 9th, good news came from the Huaihai battlefield.Most of the nearly 300,000 troops of Du Yuming's corps were wiped out, and the remaining less than 30,000 officers and soldiers broke through from Chenguanzhuang, and were surrounded by the People's Liberation Army near Zhanglaozhuang.Du Yuming walked in the queue of prisoners, but failed to commit suicide, but only added a few white gauzes to his head, so his image was even worse. On the 9th, in order to deploy the next combat operation, Liu Bocheng and Chen Yi set off to return to the front line.Mao Zedong insisted on sending them off. Heavy snow hit the face, and it was freezing cold.Walking out of the village, Liu Bocheng and Chen Yi held Mao Zedong's hand tightly: "Chairman, please stay." "Okay, let's go." The jeep started slowly. Mao Zedong stood on a high slope outside the village, watching the car go away. The snow on the ground was too thick, and the car drove very slowly.Mao Zedong watched, the car became smaller and smaller, and his vision became more and more blurred.The crystal snow flakes quietly fell on his shoulders, accumulating thicker and thicker...