Mao Zedong Guides the Nation: A Graphic Version - Volume 1 and 2

Author: Yang Qingwang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features:
2. "Half Naturally Born, Half Artificially Made"
On June 26, 1959, just before the Lushan Conference, Mao Zedong came to his hometown, separated from it for thirty-two years. He swam in the Shaoshan Reservoir, full of enthusiasm, performing various water activities, truly like a fish in water. Very excited, he discussed with Zhou Xiaozhou, the Secretary of the Provincial Committee: "Xiaozhou, this place is quite quiet. After I retire, could you build a thatched shed for me here?" Mao Zedong never made casual requests to subordinates. After Zhou Xiaozhou heard this, he reported it seriously to the Provincial Committee and then to Tao Zuxing, the Secretary of the Central South Bureau. They all agreed to build a house for Mao Zedong. The Provincial Committee leadership had long wanted to find a quiet place for Mao Zedong so that he could rest well when returning to Hunan and have ample energy when working. No one expected that a few days later, at the Lushan Conference, Zhou Xiaozhou and Peng Dehuai, among others, would suffer misfortune and be labeled as "rightist opportunists." Zhou Xiaozhou fell from the position of Secretary of the Hunan Provincial Committee to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Dayao People's Commune in Liuyang County. His position was taken over by Zhang Pinghua, the Deputy Secretary of Hubei Province. Of course, the matter of building a house for Mao Zedong in his hometown was also handed over to Zhang Pinghua to implement. However, the person taking over did not know that the location Mao Zedong referred to as a "thatched shed" was actually "Dishui Dong," only knowing it was the border area between Xiangtan and Xiangxiang.
Once, when Mao Zedong returned to Hunan, he discussed the matter of building a house with Zhang Pinghua again. He said, "There is a Pine Mountain Guesthouse in Shaoshan, and that place is not quiet." Zhang Pinghua asked, "Chairman, is there any quieter place in Shaoshan?" Mao Zedong replied, "There is a place called 'Diao Xu Dong' (Dishui Dong), which is very quiet. It would be a good place to build a house." After hearing this, Zhang Pinghua went there specifically to investigate. Indeed, the place left a very good impression on him—its scenery was elegant, its atmosphere tranquil, its mountain terrain steep, and it was secure and confidential. Even if a military coup occurred, it could be defended with the mountain's natural barriers. Thus, the plan to build the house was finalized, and it was then reported to the Central South Bureau. At that time, Tao Zuxing was the Secretary of the Central South Bureau. Building a house for Mao Zedong was a glorious political task, especially since it was Mao Zedong's personal request. After approval from Tao Zuxing, 100 million yuan was allocated for its construction. The Hunan Provincial Committee immediately formed a leadership team, with the Secretary-General of the Provincial Committee serving as the commander-in-chief.
The large-scale construction of the complex was not necessarily what Mao Zedong originally intended. He did not need an "imperial palace," as the places where he stayed during his tours were often changed, and other central leaders could also stay in his residence. However, Dishui Dong was an exception. His intention was very clear—he needed a quiet and peaceful residence in his birthplace, where he had played as a child. After he stepped down from the historical stage, he could spend his remaining years there until he met his maker.
"The leaves return to the roots" is the accumulation of traditional Chinese culture. As a great leader, Mao Zedong had a rich emotional life, and it was natural for him to think of his hometown in his later years. It is known that even in his declining years, when he was on his deathbed, he was still thinking about this "Western mountain cave." This secret building was broken ground in the second half of 1960 and completed by the end of 1962 for the main buildings of the first, second, and third numbers.