100 Famous Stories to Inspire Children's Minds

Author: Chen Zhongjie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: They are not ordinary people; they are extraordinary because they have done extraordinary things. Perhaps these are just small incidents in their life experiences, but it is precisely these countless small incidents that have shaped their brilliant lives. The small incidents they left behind have become our wealth. This book, "Laying the Foundation for Life—A Quality Education Reader for Primary School Students," is one of them, collecting 100 short stories about famous figures from ancient and modern times at home and abroad. These stories were carefully selected from a vast array of publications and meticulously processed, hoping to become a treasured companion for young friends as they grow.
In 1958, Comrade Mao Zedong came to Shanghai. The municipal party committee responsible for his entertainment prepared activities and sought his opinion. After thinking for a moment, Mao said, "Let's watch The Legend of the White Snake." That evening, everyone followed Mao in a car to the Shanghai Cadre Club Auditorium. The audience had already taken their seats, and as soon as they saw Mao enter, they all stood up and applauded. Mao waved his hand and was guided by staff to the front row. Sitting in the front row were leaders of the municipal party committee and the municipal government. Mao never bothered with formalities when addressing party leaders; he went straight to his seat and then waved to the audience behind him before sitting down.
The front row was arranged with single armchairs covered in gray fabric. The actors were already ready. As soon as Mao sat down, the gongs and drums began to beat. He sat steadily on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the performers. When listening to records, he would tap his feet and sometimes hum along. However, watching a play was different—he didn’t tap his feet or move his hands, just stared wide-eyed, his body still, though his expression changed continuously. His gaze alternated between bright and penetrating, full of passion, and thoughtful. Clearly, he had once again immersed himself in the story, understanding and admiring the main characters, Xu Xian and the White Snake; especially for the enthusiastic, brave, and clever Xiao Qing, he felt great respect. When the performance was particularly well-executed, he would lead the applause.
However, this was after all a tragedy. When the old monk Fahu from Jinshan Temple appeared, Mao’s expression instantly darkened, even showing a tense panic. His lips parted slightly, his lower lip twitching gently, his teeth grinding softly, revealing his hatred and disgust. Finally, Xu Xian and the White Snake began their arduous and painful separation. The guard, experienced in such matters, coughed lightly to remind Mao that it was just a play. But by then, it was no longer meaningful. Reality no longer existed; Mao had completely immersed himself in the ancient and moving myth. His nostrils flared, tears welling in his eyes, gathering into large drops that rolled down his cheeks and onto his chest.
Oh no, there were many people in the audience today. The guard worriedly glanced to the sides but dared not move too much, fearing attention would be drawn to him. Fortunately, the audience seemed captivated by the play, and no one paid attention to the "performance" below. But Mao’s movements became more pronounced, and his tears no longer fell drop by drop but in streams. His nose was blocked, his breathing labored, making a sizzling sound. The nearby municipal leaders’ glances flickered toward him but quickly moved away—enough to make the guard anxious. The on-duty guard had a responsibility to protect the "leader’s demeanor." He coughed again. This time, the cough didn’t rouse Mao but instead attracted a few stares. The guard fell silent.
Finally, Mao burst into tears, a trembling sobbing sound, with no hesitation in wiping his tears and blowing his nose. At this point, the guard had no choice but to let it be. When Fahu began to suppress the White Snake under Leifeng Pagoda, something extraordinary happened. Mao suddenly jumped up in anger, his large hand striking the armrest of the sofa, rising abruptly: "Can we not revolutionize? Can we not rebel?" He was so immersed in the plot that he strode toward the stage. The applause from the entire hall finally roused him. He paused for a moment, then joined in the applause—Chairman Mao had returned to reality.
After the performance ended, Mao and other leaders went on stage to greet the actors. He shook hands with "Xiao Qing" with both hands and with "Xu Xian" and "the White Snake" with one hand, completely ignoring the unlucky "Fahu."
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