Wisdom of Famous People - 238 Life Philosophies of World-Famous People (Classic Image and Text)

Author: Yang Yanxiong / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
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5 Let him stay in North Korea. Life is full of misfortunes. We all experience such hardships, some of whom are knocked down by them, while others keep their sorrow hidden and face life with a smile. Mao Zedong also encountered such events, and through these life experiences, his magnanimity and broad-mindedness as a great leader were revealed.
It was a chilly autumn day in 1950 when Mao Zedong stood in his bedroom at Zhongnanhai. The meals on the table had been reheated several times but remained untouched. The Chairman looked haggard and grief-stricken, staring blankly at a telegraph on the table, smoking cigarette after cigarette, having not spoken to anyone all day. The telegraph was from the command headquarters of the Volunteer Army in North Korea. The message read:
"Esteemed Chairman, this morning, our 'Zhisi' command headquarters was subjected to relentless bombing by enemy aircraft. Hong Xuezhi and Mao Anying escorted me to a safe area. Later, Anying returned to the command post to retrieve battle maps. In the haste, I was unable to stop him, and he was struck by enemy incendiary bullets. Comrade Mao Anying, your beloved son and our 'Zhisi's excellent staff member, has heroically sacrificed his life for the people's cause."
Mao Zedong read the telegraph, his heart filled with turmoil. The image of Mao Anying flashed through his mind again and again, and scene after scene of the past came to life, lingering endlessly. Mao Anying was the Chairman's most beloved elder son, the fruit of his love with his first wife, Yang Kaihui. When Anying was found and returned, Mao Zedong personally arranged various forms of training for his son. Every time their separation was brief, Anying would return with vitality. But this time, it was a separation that could never be bridged.
This great figure in modern Chinese history shed heartbroken tears, unable to contain himself as he murmured, "Anying! Anying!" Just then, his secretary hurried in and whispered, "Chairman, General Peng has called. He said Anying is your eldest son and requests that his remains be brought back to China for burial with honors." After a pause, the secretary leaned closer to tell the Chairman that Premier Kim Il Sung of North Korea had called to offer condolences, stating that Anying had sacrificed his life for the liberation of the North Korean people and that he too was a son of the North Korean people. Premier Kim Il Sung requested that Anying be buried in North Korea, so that the people could forever commemorate this heroic fighter.
After hearing the secretary's words, he weakly waved his hand, signaling the secretary to put down the telegraph and leave. The Chairman looked up at the ceiling, suppressing his grief. He recalled that when Anying went to North Korea, he was too busy with work to see his son one last time, a regret he had carried with him. Now, they could never meet again in life—perhaps it would be enough for him, as a father, to see his son's remains. But then he thought, "War brings bloodshed. My son has sacrificed his life, and I am heartbroken. But on the North Korean battlefield, how many outstanding sons and daughters have given their lives? The hearts of all parents are the same. Their grief is no less than mine, and their longing to see their sons again is no less than mine. Anying is my son, but also a son of the North Korean people. Let us respect the wishes of the North Korean people. Let him stay in North Korea."
The Chairman hesitated instinctively, his sorrowful gaze turning to the window. In the distance, thousands of lights gradually lit up against the twilight. After a moment of deep reflection, he finally made up his mind.
The next morning, the secretary came to the Chairman's bedroom. Mao Zedong had already left. On the pillow lay the telegraph draft, inscribed with bold, striking words: "Wherever there are green mountains, loyal bones can be buried. No need to return with a horse's hide." Below the telegraph draft was a pillowcase soaked in tears.
Insight: A broad and magnanimous heart has forged a great leader, and this leader, in turn, has shown us that those who achieve great things must be willing to set aside personal gain, possess a broad-mindedness, and exhibit extraordinary dignity.
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