The Tale of Heroic Loyalty in Jinggangshan Betrayed by the Chinese Communist Party! The 1930 Yongxin Incident claimed the lives of 500 people in a sinister plot, causing the common people to trust bandits more than the Red Army. Revealing the dark truth behind the cradle of revolution!
Today, we will recount a riveting story that unfolded in Jinggangshan, hailed as the “cradle of the Chinese Communist Party revolution.”
In the deep night of February 1930, gunshots shattered the silence in Yongxin County at the foot of Jinggangshan, staining the ground with fresh blood. Two righteous bandits, Yuan Wencai and Wang Zuo, driven by fervent enthusiasm for the CCP revolution, fell into a carefully designed trap.
Yuan Wencai fell from a gunshot, while Wang Zuo leaped into the icy river, despairingly shouting, “Comrade Mao, you are ruthless!”
What exactly happened? Why did Wang Zuo utter such words? What was their connection to Mao Zedong? Let’s turn back time and uncover the historical truth of the intertwined grievances in Jinggangshan!
The story begins three years before the Yongxin Incident in 1927.
Jinggangshan, situated in the rugged terrain of the Luoxiao Mountains on the border of Jiangxi and Hunan, is a “no man’s land” – Jiangxi turns a blind eye, Hunan doesn’t interfere, and the Nationalist government troops rarely set foot here. This place is a paradise for righteous bandits. Yuan Wencai and Wang Zuo are the two “mountain kings” of this region.
Yuan Wencai, a scholar by background, sharp-minded, with a touch of scholarly charisma. Wang Zuo, rough and hearty, illiterate but loyal, robbing the rich to aid the poor, deeply supported by the common people. One excelled in intellect, the other in martial prowess, forming a tacit partnership and becoming legendary figures in Jinggangshan. When people spoke of them, they would raise their thumbs in admiration, saying, “These are true heroes!”
In the same year, after the failure of the Autumn Harvest Uprising led by Mao Zedong, he wandered with his defeated troops seeking refuge. He set his sights on the strategic terrain of Jinggangshan, thinking, “This place is truly a natural revolutionary base!” Hence, he decided to seek shelter with Yuan Wencai and Wang Zuo.
On October 6, 1927, Mao Zedong arrived in a small village at the foot of Jinggangshan and met Yuan Wencai for the first time. The meeting was no mere formality: Mao presented a handgun, and Yuan reciprocated with 600 silver dollars. Mao expressed his desire to reside in the mountains, to which Yuan Wencai gestured, “I need my elder brother Wang Zuo’s approval.”
Subsequently, Yuan Wencai took Mao to meet Wang Zuo. Wang Zuo, full of heroic spirit, slaughtered a fat pig, brought over two loads of old wine, and laid out a feast to welcome them. During the banquet, Wang Zuo raised his cup: “Comrade Mao, welcome to the mountains!” Mao Zedong didn’t back down either, raising his wine glass and gallantly stating, “Dear sirs, righteous bandits, robbing the rich to aid the poor, I deeply admire! Today, seeking refuge in Jinggangshan, all thanks to your righteous assistance!”
Yuan Wencai followed up with a smile, “Comrade Mao is five years older than both of us, so from now on, we’ll address you as Elder Brother Mao!” Wang Zuo clapped his hands in approval, “Good! Elder Brother Mao, a toast to you!”
Seizing this moment, Mao solemnly vowed, “Heaven above, earth below, we will share blessings and hardships together! If we betray this oath, may we be punished by the heavens and earth!” These words resonated deeply, and Wang Zuo was thoroughly pleased, toasting time and again.
To foster closer ties, Mao even presented some gold and silver jewelry looted from landlords to honor Wang Zuo’s mother. Touched by this gesture, Wang Zuo praised Elder Brother Mao’s righteousness.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Mao made a bold statement: “Dear sirs, a bandit’s life is not sustainable for long. Sooner or later, either many will be wiped out by the government or fall into internal strife among siblings. Only by joining the Communist Party to stir up revolution can one achieve great success from small beginnings!” This statement struck a chord with Yuan and Wang, and they immediately reached an agreement.
In February 1928, Yuan Wencai and Wang Zuo’s troops were formally incorporated into the Red Army, becoming the First Division, Second Regiment. Yuan served as the regimental commander, with Wang Zuo as the deputy regimental commander. Henceforth, Jinggangshan became Mao Zedong’s first revolutionary base.
Yuan Wencai even medi…
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