Leisure Tour in Changsha — Former Residence of Xiao Jinguang
In front of Yuelu Mountain, at the foot of Tianma Mountain, by the banks of the Xiang River, stands a late Qing Dynasty residence facing east. In the local Xiangdong dialect, it is described as a typical 'four-bay, three-room' house with two extended eaves. Its earthen walls and green tiles stand out uniquely amidst the surrounding forest of high-rise buildings. This is the former residence of Xiao Jinguang, one of the ten founding generals of the People's Republic of China and the first commander of the Navy. Xiao was born here and spent his childhood and youth as a student.
Above the main entrance of the old house is the character 'Qian' (乾), flanked by 'Yuan Heng' (元亨) and 'Li Zhen' (利贞). The couplet on the door reads: 'Diligence compensates for lack of talent; frugality nurtures virtue.' Above the doors of the south and north wing rooms are the characters 'Fu' (福) and 'Lu' (禄) respectively. It is said that the house was bought and sold several times before liberation, and during the land reform it was given to a family named Hu. Now it has been designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the government, restored, and officially opened to the public.
This site is conveniently accessible by transport. Not far from the front gate is the 'Tianmashan East' bus stop, with more than ten bus routes passing through. Nearby attractions include Taozihu Park, the former site of the Xinmin Society (former residence of Cai Hesen), Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area, and Orange Island Scenic Area.
The old residence serves as a simple exhibition hall, displaying pictures of Xiao Jinguang's glorious life, accompanied by text divided into seven parts: 'Establishing Faith and Joining the Revolution,' 'Pioneering in the Soviet Areas and Forging Through the Long March,' 'Staying in the Border Region and Defending Yan'an,' 'Fighting North and South with Outstanding Merits,' 'Organizing the Navy and Consolidating Coastal Defense,' 'Devoted to the Modernization of the Navy,' and 'Eternal Deeds Inspire Future Generations,' introducing Xiao Jinguang's extraordinary life.
Xiao Jinguang's life was quite legendary and also dramatic. There are three major events:
1. Nearly executed during the Great Revolution
When Chiang Kai-shek, as commander-in-chief, launched the fifth 'encirclement and suppression' campaign against the Central Soviet Area, under the erroneous guidance of Wang Ming's leftist adventurist policy, Xiao Jinguang, then commander of the Fujian-Jiangxi Military Region, fought fiercely but suffered repeated defeats. Because he had voiced different opinions on Wang Ming's approach, he was criticized. Under the pretext of the loss of Lichuan and the defeat at the Battle of Xuwant, he was removed from his post, sent to a military court for public trial, and nearly executed. It was only due to Mao Zedong and others arguing based on reason that he was spared death.
2. Becoming one of the ten founding generals
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1955, the People's Liberation Army held its first conferment of military ranks. Some say it was equivalent to the ancient practice of enfeoffing nobles after founding a dynasty, with ten marshals and ten generals being selected. At that time, among the military commanders, Xiao Jinguang's seniority and military achievements were mediocre. So why did he become one of the ten generals? Some say it was because he was a fellow townsman of Mao Zedong, and generals from Hunan received preferential treatment in the conferment. Indeed, among the ten founding generals, six were from Hunan.
In fact, the factors for that conferment were multifaceted, neither purely based on 'seniority' nor simply 'rewarding merits,' but a comprehensive balance of the military's long war history and personnel changes. This is the essential difference between this conferment and ancient enfeoffment.
At that time, Xiao Jinguang was the commander of the Chinese Navy, in charge of a branch of the armed forces, so it was natural for him, along with Xu Guangda, then commander of the Armored Corps, to be among the ten generals. Of course, whether Mao's fellow-town sentiment played a role in appointing them to such important positions is something only Mao himself knew.
3. Sex scandal in his later years
From the first day he joined the revolution, Xiao Jinguang regarded Mao Zedong as a respected mentor. It can be said that Xiao grew up under Mao's decades-long guidance. Mao also greatly appreciated Xiao's ability and character, repeatedly entrusting him with important positions. In various movements, Mao also protected Xiao many times, such as the earlier near-execution and later the Gang of Four's attempt to seize power. Only because of Mao's words that Xiao was the 'lifelong commander of the Navy' could Xiao not be removed.
Mao Zedong's thoughts shaped Xiao Jinguang, and Mao's words and actions also influenced Xiao. According to reports, Xiao's later years saw a loss of integrity in his lifestyle, with many rumors of sexual affairs, becoming a topic of amusement among many veteran cadres.
The south wing of the former residence also displays some old agricultural tools and furniture, such as a sitting barrel for warming by the fire, a spinning wheel, a bamboo hat, a straw rain cape, and a loom. While visiting the former residence, tourists see these old items. For the elderly, it evokes childhood memories; for the young, it inspires awe for the hardships of their ancestors.
