In the 1960s, Chairman Mao visited the Nanjing Military Region for an inspection. After meeting Tang Liang, Chairman Mao asked: Can you swim?

General Tang Liang is a fellow Hunan fellow of Chairman Mao. He is known as the "honest man in the military" because of his simple life, honesty and solid work. Regarding Chairman Mao's ideological line of seeking truth from facts, Tang Liang summarized six "realities", namely:

However, it was such an "honest man in the military" who lied in front of Chairman Mao. A lie...

On September 15, 1956, the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in the CPPCC Auditorium. Tang Liang was invited to Beijing to attend the conference as a representative of the People's Liberation Army delegation.

When the preparatory meeting was held in early September, Chairman Mao said in his speech:

After listening to Chairman Mao’s speech, the comrades concerned felt very embarrassed about this matter. Because this time the list of Central Committee members has been sent to all delegations and is being prepared. If it is to be changed at this time, it will cause a lot of trouble.

On September 4, Tang Liang, who knew that he was on the list of candidates for the nomination of Central Committee members, immediately wrote a letter to the leader of the People's Liberation Army delegation Liu Bocheng and deputy leaders He Long, Nie Rongzhen, Huang Kecheng and others, hoping to put them on the list. His name was removed from the list of candidates for membership of the Central Committee.

In the letter, Tang Liang stated that he "is a political commissar of the Grand Military Region. Even if he is not an alternate member of the Central Committee, he still has the opportunity to participate in the Central Work Conference and hear the voices of the Central Committee and Chairman Mao in a timely manner. This matter is completely Sincerely, please accept it.”

After learning about Tang Liang’s request to resign as an alternate Central Committee member, Chairman Mao said appreciatively:

Later, Tang Liang took the initiative to resign as an alternate Central Committee member. The matter of the list of committee members was widely circulated throughout the party, and everyone sincerely admired his behavior. Until May 1958. When the Central Committee held the second session of the Eighth National Congress, Tang Liangcai was added as an alternate member of the Central Committee.

In 1959, the Nanjing Military Region promoted a group of new cadres. Political Commissar Tang Liang was invited to the military region auditorium to give a report to these newly promoted cadres. While speaking, Tang Liang mentioned the story of Sun Shuao when he was the prime minister of Chu State. He said:

After telling the story, Tang Liang went on to say:

In the early 1960s, Chairman Mao came to the Nanjing Military Region to inspect the work.

After meeting Chairman Mao, Tang Liang reported to Chairman Mao the work of the military region in accordance with normal procedures. He also reported to Chairman Mao in detail the situation of the military region's study of Chairman Mao's works.

After listening to Tang Liang's report, Chairman Mao said frankly: "There is nothing to learn from my articles. If there is anything worth reading, it is the 'two theories' ("On Contradiction"). ", "On Practice")..."

Later, when he met Tang Liang at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum No. 8 in Nanjing and mentioned swimming, Chairman Mao said: "Comrade Tang Liang, can you swim?" "

Knowing that Chairman Mao liked swimming, Tang Liang didn't think much about it and blurted out: "I can learn a little bit." As soon as the words came out, Tang Liang regretted it. He blamed himself for how he could be in Chairman Mao's house. What about lying in front of others?

Chairman Mao believed deeply in what Tang Liang said. In his heart, General Tang Liang has always been an honest man. Such a person will not lie.

After Chairman Mao left Nanjing, the more Tang Liang thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong. It was really inappropriate for him to still tell Chairman Mao that he could swim even though he knew he could not swim at all. So, Tang Liang wanted to make amends, so he went to the swimming pool to find the captain of the swimming team, and humbly asked him to teach him how to swim. After learning for more than ten days, he finally learned the "dog crawl" and felt a little more at ease.

It can be seen from this small incident that Tang Liang's reputation as an "honest man in the army" is definitely not false. He is not only honest, but also leads by example in his work, winning the trust of his comrades. In this regard, he often said: "The most convincing political work is the leader's example!"

On June 13, 1910, Tang Liang was born in Huoshiling, Yonghe City, Liuyang County, Hunan Province. A family of sharecroppers. Due to his poor family background, Tang Liang went to work in a firecracker factory to make money when he was 11 years old. During this period, Tang Liang suffered a lot and was very angry about the deduction of wages from his co-workers.

In early 1926, Tang Liang, who was only 16 years old, joined the "Young Workers Club" with hatred for the old society and was elected as the leader of the apprentice life investigation team. Later, he joined the workers' pickets and the peasant Red Guards in his hometown of Liuyang. During this period, Tang Liang participated in the battle with the Red Guards to support the Red Army's attack on Changsha.

In 1930, Tang Liang joined the Red Army of Chinese Workers and Peasants and became a member of the Red Army; in the same year, Tang Liang joined the Communist Party of China and became a glorious Communist Party member. Soon after, Tang Liang was appointed as the political commissar of the company of the Third Red Army Corps and participated in all the anti-"encirclement and suppression" struggles in the Central Soviet Area.

In every battle, Tang Liang always took the lead, fought bravely and tenaciously, and was praised by his superiors many times. During this period, Tang Liang was sent to the Red Army University and participated in the political class for senior cadres.

In October 1934, Tang Liang participated in the Long March with the Red Army. After the Long March, Tang Liang was assigned to the Political Department of the Second Division of the Red Army as the organizational officer. He was later appointed as the chief of the Organization Section and the director of the Political Department of the Second Red Division the following year. During this period, Tang Liang conducted revolutionary optimism education on the troops, which achieved great results.

In 1937, the all-out Anti-Japanese War broke out. Tang Liang was appointed as the Chief of the Organizational Section of the Political Department of the 343rd Brigade of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army of the National Revolutionary Army. He followed the troops to the anti-Japanese front line in northeastern Shanxi and participated in the Battle of Pingxingguan. In 1939, Tang Liang was transferred to the Political Department of the 344th Brigade. Deputy Director of the Department, accompanied the troops to the Hebei, Shandong and Henan Border Region to establish an anti-Japanese base area.

In June 1940, Tang Liang was appointed director of the Political Department of the Eighth Route Army's Hebei, Shandong and Yu Military Region. At this time, Tang Liang, who was already 30 years old, only focused on participating in the revolution honestly and never thought about his personal problems. He would blush for a long time even if he spoke to a female comrade in the army.

Although Tang Liang blushed when talking to girls, he liked children very much, and the children in the army station also liked him very much. In his spare time, when he saw children jumping around, Tang Liang would always tease them with a smile.

Once, Tang Liang was playing with a few children in the yard. Lu Shaowu, Chief of Staff of the Military Region, came over and said to Tang Liang with a smile: "Old Tang, you like children so much, why don't you Find a wife and give birth to a child? That way, it will be more fun!"

Lu Shaowu's words made Tang Liang's face flush, and he quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about this, we'll talk about it in a few years. "Okay!" Lu Shaowu took the opportunity to say: "You are not in a hurry, but you have made us anxious. You can't be a bachelor for the rest of your life, right?"

Lu Shaowu's words were not just on a whim. Even Yang Dezhi said to his wife Shen Gejun at home: "Our Director Tang is an honest man. He is over 30 years old and still lives alone. We have to find a way to find a partner for him." After listening to Yang Dezhi's words, Shen Gejun said: "Yes, Tang Liang is a good person, but he is quite stubborn. He is indifferent when others are anxious. I think as long as you aim at a target, you can just do a 'quick victory'."

One day, Yang Dezhi, Tang Liang and others went to the army to check. When passing by the training class of the Women's National Salvation Association in the Hebei-Shandong-Henan Border Region, Yang Dezhi wanted to take this opportunity to introduce a girl to Tang Liang, so he said to everyone: "Oh, it's so hot this weather, we have a fever in our throats." When you’re done smoking, go to the village to get some food.”

After saying that, Yang Dezhi led the way, and everyone followed. After a while, we came to a yard. After seeing the girl who came out, Yang Dezhi said with a smile: "Xiao Zhang, we have a guest. We want to go in and sit for a while and ask for a glass of water."

Soon, the little girl Zhang I came out with a stack of bowls and handed out one bowl each, exactly 9, no more, no less. Seeing this scene, Tang Liang thought to himself: "This girl can tell how many of us are here just by looking at it. It's really not easy!"

After Xiao Zhang poured the water into the bowl, Yang Dezhi picked it up. He took a sip and said, "Xiao Zhang, do you know all these comrades?" Xiao Zhang shook his head without looking back, and Yang Dezhi introduced them to her one by one.

When it was Tang Liang's turn, Yang Dezhi cleared his throat, raised his voice and said, "This is Director Tang Liang of the Political Department of our military region. He is from Liuyang, Hunan, and is also a farmer.

This man is capable of both literary and military skills, and he is also very honest. He is only in his early 30s, and he still has no partner to talk to. He has already met the conditions for marriage..."

Yang Dezhi's introduction made Xiao Zhang feel very baffled. She thought to herself: "Commander Yang has said so much about Director Tang, can he get married? Marriage has nothing to do with me! "

On the way back, Yang Dezhi deliberately walked with Tang Liang and whispered: "This little Comrade Zhang is called Zhang Rui, and her original name is Zhang Rui. What's your impression of her? "Yes, he is very capable and enthusiastic." Tang Liang said without thinking.

Seeing that Tang Liang had a good impression of Zhang Rui, Yang Dezhi smiled and said, "Okay, I'll be your matchmaker!" After listening to Yang Dezhi's words, Tang Liang finally understood. His face suddenly turned red, he touched his head and said, "Ah!" Ah... let’s think about this later! "

Seeing that Tang Liang couldn't wipe it away, Yang Dezhi said seriously: "Ah what, what else do you have to consider! Don't be coy, we are all soldiers, and what we pay attention to is resolute action and quick victory. "After that, Yang Dezhi strode away.

Later, with the help of Yang Dezhi and others, Tang Liang finally began to take the initiative to contact Zhang Rui, and soon their acquaintance turned into passionate love. Soon after, it was time to talk about marriage.

Yang Dezhi was very happy to learn that the two were getting married and immediately announced to everyone: "Tang Liang and Zhang Rui decided to get married today. Everyone come over. Eat wedding candy! "

Like all marriages in war years, just three days after the marriage, Tang Liang went to the front line due to the tension of the war, leaving Zhang Rui to work alone in the rear.

In 1944, Tang Liang was appointed political commissar of the Shandong Binhai District and secretary of the Party Committee of the Binhai District of China. He later served as deputy director and director of the Political Department of the Shandong Military Region, deputy director and director of the Political Department of the East China Military Region, and the Political Department of the Third Field Army. Director.

In May 1950, Tang Liang was appointed Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Although Tang Liang kept a low profile as the Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee, he became the leader of the Communist Party of China. The news that he had become a "high official" reached his lover Zhang Rui's hometown - Nanle County, Henan Province.

Hearing that his uncle had become a "high official", Zhang Rui's second uncle immediately came from Henan. When he arrived in Nanjing, he asked his uncle Tang Liang to arrange a position for him.

After meeting his second uncle, Tang Liang said sincerely: "Second uncle, what do you want to do? "I want to join the army!" "The second uncle said loudly. After hearing what the second uncle said, Tang Liang was very surprised, but still asked: "You are over 40 years old, why do you want to be a soldier? "If you can't be a soldier, why can't you be an official?" "You have neither expertise nor much contribution to the revolution. What kind of official can you be?" "

Tang Liang's gentle words made the second uncle feel that this matter was feasible, so he raised his head and said: "You can do it for me as a group leader first. "

The words of the second uncle completely ignited Tang Liang's anger. He couldn't bear it anymore, so he drove the second uncle out. Speaking of which, this was not the first time that Zhang Rui's second uncle had Asked Tang Liang for an official position.

As early as the Anti-Japanese War, Zhang Rui's second uncle was just a small businessman when he heard that his uncle Tang Liang had become Binhai District Party Committee Secretary and Military Region Political Commissar. , this second uncle came specially from Nanle County, Henan Province, and asked Tang Liang to arrange a job for him, and promised that he could do anything.

Seeing that his second uncle was willing to contribute to the revolution, Tang Liang decided to do it. Liang was very happy and said: "Now the whole country is fighting against the war. Those who have money will contribute money and those who have strength will contribute. The army is loading and unloading food and is short of manpower. You can work there for a few days. "

Originally, the second uncle wanted Tang Liang to find him an official position, but he did not expect that he would be asked to load and unload grain. Due to the face of Tang Liang and his nephew Zhang Rui, the second uncle did not do it on the spot. He had no choice but to go to the agreed place.

After arriving there, the second uncle only carried the food for one day and could no longer carry it. He left quietly without leaving a word. This incident made Tang Liang, who was known as an "honest person", very embarrassed.

This time, the second uncle directly asked for an official position, which made Tang Liang very disgusted and kicked out. It makes sense. After all, Tang Liang was a selfless and outstanding cadre who grew up under the guidance of Mao Zedong Thought and could not accept this kind of thing.

In 1953, Tang Liang was appointed deputy political commissar and second secretary of the Party Committee of the East China Military Region. In the same year, in accordance with the decision of the central government, the military region began to streamline some female soldiers, allowing them to transfer, demobilize, retire or retire.

Considering that Zhang Rui’s family has many children and a heavy burden, and it is very difficult to live on Tang Liang’s salary alone, the comrades in charge of the military region decided to let Zhang Rui continue to serve in the army.

After learning that the military region intended to keep his wife in the army, Tang Liang became angry. He called in the department leader who handled the matter and severely criticized: "Why did you keep my wife?" What reason does she have to stay? Do I have to do something special as your leader?" Seeing Tang Liang's resolute criticism, the leader felt very uneasy and walked out tremblingly. Tang Liang's office.

After returning to his office, the leader immediately held a meeting to study Zhang Rui's actual situation. Considering that Zhang Rui has 12 years of company-level service experience, the department unanimously agreed to promote Zhang Rui to the position of deputy battalion in accordance with the regulations of the superiors, and then retire as deputy battalion, so that she can be given some reasonable subsidies and relieve her family. burden.

After learning about this arrangement, Tang Liang was still dissatisfied and asked people to find the relevant leaders. After meeting the leader, Tang Liang said solemnly: "I support and support my wife's resignation, but I don't agree with her being promoted to deputy battalion position. As a leading member of the military region, I should set an example, I ask you to be more strict when dealing with my family members, instead of taking any care of them."

In this way, Zhang Rui quit the army cleanly and became a "housewife." Later, Zhang Rui asked Tang Liang to help her find a job locally to supplement the family income.

After listening to Zhang Rui's words, Tang Liang didn't think so. He said, "Aren't you busy enough with all these people? Besides, the local government is most afraid of you 'official wives'. You can't do big things and small things." If you don’t do it, you won’t be able to do much, and it’s not good for others because of their kindness.” Then he joked: “I’m the ‘Emperor’ behind closed doors, and you’re the ‘Queen’. What’s wrong with that? Okay?"

Zhang Rui could not refute Tang Liang's words and had no choice but to become a full-time housewife. Soon after, Zhang Rui's worries were verified. Tang Liang was able to support a large family with only Tang Liang's salary, and the family's financial conditions became very tight. Zhang Rui had no choice but to divide Tang Liang's salary into several parts, and most of it was used for schooling and food for the children. He was never willing to buy a new piece of clothing.

At that time, in order to save money at home, Zhang Rui always wore patched clothes when he went to the store to buy necessary daily necessities. He rummaged through the goods and picked out the cheapest ones. . When Zhang Rui left the store, some arrogant people pretended to dust themselves off and laughed at her for being old-fashioned.

Once, Zhang Rui fell ill and went to the Nanjing Military Region General Hospital to queue up to register. Standing among a large group of people queuing up, Zhang Rui, dressed in simple clothes, looked as eye-catching as a rural aunt.

After finally registering, when it was Zhang Rui's turn to see a doctor, the medical staff thought Zhang Rui was just an ordinary rural woman and were very unfriendly in their words, calling her a "country bumpkin". Although Zhang Rui was very angry, considering his lover's face, he showed his proper qualities and did not get angry on the spot.

On the way home, Zhang Rui became more and more angry as he thought about it. After arriving home, Zhang Rui angrily told his lover Tang Liang what happened in the hospital. After hearing this, Tang Liang was not only not angry, but also said with a smile: "Country bumpkins are great! Without country bumpkins, how would we have food and clothing?"

In April 1955, the Nanjing Military Region was established and Xu Shiyou was appointed. As the commander, Tang Liang is the political commissar. In September, the People's Liberation Army implemented a military rank system, and Tang Liang was awarded the rank of general.

In 1958, due to poor health, Tang Liang was appointed as the second political commissar of the Nanjing Military Region.

In 1963, Zhang Rui was diagnosed with oral cancer. After half a year of treatment, Zhang Rui was out of danger, but his voice was not very clear. Soon after, Zhang Rui was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. The disease not only tortured her body, but also made her feel depressed.

Tang Liang was very worried about this.

He encouraged his wife to take good care of her body, strengthen her confidence, and strive for a speedy recovery. Even when I went to Beijing for a meeting, I still thought about my wife and wrote to her. In the letter, Tang Liang said:

With Tang Liang's care and encouragement, Zhang Rui regained his confidence and gradually became optimistic and cheerful. With active treatment, his health improved a lot.

In December, Tang Liang, who was not in good health himself, was approved by the organization to leave his job and rest. After retiring, Tang Liang cared more about Zhang Rui. He not only cooked delicious meals for his wife, but also often went out with her to relax with her.

In 1972, Tang Liang recovered his health. Under the arrangement of the organization, he served as the political commissar and first secretary of the Party Committee of Military and Political University.

Under Tang Liang's care, Zhang Rui's health gradually improved. But Tang Liang fell ill again because of overwork. Considering that he could not work normally, Tang Liang left his job again to recuperate. At Zhang Rui's suggestion, Tang Liang and Zhang Rui left Beijing and settled back in Nanjing.

After returning to Nanjing, Zhang Rui went to the hospital for a physical examination. When the doctor who treated her saw Zhang Rui, he was very surprised and said happily: "It's been more than 20 years and it's a miracle that you are still so healthy!"

After hearing the doctor's praise, Zhang Rui I was very happy. After returning home, I smiled and said to Tang Liang: "My survival for so many years is all thanks to you! For so many years, thank you not only for not treating me as a burden, but for always treating me as a treasure."

On November 20, 1986, Tang Liang died of illness at the age of 76. During his lifetime, Tang Liang, an "honest man in the army," once wrote a poem:

As his last hope, the lines of this poem all reflect Tang Liang's support for communism. Deep belief and optimistic spirit towards revolution!