19-year-old Chen Xiangmei has just graduated from Lingnan University and has become the first female reporter of the Kunming branch of ** Agency.
She soon received the first assignment assigned by the editor:
The Flying Tigers stepped up to help us when we needed it most. I hope you will be merciful in humanizing General Chennault and his men. ”
So, on a sunny day, Chen Xiangmei got into a rickshaw and drove to the "14th Air Force Headquarters".
The bell rings, and the driver expertly weaves his way through the crowd.
The streets are filled with a strong Chinese scent, mixed with greasy, smoky, sacred sandalwood, camphor wood and other scents.
However, Chen Xiangmei did not have time to experience these scenes.
When she thought about interviewing Chennault, the captain of the world-famous Flying Tigers, she felt a little panicked and worried that she might not be up to the task.
Chennault. Chennault, whose full name is Claire Lee Chennault, was born in the United States in 1893.
In 1937, Chennault retired with the rank of captain in the Air Force.
After retiring, Chennault accepted Soong Meiling's invitation to help China establish the "Jianqiao Aviation School", thus forming an indissoluble bond with China.
He originally planned to stay only three months, but after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, he resolutely chose to stay in China and fight with the Chinese people.
Responsibility and compassion know no borders, and anyone with a conscience will resist violence and help others gain freedom. ”
Subsequently, Chennault and pilots recruited from the United States formed the "United States Air Force Volunteer Corps", also known as the "Flying Tigers".
During the Anti-Japanese War, the Flying Tigers led by Chennault shot down and damaged more than 2,600 Japanese planes, sank thousands of Japanese merchant ships, blew up 44 Japanese ships, and killed more than 66,000 Japanese soldiers.
They also risked their lives to provide safe escort for transport aircraft on the "Hump Route".
Since its opening in May 1942, the Hump route has transported a total of 780,000 tons of strategic materials, making indelible contributions to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
As a result, Chennault was revered by people who called him "the closest man to God on earth."
This is also the reason why Chen Xiangmei feels so stressed.
She is well aware that she shoulders the heavy responsibility of presenting this heroic character to the majority of Chinese readers in a real and vivid way.
The rickshaw slowly stopped, and the driver lowered the bar.
Chen Xiangmei took a deep breath and stepped into the "14th Command of the Air Force", and at the same time entered the spring of her life
Chen Xiangmei. When Chen Xiangmei came to the conference room, the other male reporters waiting were full of surprise, and everyone's eyes turned to her.
Some even whistled, as if questioning her abilities.
Chen Xiangmei pretended to be calm, ignored those gazes, and walked straight to the corner of the conference room.
At this moment, a door at the end of the conference room slowly opened.
Someone whispered
The boss is here! ”
Chennault. As soon as he finished speaking, a black-haired, thin American ** official wearing a leather jacket walked in with his head held high.
The freshness and health of the visitors made Chen Xiangmei's eyes light up.
She had thought that General Chennault, who was in his fifties, was already an old man.
But at the moment, her first impression of him was:
This man has great will, strength, and courage, and has great wisdom. He did not and will never grow old. ”
The first time they met, Chen Xiangmei was deeply attracted to Chennault.
She looked at him in bewilderment, almost trembling.
Chennault's sharp gaze swept over him, and he said in a deep and textured voice
Good afternoon, gentlemen! ”
When his eyes touched Chen Xiangmei, he added gentlemanly:
Hello ma'am! ”
This kindness and respect made Chen Xiangmei feel a warm current.
She couldn't help but relax, and the original tension disappeared.
Chennault began to introduce the main tasks performed by the 14th Air Force in the recent Sino-Japanese War.
His words are full of power, and every word reveals determination and faith.
The fledgling Chen Xiangmei failed to ask the question because all her attention was drawn to Chennault's conversation!
Chennault. The press conference is over.
Chen Xiangmei was annoyed to find that she did not have many records.
Just as she was worrying about the next press release, Chennault walked up to her.
He took the initiative to say hello:
Is it Miss Chen? ”
Chen Xiangmei was flattered and replied
Yes, General. ”
Chennault said politely
Your father recently sent me a letter asking how your sister is doing, and mentioning that I might see his other daughter soon. ”
In fact, Chennault and Chen Xiangmei's diplomat father, Chen Yingrong, is an old acquaintance and is also kind to the six sisters.
It all started at the end of 1941
At the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, Chen Xiangmei, her eldest sister and four younger sisters were studying at St. Paul's Girls' School in Hong Kong.
At the time, their mother had just died, and their father was far away in the United States.
Chen Xiangmei, who was only 16 years old, resolutely took on the role of "captain" and led her sisters to leave Hong Kong and return to the mainland.
Along the way, she was attacked by ** and fled with her sisters;
Faced with a blockade, she looked at the map to find the most suitable detour route.
After arriving in Guilin, Chen Xiangmei sent a telegram to her father.
The father's reply and living expenses were handed over to Sister Chen Xiangmei through Chennault's adjutant.
In addition, the eldest sister Chen Jingyi also found a job - to become a ** in the 14th Air Force.
Because of this, Chen Xiangmei arranged for her four younger sisters to go to school in Guilin, and she followed her eldest sister to Kunming.
Because she was the daughter of an old friend, Chennault deliberately left Chen Xiangmei. He invited:
If you're not in a hurry to get back to writing, would you like to have a cup of tea with us? ”
Chen Xiangmei readily agreed.
In the tea room, the two of them drank tea and ate cake while communicating in English.
Chen Xiangmei hopes to present Chennault to readers in a humane way.
So, she kept asking him about his childhood, what happened before he came to China, and what was so personal and funny about him.
Chennault was friendly and always answered her questions patiently and carefully.
Chen Xiangmei returned with a full load and walked briskly back to the office of the ** club.
Along the way, she was in a happy mood and even remembered Tang poems:
The spring breeze is cool, and the horse's hooves are happy! ”
Our first meeting was like dawn, he was completely different from anyone I've ever met. He was like the dawn, full of life, as if spring had suddenly entered my heart, blowing new hopes and expectations. ”
It was almost half past five, and the afterglow of the setting sun gilded the white mountaintop with a layer of gold.
Chen Xiangmei finished her first press release. She wrote:
When the full moon shines on the land, it is no longer called 'Bombing Night', because Japanese bombers can no longer shy away from the challenge and fearlessly streak across the moonlight to drop deadly bombs on the helpless people. Once again, Japanese pilots were unable to use China as a shooting range for human targets, flaunting their arrogant low-altitude flying skills in broad daylight, hovering over undefended megacities and towns, violently and mercilessly blowing up hospitals, schools, and even strafing farmers in rice paddies. After the arrival of Chennault and his volunteer pilots, the Japanese bombers dared to fly only ...... under the escort of fighters”
After that, Chen Xiangmei continued to track everything about General Chennault.
In the process of continuous interviews and data collection, she unearthed many stories that readers are interested in, such as:
One day, an old lady known as "Grandma Morris" came to Texas and threatened:
I want to fly before I get buried! ”
The drivers shook their heads
No, old man, you're too old for us to guarantee your safety. ”
However, the old lady's determination did not waver.
At this time, a driver stepped forward and agreed to take the old lady.
Unexpectedly, as soon as the two entered the cockpit, the plane suddenly tilted to one side, and the pilot was thrown out.
Immediately after, the plane rushed to the runway like an arrow, cutting through the sky!
The people of the earth were horrified and prayed for the fate of the old lady
Poor old lady, hope she's okay! ”
But what happened next stunned these well-trained Air Force pilots!
I saw the plane swoop down from mid-air, get up again, then somersault, roll, perform a series of fancy maneuvers, and finally ended the emergency landing with a beautiful landing posture.
The old lady calmly stepped out of the cabin, waving her arms to the crowd, and at the same time taking off her scarf, wig, sunglasses, and robe, revealing her true face.
People were amazed to find:
This old lady turned out to be Chennault!
Chen Xiangmei vividly portrayed Chennault's bravery, humor, and approachability, and these press releases were popular and won the hearts of readers.
At first, Chennault always took 10 minutes out of his busy schedule to give her an interview.
But gradually, time dragged on longer and longer.
I seemed to understand how he felt when he asked me to leave. If I get up too early, he raises his hand and leaves me. But, I often know. I think it's the beginning of a relationship that lasts until the end. "The end of his life. ”
This wonderful understanding led to the elevation of their professional relationships into deep friendships.
On August 8, 1945, Chennault was recalled to the United States.
On the day of departure, the farewell ceremony was unprecedentedly grand and became a historic moment.
As Chennault's car pulled out, the streets were crowded with people who had come to see him off.
They waved to Chennault from the windows and balconies:
General, your friendship with China and the suffering you have suffered with us is incomparable and we will never forget! ”
The farewell crowd blocked the road, and Chennault's car could not cross the road. The driver had to turn off the engine and let the cart be used.
Chennault simply got out of the car and shook hands with the people around him one by one.
Chen Xiangmei followed him all the way and sent him to the airport.
As the plane took off, she watched as it faded into the distance.
My throat suddenly tightened. Now, I'm alone in China. ”
On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender.
Chennault was very frustrated that he could not attend the surrender ceremony. He said:
My only ambition for eight years has been to defeat Japan, and I would very much like to see Japan officially declare defeat. ”
When the good news reached Kunming, in the midst of the carnival celebration, Chen Xiangmei immediately thought of Chennault.
On the night of the victory in Kunming, I understood that although he knew that his contribution to the outcome of the war was unparalleled and that he had gained some satisfaction, the heavy heart of his departure from China would never be relieved; In a loud city, full of joyful emotions, in a dark room, my pillow was wet with tears. That night, my love for Chennault came alive and burned with affection.
That night, she realized that she adored and loved Chennault. She was already deeply in love with him!
However, it was a hopeless crush.
Because Chennault married his wife, Nell, when he graduated from college at the age of 18, and had eight children.
Chennault. Soon after Chennault returned home, he found that he and his wife shared less and less of a language.
Eight years of separation and different living environments have made the two drift apart.
Nell was very cold to him and spent most of his time in churches and charities.
Several of their sons have grown up, become soldiers, and have families of their own.
Chennault felt endless emptiness and restlessness all day long.
He began to silently hope:
I really have only one wish in my life
Find a wife who is worthy of my love, who will give me affection, respect and deep love. ”
When this thought flashed through his mind, Chen Xiangmei's young face emerged.
He recalled the time when he was interviewed in Kunming, and spoke freely
Sometimes they just start a conversation with a certain word, and the communication between them is endless.
At this moment, Chennault realized afterwards that he and this little Chinese girl had an ideological fit and deep resonance.
At the end of 1945, Chennault and Nell divorced peacefully.
After returning to China, he founded a civil aviation company in Shanghai.
This dynamic commercial air route is like a breath of fresh blood into the tired post-war China.
Coincidentally, Chen Xiangmei was transferred to the Shanghai branch.
In Shanghai, she lives with her grandfather, Liao Fengshu, Liao's younger brother.
As a journalist, Chen Xiangmei soon reunited with Chennault at work.
One day, Chennault invited Chen Xiangmei out for dinner.
At the dinner table, after the two raised their glasses to reunite, Chennault suddenly said solemnly:
I have something important to tell you – I'm a free man. ”
Chen Xiangmei looked at him in surprise and couldn't help but wonder why he was telling her the news.
Chennault went on to explain:
We are divorced. In a sense, the real divorce seems to have happened when I first came to China. That was eight years ago, during the Eight Years' War, and we were 12,000 miles away from home. At this point, I already understood that my work would be in China. And my wife again expressed her reluctance to come with me. I don't blame her. I don't blame her for not coming all those years ago. We have a different view. interest and live in different parts of the world. ”
When he spoke, he looked at Chen Xiangmei's eyes affectionately and confessed seriously:
I couldn't tell you before, but I think you must know that I love you, and I've loved you for a long time, and I want you to marry me. ”
Chen Xiangmei has always been Chen Xiangmei's idol, and this sudden marriage proposal made her feel like a dream.
She tried to keep herself calm and whispered:
General, please give me a moment, I need time to think about it. ”
After careful consideration, Chen Xiangmei gave her own answer:
I do. But the age difference between the two is 32 years, and Chennault is a foreigner. Chen Xiangmei's grandfather, Liao Fengshu, said solemnly
No one in our family has ever been married to a foreigner, and I don't want you to be the first person to marry a foreigner. ”
Grandma Qiu Yaqin also shook her head and said sadly
Why would you want to marry a foreigner? He is not young anymore, and there are many noble men in China who are willing to marry you. ”
But Ms. Chen was not swayed by these objections.
She orchestrated a "bridge" offensive to arrange Chennault's grand entrance.
As soon as Chennault entered Liao's house, he gave Qiu Yaqin a bouquet of bright roses.
Immediately afterwards, he played bridge with Liao Fengshu, and skillfully let the "little old man" who was eager to win win the game.
In this way, the two old men became happy in their hearts, and gradually accepted their grandson-in-law who was in his fifties.
When Chen Yingrong, who was far away on the other side of the ocean, learned of her daughter's decision, she immediately rushed back to Shanghai.
He was adamantly opposed to his daughter marrying his best friend:
The general is so old, what will you do if he dies? ”
In the face of her father's advice, Chen Xiangmei said firmly
I'd rather spend five years, ten years with someone I love than the rest of my life with someone I'm not interested in. ”
Unexpectedly, this prophecy took ten years to come true.
On December 21, 1947, 23-year-old Chen Xiangmei and 55-year-old Chennault tied the knot.
The two became a loving couple who shared adversity and later had two daughters.
After marriage, in order to support her husband's career, Chen Xiangmei resigned from her job as a journalist and went to work for Chennault's airline.
The two get along day and night, struggle together, and live happily in life and relationship.
We've been close for years and we've shared every moment of our love. ”
However, good love and happiness are often met with the envy of the gods.
On July 27, 1958, Chennault died of lung cancer at the age of 65.
On the eve of his last surgery, he left a letter to his wife under his pillow.
Dearest little thing:
I have no doubt that after tomorrow's surgery, I will still be alive and will spend many years with you and our beloved daughters. Yet you know, everything is in God's hands, and no one knows when He will be called.
If I can't see you or be with you again, my spirit will always be with you and your children. I love you and them with the love that anyone can give, and I also believe that love will last forever after death.
Remember and teach our children the true meaning of life – to behave well, to be honest, to be loyal, to be kind to others. However, he lived a luxurious life, did not envy others, enjoyed the comforts of the world, and did not worry about material scarcity. Be humble and fully committed to your chosen career. ”
Chennault's instructions and instructions hit Chen Xiangmei's psychological defense line word by word.
Later, every time she read this, she would burst into tears.
I've read it many times since then, but I can't read the last few words. ”
After Chennault's death, his remains were buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington.
The tombstone is inscribed with the Chinese "Tomb of General Chennault," the only Chinese inscription at Arlington National Cemetery.
In order not to be hurt again, Chen Xiangmei decided to leave her original home with her two daughters, move to Washington, and start her own business in the United States.
The afternoon sun was shining, but the scene in the house was still the same. Lovely flowers such as roses, camellias, and gardenias planted by the shogun are in full bloom. I felt that everything I passed by was strange and out of place. "Now that the general is dead, everything is actually a thing of the past.
I walked through the hallway and into the empty house. The bedroom was as it was when we left.
There is a saying in China: "You can't spend this life together, and you will remarry in the next life". However, at this moment, my whole life will go on without him. In any case, he will rest in peace for the rest of his life! Never!
The house I once loved now only exists in my memory. I realized in my heart that I had to leave this place.
It hurt me deeply to know that I would never call this place my home.
I also don't want to live in Taipei anymore because it brings back so many memories. The general wanted his children to be educated in the United States. I want to stay. ”
For the rest of her life, Chen Xiangmei did not remarry.
Whenever someone advised her to remarry, she always said firmly:
I am Mrs. Chennault, and I will be buried with General Chennault. I can't marry someone else. ”
She also borrowed Elizabeth Browning's poems to express her eternal love for Chennault:
God willing, I will love you even more after death. ”
In 1962, Chen Xiangmei wrote a touching autobiography, "A Thousand Springs," about her heart-to-heart love affair with Chennault.
The two have been married happily for 10 years, and the husband and wife are deeply in love. However, when their love is deep, they go their separate ways, touching countless readers.
Chiharu was sold out as soon as it was published, and 20 editions were released in just one year!
People are very interested in Chen Xiangmei, and major clubs and magazines have invited her to speak.
Thanks to this best-selling book and her talent for speaking, Chen Xiangmei gradually became the focus of the public and was invited to **.
She accepted Kennedy's appointment to work in the White House, becoming the first Chinese-American to enter the White House.
Since then, eight Americans** have entrusted her with important tasks.
She also served as Vice President of Flying Tiger Airlines and has achieved outstanding success in the U.S. political and business worlds.
At the same time, Chen Xiangmei has never forgotten her roots. She used her savings to constantly contribute to the Motherland:
In 1984, Chen Xiangmei set up special education in China
Over the years, in Guangzhou alone, Chen Xiangmei has received more than 2 million education bonuses.
In addition, Wuhan, Nanchang, Nanjing, Shenyang, Changchun and other cities also have special education incentive funds donated by Chen Xiangmei.
In addition to funding education, she also set up a ** association in Shanghai to provide laid-off women workers with specialized skills training to help them find new employment opportunities.
In 1999, she set up the "Xiangmei Thousand Schools Project" and the "Chen Xiangmei Outstanding Principal Award" to help develop schools and train teachers in remote areas in the western region.
These are just some of her many contributions.
Chen Xiangmei's life is full of legends. She used her unremitting struggle and love to write a touching chapter.
On March 30, 2018, Chen Xiangmei died of illness at the age of 93.
Although her life was full of glory, she also experienced countless hardships and tribulations.
When she was younger, she and her husband had only been married for 10 years. In her early 30s, she endured the pain of her husband's early death.
Therefore, some people lament that Chen Xiangmei is ill-fated, thinking that her marriage to Chennault is full of unhappiness and her happiness is too short.
However, Chen Xiangmei had a different view before her death.
She once said sincerely
The ten years that Chennault and I loved each other were the ten years of love we had for each other.
I have enjoyed family affection all my life, and my love is even more unforgettable. My journey into this world was worth it, and my life was not in vain. ”
As at the end of "A Thousand Springs", she writes so affectionately:
Our short life, as the Chinese poet Wang Wei famously said:
It rained all night in the mountains, and there were hundreds of springs at the end of the trees.
I have a thousand springs in my heart. ”
Related books: 01 "Qianchun: Marriage Autobiography" - Chen Xiangmei.
02 "Chen Xiangmei: Legendary Love in the War" - Bai Jinxuan.
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