No account? Register immediately. Homepage of Phoenix New Media, Mobile PHOENIX NEWS, Special Feature: Reform and Departure Again, Special Program for the Two Sessions of Phoenix Video: Reform again needs "return to Deng Xiaoping, go beyond Deng Xiaoping". Episode 1 of a series of documentaries on Chinese people's view of the Two Sessions. Before the Two Sessions in 2012, PHOENIX NEWS conducted street interviews with hundreds of citizens to explore their views on the Two Sessions. The second issue of Free Talk at the 2012 Two Sessions focuses on the direction of China's charity sector.
Introduction to episodes of "The Distant Flying Eagle": Episode 1 - Gao Zhihang was a famous anti-Japanese air force general. He was also an excellent air force instructor in our country. In 1938 during the Anti-Japanese War, he shed blood at the Zhoukou Airport in Henan Province. In the winter of 1929, Zhang Xueliang announced that all Northeast would change its flag and emblem. Although he was no longer the king of Northeast, Chiang Kai-shek of Nanjing appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief of Northeast Frontier Defense, making him still the biggest official in Northeast. Yu Qing Shan, the leader of bandits in Northeast frontier, shot down a new Japanese aircraft. He wanted to do business with Zhang Xueliang using this aircraft. He asked Zhang Xueliang to exchange two hundred guns, ten thousand bullets, and ten thousand cash for it. Zhang Xueliang agreed to their proposed conditions.
Gao Zhihang's original name was Gao Mingjiu. He had just returned from studying in France and was the ace pilot of the Flying Eagle team. One day, he received a summons from Zhang Xueliang and came to the Great Marshal's Mansion. He happened to meet Zhang Xueliang executing Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai under the pretext of opposing the change of flag and hindering national unity to establish his authority before the Northeast Army. Yang Yuting had been a mentor to Gao Zhihang. Originally, before going to France to study flying, Gao Zhihang's name was not on the pre-selection list. It was Yang Yuting who strongly recommended him to Zhang Xueliang and let him write a letter in French to Zhang Xueliang, which gave him the opportunity to study in France. Therefore, he was very sad about Yang Yuting's death.
Zhang Xueliang appreciated Gao Zhihang's honesty and told him that the deaths of Yang and Chang would become a shocking event both inside and outside the country. Before it was made public, he should keep it confidential. Zhang Xueliang sent Gao Zhihang to Heihe to carry out a special mission, which was to take people to exchange planes with Yu Qing Shan. He hoped Gao Zhihang could fly back from the sky. At this moment, Gao Zhihang was on his way to Heihe. He could imagine the danger of this trip to the frontier but did not expect the romantic encounter beyond the danger.
After arriving in Heihe, Gao Zhihang and Xu Zheng were warmly entertained by County Magistrate Xiang and local gentry. During the banquet, he learned about Yu Qing Shan from County Magistrate Xiang and asked him to bring a message to Yu Qing Shan to come and talk about the exchange soon. While strolling around the streets, Gao Zhihang met a Russian girl named Geli'er selling furs. They danced happily and chatted warmly. Gao Zhihang fell in love with Geli'er.
When Gao Zhihang returned to his place, he saw someone waiting for him. When he confirmed that this person was the legendary bandit leader Yu Qing Shan, they went to check the items he brought. Gao Zhihang indicated that these items would not be taken away until he saw the plane. Yu Qing Shan liked these weapons and led them to see the plane honestly. After the mechanic checked, he found that there were only two holes on the wings and the auxiliary fuel tank was broken. There was nothing else wrong with the plane. Gao Zhihang feared being discovered by nearby Japanese people and gave him fifteen hours to repair it quickly. Gao Zhihang asked Yu Qing Shan to transport the plane to the abandoned airport in Hulang Tun for the transaction, otherwise he wouldn't get the weapons. Yu Qing Shan reluctantly agreed.
Gao Zhihang couldn't stop thinking about Geli'er. He sent Xu Zheng alone with County Magistrate Xiang to check the situation of the abandoned airport, while secretly finding out Geli'er's whereabouts and wanting to find her.
Introduction to episodes of "The Distant Flying Eagle": Episode 2 - Gao Zhihang learned that Geli'er was selling furs at the Kexinglong Trading House on Zhengyang Street and rushed over excitedly. Pretending to buy a fur rug for his father, Gao Zhihang tried to make small talk with Geli'er, but she let Mei Zi in the store help him choose. Gao Zhihang kept looking at Geli'er until after buying the goods and leaving the store, he didn't manage to say anything to her. Not satisfied, Gao Zhihang turned around and entered the store again. However, a batch of new goods arrived, and Geli'er was sent to the warehouse to count the stock and wasn't in the store. He insisted on buying fur goods from Geli'er, or he wouldn't buy anything. Mei Zi had no choice but to call out Geli'er. For the third time, Gao Zhihang walked into the fur shop. Due to limited time, he directly expressed his feelings and invited Geli'er to meet at a teahouse by the riverbank in the evening.
Xu Zheng and County Magistrate Xiang came to inspect the situation at the abandoned Japanese airport. He noticed it was a military airport and suspected Japan's intentions. County Magistrate Xiang explained the origin of this airport and guessed their purpose, warning them not to touch Japan's things, saying Heihe was their territory and didn't want trouble here. Upon returning, Xu Zheng informed Gao Zhihang that Yu Qing Shan was dragging the plane to the airport with more than ten horses and would deliver it at nine o'clock in the evening. He also passed on the message that a small group of Japanese troops was heading to Mohe. Gao Zhihang instructed Xu Zheng to prepare everything for takeoff before eight o'clock and went to date Geli'er himself. Yu Qing Shan had been sending people to track Gao Zhihang and was upset when he learned about the date at the teahouse. He sent people to kidnap Geli'er.
Geli'er was deeply attracted to Gao Zhihang and decided to be with him. Gao Zhihang sent Xu Zheng to bring Geli'er to the airport intending to take her back to Fengtian, but when Xu Zheng arrived, he witnessed her being captured by Yu Qing Shan's men. It turned out Yu Qing Shan had always liked Geli'er and declared her as his own person, forbidding others to touch her. Just after completing the deal, Gao Zhihang learned about the incident, drew his gun, and demanded Yu Qing Shan release her. Yu Qing Shan refused resolutely. As both sides were deadlocked, Japanese troops surrounded them from behind Yu Qing Shan. They united against the Japanese and engaged in combat. Geli'er took advantage of the chaos and ran towards Gao Zhihang. Amidst gunfire, they climbed onto the plane. Gao Zhihang didn't leave immediately but drove the plane towards the Japanese, scattering them, then safely flew back to Fengtian with Geli'er.
Zhang Xueliang personally greeted him at the airport upon his return. Because of his outstanding performance, he was promoted to Captain of the Second Squadron of the Flying Eagle Team, awarded the Flying Eagle Medal, and given ten thousand dollars. Xu Zheng felt quite bitter seeing this. The Japanese consul Lin Kyujiro came to negotiate with Zhang Xueliang, demanding the return of the plane. Zhang Xueliang's attitude was very firm, indicating there was no room for negotiation. Gao Zhihang took Geli'er back to his residence in Fengtian. His fellow townspeople from Tonghua were preparing wedding items for them. Geli'er, unfamiliar with Chinese customs, caused everyone to laugh and cry.
Introduction to episodes of "The Distant Flying Eagle": Episode 3 - On the day of Geli'er and Gao Zhihang's wedding, she asked Gao Zhihang to go to the barber shop to trim his hair. In the barber shop, Gao Zhihang encountered a self-important Japanese samurai named Zenchiro. After finishing his haircut, Zenchiro not only refused to pay but also caused trouble in the shop. Gao Zhihang, unable to tolerate it, shot him as a lesson. Zenchiro harbored hatred and asked for Gao Zhihang's name and address before leaving, saying he would visit him. Gao Zhihang calmly revealed his identity and told him he would always be ready to welcome him. Gao Zhihang warned his subordinates not to spread the news of the fight and especially not to let Geli'er know.
Gao Zhihang invited his comrades and fellow townspeople to celebrate his marriage to Geli'er at home. Everyone was having a great time when Zenchiro led a group of Japanese samurais seeking revenge. Words exchanged led to a physical altercation where Zenchiro was severely beaten by Gao Zhihang. The police station arrived, firing warning shots to stop the fight, and Gao Zhihang was taken away. The story of Gao Zhihang beating the Japanese, exaggerated by his fellow townsman Lao Liu, spread widely in Fengtian, enhancing his reputation in his hometown, but the matter didn't end there.
The Japanese consulate's consul Lin Kyujiro approached Zhang Xueliang, stating that Zenchiro's family and General Benavente of the Kwantung Army were old friends. General Benavente was insistent on this matter and demanded Zhang Xueliang give them a satisfactory explanation. Zhang Xueliang ordered the military police to punish Gao Zhihang with sixty lashes according to military regulations. This was merely a show for the Japanese. However, Gao Zhihang remained stubbornly silent without crying out in pain. Helplessly, the adjutant reported to Zhang Xueliang that Gao Zhihang had fainted due to the beating, causing Lin Kyujiro to leave discontentedly. Zhang Xueliang warned Gao Zhihang that matters between countries were serious, and he shouldn't act rashly in the future, or even he might not be able to help him.
A delegation from Nanjing arrived in Fengtian for inspection, led by central official Wu Tiecheng, a close friend of Zhang Xueliang, who had just been elected as a central executive committee member. Zhang Xueliang specially summoned Gao Zhihang back from vacation to lead the Flying Eagle Team to escort him. Geli'er excitedly waved her clothes when she saw Gao Zhihang's flight team. Zhang Xueliang and Wu Tiecheng were delighted to meet. Privately, they discussed the current situation. Zhang Xueliang worried that his title of King of Northeast would reach Chiang Kai-shek's ears, possibly harming him. Chiang Kai-shek's strategy of expelling external enemies first required internal peace, making him uneasy about whose gun barrel would be next aimed at by Nanjing. Wu Tiecheng revealed Chiang Kai-shek's thoughts to Zhang Xueliang, saying Chiang Kai-shek intended to unify China and become its sole leader. Whoever obstructed him would have his gun pointed at them.
A fellow townsman of Gao Zhihang delivered a message from his rural home, saying the Shao family insisted on marrying Shao Wenjing to him. His father had already accepted the betrothal gifts, but Gao Zhihang firmly opposed it. To fulfill his promise, Gao Zhihang bought many pairs of high heels for Geli'er. She said there was a European slogan: Wearing high heels can conquer the hearts of all men in the world. Gao Zhihang began to regret buying high heels for Geli'er, jealously requiring her to wear them only with his permission, which confused and puzzled Geli'er.
Introduction to episodes of "The Distant Flying Eagle": Episode 4 - Back home, Geli'er looked at Gao Zhihang with a strange gaze and told him that she had seen two completely different Gao Zhihangs. One spoke multiple languages, loved airplanes, wine, and art, very romantic. Yet, Geli'er often saw another Gao Zhihang embodying the Chinese countryside, unable to distinguish which was the real him. Gao Zhihang self-deprecatingly called himself a bumpkin who managed to marry a Russian noblewoman as his wife. Geli'er believed they should have a good talk. She thought Gao Zhihang's reluctance to take her to his hometown to meet his family was an avoidance. She hoped Gao Zhihang could give her a formal Chinese-style wedding instead of their cohabitation-like life. Gao Zhihang confessed to her that his parents disagreed. Chinese values emphasized filial piety, and he couldn't go against them, leading to an argument.
Zhang Xueliang accompanied the Nanjing delegation to watch a flight performance led by Gao Zhihang's Flying Eagle Team. Everyone was impressed by Gao Zhihang's flying skills. Wu Tiecheng praised the number of Fengxi's airplanes comparable to the Central Army, pointing out that quantity was secondary. Zhang Xueliang's advantage lay in his pilots trained abroad. The Nanjing Aviation General Office judged that China's future top pilots would not emerge from Nanjing but from Fengxi. Wu Tiecheng met with Gao Zhihang and Xu Zheng, highly praising their performance. Gao Zhihang's passionate speech gained him much attention.
Geli'er felt Gao Zhihang didn't truly love her. She left their home reluctantly, leaving a letter for him. In the letter, she frankly stated that although she loved him deeply, this was not the life she wanted. Gao Zhihang found Xu Zheng, asking him to use the excuse of investigating Japanese spies to find Geli'er through the military police and police station. Xu Zheng called Gao Zhihang, informing him they had caught a Japanese spy and requested him to come to the military police office for 'interrogation' immediately. Gao Zhihang seized this opportunity to have a long talk with Geli'er, asking her to tell him about her life experiences. Xu Zheng also eavesdropped outside the interrogation room. After hearing Geli'er's difficult past, Gao Zhihang felt heartbroken and vowed to stay with her regardless of his parents' opposition.
Introduction to episodes of "The Distant Flying Eagle": Episode 5 - Geli'er told Gao Zhihang that she was carrying his child and wanted to immediately ride in a sedan chair to marry him, giving herself and the child a legitimate status. Gao Zhihang asked for leave to take Geli'er back to Tonghua's hometown to meet his parents. His comrades and fellow townspeople came to see them off. Along the way, Geli'er's mind was restless, unsure what awaited her. After a difficult journey, they finally stood in front of the door. Gao Zhihang's second younger brother was thrilled to see them return. Hearing the news, Gao's mother hurriedly welcomed them outside, but upon seeing Geli'er was a Russian girl, she called Gao Zhihang into the house alone, not allowing Geli'er to enter.
Gao Zhihang's parents had already arranged his engagement with the Shao family and refused to recognize Geli'er. Gao Zhihang told his parents that Geli'er was someone he risked his life for and really liked. He pleaded with them to let him make his own decision and fulfill his wish to marry Geli'er. Gao's mother angrily said that once agreed upon, it couldn't be reversed; they couldn't allow others to criticize them. With no room for discussion, she expelled Gao Zhihang. Geli'er was heartbroken. She asked Gao Zhihang to choose between her and his parents. Gao Zhihang said he wouldn't let her leave him again and would definitely let her ride in a sedan chair to marry him.
Gao Zhihang asked Geli'er to kneel with him in front of the door to beg their parents to agree to their marriage. Geli'er recounted an adventure she had with her grandfather, which moved Gao Zhihang. Gao Zhihang's elder sister, brother-in-law, and younger brother heard about the matter and joined them in kneeling in the snow to beg their parents. Seeing the children kneeling in the snow, Gao Zhihang's father felt sorry for them. He subtly criticized Gao's mother, hoping she would soon agree to Gao Zhihang's marriage. Gao's mother couldn't bear it anymore, came out to ask everyone to get up, and upon learning Geli'er was pregnant, agreed to their marriage. Overjoyed, they embraced each other.
Geli'er bought many gifts for Gao Zhihang's family. The whole family sat together, laughing and chatting joyfully. Gao Zhihang and Geli'er settled down at home. Geli'er asked Gao Zhihang about his former wife, Shao Wenjin. Gao Zhihang said that although Shao Wenjin was arranged by his parents to marry him, she was very devoted to him. Gao's parents found it inappropriate for Gao Zhihang and Geli'er to live together unmarried and planned to quickly break off the engagement with the Shao family to arrange a proper wedding for them. To make Geli'er ride in a sedan chair, Gao Zhihang tried hard to please his mother, who then agreed.
Meizi witnessed the love between Gao Zhihang and Geli'er. Gao Zhihang specially invited her from Mohe to be the matchmaker and bridesmaid for his and Geli'er's wedding. Seeing Meizi, Geli'er felt like seeing her own family and burst into tears. On the wedding day, the Gao family was festooned with lanterns and decorations. Lao Liu also returned from Fengtian to attend the wedding. Gao Zhihang let Geli'er ride in a sedan chair across the Hun River, fulfilling her wish.