肖向榮(1910-1976)原名肖木(mu)元。廣(guang)(guang)東省梅縣人(ren)(ren)。中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)產(chan)黨優秀(xiu)黨員(yuan)(yuan)、久(jiu)經(jing)考驗的(de)忠誠共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)產(chan)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)義戰(zhan)(zhan)士、無(wu)產(chan)階級革(ge)命家(jia)、中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)民(min)(min)解放(fang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)優秀(xiu)的(de)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)工(gong)(gong)作者,中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)民(min)(min)解放(fang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)高級將(jiang)領。1926年加(jia)(jia)入中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)產(chan)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)義青年團(tuan),1927年轉入中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)產(chan)黨。土地革(ge)命戰(zhan)(zhan)爭時(shi)期,任(ren)(ren)(ren)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)青團(tuan)梅州地委(wei)(wei)秘書(shu),中(zhong)(zhong)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)東江特委(wei)(wei)秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),閩(min)粵贛省委(wei)(wei)秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),永(yong)定縣委(wei)(wei)書(shu)記,中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)工(gong)(gong)農(nong)紅軍(jun)(jun)(jun)總(zong)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳(chuan)干事、秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)兼(jian)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)委(wei)(wei)直屬(shu)隊總(zong)支書(shu)記,紅一(yi)(yi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)、統戰(zhan)(zhan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)、宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),軍(jun)(jun)(jun)委(wei)(wei)總(zong)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)統戰(zhan)(zhan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)。參加(jia)(jia)了長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)征。抗(kang)日戰(zhan)(zhan)爭時(shi)期,任(ren)(ren)(ren)八(ba)路軍(jun)(jun)(jun)115師政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),軍(jun)(jun)(jun)委(wei)(wei)總(zong)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)、宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)兼(jian)《八(ba)路軍(jun)(jun)(jun)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)雜志》主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)編,陜甘(gan)寧(ning)晉(jin)綏(sui)聯(lian)防軍(jun)(jun)(jun)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)。解放(fang)戰(zhan)(zhan)爭時(shi)期,任(ren)(ren)(ren)東北民(min)(min)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)聯(lian)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),第(di)(di)(di)四(si)野戰(zhan)(zhan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳(chuan)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),第(di)(di)(di)十五兵團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren)。中(zhong)(zhong)華(hua)人(ren)(ren)民(min)(min)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)和(he)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)成立(li)后(hou),任(ren)(ren)(ren)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)民(min)(min)解放(fang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)第(di)(di)(di)十五兵團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren)兼(jian)廣(guang)(guang)東軍(jun)(jun)(jun)區(qu)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren)、兵團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)委(wei)(wei)員(yuan)(yuan),華(hua)南軍(jun)(jun)(jun)區(qu)副政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)委(wei)(wei)員(yuan)(yuan)兼(jian)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren),中(zhong)(zhong)南軍(jun)(jun)(jun)區(qu)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)第(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)副主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren),中(zhong)(zhong)央軍(jun)(jun)(jun)委(wei)(wei)辦公廳主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren),國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)防部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)辦公室主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren),中(zhong)(zhong)央軍(jun)(jun)(jun)委(wei)(wei)副秘書(shu)長(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang)(chang),國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)防科委(wei)(wei)副政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)委(wei)(wei)員(yuan)(yuan)兼(jian)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)(ren)(ren)。1955年被(bei)授予中(zhong)(zhong)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)銜。榮獲一(yi)(yi)級八(ba)一(yi)(yi)勛章(zhang)、一(yi)(yi)級獨立(li)自由勛章(zhang)、一(yi)(yi)級解放(fang)勛章(zhang)。是(shi)第(di)(di)(di)三(san)屆全國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)民(min)(min)代表大(da)會(hui)代表,中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)共(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)產(chan)黨第(di)(di)(di)七、八(ba)次全國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)代表大(da)會(hui)代表。
苦學少年
肖(xiao)向榮1910年(nian)(nian)9月出生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)在(zai)廣東梅(mei)縣石扇鎮一個貧(pin)困農家,原名肖(xiao)木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)。家里(li)租種(zhong)著(zhu)地主家“三(san)籮谷”田(tian)(舊制(zhi)面積,約(yue)半畝(mu))。五六歲(sui)時,就要(yao)跟(gen)父(fu)(fu)母下田(tian)勞動。七虛(xu)歲(sui)那年(nian)(nian),木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)看見(jian)同齡的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)孩子們都高高興興背(bei)著(zhu)書(shu)包上學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)了(le),吵著(zhu)要(yao)父(fu)(fu)母讓(rang)他也上學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)讀書(shu),無奈家里(li)窮,交不起學(xue)(xue)(xue)費。幸得(de)學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)里(li)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)母親娘家的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)親戚,這位先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)鐘愛聰(cong)明伶俐的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)小(xiao)(xiao)木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan),由先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出面,與學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)各位理事們商量(liang),采取(qu)以(yi)工代費的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)方(fang)式,讓(rang)木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)入(ru)了(le)學(xue)(xue)(xue)。入(ru)學(xue)(xue)(xue)后,木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)每(mei)天要(yao)打掃(sao)學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)衛(wei)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),中午還要(yao)蒸一餐(can)午膳生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)飯。雖然勞累,但只要(yao)能在(zai)學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)里(li)讀上書(shu),木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)覺得(de)雖苦猶甜。在(zai)學(xue)(xue)(xue)堂(tang)(tang)里(li),先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)位新派教員(yuan),課讀之余,結合(he)六七年(nian)(nian)前的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)“辛亥革命”運(yun)動,常(chang)向他們講述(shu)孫中山的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)救國主張,講述(shu)古代民族英(ying)雄愛國愛鄉(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)故(gu)事,如岳武穆“壯志饑(ji)餐(can)胡虜(lu)肉”;文天祥“留取(qu)丹心照汗青(qing)”;諸葛亮鞠躬盡瘁;鄉(xiang)人丘逢甲抗敵保臺的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)故(gu)事。在(zai)木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)心靈中,從小(xiao)(xiao)就樹立(li)了(le)抗敵救國的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)民族主義思想(xiang)。三(san)年(nian)(nian)后,肖(xiao)木(mu)(mu)(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)以(yi)優(you)秀的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)成績從初級小(xiao)(xiao)學(xue)(xue)(xue)畢業。
踏上革命路
1965年8月29日,中(zhong)央代表團(tuan)到(dao)達拉薩郊區機場,受到(dao)中(zhong)共(gong)西藏工(gong)(gong)委領導(dao)的熱烈(lie)歡迎。左起(qi)向(xiang)后:全(quan)國人大(da)常委會副(fu)委員(yuan)長(chang)阿沛·阿旺晉美、謝富治、劉春、張經武、西南(nan)局書(shu)(shu)記(ji)處書(shu)(shu)記(ji)閻秀峰(feng)、四川省副(fu)省長(chang)天(tian)寶、公安部副(fu)部長(chang)凌云、左起(qi)向(xiang)后:工(gong)(gong)委副(fu)書(shu)(shu)記(ji)王其梅、帕巴拉·格列(lie)朗杰(jie)、郭錫(xi)蘭、肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮、工(gong)(gong)委副(fu)書(shu)(shu)記(ji)麻貴(gui)書(shu)(shu)。初小畢業后,入(ru)讀高小就要到(dao)鎮里(li)另一(yi)間學堂,這意味著(zhu)木(mu)元(yuan)再也(ye)不能以工(gong)(gong)代費(fei)讀書(shu)(shu)了(le)。隨著(zhu)弟妹的出生,家(jia)(jia)(jia)里(li)更加困苦(ku)。為了(le)一(yi)家(jia)(jia)(jia)人不至餓死,肖(xiao)木(mu)元(yuan)的父(fu)親肖(xiao)兆松被迫象千萬個客家(jia)(jia)(jia)男(nan)兒一(yi)樣,遠赴(fu)南(nan)洋的印度尼(ni)西亞做苦(ku)工(gong)(gong)賺(zhuan)錢(qian)。十歲(sui)的小木(mu)元(yuan)到(dao)伯父(fu)家(jia)(jia)(jia)放牛割草(cao),回到(dao)家(jia)(jia)(jia)里(li)還要幫母親料理農活(huo),他那稚嫩的仔肩,擔負(fu)著(zhu)平(ping)常少年挑不起(qi)的重擔。
讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)初小時(shi),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)特別崇拜三國(guo)時(shi)期(qi)的(de)(de)(de)諸葛亮(liang),為(wei)了(le)(le)能(neng)擁有(you)(you)像諸葛亮(liang)那樣淵博的(de)(de)(de)知識,成為(wei)足智多謀(mou)的(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)師(shi),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)不(bu)敢荒疏學業,初小的(de)(de)(de)課文翻讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)完了(le)(le),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)就到(dao)附(fu)近有(you)(you)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)的(de)(de)(de)人家里(li)借書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)。他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)精神(shen)感動了(le)(le)村里(li)的(de)(de)(de)藏書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)人家,都愿意把(ba)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)借給他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)。木(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)和同族的(de)(de)(de)祖(zu)叔(shu)們共同居住的(de)(de)(de)“雙桂(gui)第(di)”有(you)(you)兩條桂(gui)樹(shu),每到(dao)夜(ye)晚,肖木(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)田(tian)園放牧(mu)歸(gui)來(lai)(lai),在那桂(gui)樹(shu)頭(tou)下,總有(you)(you)一支小松(song)(song)明(ming)子照著(zhu)夜(ye)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)的(de)(de)(de)小木(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)。有(you)(you)一次(ci),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)借到(dao)了(le)(le)鄉人丘逢(feng)甲(jia)詩(shi)集的(de)(de)(de)手抄本,讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)得忘了(le)(le)時(shi)間,夜(ye)深了(le)(le),手抄本上的(de)(de)(de)字(zi)變小了(le)(le),為(wei)了(le)(le)看清(qing)這位愛國(guo)大詩(shi)人的(de)(de)(de)詩(shi)句,他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)加了(le)(le)幾塊(kuai)松(song)(song)明(ming)子到(dao)“照簍(lou)”(一種鐵(tie)絲織成的(de)(de)(de),盛松(song)(song)明(ming)柴作(zuo)照明(ming)用的(de)(de)(de)簍(lou)型用具)里(li),火很快亮(liang)起來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le),讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)著(zhu)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)著(zhu),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)覺(jue)得除了(le)(le)松(song)(song)明(ming)子之外,好象還有(you)(you)什(shen)么東西在燒得“霹靂劈嚦”響(xiang),抬(tai)頭(tou)一看,原來(lai)(lai)是桂(gui)樹(shu)枝在燃燒。第(di)二天,當族人得知是木(mu)元(yuan)(yuan)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)燒著(zhu)了(le)(le)桂(gui)樹(shu)時(shi),不(bu)但(dan)不(bu)怪怨(yuan)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta),反(fan)而(er)把(ba)這事(shi)當作(zuo)一件美談(tan)而(er)傳揚(yang)。二年多來(lai)(lai),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)了(le)(le)許多書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)思想在讀(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)和思考的(de)(de)(de)過程中成熟起來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le),他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)深深體會到(dao)農民的(de)(de)(de)辛勞(lao),懂得農民對于土地、對于收成的(de)(de)(de)渴望。
1921年,肖(xiao)木(mu)元(yuan)十(shi)二歲的(de)時(shi)候,父親從南(nan)洋寄回十(shi)幾元(yuan)錢,木(mu)元(yuan)得以考入(ru)“石扇高級小學”就讀。這個學校(xiao)的(de)教(jiao)員(yuan)多為新(xin)學派,他(ta)們在學生中組織劇(ju)社,木(mu)元(yuan)也是劇(ju)社的(de)一員(yuan),那(nei)年劇(ju)社排(pai)演(yan)《少年漂泊者》,木(mu)元(yuan)擔任(ren)主角,演(yan)得十(shi)分認(ren)真,得到觀眾的(de)熱烈(lie)掌聲。
1925年,肖(xiao)木(mu)元以優異的成(cheng)績考入具(ju)有(you)光榮革命傳統的“東山中(zhong)(zhong)學”。其時,木(mu)元在南洋的父親因故無法接濟家庭,眼(yan)看又將輟學。肖(xiao)姓族中(zhong)(zhong)父老見木(mu)元是個(ge)可造之才,由(you)族中(zhong)(zhong)伯叔們湊(cou)錢供他上學,木(mu)元帶著族中(zhong)(zhong)長(chang)輩們的希望,含著眼(yan)淚挑著行李(li),步(bu)行二十(shi)多里來到梅州城的“東山中(zhong)(zhong)學”深造。
當(dang)年三月(yue)(yue),東(dong)征(zheng)(zheng)軍(jun)(jun)首次進駐(zhu)梅州,當(dang)時擔任(ren)東(dong)征(zheng)(zheng)軍(jun)(jun)政治部主(zhu)任(ren)的(de)(de)(de)周恩(en)來親自到(dao)(dao)東(dong)山中學(xue)(xue)(xue)作(zuo)(zuo)“關(guan)于中國(guo)革(ge)命問題”的(de)(de)(de)演講,肖木元(yuan)第(di)一(yi)次受到(dao)(dao)革(ge)命觀念的(de)(de)(de)洗(xi)禮,思想有(you)了很大的(de)(de)(de)變(bian)化(hua)。以前,他(ta)把讀(du)書作(zuo)(zuo)為報恩(en)長輩(bei),自我受益的(de)(de)(de)事來看,自從聽了周恩(en)來的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)番革(ge)命道理(li)后,他(ta)才知道讀(du)書人(ren)要以解救中國(guo)貧(pin)苦百姓、報效國(guo)家作(zuo)(zuo)為己任(ren)。從此,他(ta)積(ji)極參加各項學(xue)(xue)(xue)生運動,很快成為學(xue)(xue)(xue)生中的(de)(de)(de)左派。“五卅慘案”爆發后,他(ta)和進步同(tong)學(xue)(xue)(xue)陳勁(jing)軍(jun)(jun)等(deng)領導組織起“學(xue)(xue)(xue)生救國(guo)運動團(tuan)”,到(dao)(dao)梅城、蕉嶺(ling)、松(song)口、及相鄰的(de)(de)(de)福建省永(yong)定縣(xian)峰市(shi)等(deng)地演出,開(kai)(kai)展反帝(di)宣(xuan)傳,并將募捐到(dao)(dao)的(de)(de)(de)800元(yuan)寄到(dao)(dao)“省港罷工(gong)委員會”作(zuo)(zuo)為支(zhi)援上海工(gong)人(ren)斗(dou)爭的(de)(de)(de)經費(fei)。同(tong)年10月(yue)(yue),東(dong)征(zheng)(zheng)軍(jun)(jun)第(di)二次來梅,在城北“洋(yang)門岌”痛殲(jian)陳炯明(ming)叛軍(jun)(jun),全校師生熱烈慶祝東(dong)征(zheng)(zheng)軍(jun)(jun)的(de)(de)(de)勝(sheng)利。肖木元(yuan)在祝捷會上即席(xi)賦詩道:一(yi)枝(zhi)梅蕊未曾(ceng)開(kai)(kai),兩次東(dong)征(zheng)(zheng)帶雨(yu)來;此日(ri)朝陽春信好(hao),嶺(ling)南花放滿瑤臺。
1925年(nian)(nian)冬,隨著東征(zheng)的(de)勝利,中國共(gong)產(chan)黨黨組(zu)(zu)織(zhi)成立了(le)(le)“新(xin)學(xue)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)社”,肖(xiao)(xiao)木(mu)元作為該(gai)組(zu)(zu)織(zhi)的(de)骨干人(ren)物(wu)積極參加活動。1926年(nian)(nian)6月,經梅(mei)州共(gong)青團組(zu)(zu)織(zhi)領導(dao)人(ren)陳勁軍(后(hou)為中國共(gong)產(chan)黨梅(mei)州黨組(zu)(zu)織(zhi)的(de)創(chuang)建人(ren)之一)、肖(xiao)(xiao)壁如的(de)介紹加入了(le)(le)共(gong)青團。當(dang)年(nian)(nian)暑假后(hou),他(ta)被(bei)分(fen)配(pei)為共(gong)青團梅(mei)州地(di)委秘書。此時的(de)肖(xiao)(xiao)木(mu)元已改名為肖(xiao)(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong),從此結束了(le)(le)學(xue)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)時代生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活,離開石扇老家,走向(xiang)了(le)(le)漫長(chang)的(de)職業革命家生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)涯。
1927年1月(yue),肖(xiao)向榮轉為中國共產黨黨員,在“4·12”反革命大屠殺政變后(hou),他積極聯絡失(shi)散的(de)同志(zhi),恢復黨的(de)地下組(zu)織(zhi),發動群眾拿起刀槍(qiang)打游(you)擊,用武(wu)裝(zhuang)斗爭反抗反革命的(de)武(wu)裝(zhuang)鎮壓。
毛主席題書名
1932年5月,蘇區中(zhong)央(yang)局書(shu)記(ji)(ji)周恩來找(zhao)到(dao)(dao)時任(ren)閩粵(yue)贛(gan)省永定縣委書(shu)記(ji)(ji)的肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮談話,告訴他:“根據聶(nie)榮臻同志的提議,蘇區中(zhong)央(yang)局決定調(diao)你到(dao)(dao)紅一軍團工(gong)(gong)作。”肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮接受黨的安排,告別工(gong)(gong)作和生活了(le)22年的廣東,成為(wei)中(zhong)國工(gong)(gong)農紅軍的光榮一員。
參加紅(hong)軍(jun)后(hou),歷任(ren)中(zhong)(zhong)國工農紅(hong)軍(jun)總政治部秘書長等要職(zhi),在反“圍剿”的(de)前(qian)線,在長征途中(zhong)(zhong),經(jing)(jing)受了嚴峻的(de)考驗(yan)。“西(xi)安事變”前(qian)后(hou),肖(xiao)向榮(rong)任(ren)紅(hong)一軍(jun)團宣傳(chuan)部長。抗日(ri)戰(zhan)(zhan)爭爆發(fa)后(hou),紅(hong)軍(jun)改編(bian)為八路軍(jun),肖(xiao)向榮(rong)任(ren)一一五師宣傳(chuan)部長。平(ping)型(xing)關(guan)首戰(zhan)(zhan)告捷,他把八路軍(jun)英勇(yong)殺敵的(de)戰(zhan)(zhan)斗經(jing)(jing)過寫成《平(ping)型(xing)關(guan)戰(zhan)(zhan)場日(ri)記(ji)》在國內外報紙(zhi)上(shang)發(fa)表,戳穿(chuan)了日(ri)本(ben)法西(xi)斯不可戰(zhan)(zhan)勝的(de)神(shen)話,振奮了全(quan)國抗戰(zhan)(zhan)軍(jun)民的(de)精神(shen)。
1938年(nian)冬,肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)被任(ren)命為(wei)(wei)八路軍(jun)總政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)宣(xuan)傳部(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang),擔(dan)當起全(quan)軍(jun)宣(xuan)傳工(gong)作的(de)(de)重(zhong)任(ren)。他負責創辦的(de)(de)八路軍(jun)《軍(jun)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)雜志》得到毛(mao)(mao)主(zhu)(zhu)席的(de)(de)特殊關(guan)心重(zhong)視,毛(mao)(mao)主(zhu)(zhu)席親自為(wei)(wei)它(ta)寫(xie)(xie)了《發(fa)(fa)刊詞》。1943年(nian),肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志作的(de)(de)《關(guan)于部(bu)(bu)(bu)隊教育(yu)工(gong)作》的(de)(de)報告送呈毛(mao)(mao)主(zhu)(zhu)席,毛(mao)(mao)主(zhu)(zhu)席親筆批示:“向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志,這(zhe)個教材寫(xie)(xie)得很好。”并(bing)題寫(xie)(xie)書名,印成單行本發(fa)(fa)到各個部(bu)(bu)(bu)隊。抗戰勝(sheng)利后,肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志調(diao)任(ren)東(dong)(dong)(dong)北(bei)民主(zhu)(zhu)聯軍(jun)宣(xuan)傳部(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang),為(wei)(wei)加強(qiang)東(dong)(dong)(dong)北(bei)各部(bu)(bu)(bu)隊的(de)(de)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)思想(xiang)建設,爭取戰爭的(de)(de)勝(sheng)利起到了重(zhong)要的(de)(de)作用。在解放戰爭期間(jian),肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志任(ren)十五(wu)兵(bing)團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)任(ren),作為(wei)(wei)南下大軍(jun)領導人之一,揮戈廣(guang)(guang)東(dong)(dong)(dong),回到家鄉(xiang)。1949年(nian)10月參加解放廣(guang)(guang)州,1950年(nian)3月參加解放海南。十五(wu)兵(bing)團(tuan)進駐廣(guang)(guang)州后,肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志兼任(ren)廣(guang)(guang)東(dong)(dong)(dong)省軍(jun)區政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)和中國共產黨中央華南分局宣(xuan)傳部(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)。后升任(ren)十五(wu)兵(bing)團(tuan)政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)委(wei)。華南軍(jun)區成立(li)時(shi),肖(xiao)向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志任(ren)副政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)委(wei)兼政(zheng)(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)部(bu)(bu)(bu)主(zhu)(zhu)任(ren)。
堅持原則
建國(guo)(guo)后,肖向榮同志被任(ren)命為(wei)中央軍(jun)委和(he)國(guo)(guo)防(fang)部辦公廳(ting)主任(ren),后又任(ren)中央軍(jun)委副秘(mi)書(shu)長。在軍(jun)委、國(guo)(guo)防(fang)部工作(zuo)期(qi)間,他陪同軍(jun)委領(ling)導率領(ling)軍(jun)事代表(biao)團(tuan)出訪朝鮮、緬甸、印度、印尼、越南等國(guo)(guo)家,為(wei)世(shi)界(jie)和(he)平奔走。在軍(jun)委十幾(ji)年來(lai),他的(de)工作(zuo)非常繁(fan)重,他常對辦公廳(ting)的(de)工作(zuo)人(ren)員說:“我們要(yao)盡量承擔工作(zuo),讓(rang)毛主席和(he)軍(jun)委首長減少不必要(yao)的(de)事務,有更多的(de)時(shi)間考慮國(guo)(guo)內外、軍(jun)內外大(da)事。”
在與林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)篡黨奪權陰(yin)謀的斗(dou)爭中,肖向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志(zhi)沒有因林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)位居高位而同(tong)流合污。葉群由地方(fang)轉入軍(jun)隊任林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)辦公室主任時(shi),想借林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)的權勢搞套一級(ji)干部級(ji)別,肖向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志(zhi)硬是不給(gei)批準。葉群參(can)加“四清(qing)”回來,七拼八湊寫了個材料,林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)要印(yin)發全(quan)軍(jun)學(xue)習(xi),肖向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)認為不符(fu)合原(yuan)則(ze),堅(jian)(jian)決不發,林(lin)(lin)彪(biao)(biao)為此大發雷霆(ting)。肖向(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)同(tong)志(zhi)知(zhi)道這樣做的后果將會是什么,他在一次黨的會議上表(biao)態(tai)說:“我寧(ning)愿(yuan)堅(jian)(jian)持原(yuan)則(ze)得罪人,也不要送了人情違(wei)犯政(zheng)策(ce)。為了堅(jian)(jian)持原(yuan)則(ze),不怕得罪人,這是辦事的指導方(fang)針。”
林(lin)彪一(yi)(yi)(yi)伙怎能放過肖向(xiang)(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)(rong)呢?1965年(nian)11月(yue)的一(yi)(yi)(yi)天(tian),林(lin)彪授(shou)意別(bie)人(ren)在(zai)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)大會上(shang)宣布(bu)肖向(xiang)(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)(rong)同志(zhi)“反(fan)對毛澤東(dong)思(si)想”,“有嚴重問題(ti)”。并立即在(zai)大會上(shang)進行批判。此后,林(lin)彪一(yi)(yi)(yi)伙加緊了對他的迫害。12月(yue),宣布(bu)對肖向(xiang)(xiang)榮(rong)(rong)(rong)進行專案(an)審查,把他作(zuo)為“羅瑞(rui)卿篡軍反(fan)黨(dang)一(yi)(yi)(yi)案(an)的主要成員”進行迫害。其后,被(bei)發配(pei)到(dao)河南省羅山縣一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)偏僻的農場改造。在(zai)干校,他堅持共(gong)產(chan)主義信念,積(ji)極磨煉自己(ji),他在(zai)《南鄉子·自勉》的下(xia)半闕中道(dao)出他革命幾十年(nian)的真實寫照:慚愧白(bai)頭(tou)(tou)翁,手(shou)足(zu)無能氣力窮,惟(wei)有埋頭(tou)(tou)堪(kan)體現,初衷,貫徹平生一(yi)(yi)(yi)點(dian)紅。
林彪摔死后次年(nian),在葉劍英副(fu)主席的(de)關懷下,肖向榮結束了3年(nian)“五七”干校的(de)勞動生(sheng)活回到北京治(zhi)病。1975年(nian)3月任國防科委副(fu)政委,國防科委黨委副(fu)書記。
到國(guo)(guo)防(fang)科委工作(zuo)后,他堅(jian)定地支持張(zhang)愛萍主任(ren)的工作(zuo)。1976年,江青把國(guo)(guo)防(fang)科委當作(zuo)“反擊右傾翻案風”的重點,把張(zhang)愛萍、肖向(xiang)榮(rong)等領導人誣蔑為(wei)翻案的急先鋒,硬把因嚴重心(xin)臟病(bing)正(zheng)在住院的肖向(xiang)榮(rong)逼(bi)出醫院,回(hui)國(guo)(guo)防(fang)科委接受日夜(ye)的輪番批斗,致使肖向(xiang)榮(rong)同志于(yu)1976年3月23日含冤去世。
1978年(nian)(nian)12月(yue)19日(ri),中(zhong)國(guo)共產(chan)(chan)黨總參委(wei)員(yuan)會作出了(le)(le)《關于為肖(xiao)(xiao)向(xiang)(xiang)榮同(tong)志(zhi)平反昭雪(xue)的(de)決定》。1980年(nian)(nian)12月(yue)29日(ri),《人民(min)(min)日(ri)報》發表了(le)(le)張愛萍等六位同(tong)志(zhi)署(shu)名的(de)文章(zhang)《忠(zhong)(zhong)誠(cheng)的(de)無產(chan)(chan)階(jie)級(ji)革(ge)命(ming)(ming)(ming)戰(zhan)士(shi)肖(xiao)(xiao)向(xiang)(xiang)榮》,文章(zhang)真(zhen)實而生動地追(zhui)述了(le)(le)肖(xiao)(xiao)向(xiang)(xiang)榮同(tong)志(zhi)為中(zhong)國(guo)人民(min)(min)的(de)解放(fang)事業和人民(min)(min)解放(fang)軍的(de)建設奮斗(dou)了(le)(le)整(zheng)整(zheng)半個(ge)世紀的(de)光(guang)(guang)輝事跡(ji)。文章(zhang)指(zhi)出:肖(xiao)(xiao)向(xiang)(xiang)榮少年(nian)(nian)就矢志(zhi)革(ge)命(ming)(ming)(ming),暮年(nian)(nian)忠(zhong)(zhong)于初(chu)衷,革(ge)命(ming)(ming)(ming)到底。他(ta)的(de)一(yi)(yi)生是戰(zhan)斗(dou)的(de)一(yi)(yi)生,革(ge)命(ming)(ming)(ming)的(de)一(yi)(yi)生。他(ta)對黨忠(zhong)(zhong)貞不(bu)(bu)渝,堅持正確的(de)立場、艱苦奮斗(dou)、任(ren)勞任(ren)怨、埋頭(tou)苦干、精益求精的(de)工(gong)作精神、以及光(guang)(guang)明磊落、不(bu)(bu)畏權勢(shi)、至死不(bu)(bu)屈的(de)高尚情操,鑄成了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)忠(zhong)(zhong)誠(cheng)的(de)無產(chan)(chan)階(jie)級(ji)戰(zhan)士(shi)的(de)光(guang)(guang)輝形象。
心念他人
肖向榮(rong)將(jiang)軍雖然一生戎(rong)馬倥(kong)傯,馳騁疆場,但他仍然念(nian)(nian)念(nian)(nian)不忘(wang)父老鄉(xiang)親,1951年他到興梅(mei)地區(qu)視察工作時回(hui)(hui)到母校(xiao)梅(mei)州“東山中學”看(kan)望(wang)師(shi)生,也回(hui)(hui)石扇老家(jia)住過一晚。回(hui)(hui)到北京后,他念(nian)(nian)念(nian)(nian)不忘(wang)廣(guang)東家(jia)鄉(xiang)的社會主義(yi)建(jian)設。他在一首詩里寫道:珠(zhu)江眼底(di)接(jie)韓江,千里遙聞春麥香。望(wang)斷梅(mei)州思(si)何所,白云(yun)天外有家(jia)鄉(xiang)。
1958年(nian)冬(dong),肖向榮(rong)(rong)中將作(zuo)為(wei)中央軍委副秘(mi)書(shu)長到(dao)福建視察(cha),途經(jing)汕頭(tou)時(shi)順道回鄉(xiang)(xiang)探(tan)親。母(mu)校“梅北中學”(原(yuan)石扇高級小學)全體師生(sheng)集(ji)中在(zai)大(da)禮堂(tang)熱烈歡迎(ying)大(da)將軍回鄉(xiang)(xiang)。肖向榮(rong)(rong)即席勉勵師生(sheng)們(men)要(yao)發(fa)揚(yang)母(mu)校的(de)(de)革命傳統和(he)優良學風,勤奮努(nu)力,學好本領,將來報效祖國。晚上(shang),肖向榮(rong)(rong)在(zai)“雙桂第(di)”與全村(cun)老少歡聚一(yi)堂(tang)。身(shen)為(wei)大(da)將軍的(de)(de)肖向榮(rong)(rong)來到(dao)早年(nian)他讀書(shu)被燒(shao)過的(de)(de)桂花樹(shu)下時(shi),動情地(di)說(shuo)(shuo):當年(nian)我在(zai)桂花樹(shu)下讀書(shu)時(shi)就暗暗發(fa)過誓,長大(da)后無論做什么,走(zou)到(dao)多(duo)遠的(de)(de)地(di)方,都不要(yao)忘記農(nong)民,更不要(yao)忘記自己(ji)是農(nong)民的(de)(de)兒子(zi)。鄉(xiang)(xiang)親們(men)向他介紹家鄉(xiang)(xiang)的(de)(de)變遷,提到(dao)熟悉的(de)(de)人時(shi),肖向榮(rong)(rong)總會詢問(wen)近況,關心他們(men)的(de)(de)生(sheng)活。聽說(shuo)(shuo)離村(cun)十(shi)多(duo)華(hua)里(li)的(de)(de)“古梅陂”正在(zai)修水庫,他馬上(shang)說(shuo)(shuo):“我是鄉(xiang)(xiang)親叔伯(bo)們(men)出(chu)(chu)錢(qian)‘繳’(供(gong))出(chu)(chu)身(shen)的(de)(de)人,幾十(shi)年(nian)出(chu)(chu)門在(zai)外(wai),沒有為(wei)家鄉(xiang)(xiang)做什么事,明天我要(yao)到(dao)修水庫的(de)(de)工(gong)地(di)上(shang),和(he)鄉(xiang)(xiang)親們(men)共同為(wei)家鄉(xiang)(xiang)的(de)(de)建設出(chu)(chu)一(yi)把力。”
當(dang)時(shi)正是“公社(she)化”初期(qi),農村大辦食堂。他到(dao)食堂查(cha)看伙食和(he)物(wu)資,發(fa)現食堂物(wu)資匱(kui)乏,群眾(zhong)生活(huo)非常(chang)困苦。從食堂出(chu)來(lai),他吩咐警衛人員從自(zi)己的工資里拿(na)出(chu)一部分錢到(dao)食堂,改善群眾(zhong)的伙食。他聽說有(you)線廣播已經拉到(dao)了村里,就拿(na)出(chu)50元(yuan)錢交給(gei)當(dang)地(di)干部,要(yao)求每(mei)個居民(min)點(dian)都(dou)安上(shang)一個廣播喇叭,讓鄉親們(men)每(mei)天(tian)都(dou)能聽到(dao)廣播,了解黨的政策。
第(di)二天,肖(xiao)向榮(rong)同志在公社(she)負責人的(de)(de)(de)陪同下,步行十多(duo)里,早早來到“古梅陂(po)”水(shui)庫工地(di)上勞動,一個(ge)女(nv)社(she)員看他(ta)挑土(tu)挑得滿(man)頭(tou)大汗,送(song)(song)上毛巾(jin)對他(ta)說:“木元叔,你是當大官的(de)(de)(de)人,來看我(wo)們(men)也(ye)算有心(xin)了(le),那能叫你真真來‘做細(xi)’(干活)。”說完想接過將(jiang)軍的(de)(de)(de)泥擔。肖(xiao)向榮(rong)同志爽朗地(di)大笑(xiao)說:“(我(wo))也(ye)系農(nong)民,做細(xi)出身的(de)(de)(de),莫(mo)看每日在北京,?時(shi)常也(ye)在心(xin)里念(nian)等(著)大家人啊!”一席話,說得大家心(xin)里熱(re)呼呼的(de)(de)(de),干勁更足(zu)了(le),工地(di)上掀起了(le)你追(zhui)我(wo)趕的(de)(de)(de)競賽熱(re)潮。工休(xiu)的(de)(de)(de)時(shi)候(hou)(hou),肖(xiao)向榮(rong)同志視(shi)察了(le)整個(ge)工程,他(ta)對陪同的(de)(de)(de)縣(xian)社(she)領導說:我(wo)們(men)石(shi)扇良田多(duo),但歷來水(shui)利條件不好,要多(duo)建水(shui)庫,保證農(nong)田有充足(zu)的(de)(de)(de)水(shui)源,農(nong)業才(cai)能大豐收(shou)。中午的(de)(de)(de)時(shi)候(hou)(hou),肖(xiao)向榮(rong)同志親自檢(jian)查食(shi)堂送(song)(song)來的(de)(de)(de)菜(cai)飯,囑咐縣(xian)社(she)干部不要餓著“做細(xi)”的(de)(de)(de)人。
肖(xiao)向榮同志回到北京(jing)后還(huan)經常關心家(jia)(jia)鄉的農田水利(li)建(jian)設,當他聽(ting)到石扇(shan)公社連(lian)續幾(ji)年興建(jian)了(le)“徑尾坪”水庫(ku)(ku)、“巴莊”水庫(ku)(ku)、“園欣亭”水庫(ku)(ku)時,非(fei)常高興,連(lian)連(lian)說,好(hao)啊,家(jia)(jia)鄉人有好(hao)日子過了(le)。
1959年的(de)(de)(de)夏天(tian)(tian)(tian),廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)東(dong)(dong)部遭受(shou)了特大洪(hong)災,從6月(yue)(yue)11日(ri)起(qi),東(dong)(dong)江流(liu)域(yu)連降暴雨,幾天(tian)(tian)(tian)時間,降雨量達(da)800毫米(mi)。《人(ren)民(min)(min)(min)日(ri)報(bao)(bao)》6月(yue)(yue)16日(ri)頭版消(xiao)息《廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)、福建暴雨成災,人(ren)民(min)(min)(min)奮(fen)起(qi)防洪(hong)保收》載:粵東(dong)(dong)的(de)(de)(de)“河源、博羅、增城(cheng)(cheng)三個縣城(cheng)(cheng)被洪(hong)水侵入,惠陽縣城(cheng)(cheng)仍在洪(hong)水包圍中。全省被淹耕地350萬(wan)畝(mu)……”。6月(yue)(yue)19日(ri),《人(ren)民(min)(min)(min)日(ri)報(bao)(bao)》又在頭版發表了《廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)軍(jun)民(min)(min)(min)全力抗洪(hong)救災》的(de)(de)(de)報(bao)(bao)道。農家出身(shen)的(de)(de)(de)肖將軍(jun)怎能不關(guan)心(xin)(xin)同自己死生與(yu)共,生活和戰(zhan)斗了二十(shi)多年的(de)(de)(de)廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)人(ren)民(min)(min)(min)呢?這幾天(tian)(tian)(tian),他一到(dao)辦公室,總是馬上拿起(qi)當天(tian)(tian)(tian)的(de)(de)(de)《人(ren)民(min)(min)(min)日(ri)報(bao)(bao)》查看廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)水災的(de)(de)(de)消(xiao)息,當得知家鄉(xiang)軍(jun)民(min)(min)(min)終(zhong)于戰(zhan)勝了大洪(hong)水時,激動(dong)得寫下《寄(ji)廣(guang)東(dong)(dong)同洪(hong)水戰(zhan)斗的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)們》:天(tian)(tian)(tian)公無眼(yan)淚偏多,涕淚縱(zong)橫作(zuo)浪波;掀起(qi)惡(e)濤三百丈(zhang),狼嗥虎嘯(xiao)舞群魔。……云(yun)天(tian)(tian)(tian)南望路漫(man)漫(man),日(ri)日(ri)新聞細細看;一見洪(hong)峰歸大海,心(xin)(xin)旌自定覺(jue)懷寬。捷訊頻(pin)傳到(dao)耳邊,軍(jun)民(min)(min)(min)群力勝蒼天(tian)(tian)(tian);舉眉南望四千里,遙(yao)寄(ji)俚詩賦我(wo)懸。