Zhu De, with Mao Zedong, analyzes the battle plan against the Japanese army at the 7th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, 1945. [Photo provided by Liu Jian]

Calling for equality in the army

Whenever Liu mentioned Zhu De, he always called Zhu "yeye" (paternal grandfather). However, Zhu is actually Liu's grandfather on the maternal side.

"A lot of people have asked me about this. When I was small, I always yelled yeye when I got home. Visitors would be confused and ask who I was. Once they learnt I was the son of Zhu Min (Zhu De's daughter), they would say I should call him laoye (maternal grandfather). Grandpa would say there was no laoye, man and woman should be equal, and all his grandchildren should call him yeye," said Liu.

Liu Jian had served as a platoon leader in the military. His troop raised 15 pigs. Zhu De once asked him about how they raised pigs and when the pigs were served. When learning that ordinary soldiers couldn't even get the entrails, Zhu was not happy.

"This is the officers taking advantage of the soldiers. It is crucial that we never do that. Officers need to be the same as ordinary soldiers. Our success lies in the unity between officers and soldiers," said Zhu.

Zhu De always abided by the rules set by himself and always thought of the Party and the people. Before his death, Zhu saved 20,000 yuan. But he didn't leave it to his children. His wife followed his will and donated it all to the Party.

Liu said that Zhu always reminded him to do work carefully and pay attention to details.

"He set himself up as a model for us. Many truths are found in tiny things around us. Looking back, what he had taught me is really invaluable," said Liu.