In front of Yuelu Mountain, at the foot of Tianma Mountain, and on the bank of the Xiangjiang River, there is a residential building in the late Qing Dynasty facing west. It is described in the local dialect of eastern Hunan. It is a typical four buildings and three rooms with oars on both sides. The earth walls and blue tiles look unique in the pattern of tall buildings around them. This is the former residence of Xiao Jinguang, one of the top ten founding generals of the People's Republic of China and the first naval commander. Xiao was born in this house and spent his childhood and young student years here.

The word "Qian" is written on the forehead directly above the gate of the old residence, and the words "Yuan Heng" and "Li Zhen" are written on both sides. The door couplet is "Diligence can make up for weakness; frugality cultivates virtue." The words "Fu" and "Lu" are inscribed above the doors of the south and north rooms respectively. It is said that this house was purchased several times before liberation and was given to a family surnamed Hu during land reform. It is now established by the government as a cultural relics protection unit and is officially opened to the public after renovation.

This scenic spot has convenient transportation. Not far from the door is the "Tianma Shandong" bus stop, where more than 10 bus lines pass through it. Nearby are Taozi Lake Park, the former site of the Xinmin Society (Cai Hesen's former residence), Yuelu Mountain Tourist Area, Juzizhou Scenic Area and other famous attractions.

The old residence is a simple exhibition hall that displays pictures of Xiao Jinguang's glorious life. The text is divided into seven parts: "Establishing Faith and Joining the Revolution","Opening up the Soviet Area and Forging the Long March","Staying in the Border Area to Defend Yan 'an","Outstanding military achievements in the Southern Expedition and Northern Warfare","Preparing for the Navy to Consolidate Coastal Defense","Dedicated to Naval Modernization", and "Encouragement to Future Generations", which introduce Xiao Jinguang's extraordinary life.

Xiao Jinguang's life was quite legendary and dramatic. There are three main events:

1. He was almost shot during the Great Revolution

Chiang Kai-shek, as commander-in-chief, launched the fifth "encirclement and suppression" campaign against the Central Soviet Area. Under the guidance of Wang Ming's erroneous policy of left-leaning adventurism, Xiao Jinguang, then commander of the Minjian-Jiangxi Military Region, led his troops to the death, but he was repeatedly defeated. He was criticized for having expressed different opinions on Wang Ming's actions. In the name of the fall of Lichuan and the defeat of the Huwan Battle, he was dismissed from his post and sent to a military court for public trial and almost shot. It was Mao Zedong and others who fought hard to avoid death.

2. Join the ranks of the top ten generals of the founding country

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the People's Liberation Army of China was awarded titles for the first time in 1955. Some people said that it was equivalent to the founding marquis in ancient times, and the top ten marshals and top ten generals were selected. Among the military generals at that time, Xiao Jinguang's qualifications and military achievements were average, but why was he able to rank among the top ten generals? Some people say that because of the glory of Mao Zedong's fellow countrymen, the Hunan-born generals were taken care of when they were awarded their titles. Let's not mention, six of the top ten founding generals were born in Hunan.

In fact, there were many factors for the awarding of titles. They were neither purely "ranking based on seniority" nor simply "rewarding based on merit", but the comprehensive balance of the military's war history and personnel changes over the years. This is the essential difference between this awarding of titles and the ancient title.

Xiao Jinguang was then the commander of the Chinese Navy, and he was the only one in the land, sea, land and air. It was natural for him to join the ranks of the top ten generals together with Xu Guangda, then commander of the armored forces. Of course, only Lao Mao himself knew whether there was a role of Mao Zedong's hometown complex in arranging them to take up such important positions.

3. The peach turmoil in his later years

From the first day he joined the revolution, Xiao Jinguang regarded Mao Zedong as a teacher he admired. It can be said that Xiao Jinguang grew up with decades of help from Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong also appreciated Xiao Jinguang's talent and character and awarded important positions to Xiao Jinguang many times. Mao Zedong also protected Xiao Jinguang many times in various movements, such as the previous near-shooting and the subsequent seizure of power by the Gang of Four. Just because of Mao Zedong's words, Xiao Jinguang was a "lifelong naval commander" and could not defeat Xiao Jinguang.

Mao Zedong's thoughts shaped Xiao Jinguang, and Mao Zedong's words and deeds also influenced Xiao Jinguang. According to reports, Xiao Jinguang's life style was unstable in his later years, and there were many rumors of peach color, which became a joke for many veteran cadres after dinner.

The south wing of the former residence also displays some old-style farm tools and furniture, such as a roasting barrel, spinning wheel, bamboo hat, coir coat, loom, etc. While visiting the former residence, tourists can see these old objects. The elderly can recall childhood memories, and young people can lament the hardships of their ancestors 'labor.