Records of Horqin Grassland in the Late Qing Dynasty | Grassland duo Zana and balaji Nima

Hu Xiaoming

At the end of the Qing Dynasty, Horqin Grassland was baptized by the Russo-Japanese War. In the process of resisting the infiltration of Russian forces, two armed forces emerged in Horqin Grassland, one was the local armed forces headed by Bao Shanyi, and the other was the armed forces of poor herders headed by Zana and balaji Nima. In the troubled times when "a gun is king", Bao Shanyi, with the support of princes and nobles and Feng warlords, reclaimed land between the West Liaohe River and the East Liaohe River, accumulated huge wealth and gradually became a powerful local warlord. Zana and balaji Nima developed into a powerful armed force of herders in the process of resisting the Russian forces, and they fought against local warlords led by Bao Shanyi for more than ten years. It was not until Bao Shanyi married Feng warlord Wu Junsheng that the balance of power between the two sides was broken. The armed forces of Zana and balaji Nima brothers were finally exterminated by Bao Shanyi's armed forces and Fengzhi warlords. Only a narrative folk song "Zana balaji Nima" has been sung in Horqin grassland for more than 1 years, which makes people think infinitely about the changes in Horqin grassland a hundred years ago.

Horqin Grassland

Oriole Birds Gathering Place

In the middle of Qing Dynasty, Guli Gutai Village in Horqin Zuoyi Houqi had only a few families at first, and it didn't develop into a large-scale village until the early Republic of China. "Guli Ancient Terrace" comes from Mongolian, which means Oriole Bird. At that time, Guli Gutaitun was a good place with abundant products, beautiful aquatic plants and dense forests. Thousands of Oriole birds shuttled, gathered and lived in the forest, bringing auspicious atmosphere to this land. The local Mongolian people regarded it as a symbol of good luck and happiness, hence the name "Guli Gutaitun".

Hu is a big family in the village, and Zana and balaji Nima also come from Hu. Zana was born in 1879 (the fifth year of Guangxu reign), and balaji Nima was one year younger than him. Their grandfather named Laxi and grandmother Tuanpen lived in Qilijie near Changtu County in their early years, and then moved to Guligutai to settle down. Lahi has seven sons, all of whom are brave and extraordinary. They are called "Seven Strong Men", among whom the third is called Double Happiness and the sixth is called Yuanbao. Zhana is the son of Shuangxi, and his eldest brother is called Alsleng; Balaji Nima, the son of Yuanbao, has two sisters, Da Linge and Xiao Linge. Zana's wife Peony gave birth to a boy named Labha. Hu's family came to Lahi's generation, which can be called prosperous and flourishing.

Zana and balaji Nima have a very good family and can be called wealthy families. There are three rooms in Zhana, and there are several east and west wing rooms. balaji Nima lives in three straw houses, and there are several east and west wing rooms. The two brothers have a lot of livestock, including cows, horses and hounds. Their courtyards are close to each other. balaji Nima lives in the West Courtyard and Zana lives in the East Courtyard. Both brothers are of medium height, and balaji Nima is yellow and white, with a dark face. The two brothers are resolute, stubborn and aggressive, claiming to be brave men who are not afraid of violence. Without the invasion of Russian soldiers, they might have lived safely in the village. In addition, the two brothers love horses like life, which is the secret of their unity of men and horses, guns and horses, and galloping on the grassland.

Armed resistance against the invasion of Russia

In 194 (the 3th year of Guangxu), Japanese imperialism and tsarist Russia fought for the right to lease Lushun and Dalian in China, and they started a war in the northeast and eastern Inner Mongolia, which was known as the Russo-Japanese War. The war lasted for two years and ended in the defeat of Russia. Foreign invaders killed each other in the territory of China, and the Qing court was corrupt and incompetent, which led the wolf into the room without intervention and declared neutrality.

At that time, the eastern half of Kezuo Houqi was just the edge of the Russo-Japanese War, and the war spread to every village, making people restless and worried. Guligutaitun suffered from war, and Russian soldiers who were defeated in the Russo-Japanese War often appeared in and out of the village in groups of three or five. They burned and robbed women, raped women and killed innocent people indiscriminately, which aroused people's great indignation.

Once Zana and balaji Nima went out to look for horses, and a dozen Russian soldiers came to the village to harass them, which was extremely rampant. Zana and balaji Nima have long hated Russian soldiers. They consulted with several people in the village and killed them if they came again. Two days later, several Russian soldiers came to the village to plunder again, and when they left, they also caught the guide from the village. As agreed in advance, the guide led the Russian soldiers to the avenue near the beach in Hurenda, northeast of the village. Zana, balaji Nima and several young people have already been lying in ambush in the woods beside the main road. When the Russian soldiers came swaggering with the guide, Zana whispered to the villagers to get down from the Woods. At this time, a Buryatian among the Russian soldiers had noticed that the situation was not good, and knew that it was run. He hurriedly said in Mongolian for mercy and claimed to be a Buryatian Mongolian. But with the gunfire, they all became the ghosts of Zana and balaji Nima.

After the incident, the Qing court not only refused to support the heroic actions of Zana and balaji Nima, but also prepared to unite with foreign bandits to annihilate this armed force. At that time, many people in the village were terrified and blamed Zana and balaji Nima for bringing disaster to the village. In this regard, Zana and balaji Nima felt very wronged. They wanted to destroy the Russians with good intentions, but the result was thankless. So they simply left their homes and businesses and decided to arm themselves against the Qing court, vowing to drive the Russian forces out of the Horqin grassland.

After Zana and balaji Nima left, people in the village put the blame on the two brothers. Russian officers and men also remembered the two brothers and issued a wanted order offering a reward for their capture. Helpless, the two brothers shadowed each other and never disappeared.

he took refuge in Bao Shanyi for a short time

Bao Shanyi was born in Bi Lige, Erdun, a Mongolian, in 1878 (the fourth year of Guangxu reign in Qing Dynasty) and was born in Dahaozi Gacha, Jinbaotun Town, Kezuohou Banner. He lost his mother when he was a child and was raised by his uncle Tugejie. Later, he became a soldier. In 194, he replaced his uncle as the post of Huibing Juanda. In 197, he was promoted to Guandai and was ordered to lead troops to suppress Tao Ketao's rebel army. In 1911, he served as the patrol commander of the flag, and in 1921, he served as the military affairs assistant of the flag Zazak. Although Zana and balaji Nima are older than Bao Shanyi, they should call Bao Shanyi's uncle (Ximing Guan Dai and Bao Shanyi are distant brothers-in-law, Ximing is Zana and balaji Ma's uncle).

When the brothers Zana and balaji Nima first started an uprising, Bao Shanyi appreciated their courage and advised them to join their army, but the two brothers initially refused. They didn't run away from the village until they rebelled against Russia and were discovered and denounced by the villagers. At that time, the two brothers agreed to Bao Shanyi's invitation considering their own lack of strength. Came to Dasongzi, served as a soldier in Bao Shanyi's army, and went out with the team many times to fight bandits.

Bao Shan let them kill in the first battle, but he didn't reward them for their merits, and he usually treated them coldly. After a long time, Zana and balaji Nima brothers saw that Bao Shanyi's team was mixed with good and evil, and there was no difference with the bandits' manner, so they were disappointed and often expressed their dissatisfaction. I always feel that there is no way out for Bao Shanyi. Instead of being left at his mercy and tied up, it is better to start a new mountain, so they are separated from Bao Shanyi.

At first, Zana, balaji Nima and Bao Shan were not at loggerheads. The main reason for their bad relations was that the two brothers didn't like Bao Shanyi's bossiness and bullying the poor. Xiao Ling 'e, the youngest sister of balaji Nima, is smart, with fine features and good at singing and dancing. She is called "the fairy of grassland songs". When Bao Shan met Xiao Ling 'e by chance, he loved it very much and sent someone to propose marriage to his son Aminbu. Balaji Nima had long heard that Aminbu was a dissolute son. When he saw Bao Shan's client proposing marriage, he was furious and gave him a good scolding. Not only did the marriage fail, but he was scolded. Bao Shanyi suppressed his anger and left. From then on, I held a grudge against Zana and balaji Nima.

In 1911 (the third year of Xuantong), on the third day of the third lunar month, herders in Kezuo Houqi held the annual large circle of Arihundi (large-scale hunting activity) as usual. Bao Shanyi, who was just appointed as the leader this year, assumed a commanding posture to show himself, and led his son Aminbu, nephew Seleng and a group of servants to the hunting ground. From the other corner of the hunting ground, Zana, balaji Nima and a dozen others also gathered around on horseback.

Just then, a herdsman named Fu caught a hare in a condom. Amin Bu and Pegasus came and demanded that the herdsman give him the rabbit. The reason is that his hunting dog is about to catch the rabbit. The herdsmen argued with him, and Aminbu came with a whip. When Zana and balaji Nima saw this scene, they could not restrain their anger and came to stand up for the herdsmen. The two sides twisted into a ball and fought. As a result, Aminbu was beaten black and blue. Bao Shan saw that his son was beaten with blood all over his face. Now he led his entourage to kill Zana and balaji Nima. However, Zana, balaji Nima and others have already gone in a flurry.

In 1912, Bao Shanyi heard that Zana and balaji Nima had just returned from going out and sent troops to capture them. More than one hundred officers and men surrounded the courtyards of Zana and balaji Nima, but the soldiers were not stupid, knowing that the two brothers hit the target, no one dared to break into the courtyards. Later, Zana and balaji Nima came up with a plan to make Na Shunmeng in the same village shout at night to intimidate officers and soldiers, saying that if the officers and soldiers don't leave, they will come for reinforcements after dawn, and then they will be dead, making the officers and men swoon and tremble with fear.

The officers and men ordered Alsleng (Zana's elder brother) to tell them not to shout again. Alsleng went to the courtyard and made another code word, hinting that Zana, balaji Nima and others would break through immediately. Zana and balaji Nima recognized this is their brother's voice, and they are clearly telling themselves that if they don't break through, the consequences will be unimaginable. So he fled in the direction of Aduqin in the dark. After the officers and men found out, they sent troops to track and chase, but they didn't catch up. They came back and looted the property and horses of the two brothers.

A grassland strongman who robs the rich and helps the poor

In 1913, faced with Bao Shanyi's encirclement and suppression, Zana and balaji Nima brothers felt it necessary to find someone more powerful than Bao Shanyi as their patron and shelter themselves. They took the initiative to make friends with Yari haggar Qi (who was in charge of the flag and Zhang Jing) in Aduqintun, and took Yari Ha as their patron to work in the palace. Jariha is the uncle of King A (Amurlingkui), and the sister of King Dahan is the daughter-in-law of Jariha. Yariha not only has great power in Bo Wangfu, but also has a certain position in Dalhan Wangfu.

After that, when Cao Gan summoned Da Wei to the assembly point, Yari haggar sat on a tall camel, and all local officials, big and small, knelt down and kowtowed to greet him, and Bao Shanyi had to greet him. At this time, Jariha forced Bao Shan to return a horse driven away from Guligutai to Zana and balaji Nima brothers. Bao Shan suddenly stood up, brushed the dust off his knees, and then responded angrily that he was driving away the horse bandits' horses. Since then, the feud between Bao Shan and Zana and balaji Nima has deepened.

after the uprising of Zana and balaji Nima, they mainly made a living by robbing the property of princes and nobles. Of course, they didn't rob their own flags (Bowangqi), but they all robbed in other places. They have been to Outer Mongolia, Arukerqin, Durbert, Tushiyetu, King Dahan Banner and other places. Generally, they go out for activities before and after Tomb-Sweeping Day every year, and their coming and going are relatively hidden, which makes it impossible to prevent the princes and nobles in the surrounding areas. There were four times of looting with great influence:

For the first time, 13 horses of Zhulige Meilin in outer Mongolia were robbed. Then he went to Arukerqin Banner to rob 12 horses of Chahan Gegen. First, they sent someone to inform Chahan Gegen Living Buddha to donate gold, silver and jewels. If they don't want to donate, please be prepared to fight. Hearing this, Chahan Gegen Living Buddha felt that it was important to live, and sent someone to send good horses and jewels.

I broke into the Princess Mausoleum of Wafang (Hu and Gele) in King Dahan Banner for the second time. The robbery was first investigated by several people, including Alita, and then more than 2 people, including Zana, balaji Nima, Elige Lama, Yulong, and Daolibao, went to the accident and robbed a large number of gold and silver treasures and other materials. Then these things were taken to Zhengjiatun for sale, which was discovered by the authorities and almost caused a big disaster.

robbed the living Buddha of Maidar for the third time. On that occasion, the living Buddha of Maidar led his disciples to the vicinity of Tushiyetu, camped on a mountainside, and was about to make a fire. Zana and balaji Nima fell from the sky and robbed them all. Maidar Living Buddha is the third son of Chonggelinqin (the younger brother of Sengelinqin) and the grandfather of Ah Wang (Amurlingkui). Of course, the living Buddha of Maidar will tell the King about the humiliation.

It robbed the Xiaogegen Temple in Dongwuzhumuqin Banner for the fourth time. After you come back, Zana, balaji Nima and others are trapped under siege. Outer Mongolia, Arukerqin Banner, Wafangdong Princess Mausoleum, Dalhan King Banner, Maidar Living Buddha and other nobles and lamas of the Yellow Sect already know that it is Zana and balaji Nima who often rob them.

In addition to the above-mentioned large-scale robbery activities, Zana and balaji Nima have also been to Dulbert Banner, and a friend served as their guide and robbed them several times, but they never robbed civilians.

Being sheltered by King A

In 1913, Zana and balaji Nima went hunting in Al Hundi with Yari haggar. This time, it was in the spring of Bayintalahe in the north of New Airy. At that time, Bao Shanyi was promoted to the head for less than two years. He wore a red tassel hat and was very proud. He sat on a high place with Yari haggar and others to watch the hunting.

Bao Shan saw two good horses rode by Zana and balaji Nima brothers from a height, trying to take this opportunity to snatch them. Zana and balaji Nima will certainly not show weakness, and the two sides are at loggerheads. However, under the stop of Yariha, Bao Shanyi's attempt to grab the horse failed.

when zana and balaji nima came back from wuzhumuqin banner once, they heard that all the flags were arresting them, and the two brothers felt that the situation was very critical. Jariha reported to King Amurlingkui what the brothers Zana and balaji Nima had done. Ah Wang (Amurlingkui) was very happy to learn that Zana and balaji Nima were heroes of this flag. He informed his partner Taji to arrest Zana and balaji Nima brothers and then protect them. Considering that the two of them have extraordinary courage, Wang urged his men not to hurt them.

After several months, Zana and balaji Nima are still in prison, which makes Yari haggar very anxious. One day, he sent a secret letter to Zana's brother, Alsleng, asking him to pretend to deliver food to the prisoner and hide the steel file in a fried rice bag and send it to prison. After the brothers Zana and balaji Nima found the steel file in the fried rice bag, they cut off the instruments of torture with the steel file that night and escaped from prison. Two days later, Zana and balaji Nima returned home unharmed. Not long after, the two of them returned to their old jobs and robbed the nobles and lamas of the Yellow Sect one after another.

Bao Shanyi joined hands with Feng warlord

In 1919, Feng warlord Zhang Zuolin learned about the deeds of Zana and balaji Nima, and wanted to bring the armed forces of the two brothers under his command. At that time, Zhang Xueliang, a young marshal, also praised Zana and balaji Nima, which made Bao Shan worry. He knew that there was no room for two tigers in one mountain on Horqin grassland, and he wanted to get rid of Zana and balaji Nima.

in order to find a backer, Bao