In China, cases of official corruption are common, but the experience of one national-level cadre is particularly eye-catching. Not only did he embezzle nearly 300 million yuan in public funds, but after he was found out, he did not spend a day in jail, and instead received 19 ye

In China, cases of official corruption are common, but the experience of one national-level cadre is particularly eye-catching. Not only did he embezzle nearly 300 million yuan in public funds, but after he was found out, he did not spend a day in jail, and instead received 19 years of back pay. What the hell is going on?

The starting point of tragedy: the fate of the Varyag

The time goes back to November 4, 1985, at the Nikolaev Shipyard in Ukraine, the keel of an aircraft carrier with high hopes - the "Varyag" was officially laid to rest. This aircraft carrier was originally the pride of the Soviet Navy, and its designers confidently claimed that it would rival the United States' Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. However, with the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the Varyag gradually fell into ruins. After Ukraine became independent, the shipyard fell into economic difficulties and many workers lost their jobs. In 1995, an American businessman even proposed to transform it into an offshore casino, but the Ukrainian government rejected it.

As time went by, the Varyag was gradually abandoned and became the target of scrap dealers. Some people even secretly climbed aboard to steal metal parts. Just when it was about to be reduced to scrap metal, He Pengfei, a naval general far away in China, learned about the aircraft carrier through an international military exchange meeting. He realized that if this aircraft carrier could be obtained, it would save at least 15 years of research and development time for China's naval construction.

The Secret Sea Eagle Project

He Pengfei quickly organized a secret team, codenamed "Sea Eagle Project", and began to study the possibility of purchasing the Varyag. However, this plan is not simple, especially in the face of strong opposition from the United States. China needs to find a low-key and unobtrusive way to buy.

During this process, He Pengfei thought of his old comrade Xu Zengping. The two served on the same destroyer and trusted each other. When He Pengfei explained the situation to Xu Zengping, Xu Zengping agreed to participate in the plan without hesitation, although he knew that it might mean losing all his property.

In order to deceive others, Xu Zengping registered a company in Macau - "Macau Tourism and Leisure Development Co., Ltd." However, as the plan progressed, they realized that relying on their own strength was far from enough. In order to raise funds, Xu Zengping even mortgaged his own property, and the pressure was increasing day by day.

At this time, they found Shao Chun, the chairman of China Securities. One night in July 1999, Xu Zengping went to Shao Chun's office in the rain and explained the entire plan to him. Shao Chun thought about it for three sleepless nights and finally decided to participate. As a successful financier, he is well aware of the risks that this decision may bring, but there is a voice in his heart calling him: "Every man is responsible for the rise and fall of a country."

Sailing against the wind: The return of the Varyag

in Shao With Chun's help, they established a technology company called "Ocean Star", which claimed to be developing marine resource development equipment. After many efforts, the Varyag finally set off to return home, but the voyage was not peaceful.

While passing through the Turkish Strait , a young Turkish customs official insisted on boarding the ship for inspection, resulting in a stalemate that lasted for several hours. In the Indian Ocean, they encountered another strong typhoon. The captain described it as "the most thrilling voyage in his life." After 543 days of arduous journey, the Varyag finally arrived at Dalian Port on March 3, 2002, ushering in the cheers of the people across the country.

A tragic turning point: Shao Chun’s fate

However, at the moment when people across the country were joyful for the return of the Varyag, Shao Chun ushered in the darkest moment of his life. In 2004, after someone reported that Shao Chun had embezzled public funds, the central government launched an investigation into him. Shao Chun was removed from his position as chairman of China Securities and was put under investigation.

When the investigation began, Shao Chun was accompanying his sick mother in the hospital. His first reaction after learning the news was to destroy some relevant documents to protect other participants. In the following years, Shao Chun experienced hardships that are unimaginable to ordinary people. He was mistakenly accused of embezzling public funds, his personal property was confiscated, and his life was in trouble. Even his children were affected when they were looking for jobs.

Despite this, Shao Chun never regretted his choice in the difficult days. He always believed that his contribution to the country's defense was worthwhile. His father, a veteran of the Anti-Japanese War, often told him: "Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of a country." This sentence deeply affected Shao Chun and became his motivation to keep moving forward.

A turning point in history: the dawn of redress

With Shao Chun's persistence and efforts, the "Varyag" was reborn on Chinese soil. Many people with ideals and ambitions devoted themselves to the transformation process. An old engineer even insisted on climbing on the deck to check the welding quality every day until he retired at the age of 80. On September 25, 2012, the Varyag was officially renamed "Liaoning", marking China's entry into the aircraft carrier era.

At this exciting moment, Shao Chun, He Pengfei and Xu Zengping gathered in front of the TV and were filled with emotions. However, Shao Chun's road to rehabilitation is still long. It was not until 2018 that Shao Chun's grievances were gradually clarified. A retired senior general took the initiative to testify. The investigation team also found Ukrainian personnel who participated in the purchase, confirming the legitimacy of the entire process.

Shao Chun received the news of his rehabilitation on his 75th birthday. He described it as "the best birthday gift." At the ceremony to issue the "Certificate of Outstanding Contribution to the Aircraft Carrier", Shao Chun said excitedly: "My life has been worth it." People who had misunderstood him came to apologize one after another, and Shao Chun forgave them one by one.

The Return and Inheritance of Life

Today, Shao Chun walks on the beach every morning and looks at the sea. His studio is filled with sketches and oil paintings of aircraft carriers, which have become the subject of his creations in recent years. He also often receives students from all over the country, telling them about this little-known history and conveying patriotism.

In a public speech, Shao Chun said: "If I could turn back time, I would make the same choice." His story is not only a microcosm of the intertwined destiny of an individual and the country, but also a microcosm of an era, telling us that at the critical moment At this moment, everyone has the possibility to become a participant and promoter of history.

In 2023, a movie "No Regrets" based on Shao Chun was launched, which attracted widespread attention. This film not only tells Shao Chun's personal story, but also shows the spirit of a generation of silent dedication to the development of the country.

Shao Chun’s experience reminds us that in a complex social environment, personal choices may carry more meaning. Although he experienced a huge price, he also made an indelible contribution to China's naval modernization. His story will always be an important chapter in the history of China's aircraft carrier development, inspiring future generations to continue working hard for the country's prosperity.

This story is not only a legend about an official, but also a profound reflection on faith and responsibility. In the course of the country's history, the contributions of every little person will eventually converge into a powerful force that drives society forward. Shao Chun's persistence and dedication not only made him successful, but also paved a glorious road for the country's future.