In the heart of the Taihang Mountains in northern China, the memory of General Zuo Quan (1905-42) has remained vivid and been cherished for over 80 years.

During the full-scale outbreak of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Zuo served as the deputy chief of staff of the Eighth Route Army, assisting in directing guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines in North China. His grandson, Sha Feng, told China Daily how his strategic brilliance and bravery were instrumental in the fight against the invaders.

On May 25, 1942, the Japanese launched a massive offensive against the revolutionary base in the Taihang Mountains. Near Matian in Liaoxian county, Shanxi province, Zuo personally led his troops to protect the North Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army during their breakout and retreat. Tragically, in the heat of battle, he was struck by shrapnel from a Japanese artillery shell and died at the age of 37.

"My grandfather fought for national independence until his last breath," Sha said. "It was just two days before my mother Zuo Taibei's second birthday. She spent only three months with her father."

To Sha, his grandfather was not only a valiant warrior but also a brilliant military strategist. His writings on ambush and assault tactics were crucial in guiding the Eighth Route Army's operations. The general also dedicated significant effort to the regularization of the army and the establishment of military factories.