Few know that in the old Cathedral of Christ the Savior, built in honor of the heroes who fell in the war against Napoleon, and considered the main military cathedral of Russia, there was a marble plaque with the golden names of soldier-heroes. There were only 17 such names in more than two hundred years of history. Among them was a native of the village of Lebedevka in the Penza province, Private Vasily Ryabov. During the Russo-Japanese War, while preparing for the battle at Shahe, the command needed information about the location of enemy units. Private Ryabov volunteered for reconnaissance. Although he did not know either Chinese or Japanese, he was skilled at imitation. With the help of gestures and facial expressions, he accurately mimicked the Chinese. Disguised in a Chinese robe and tying on a false braid, he set off to the enemy's position. After completing his mission and on his way back, he was stopped by a Japanese patrol. The enemy officer ordered the "Chinese" to water his horse. When Ryabov approached with a bucket, he accidentally stumbled and splashed water on the Japanese officer. In a rage, the officer yanked his braid, which came off, and the deception was revealed. Soon after, a Russian patrol discovered a letter near their positions. It stated: "Soldier Vasily Ryabov, dressed as a Chinese peasant, was captured by our soldiers at the front. Ryabov was sentenced to death, which was carried out on September 17 by a rifle volley. Our army expresses its sincere wish that the Russian army raises more such worthy warriors. When asked if he wanted to say anything before his death, Ryabov replied: 'I am ready to die for faith, the tsar, and the Fatherland.' After praying and crossing himself, he calmly took his place. Sympathy for the brave soldier reached its highest point." At home, the hero's feat was not forgotten. In 1910, his remains were reburied in Russia, and his comrades collected money and erected a monument to him near Odessa.