Chen Cuifen

Chen Cuifen (1873–1960), courtesy name Ruifen, also known as Xiangling, was a native of Jimei, Xiamen, Fujian. According to records, she was born in Hong Kong in 1873. Her father was engaged in the traditional Chinese medicine business. Chen Cuifen was the fourth child in her family, hence she was called the "Fourth Girl" or "Chen Fourth Aunt."

On August 12, 1892, she met Sun Yat-sen in Hong Kong, later becoming an important revolutionary partner. Out of respect and admiration for Sun Yat-sen, she voluntarily followed him into the revolutionary cause. During the revolution, she served as Sun Yat-sen's assistant, taking care of his daily life, as well as functioning as a nurse and security personnel. While Sun Yat-sen was in exile in Japan, she protected his revolutionary activities under the guise of being his wife. In Yokohama, her residence with Sun Yat-sen became a hub for revolutionary activities, hosting fellow revolutionaries who came to discuss matters, including Hu Hanmin, Liao Zhongkai, and Chiang Kai-shek. She secretly transported arms and ammunition prior to the Huizhou uprising in 1900, and was involved in liaison work and intelligence transmission—almost all related activities were handled by her.

During the four armed uprisings planned by Sun Yat-sen, Chen Cuifen accompanied him closely. After the establishment of the Republic of China, she chose to withdraw from public life. In 1914, she traveled to Sabah, the capital of Malaya (then called Dali), settled there, and adopted a overseas Chinese girl. After the September 18 Incident, she returned to Hong Kong at Sun Ke’s invitation, and later moved to Guangzhou. During the Anti-Japanese War, she participated in anti-Japanese propaganda and rescue efforts in Guangzhou. In 1947, due to her advanced age, she returned to settle in Hong Kong.

Her marriage to Sun Yat-sen began when she was 19 years old; her husband was Lu Muzhen, who was one year her senior. Lu Muzhen was a rural woman, virtuous and diligent in managing the household; they had one son and two daughters. Despite long absences due to Sun Yat-sen’s overseas exile, their relationship remained affectionate. During Sun Yat-sen’s multiple periods abroad, she continued to participate in revolutionary activities and played an important role in revolutionary affairs.

Although Chen Cuifen did not receive formal education, her contributions to the revolution are widely recognized. She traveled abroad secretly transporting arms, received revolutionary comrades, and performed important logistical tasks in Yokohama, Japan. She lived a frugal life, remembered her family teachings, and dedicated herself selflessly until her death in 1960 at the age of 88. She was respectfully called "Nanyang Granny" or "Old Lady Sun" by her family, and holds a special place in Chinese revolutionary history. Her funeral was held at the Chinese Evergreen Cemetery in Tsuen Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong.