Zhu Xiangchan

Xu Xiangqian was born in 1896, with his exact place of birth not specified. His family consisted of his parents; his father was a farmer, and his mother loved her children. Xu Xiangqian’s family environment was quite ordinary. During his youth, he received a basic education. In 1920, at the age of 19, he began his studies at the National Normal School. During this period, his parents, considering traditional customs and social norms, arranged a marriage for him that same year.

His initial marriage partner was Zhu Xiangchan, who came from Zhujiacun in Dongye Town. Their family background was peasant-based: his father was illiterate and worked as a vegetable garden worker. There was discord between the two families over the marriage arrangements—Xu’s father wished to delay the wedding to ease financial burdens, while Zhu’s family insisted on following traditional timing. Ultimately, both parties agreed on an auspicious date in 1922, and the wedding was held.

After marriage, Xu Xiangqian and Zhu Xiangchan began their life together. Although they did not experience romantic love before marriage, they gradually adapted to each other and developed feelings over time. Soon after, their daughter, Xu Songzhi, was born. In family life, Zhu Xiangchan was respectful and courteous to her in-laws and elder siblings, demonstrating good family virtues. Xu Xiangqian worked as a sixth-grade elementary school teacher at Hebian Village, earning a monthly salary of 20 yuan, maintaining a relatively stable livelihood.

In 1924, due to school layoffs, Xu Xiangqian left his position and traveled to Guangzhou to enroll at the Whampoa Military Academy, leaving home for several months. During this period, Zhu Xiangchan experienced health problems, and her condition worsened. Upon receiving the news, Xu Xiangqian was anxious and distressed, but due to strict military discipline, he was unable to return immediately. As her illness deteriorated, Zhu Xiangchan, on her deathbed, requested family members to notify her husband to come home.

In terms of family members, Xu Xiangqian’s spouse was Zhu Xiangchan, and their child was daughter Xu Songzhi. Their grandson included Xu Luning, formerly known as Xiong Luning. The family maintained stable relations. Despite external upheavals affecting their lives, the family remained harmonious overall. In her later years, Zhu Xiangchan was unable to wait for her husband’s return and passed away. Her death was a heavy blow to the family.