Xia Bogen

Xiabogen, born into a boatman's family along the Lijiang River, her exact birth date is not specified. She was the fourth wife of Deng Shaochang and also Deng Xiaoping's stepmother. She was five years older than Deng Xiaoping but not his biological mother. Due to her special familial relationship with Deng Xiaoping, Xiabogen held an important and respected position within the family.

After the war, Xiabogen continued to live with members of the Deng family. Following the nation's liberation, she maintained family ties with Deng Shaochang and his children. Between October 1969 and 1972, she was "sent-down" to Jiangxi with Deng Xiaoping, during which she continued to fulfill her family responsibilities.

Her family members included her husband Deng Shaochang, daughters Deng Xianfu and Deng Xianrong (who passed away in her teens), and Deng Xiaoping as a stepson. Xiabogen played a significant role in the family, especially during the Cultural Revolution, when she used her attitude and actions to help the Deng family through difficult times. She not only assisted with household chores but also encouraged her family members with an optimistic outlook, influencing the surrounding environment and demonstrating a nurturing motherly demeanor.

In the spring of 2001, Xiabogen passed away at an unspecified age. Throughout her life, she maintained close ties with Deng Xiaoping's family and was regarded as having certain influence both within the family and in society. Her life story reflects the resilience and dedication of an ordinary housewife under a special historical background.