Zhang Qian

Zhang Qian (1922-1974), formerly named Zhangzhu, was a native of Wuhan, Hubei Province, and the wife of Marshal Chen Yi. She joined the New Fourth Army in 1938 and the Chinese Communist Party in 1940. She married Chen Yi and had three sons and one daughter. During the war, Zhang Qian followed the New Fourth Army in their eastward march to resist Japan and later participated in reconstruction efforts after the victory of the Sino-Japanese War. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, she worked at the People's Literature Publishing House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, translating Russian literary works. She also traveled to Asian and African countries multiple times with Chen Yi, contributing to "wife diplomacy." During the Cultural Revolution, Zhang Qian was subjected to struggles and criticism but always supported Chen Yi. After his death, she organized the selection of Chen Yi's poetry and essays, fulfilling her last wish before passing away. With her strong will and deep love, she exemplified responsibility towards family and career through her actions. She died of lung cancer in 1974 at the age of 52. Throughout her life, Zhang Qian demonstrated outstanding contributions to literature, diplomacy, and family, earning her the reputation of an elegant yet resilient female role model.