Ye Zuanxiang

Ye Zhuanxiang, courtesy name Meixi, was born in 1871 in Meixian District, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. As a martial arts champion during the Qing Dynasty in Meizhou, Ye Zhuanxiang learned martial arts from his elder brother Ye Qinxian from a young age, but he did not attain any official position in government or the military. Subsequently, due to changing social circumstances, Ye Zhuanxiang earned a living through small business ventures, including street vending and other means to support his family.

Ye Zhuanxiang was married to Chen Xiuyun (1872-1944), and they had eight children, including the eldest son Ye Jianying, who later became a Marshal of the People's Liberation Army of China. In their family, besides Ye Jianying, there were also the second son Ye Yidao (later renamed Ye Daoying), daughter Ye Caiying, and daughter Ye Shunying. Throughout their upbringing, Ye Zhuanxiang was unable to achieve prominent social status, but his efforts in educating and nurturing his children had a significant influence on subsequent family members.

Ye Zhuanxiang passed away in 1921. His son, Ye Jianying, born in 1897, later became one of China’s key military and political leaders, making important contributions to the founding and development of the People's Republic of China.