王树珍

Wang Shuzhen, a Manchu from the Plain Yellow Banner during the Qing Dynasty, was born in the early 20th century. Her father once served as the Director of Beijing Post Office, and her mother was a princess (gege). After her parents passed away early, Wang Shuzhen was raised by her elder brother. During her high school years at Zhicheng Middle School in Beijing, her family background influenced her brother’s marriage arrangements; due to her family circumstances, she was dissatisfied with the arranged marriage.

Her husband was Zong Qiliu, from a prominent family with many siblings. Zong Qiliu’s father had served as Minister of Finance for Zhang Zuolin and as acting governor of Hebei Province. After their engagement, Wang Shuzhen spent some time in Suzhou, living with her in-laws at the home of Zong Qiliu’s second elder brother, as Zong Qiliu was working in Suqian. On October 11, 1945, she gave birth to her first son, Zong Qinghou, in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, weighing nine jin (approximately 4.5 kg). Her husband worked at the Postal and Telecommunications Bureau, and his salary was paid to him, while the family was managed by Wang Shuzhen.

When her second son, Zong Duanhou, was less than a year old, Nanjing was liberated. Wang Shuzhen brought Zong Qinghou and Zong Duanhou to live in Nanjing, working as a teacher for the Ningbo hometown association. In the late 1950s to early 1960s, due to financial difficulties, she and her husband sent their youngest child, Zong Rui, to be raised by others. Among her children, Zong Qinghou became a successful entrepreneur, founding the Wahaha Group and investing internationally. Zong Qiliu’s children include Zong Zehou, Zong Yuhou, and Zong Rui; granddaughter Zong Fuli also joined Wahaha in 2004, becoming an important figure in the company.

Wang Shuzhen demonstrated resilience in family life, having raised her children independently amid wartime chaos. During her time in Nanjing, she worked as a teacher through the Ningbo hometown association, raising two children on a modest salary. She provided educational opportunities for Zong Qinghou’s cultural development. In 1978, she took early retirement to enable her eldest son, Zong Qinghou, to return to the city and take on family responsibilities, ensuring the family’s basic livelihood.

Zong Qinghou passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 79. Wang Shuzhen’s other children also achieved success in their respective fields, having notable influence in business and investment. Her family members play important roles in various industries across China and abroad, demonstrating the continued growth and influence of the family.