Lu Muzhen

Lu Muzhen, a native of Xiangshan, Guangdong, was born into a scholarly family, though her exact birth year is not specified. Her family had a long tradition of goodness and virtue; her father, Lu Yaoxian, achieved wealth through commerce after traveling far to Honolulu (now in Hawaii). From a young age, Lu Muzhen displayed qualities of diligence and perseverance, and she was known for her filial piety toward elders, as well as her proficiency in women's work. She took on many household responsibilities, embodying the virtues of traditional Chinese women.

After the successful Xinhai Revolution in 1911, Sun Yat-sen was elected as the Provisional President of the Republic of China. In February 1912, Lu Muzhen, along with her two daughters, Sun Xian and Sun Wan, and a niece named Sun Shunxia, arrived in Shanghai from Penang, Nanyang (the South Seas), aboard the British ship Asher. They were warmly welcomed by local military and political officials. Subsequently, she reunited with Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing. During Sun Yat-sen's inspection trip to Japan, Lu Muzhen also accompanied him to Japan to carry out industrial and railway investigations.

The marriage between Lu Muzhen and Sun Yat-sen gradually encountered difficulties after 1912. After living together for some time, she proposed divorce, citing her family’s inability to support Sun Yat-sen in managing national affairs. Despite their divorce, Sun Yat-sen continued to cover her living expenses, and in his letters, he addressed her as “Ke Mother.” After their divorce, Lu Muzhen mainly resided in Macau, kept a low profile in political affairs, but maintained concern for Sun Yat-sen's and Sun Ke’s careers.

While living in Macau, Lu Muzhen was not involved in politics but did not oppose her relatives engaging in political activities. During the Japanese War of Resistance, she supported the united front against Japan, working alongside Sun Yat-sen’s sister, Sun Miaoqian. Sun Ke’s love and care for his children also extended to caring for his mother; after Sun Yat-sen’s passing, Sun Ke established "Muzhen Hall" in her memory.

Lu Muzhen passed away in September 1952. Sun Ke purchased a spacious grave for her in Macau. On several significant memorial days during her lifetime, Sun Ke held birthday celebrations in her honor, expressing family respect and remembrance. Her life reflects a complex intertwining of traditional family responsibilities and the personal destinies shaped by the modern revolutionary era.