周起魁

Zhou Shaogang, originally named Zhou Yineng, courtesy name Maichen, was born on July 11, 1874, in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, at the "Hundred-Year Hall". His father was Zhou Qikui, courtesy name Yunmen, born on June 27, 1844, surnamed Zhou, with the nickname Junlong, also known as Panlong. His mother was Mrs. Lu; Lu Rui was a cousin of Lu Xun, the renowned writer.

In early years, Zhou Shaogang moved with his family to Huai'an, Jiangsu, where he received family education during his childhood.

In 1890, at the age of 17, Zhou Shaogang participated in the county exam with his brothers and was awarded a xiucai (recommended scholar) title. Afterwards, his father sent him back to Shaoxing to study under his uncle, Lu Xiahe, in clerical affairs (shiyé). In 1891, at 18 years old, he married a woman from Huaiyin. Later, driven by economic necessity, he sought employment in various regions including Jiangsu, Hubei, Northeast China, and Hebei, working as a counselor, private teacher, and clerk, enduring a rather arduous life.

After his father's death, in order to make a living, Zhou Shaogang traveled frequently. In 1922, with the help of his elder brother Zhou Yigeng, he was transferred to serve as an official at the Qiqihar Tobacco and Liquor Bureau, securing a stable income. During the April 12th Coup of 1927 and in 1931, he risked his life multiple times to meet with his son Zhou Enlai, who was underground in Shanghai, and offered support for the revolutionary cause.

After the outbreak of the war of resistance in 1937, Zhou Shaogang represented the Communist Party in negotiations between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party. He subsequently served at the Eighth Route Army Office in Hankou and worked in Chongqing at Hongyan Village. Due to his advanced age, during his time in Hongyan Village, he mainly engaged in guarding the gate and sweeping the courtyard. On July 10, 1942, Zhou Shaogang suddenly fell ill with a high fever and passed away at the Chongqing Hongyan Office. His family concealed his death for several days; it was only after Zhou Enlai was discharged from illness and became aware of his father's passing that they were shocked.

Throughout his life, Zhou Shaogang experienced richness of life as well as poverty and hardship. His family members included his wife, Wan Dong'er, and three sons: the eldest, Zhou Enlai; the second, Zhou Enpu; and the third, Zhou Enshou. Among his descendants, Zhou Enlai became a prominent figure.

Zhou Enlai rarely mentioned his father; in 1964, he expressed sympathy for him. In the spring and summer of 1974, shortly before hospitalization, his nephew Zhou Bingjun visited and discussed Zhou Enlai’s feelings toward his father. Zhou Enlai's wife, Deng Yingchao, once handed his father's relics to his niece Zhou Bingde, among which were his father's photograph and files related to underground work from that era.