Xiang Zhenxi

Xiang Zhenxi was Yang Kaihui’s mother, born into a scholarly family. In 1888, she married Yang Changji. The couple had one son and two daughters, but unfortunately, the eldest daughter died young. In 1903, Yang Changji went abroad to study, leaving Xiang Zhenxi to raise the children alone under difficult circumstances. After Yang Changji's passing, Xiang Zhenxi carefully managed her household finances to support her children's education, and when Mao Zedong founded the Cultural Book Society, she donated her ceremonial fee.

After Yang Kaihui married Mao Zedong, Xiang Zhenxi took care of them and arranged meticulous and thoughtful arrangements to care for her granddaughter after Yang Kaihui’s sacrifice. She endured immense pain and lived a very hard life. Mao Zedong was very concerned about his mother-in-law; after liberation, he took the initiative to inquire about her health and sent her gifts. In 1950, Mao Zedong sent his son to visit Xiang Zhenxi, showing concern for her health, and from that time until her death, Mao regularly sent her living expenses.

In 1960, Mao Zedong sent 200 yuan to celebrate her 90th birthday. When he learned of her passing in 1962, he was deeply grief-stricken and expressed his wish to be buried together with Yang Kaihui’s remains, demonstrating his deep affection and respect for teachers and family members. Through these acts of care, Mao Zedong expressed his longing for his early deceased relatives and his sense of family responsibility.