Kong Lingwei

Kong Lingwei, originally named Kong Lingjun, was born in 1919. She was the second daughter of Kong Xiangxi and Soong Ai-ling, and was nicknamed "Miss Second Kong" due to her habit of dressing in men's clothing for many years. She was highly favored by Soong Mei-ling among her sisters and held positions in enterprises managed by Kong Xiangxi, accumulating significant personal capital. In 1938, she participated with her father in the tobacco prohibition business, managing tobacco distribution funds in Hong Kong. In her later years, Soong Mei-ling fully supported her aunt, and the deep relationship between them endured the test of time. After moving to Taiwan, Kong Lingwei served as the housekeeper at the Shilin Official Residence and later as the host of the Grand Hotel at Yuan Mountain, the first international tourist hotel in Taiwan, which played an important role in diplomatic receptions. She devoted herself to the construction of the Grand Hotel, personally involved in planning and supervision. In 1994, Kong Lingwei passed away from rectal cancer at the age of 75, and her memorial service was held in New York.