On a stormy night in the last years of the Qing Dynasty, the atmosphere in Beijing was tense and oppressive. The streets were deserted, except for the occasional sound of horses' hooves and dull footsteps echoing in the night. Suddenly, a group of German soldiers broke into a deep courtyard house. The dimly lit courtyard reflects a woman in a delicately embroidered cheongsam, her eyes firm and calm.
This woman is Sai Jinhua, a woman who has experienced countless ups and downs. Her life is full of legends: from being a lonely girl, to learning Xi Chinese in Europe, to meeting the Kaiser in Berlin, and becoming the "Oriental Beauty". However, when the Eight-Nation Coalition invaded Beijing, her fate was once again pushed to the forefront.
1. Girlhood: The ups and downs of fate
On the ancient streets of Huizhou, Zheng Caiyun walked, her small steps making a dull sound on the bluestone slabs. It's dusk, the hustle and bustle of the market is gradually dissipating, and the mountains in the distance are dyed a pale gold by the setting sun. There was a hint of melancholy in Caiyun's eyes, and her mind drifted to the time spent at her grandmother's house.
At her grandmother's home in Suzhou, Caiyun felt the warmth and safety that she had not felt for a long time. It was a home full of Suzhou embroidery and garden flowers, and my grandmother always smiled gently, caressing her hair with her hands that had experienced the vicissitudes of time. Grandmother's words were always so kind, as if they could dispel all the gloom.
"Caiyun, you have to remember that no matter how difficult life is, don't lose hope. Grandmother said to her after a dinner.
"But, grandmother, I feel so lonely. Caiyun replied in a whisper, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Child, solitude is a must for everyone, but you have to believe that one day, you will find your own light. Grandmother said softly, her eyes full of reluctance.
Caiyun found temporary comfort in her grandmother's arms, but she knew that such days would not last long. As the years passed, Grandmother's body became weaker and weaker, and Caiyun had to face another parting. When she stood in front of her grandmother's door and looked back at the old door that was about to close, her heart was full of reluctance and confusion.
After Caiyun returned to Huizhou, life became even more difficult. She began to run around looking for relatives to be able to rely on. But in those days, the fate of girls was often out of their control. She was subjected to cold eyes and ridicule at her relatives' homes, and every night she spent in tears. Caiyun gradually became silent, and there was a little more tenacity and determination in her eyes.
One day, Caiyun overhears a storyteller passing by telling a story about bravery and wisdom. The heroine of that story, although in a difficult situation, with her ingenuity, finally changed her fate. This story deeply touched Caiyun, and she began to secretly make up her mind to change her fate.
Caiyun began to learn a variety of skills, from Xi to arithmetic, and she worked hard to make herself stronger and more independent. Although life is still difficult, her heart is gradually filled with strength and hope. Caiyun knows that although he can't choose the past, the future is in his own hands.
In the end, Caiyun is no longer the lonely girl. She became a strong, intelligent, and capable woman, known as Sai Jinhua. Her story spread in Huizhou and became a legend in the hearts of many people. What Caiyun learned from her grandmother is not only love and warmth, but also the courage and wisdom to find light in the face of adversity.
2. Dusty years: tenacity in adversity
When Sai Jinhua was 15 years old, fate played a cruel joke on her. Her stepmother, for her own selfish gain, sold her to a brothel far from home. The brothel of that era was synonymous with the tragic fate of women, and Sai Jinhua's heart was filled with endless despair and fear. The life of the brothel made her walk on thin ice every day, and her beauty became her shackles.
However, fate doesn't seem to have given up on her completely. On a spring day in 1887, the champion Hong Jun stepped into the brothel, and his eyes fell on Sai Jinhua. Hong Jun is not only knowledgeable, but also has a kind heart. Impressed by Sai Jinhua's beauty and tragic encounters, he decides to ransom her and make her his outer chamber.
In Hong Jun's mansion, Sai Jinhua seems to be reborn. Hong Jun's love and respect for her made her feel the warmth and dignity she had not felt for a long time.
"Jinhua, your life should be in your own hands. Hong Jun said to her gently during a dinner.
"I ...... Is it really possible?" Sai Jinhua's voice trembled, and her eyes flashed with disbelief.
"Absolutely, you should have the right to choose your own life. Hong Jun encouraged her, his eyes full of seriousness.
"Thank you, Mr. Hong. For the first time, Sai Jinhua's eyes flashed with gratitude and hope.
Under the protection of Hong Jun, Sai Jinhua began to receive education, learning Xi poetry, calligraphy, and piano and chess. Her talent was revealed, and her life was filled with new hope. However, the good times did not last long, and a few years later, Hong Jun died of illness, and Sai Jinhua once again faced the challenges of life.
After Hong Jun's death, Sai Jinhua lost her umbrella, and her life was in trouble again. Some people who covet Hong Jun's legacy begin to eyed her, and she once again feels the ruthlessness and cruelty of life.
However, Sai Jinhua is no longer the weak girl. In Hong Jun's mansion, she not only learned poetry, calligraphy, piano and chess, but more importantly, she learned how to survive in the face of adversity. She decided to use her wisdom and courage to rewrite her destiny again.
Sai Jinhua began to cautiously handle the affairs left behind by Hong Jun, and she used her ingenuity to deal with various challenges. In that male-dominated society, she relied on her own strength to gain a foothold and become a respected woman. She used her own experience to tell the world that even if she comes from a humble background, she can change her fate with her own strength.
3. Exoticism: Meet the Kaiser
With Hong Jun's visit, Sai Jinhua embarked on a journey to Europe, which was a major turning point in her life. In Europe, her horizons were greatly broadened. Not only did she learn Xi many Chinese dialects, but she also gained an in-depth understanding of Western culture and customs. She studied French Xi Paris, English in London, and German in Berlin. These experiences have made her more open-minded and her knowledge and insight richer.
In Berlin, Sai Jinhua had the good fortune to get acquainted with the Kaiser. The Kaiser was curious about the culture of the Far East, and he was impressed by Sai Jinhua's wisdom and beauty. At a court ball, the Kaiser had an in-depth conversation with Sai Jinhua.
"Your intellect and beauty are impressive, and you are one of the most unique oriental beauties I have ever seen. The Kaiser exclaimed.
"Your Majesty is overrated, I am just an ordinary Oriental woman. Sai Jinhua responded humbly, but there was a sparkle of confidence in her eyes.
"It is very rare that your humility and wisdom are so harmoniously combined. The Kaiser continued.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the compliment, I will continue to work hard to learn Xi. Sai Jinhua's answer was full of firmness and perseverance.
Sai Jinhua's experience in Europe has made her vision more international, and her mind is more open and avant-garde. However, the good times did not last long, and when she and Hong Jun returned to China, they suffered a serious setback. Hong Jun was cut for political reasons, and they lost their original social status and influence.
Sai Jinhua once again faces the test of life. She lost her support, but she didn't give up. The knowledge and experience she Xi gained in Europe became her asset. She began to promote the knowledge and culture she had learned in Europe in China, including language teaching, introduction to Western art, etc. Her home became a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, attracting many like-minded people.
Using her wisdom and experience, Sai Jinhua began to advocate for women's education and advancement. She believes that women should have their own ideas and pursuits, and should not be limited by society. Her views were controversial in society at the time, but she stood firm for her beliefs despite challenges.
In a public speech, she said: "Women's independence is not only for themselves, but also for the progress of society as a whole. ”
Sai Jinhua's words have resonated with many women, and she has become a symbol of women's self-improvement. Although she lost Hong Jun's support, she relied on her own strength to forge a new path in the difficult situation.
Fourth, the flower of troubled times: save the country and save the people
In that turbulent era, Sai Jinhua's life once again ushered in a major challenge. When the Eight-Nation Coalition invaded Beijing, the entire city was plunged into unprecedented chaos and panic. As a woman who had studied in Europe and had dealings with the Kaiser, Sai Jinhua's identity became her protective umbrella during this crisis.
When the German army entered Beijing, Sai Jinhua received special treatment because of her relationship with the Kaiser. She was specially protected by the German commander-in-chief, and even had the opportunity to speak directly with him. At one of the meetings, the German commander-in-chief made a proposal.
"Miss Sai Jinhua, if you can help us, we will reward you handsomely. The German commander-in-chief said.
"I can't sell my country and my people. Sai Jinhua replied firmly.
"Think about it, it's a very good proposition for you. The German commander-in-chief continued.
"My decision has been made and I will not change. Sai Jinhua's eyes were full of determination.
Faced with such temptation, Sai Jinhua chose to stick to her principles and conscience. She not only refused the bribes of the German commander, but also used her special position to save many innocent people. In those days full of war and blood, Sai Jinhua became the guardian angel of the people of Beijing. She used her influence and resources to provide food, shelter, and even risk her life to secretly transfer many precious national artifacts to prevent them from being destroyed or plundered.
In that troubled world, Sai Jinhua's behavior became a ray of light. She not only demonstrated her wisdom and courage, but also demonstrated her deep attachment to her country and culture. Her deeds soon spread among the people and became a topic of discussion after dinner.
"Ms. Sai Jinhua is truly our hero, she saved our whole family. A common man said to others on the street.
"She is not only beautiful and intelligent, but also has a heart for the country and the people. Another citizen said with emotion.
Sai Jinhua's behavior not only won the love and gratitude of the people, but also became a symbol of the country's crisis. She proved that in that male-dominated society, a woman can also become a powerful force to protect the country and the nation through her own efforts and wisdom.
With the end of the war, Sai Jinhua's fame reached its peak. She was not only regarded as a national hero, but also became a symbol of female power. Her story has inspired countless people to find hope in the face of adversity and contribute to the future of their country and nation. Sai Jinhua's life is not only a legend of personal struggle and success, but also a testimony of her deep love for the country and culture.
Resources:
1. The Life History of the First Women of the Late Qing Dynasty
2. Research on the history of Sino-German relations
3. An account of the social conditions in Beijing at the end of the Qing Dynasty
4. The history of women's education in China in the late Qing Dynasty