From Marshal's Glory to Defection and Demise: The Legend and Tragedy of Lin Biao's Family
Author:
blog@pptrace.com
2024-12-26
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Lin Biao, one of China’s ten marshals, was once Mao Zedong’s designated successor. Renowned for commanding the iconic victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan, his illustrious career ended tragically with his defection and death in the 1971 "9/13 Incident," making him a tragic figure in modern history. His three wives, Zhang Mei and Ye Qun, witnessed different phases of his rise and fall. Zhang Mei, mother of his eldest daughter Lin Xiaolin, later married General Xu Jiepan. Ye Qun, the mother of Lin Liheng and Lin Liguo, wielded immense power during the Cultural Revolution but perished alongside Lin Biao in Mongolia. Lin Liheng attempted to prevent her father’s escape and faced scrutiny but rebuilt her life. Lin Liguo, however, orchestrated a failed coup and died abroad. His fiancée Zhang Ning endured great suffering during the upheaval and later rebuilt her life in the United States. Behind this tumultuous saga lies the revolutionary legacy of the "Lin Brothers"—Lin Yuying, Lin Yunan, and Lin Biao—a family story of glory intertwined with tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Lin Biao
Lin Biao was one of China's ten marshals. He joined the Chinese Communist Party early in his career, participating in the Nanchang Uprising, the Jinggangshan struggle, and the Long March. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he served as the commander of the Eighth Route Army's 115th Division and led the victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Lin held key positions, including Minister of National Defense and Vice Chairman of the CCP Central Committee. He was once designated as Mao Zedong's successor. However, in the 1971 "9/13 Incident," Lin attempted to defect and died in a plane crash in Mongolia, later being labeled a counter-revolutionary traitor.
Zhang Mei
Ye Qun
Ye Qun, Lin Biao’s third wife, had two children with him: Lin Liheng and Lin Liguo. During the Cultural Revolution, Ye Qun held significant power as Deputy Leader of the All-Army Cultural Revolution Group and a member of the CCP Politburo. She died alongside Lin Biao in the 9/13 Incident at the age of 53.
Lin Liheng
Lin Liheng, also known as "Doudou," was the daughter of Lin Biao and Ye Qun. During the Cultural Revolution, she served as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Air Force Daily. Before the 9/13 Incident, she attempted to report Lin Biao's escape plans. Following the incident, she underwent scrutiny but was later rehabilitated in 1974 with Mao Zedong's approval. She married Zhang Qinglin and later worked at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adopting the name Zhang Ping.
Lin Liguo
Lin Liguo, Lin Biao's son with Ye Qun, was Deputy Director of the Air Force Operations Department. In 1970, he co-planned the armed coup outlined in the “571 Project” Memorandum, aiming to overthrow Mao Zedong. He died in the 9/13 Incident alongside Lin Biao and Ye Qun in Mongolia.
Zhang Ning
Zhang Ning was Lin Liguo's fiancée. Born in Nanjing in 1949, she joined the Nanjing Military Region Frontline Song and Dance Ensemble at the age of 10. In 1970, she was selected by Ye Qun to join the Lin family residence. After the 9/13 Incident, she survived a suicide attempt and was detained for over a year before being released in 1975. She later worked at the Nanjing Museum. Zhang married Jiang Shui, a former guard under Lin Biao’s command, and had a son. Following their divorce, her son tragically died in 1988. In 1989, Zhang married overseas Chinese businessman Lin Saipu and settled in the U.S., where they had a son, Lin Fuxin.
Yunan Lin
Lin Yunan (December 15, 1898 – February 7, 1931) was an early leader of the CCP and one of the “24 Martyrs of Longhua.” Together with his cousin Lin Yuying and younger cousin Lin Biao, he was known as one of the "Lin Brothers."
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