As I've mentioned in the earlier posts, I strongly identify with my great-grandmother. But I'm at a place in the book now where my father is beginning to focus more on my great-grandfather. Just based on what I've read so far, I have such a deep admiration for him.
I must admit, during the first several chapters of the book, when he was away at Beijing University, I almost resented him. He left my great-grandmother alone, to live in a house where she was terrorized every day by her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. But just when I really began to ask where the heck was my great-grandfather, my father would include enough little nuggets to show his strength of character and renew my trust in him. Even though tradition bid against it, he vowed to care for his daughters and build a life for his family. In order to get his wife away from that horrifying environment, he moved the family to Shanghai where he had a job as an entry-level editor at a publishing house. He made very little money. But yet, this man, who grew up in a wealthy home, worked for every penny he earned.
The last several chapters have given me great insight into my great-grandfather's brilliance. (I'm on chapter 20, by the way) Two major incidents have happened so far. First, my great-grandfather was able to stop the sale of a huge Shanghai factory to a German company. Representing two big stakeholders of the company, my great-grandfather went to a stakeholders meeting and essentially said the company was breaking its own policy by agreeing to the sale without a vote. And the two-thirds majority needed for a sale actually voted against it. Had my grandfather not stood up at that meeting and spoken up, the company would have been sold to Germany. Because of that, my great-grandfather became famous, almost overnight.
The second major incident involved an article he wrote. On May 30, 1925, labor workers protested in the streets of Shanghai. Shanghai Municipal Police officers (made up of British officers) opened fire and killed several workers. As you can imagine, this caused massive fury among Chinese people. How can foreigners come to China and kill Chinese people? My great-grandfather, having studied law at Beijing University, was asked to write an article about how these British officers broke British law. His article appeared in the largest Shanghai newspaper at the time. As a result, he was taken to court by the British consulate. I don't know what happens next because this is about as far as I've gotten.
I have to say, what's impressed me the most, so far, have been the conversations my great-grandfather has had with Nai Nai, who is only three-years-old at this point. For example, I mentioned how my great-grandfather worked very hard for every penny. Despite his family's wealth, he did not get anything from them. Therefore, he and his family lived a modest life. My great-grandfather wore a lot of old clothes. On numerous occasions, my great-grandfather was treated poorly based on his appearance. He told Nai Nai each time, never judge people based on what they look like on the outside. It's their mind, intellect, character that's important. Treat people with respect and you will receive it in return.
It makes me feel good to know this is where I come from.
My great-grandfather with two of his sons
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