Late Ho Yi-Chin: The Last Years

Author: Xiong Zongren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: He was always busy when he went out, yet seemed empty when he returned home; he was cheerful when interacting with others or attending social events, but melancholic and sorrowful when alone and resting. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but feel sad and gloomy. Before his death, the historical knots woven by He Yingqin by himself or by others have never been consistently understood, whether on the mainland or in Taiwan. The materials he used to shape his own image were sometimes created by himself, sometimes given by others, and some were even unclear and indistinct. He had tried several times to unravel some of the knots in his personal history, disclosing secrets of historical events he had participated in that seemed settled but still needed investigation. However, due to subjective and objective constraints, he was unable to succeed. He Yingqin’s rise to prominence began as the Chief Instructor at Huangpo Military Academy, later following Chiang Kai-shek in his anti-communist efforts, moving from Guangzhou to Nanjing, and reaching the pinnacle of his military and political career where he was "second only to the emperor." Despite having numerous honorary titles and social engagements unmatched by other elders, He Yingqin was often compelled to act against his will and speak insincerely. He was always busy when he went out, yet seemed empty when he returned home; he was cheerful when interacting with others or attending social events, but melancholic and sorrowful when alone and resting. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but feel sad and gloomy. Before his death, the historical knots woven by He Yingqin by himself or by others have never been consistently understood, whether on the mainland or in Taiwan. The materials he used to shape his own image were sometimes created by himself, sometimes given by others, and some were even unclear and indistinct. He had tried several times to unravel some of the knots in his personal history, disclosing secrets of historical events he had participated in that seemed settled but still needed investigation. However, due to subjective and objective constraints, he was unable to succeed.