Zhang Youyi
| Zhang Youyi (Chang Yu-i) | |
|---|---|
 Zhang Youyi and Xu Zhimo | |
| Born | 1900 |
| Died | 1988 (aged 89–90) |
| Occupation | Banker, educator, entrepreneur |
| Spouse(s) |
Xu Zhimo So Gui-zi (m.1954 wil.1972) |
| Children |
Hsu Chi-kai (b. 1918) Peter Hsu De-sheng (1922-1925) |
| Relatives | Natasha Chang Pang-mei (grand niece) |
Zhang Youyi (1898 – 1989) (also spelled Chang Yu-i), was the first wife of the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo. Zhang was famous in her own right as a banker and educator.
Biography
Marriage and children
- Hsu Chi-kai (1918 – )
- Hsu "Peter" Bide (1922 – 1925)
Education
In 1912, when Zhang Youyi was the age of 12, she found an advertisement in the "Shanghai Shenbao" about a girls' school located in Suzhou. It was called the Teachers' College Preparatory School and was only a school for girls. She brought up the idea of attending the school to her parents, and they agreed - due to the low cost of the school. Zhang Youyi and her First Sister both entered the school after completing an entrance exam. As Zhang Youyi was prepared for marriage in 1915, her parents urged her to quit her schooling and return home to prepare for her future. Zhang Youyi did in fact, attend school after her engagement, but two months before her wedding, she left the school.
Later in 1922, Zhang Youyi settled in Berlin and attended the Pestalozzi Furberhaus, which was a school that was based on the studies of a Swiss educator. Zhang Youyi took intensive German for a few months, than finally began the school. She started off at the level of kindergarten teachers because it required the least amount of language skill.
Life in Europe
Divorce
After giving birth to her second son, Youyi received a letter from her estranged husband, Xu Zhimo, declaring his intentions to divorce. In his letter, Zhimo reasoned that "marriage not based on love was intolerable." Youyi consented, and signed the divorce papers.
Life in Shanghai
Remarriage
Later Years
Entrepreneurship
Views on Chinese Culture
See also
References
Chang, Pang-Mei. Bound Feet & Western Dress. Garden City: Anchor Books, 1997.
Further reading
Chang, Pang-Mei. Bound Feet & Western Dress. Garden City: Anchor Books, 1997.