48th Anniversary of Premier Zhou's Death | Interview with Zhou Bingde: Endless Nostalgia for Him

Zhou Bingde was the eldest daughter of Zhou Enlai's third brother. At the age of 12, she moved into the West Flower Hall in the Central South Sea and lived with Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao for more than ten years. Zhou Bingde became the younger generation with the closest relationship with Zhou Enlai. After Zhou Enlai's death, Zhou Bingde often accompanied Deng Yingchao until his passing.

January 8th marks the 48th anniversary of the passing of Premier Zhou Enlai.

Recently, Zhou Bingde, the niece of Zhou Enlai, gave an exclusive interview to a reporter from the Beijing News, reminiscing about her uncle Zhou Enlai.

Zhou Bingde was born in 1937 and was the eldest daughter of Zhou Enlai's third brother. At the age of 12, she moved into the West Flower Hall in the Central South Sea and lived with Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao for more than ten years. Zhou Bingde became the younger generation with the closest relationship with Zhou Enlai. After Zhou Enlai's death, Zhou Bingde often accompanied Deng Yingchao until his passing. Zhou Bingde is the eldest daughter-in-law of Shen Junru and once served as the vice president of China News Service.

In 1951, Premier Zhou and Zhou Bingde took a photo at the West Flower Hall in the Central South Sea. (Image provided by interviewee)

On Commemoration and Remembrance

January 8th is not celebrated peacefully every year, and we always have to commemorate the elderly in our own way

New Beijing News: According to reports, around January 8th every year is your busiest time. What forms of commemoration will there be at special time points?

Zhou Bingde: It has been 48 years since my uncle passed away on January 8, 1976. The commemorative and memorial activities have never ceased over the past 48 years.

On January 8th every year, the weather in Beijing is particularly cold. At the beginning, our commemorative activities were held in Tiananmen Square. Relatives and staff who had worked at the Xihua Hall spontaneously held flowers and went to the Monument to the People's Heroes to commemorate. Uncle loved daffodils before his death, and the West Flower Hall had blooming daffodils all year round. Defender Han Fuyu would raise a pot of daffodils in advance every year and deliver it to the monument on this day. Han Fuyu passed away in 2013.

As we grew older and found it inconvenient to move around, coupled with the cold weather, we would go to the Zhou Enlai Revolution Achievement Memorial Room in the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall every year at this time to commemorate. On the second floor of the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, there is a memorial room for the revolutionary achievements of Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Liu Shaoqi, Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, and Chen Yun. It is a place to showcase the great revolutionary history of these six leaders and to learn and commemorate their great achievements in establishing the revolution. Everyone bowed in the memorial room to mourn and express our grief. During the epidemic, we also have our own way of commemorating.

I am almost 90 years old now. January 8th is not a very peaceful day, and we always have to commemorate the elderly in our own way. Everyone will never forget Premier Zhou and has never stopped reminiscing about him.

On Premier Zhou's Request

There can be no special circumstances, and don't publicize your relationship with the Prime Minister outside

New Beijing News: Do you still remember the scene when you first met Premier Zhou?

Zhou Bingde: I first met my uncle in June 1949 at Fengze Garden in Zhongnanhai, when I was 12 years old. Uncle came back from a meeting outside and was very happy to see me. He pulled me to his side and smiled, saying, "Let me take a closer look at who you look like. I think you look like both dad and mom! From now on, you'll be here. You should start middle school after graduating from elementary school, and we've already contacted the Affiliated Middle School of National Taiwan Normal University to enroll you. But you have to take an exam before you can go." Uncle also reminded me that Uncle Mao Zedong lives nearby and is busy with work. We children shouldn't disturb him.

The first time I met my uncle, I was both nervous and excited. Uncle and dad look so alike! Uncle also has two thick black sword eyebrows, but his eyes are brighter and more energetic than his father's, and his face is fuller and redder, as if he looks younger.

After passing the exam, I enrolled in the Women's Affiliated High School of National Taiwan Normal University. My uncle's secretary Yang Chao and his wife Luo Di took me to the market to buy bedding, toiletries, and other items, and brought them to the school to start living on campus. On weekends when I come back, some classmates go to pick me up by car, but our family never does. We always walk or take the bus back.

In 1961, Premier Zhou and Zhou Bingde took a photo at the West Flower Hall in the Central South Sea. (Image provided by interviewee)

New Beijing News: What are Premier Zhou's requirements for you? Is it strict?

Zhou Bingde: After studying, my uncle was very strict with us, often asking how our studies were and requiring us to attend evening self-study classes according to school requirements on weekends. Sometimes there are movies to watch at the Xihua Hall. Middle school students in their teens always want to watch movies, but they can't. If they have to go to school, they have to go to school. Uncle is too busy with work to attend to, so Auntie takes care of us.

Uncle has always emphasized to us that there should be no special circumstances, and we should not publicize our relationship with the Premier outside. You are all students now, and when you grow up, you will become ordinary people and ordinary laborers

He also said, "It was through the blood and sacrifice of countless revolutionary martyrs that we have the new China we have today. Our decades of struggle are also for the new China, so we must never forget the revolutionary martyrs, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and shed blood for the new China. The burden on your shoulders is heavy, so you must study seriously, work seriously when you grow up, and serve the people

When I lived there during winter and summer vacations, sometimes I would wake up in the morning to read a book, and my uncle hadn't gone to rest yet. When Uncle sees me in the yard, he sometimes asks, 'Why are you still reading alone here? Haven't you seen these uncles cleaning the yard?'? In his eyes, whether she is the niece of the Prime Minister or not, she is actually an ordinary person who should work like these uncles. These educations left a deep impression on me.

These simple words, often spoken by uncles and aunts, have subtly influenced our lives, and we also demand the same from our own children. We cannot forget the martyrs, we cannot forget the education and influence of the elderly on us.

Discussing career choices

Communist Party members must obey organizational assignments and work diligently and steadfastly in their positions

New Beijing News: What profession does Premier Zhou hope you to pursue?

Zhou Bingde: He didn't make any demands, but I read newspapers when I was in junior high school and knew that there are many illiterate people in our country. There is a Soviet movie about a rural female teacher who sits on a snow plow to teach in a remote rural area. She taught many students, and decades later she was covered in white hair. Students from all over the country came to visit her, including workers, farmers, tractor drivers, train drivers, engineers, doctors, and people from all walks of life.

I think teaching is beneficial for national development, and my aunt encouraged me to go to a normal school, but my uncle did not express his opinion. During dinner, Auntie asked Uncle why he didn't speak, and Uncle said, "I'm not making a statement just to see if she's determined

After graduating from junior high school, I went to a normal school and joined the CPC at the age of 18. When I graduated, I volunteered to become a teacher at a rural primary school and went to teach fourth grade at Dongba Central Primary School in Chaoyang District.

In May 1955, a nationwide campaign was launched to eliminate counter revolutionary elements. As a party member, I was transferred to the government to participate in the anti rightist review work and never returned to my teaching position. Although I have regrets in my heart, the ideological education I received is that Communist Party members should obey organizational assignments and work diligently and steadfastly in their positions. For the following decades, I followed the organization's allocation and did not nitpick my own work. It was always like this.

On Premier Zhou's Daily Work

Staying up all night until dawn is the norm

New Beijing News: What is Premier Zhou's daily work status?

Zhou Bingde: He always walks and returns in a hurry. He walks very fast and sometimes has to run all the way to catch up with him. The purpose of rushing is to work quickly. During the Cultural Revolution, various departments were impacted and unable to function properly. Issues and documents from all over the country were reported to Xihua Hall, and his office was always piled with thick documents and materials. He attended meetings, events, and met with foreign guests during the day, but when he returned, the office was filled with materials again. Auntie's health is not very good. Uncle, in order not to affect her rest, walks quietly through the small door and works in the office until late at night. It is normal for him to stay up all night until dawn.

New Beijing News: How many hours does he rest every day?

Zhou Bingde: Too few. Aunt was especially concerned about his rest and food. She was always busy and could not eat on time. She made some Congee with the masters and put it into his water cup. When she wanted to drink water, she could quench both thirst and hunger, and add some nutrition. Uncle actually has a good physical foundation, but in his later years, he has too many things to manage and has to balance all aspects, which is really exhausting.

Discussing the Last Meeting with Premier Zhou

Uncle gave me two photos as a souvenir, but I don't know if this is the last time he gave them to me

New Beijing News: When was the last time you met with Premier Zhou?

Zhou Bingde: The last time I saw him was at the end of May 1975, when I went to the West Flower Hall to have dinner with my uncle and aunt. Uncle was wearing pajamas. Usually when we meet, he hurriedly comes back from outside or goes out, dressed neatly.

Uncle said, 'Let me do whatever I want today. I'm going to be hospitalized tomorrow.'. I said, you haven't rested well for so many years, and you haven't sought treatment for illness. Going to the hospital this time is a good thing. After a good period of hospitalization and treatment, you can work more wholeheartedly for everyone. In fact, my uncle was already seriously ill at that time, and the staff at the Western Flower Hall knew about it, but they didn't tell me because they were afraid that I wouldn't be able to control my emotions and talk about it outside.

After dinner, my uncle gave me two photos, one taken by each of my uncle and aunt when they went to Hutoushan in Dazhai in 1973. Usually, my uncle and aunt also give me small gifts. This time, I didn't think much about it and was very happy to receive the photo, but I didn't know that this would be the last time he gave me a souvenir in person.

On June 15, 1975, my uncle returned to the West Flower Hall once again. This time, I was in the suburbs and felt that I would have more time. So I said that I would visit my uncle again next time, but I didn't expect that this would be his last time back at the West Flower Hall, which became a lifelong regret for me. In fact, my uncle had been suffering from bladder cancer for three years and had already worsened. He urinated every time with hematuria. But at that time, it was strictly confidential. During the hospitalization, my aunt insisted on not allowing relatives to visit according to the regulations of the central government at that time. If I knew his condition was so serious, I would go to the hospital to see him no matter what.

When my uncle passed away, I was on a business trip in Shanghai. Auntie asked her secretary to be the first to tell the bad news to my wife Shen Renhua, and urged her to quickly convey it to me and my relatives in Beijing - those who do not work in Beijing will not be allowed to attend the funeral. Auntie specifically instructed her secretary to send a telegram to another city: please do not return to Beijing upon seeing the news. That is to say, when you see the news of your uncle's passing, do not come to Beijing, stick to your post, and do not affect your work.

Returning to Beijing, I arrived at the Western Flower Hall wearing a black veil. I thought my aunt would lie in bed and cry like a tear jerker, but I didn't expect her to stand at the entrance of the living room waiting for me. I held her and cried bitterly, and she comforted me, saying, "Be strong, don't cry! Transform sorrow into strength, transform sorrow into strength

Selflessness and selflessness are my uncle's most outstanding qualities. He devoted his life to the Party, the country, and the people. After my uncle passed away, my aunt was very strong. We took him to Babaoshan together. My aunt couldn't help but say, 'Oh my goodness, I won't see you again, I won't see you again!' This was the last farewell and also my aunt's saddest moment. I held her tightly.

During those days of mourning, there were new flower baskets before the funeral every day, with words such as "Enlightened Comrades" and "Xiaochao's Lament" written on them. Xiaochao and Enlai are the mutual titles of uncle and aunt. From the May Fourth Movement in 1919 to the death of their uncle in 1976, the two have never changed their words and have a very deep affection for each other.

Talking about family traditions

It was gradually summarized by us after recalling his daily requirements

New Beijing News: After Premier Zhou passed away, you collected one of his nightgowns and patched it up. What kind of style does this demonstrate for the Prime Minister?

Zhou Bingde: After my uncle passed away, on January 11, 1976, in the small body farewell room of a Beijing hospital, I told my aunt that my uncle had lived a frugal life and I wanted to collect his most worn-out clothes. A few months later, the staff of the Western Flower Hall sorted out my uncle's clothes and gave us seven copies of them for our brothers, sisters and my mother to remember. I collected the oldest towel nightgown as a souvenir, which was patched with patches. After the downfall of the Gang of Four, on January 8, 1977, the Chinese Revolution Museum held an exhibition, and I donated my nightgown.

Uncle usually eats at home with one meat, one vegetable, and one soup. Sometimes, if he hasn't finished this meal, he saves it for the next one and doesn't waste it. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he only wore three pairs of leather shoes and one pair of sandals, and refused to buy new leather shoes. If the sole was worn out, he would change the sole and palm. In the photo, Premier Zhou is dressed neatly and neatly, but in fact, his clothes, collar, and cuffs are all patched inside. This style of hard work and simplicity is consistent.

New Beijing News: What is the family tradition of the Zhou family?

Zhou Bingde: He told us from a young age not to forget the revolutionary martyrs, that everything should consider the interests of the people and the country, that everything should obey the arrangements of the organization, that there should be no special treatment in society, and that we should work hard and be simple. He repeatedly demanded these things, but there was no specific text to list them. These family rules and customs are gradually summarized by us after recalling his daily requirements.

Auntie also seriously told us that your uncle is the Prime Minister of the country, not the Prime Minister of the Zhou family. Although I am the niece of Premier Zhou and have lived by his side for the longest time, I am just an ordinary citizen. I never thought that once I go outside, I will be amazing, arrogant, or that I am someone's descendant. Until now, I still often squeeze into buses and take the subway, living the life of an ordinary person. Sometimes when I am recognized in the supermarket, I can only nod my head.

Zhou Bingde received the "Glorious 50 Years in the Party" commemorative medal (photo provided by interviewee)

On Chairman Mao's Impressions

He said, if you don't eat chili peppers, you don't know how to do revolution, and if you don't eat bitter melon, you don't understand how to endure hardship in revolution

New Beijing News: On December 26, 2023, you attended a symposium held by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong. What is your impression of Chairman Mao?

Zhou Bingde: In June 1949, after graduating from elementary school, my uncle took me from Tianjin to Zhongnanhai in Beijing and I lived in the courtyard of Fengzeyuan. I often played with Li Min, Li Ne, and others. Sometimes we use enamel jars to catch some small fish and shrimp in Zhongnanhai. When we go to Li Min's house for dinner, we tell Uncle Mao that we have found some small fish and shrimp for you. Uncle Mao asked the kitchen to make soup. Uncle Mao likes to eat Braised pork belly, chilli and balsam pear. He said that if you don't eat chili peppers, you don't know how to do revolution, and if you don't eat bitter melon, you don't understand how to endure hardship in revolution. Since then, I have also started eating bitter melon.

Once after dinner, I brought a small commemorative book I made when I graduated from elementary school and asked Uncle Mao to write a few words for me. Uncle Mao wrote down the seven words' Study Mao Zedong hard 'on the second page. These are very precious words that I have always cherished, and neither my parents nor my uncles and aunts have seen them.

New Beijing News reporter He Qiang

Proofreading the pictures provided by Jia Ning's interviewees