This is a picture taken in the backyard of the family home in Beijing, circa 1914. (Thanks to Bernie for getting this picture restored and scanned!)
- My grandfather (張翰才,Chang Han-tsai) is the taller of the two boys in the middle (Left Hand Side, LHS).
- His father, my great-grandfather (張孝吉, Chang Shiao Zhi) is standing on far LHS.
- (Next to him is his sister (張舒文, Chang Shu-wen), who is the mother of Wu Qingyuan (吳清源, Go Saigen), see blog of his story).
- His father, my great-great-grandfather (張元奇, Chang Yuan-chyi) is seated on the RHS.
Chang Yuan-chyi (1858-1922) was born and raised in a poor family. They did tailoring for a living. One day, a fire broke out and destroyed much of their work and their house.
Chang Yuan-chyi was sent to tell one of our customers, the Doans. After he explained about the fire and the damage, Mrs. Doan was very sympathetic and impressed with him. She not only told him not to worry, she also gave him rice and money to make sure the family had food to eat.
The next day, the family went to thank the Doans. Mrs. Doan did not want re-payment but offered that Chang Yuan-chyi should be a study partner to her son. Chang Yuan-chyi's parents said thanks but we need him to work in order to support the family. Whereupon Mrs. Doan offered to pay the family to have Chang Yuan-chyi study with her son.
Our Chang Yuan-chyi made the most of this opportunity. He studied hard, with his new friend. Both succeeded. Chang Yuan-chyi became a government officer, which was a dream for many, during the life and times of Imperial China.
More stories about 張元奇, Chang Yuan-chyi (thanks Aunt Irene:
http://www.360doc.cn/article/9543986_219510366.html
http://pmgs.kongfz.com/item_pic_97017/
http://www.360doc.cn/article/9543986_219510366.html
http://pmgs.kongfz.com/item_pic_97017/
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