Love in the time of war

Framed family photos in Feng Songguang's collection include one of his parents, Feng Zhongyun and Xue Wen, on the left and one of the couple, their daughter and one of Xue Wen's nieces in the right photo. [Photo by He Keyao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Young love

Xue Wen was born in a little village in Jiangsu province. In her early childhood, there was a little boy who paid extra attention to her. That boy was her cousin, Feng Zhongyun, who later became her husband.

"They were childhood sweet hearts," said their eldest son, Feng Songguang, 68. "They were meant to be together."

Feng Zhongyun was a hard-working, straight A student at the time. He often shared what he learned with his little cousin. When other children in the family went out and played, he often took her to the riverside and taught her math. At that time, they were just two kids who knew nothing about love.

In 1926, Feng Zhongyun enrolled in Tsinghua University, the top educational institution in the country. When he left home for college, Xue for the first time felt an emptiness and sadness deep in her heart.

Days later, Xue received a letter from Beijing. It was written by Feng.

"Dear, I want you to be my lifetime partner," said Feng, 19 at the time.

They were engaged three years later when Feng started to work in Harbin.