(Woman Talking about History - Issue 1008) Ruan Lingyu is the most genius and most regrettable person in the Chinese entertainment industry in the past century. So much so that 70 years after her death, the Chinese "presented" her another award: in 2005, at the 14th Golden Rooste

(Woman Talking about History - Issue 1008)

Ruan Lingyu is the most talented and most regrettable person in the Chinese entertainment industry in the past century. So much so that 70 years after her death, the Chinese "presented" her another award: in 2005, at the 14th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, Ruan Lingyu was named one of the 100 best film actors in the history of Chinese films in a century. Unfortunately, the beauty has gone away and she can't hear the news.

In the last issue ("Women Who Talking about History" No. 1006), the author once introduced Ruan Lingyu's deeds in a special article. As the most dazzling generation of movie stars in the Chinese silent film era, her early death has been a pity for many years; and after learning from the pain, people have asked countless times what is the real reason for Ruan Lingyu's suicide? Is her suicide note that "human words are terrifying" fake? However, since she was born in a poor family and experienced so many hardships and hardships, how could she easily be defeated by other people's rumors? Is there something unknown reason hidden in it?

After Ruan Lingyu's death in , there were 4 suicide notes in total. Which one is true? Let’s talk about this topic today.

(I) Why did Ruan Lingyu commit suicide?

On March 5, 1935, Ruan Lingyu calmly finished the last set of shots of the movie "National Style" directed by the famous director Zhu Shilin . She seemed very calm when she walked out of the studio, but the usual resentment between her eyebrows was slightly stronger than usual. This did not attract too much attention from her. Because, less than a week ago, Ruan Lingyugang experienced an eternal humiliation that she would never forget in her life.

Just two months ago, on December 27, 1934, Ruan Lingyu was sued by Zhang Damin once. At that time, Tang Jishan received a letter from Zhang Damin entrusted a lawyer, claiming that Ruan Lingyu "stealed property and encroached on clothing, worth more than 3,000 yuan in total"...

This is the case. Ruan Lingyu once came to Hong Kong from Shanghai to avoid the war, and Zhang Damin and Ruan Lingyu's mother also went there. Later, Zhang Damin worked in a company in Hong Kong and was fired for embezzling public funds. Ruan Lingyu asked someone to find a Meicai for him in Fujian and act as the director of a tax office.

As soon as Zhang Damin left, Ruan Lingyu was entangled by tea merchant Tang Jishan. Of course, Tang Jishan is also the major shareholder of Ruan Lingyu's film company. He dumped his lover who lived with him at the time, Zhang Zhiyun, who claimed to be the first actress in China, and pursued Ruan Lingyu reluctantly. Ruan Lingyu surrendered to Tang Jishan's sweet words because she was already desperate for the playboy Zhang Damin.

In March 1933, after Ruan Lingyu returned to Shanghai with Tang Jishan, the two lived together. She also brought her mother He Aying and adopted daughter Xiaoyu to live in a three-story western-style building that Tang Jishan bought for her. At first, Tang Jishan was not bad to both mother and daughter, so she didn't care about Tang Jishan's former lover Zhang Zhiyun's warning to her. Zhang Zhiyun once warned her: "I am today, I am the future you", keeping her away from Tang Jishan, but Ruan Lingyu fell into Tang Jishan's gentle trap and could not extricate herself. This is also because she was soft-hearted, as she later said to a friend:

"I am too weak, I can't stand others being kind to me. If someone treats me well, I will really love him like crazy!"

The famous playwright at that time Tian Han once said in confusion, how could Ruan Lingyu fall in love with someone like Ximen Qing? He really didn't understand Ruan Lingyu's situation at that time; and Ximen Qing must have had some means.

Later, Zhang Damin returned to Shanghai and found that Ruan Lingyu had followed Tang Jishan, so he vowed to take revenge. Ruan Lingyu agreed to terminate her cohabitation relationship with Zhang Damin through a lawyer. The two parties also signed an agreement, and the condition for termination of cohabitation relationship was that Ruan Lingyu paid Zhang Damin 100 yuan a month for living expenses, with a term of 2 years . In this way, nothing seems to be wrong. Ruan Lingyu thinks that she can completely get rid of Zhang Damin and live with Tang Jishan in the future.

I never thought that Zhang Damin was very jealous of Ruan Lingyu and Tang Jishan.You, Tang Jishan, took my wife, how could it be so cheap? Just want to blackmail them. Soon, he sued Ruan Lingyu and Tang Jishan, saying that Ruan Lingyu stole his 3,000 yuan worth of property and handed it to Tang Jishan, asking them to pay back the money, otherwise he would sue it. Of course, Tang Jishan doesn’t admit it. Who do you think you are?

So Zhang Damin's complaint came. At that time, Ruan Lingyu didn't want to make things worse, and she cherished her reputation very much. But Tang Jishan doesn’t like this, isn’t this blackmail? It’s simply outrageous! Tang Jishan counterattacked and accused Zhang Damin of slander.

On January 10, 1935, the Shanghai First Special District District Court accepted the case and held a trial. Before, the newspapers had caused a lot of controversy, and people were eager to see Ruan Lingyu's jokes during the trial. Ruan Lingyu really didn't have the courage to face such an embarrassing situation, so she said she was sick and did not appear in court that time.

In court, Zhang Damin said that Ruan Lingyu was her "wife", and mentioned Tang Jishan's lawsuit against him for "fictional facts and hindering reputation". Tang Jishan failed to make strong arguments because of insufficient preparation and lost the case.

Zhang Damin took advantage and wanted to make another move. So half a month later, Ruan Lingyu and Tang Jishan were sued again. This time he was even more cruel. He actually sued Tang Jishan for obstructing his family and sued the two for adultery. Moreover, the criminal lawsuit stipulates that the defendants, including Ruan Lingyu, must appear in court to listen to the lawsuit.

In the court at that time, the defendant stood in a square wooden barrel in the right corner of the trial stand to receive the hearing and defense. On that day, there were crowds of people in front of the court, crowded with people coming to watch the fun. Ruan Lingyu can no longer be called sick this time. This is how she stood in a big wooden barrel and was watched and discussed. She was simply ashamed. This is her forever humiliation!

Because Tang Jishan was prepared this time, Zhang Damin could not provide any strong evidence to prove Tang Jishan's guilt. Because he had never married Ruan Lingyu, and Ruan Lingyu had already terminated his cohabitation relationship, there was no result in this trial, but public opinion had been formed.

Shanghai newspapers reported this incident in succession, and those irresponsible tabloids even exaggerated the "romantic" incident between Ruan Lingyu and the two men, such as "Ruan Lingyu's adultery case", "Borrowing Zhang and marrying Tang for property", "The love triangle dispute has not yet ended, and prosecuting for adultery", etc. These vivid descriptions brought a stream of ridicule and abuse, forming a string of rumors, like a pot of dirty water pouring on Ruan Lingyu ruthlessly. There was an important reason for this situation at that time. The movie "New Women" directed by Cai Chusheng and starring Ruan Lingyu is still being screened. There is a plot where shameless tabloid reporters use public opinion to force the heroine to death. In the film, some reporters who make a fool of themselves by spreading rumors are criticized and ridiculed. This incident of course aroused strong dissatisfaction among some reporters in the newspaper industry at that time. For this reason, when the movie was released, the director also made some abridgements of the plot. However, the newspaper still retaliated wildly, taking advantage of Ruan Lingyu's opportunity to appear in court to exaggerate the matter, and he would not hesitate to add fuel to the fire and put the blame on Ruan Lingyu.

In court, Ruan Lingyu was humiliated. Afterwards, she was ruthlessly teased and humiliated by public opinion again. She was really in pain. People should have their own dignity when living in the world. Fame is very important to a person, especially for Ruan Lingyu, a public figure. She couldn't stand such a blow. She really wants to die.

So, on Women's Day in 1935, Ruan Lingyu left two suicide notes, swallowed 30 sleeping pills, and left the world resolutely.

So 6 days later, a grand funeral occurred in Shanghai, with 300,000 people attending funerals, and 12 cultural celebrities, including the famous director Cai Chusheng, carried the coffin for Ruan Lingyu. It is 10 kilometers away from the funeral home to the Lianyi Villa Cemetery. Where the hearse passes, there are crowds of people and people scramble to see Ruan Lingyu's remains.

What's more, 7 people in Shanghai alone committed suicide for Ruan Lingyu on that day. This includes Xiang Fuzhen from the Shanghai Theatre and Film Institute who swallowed opium and committed suicide. There is also Xia Chen, who was far away in Shaoxing, who committed suicide by taking poison on that day.They left their last words and said, "Ruan Lingyu is dead, what reason do we have to live?"

The United States " New York Times " also said, "This is the greatest mourning gift in the world."

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(II) Two suicide notes provided by Tang Jishan

0 The third day after Ruan Lingyu's death, that is, on March 11, when the burial ceremony for Ruan Lingyu was held for Ruan Lingyu at the Wanguo Funeral Home, under people's questioning, Tang Jishan took out the suicide notes written by Ruan Lingyu. Later, people read the full text of these two suicide notes from the Lianhua Pictorial on April 1.

The first letter reads:

When I die now, people must think that I am afraid of sin. What is the reason for me to be afraid of? Because I have nothing to do with Zhang Damin, I will give him 100 yuan a month when I left and left him. This is not an empty talk, it has credentials and receipts. But he repays kindness with grudges and kindness with grudges, and even more unknown to the outside world, he thought I could not bear to him. Alas, what's the point? After thinking about it, I could only die. Alas, I'm not sorry for my death, but is still afraid that people's words can be feared, but people's words can be feared.

The second post is:

Ji Shan: I really never dreamed that I would die with you, but don’t be sad, because there are all banquets in the world, please mourn for thousands of times. I can't stand you very much, and I'll make you suffer for me . Although he is slandering you and me in every way, he will eventually find the truth. The net of heaven is vast and sparse and does not leak. I think how can he live? When a bird is about to die, its singing is sad. When a person is about to die, his words are good. When I die, I will protect you forever.

After I die, please take my remaining funds to support my mother and Nannan (Ruan Lingyu's adopted daughter). If it is not enough, please work hard! And beware of your guard at all times to prevent her from following in my footsteps. That is what I expect from you. If you really love me, please don’t let my expectations down. OK, I will see you again in the next life if you are destined to be together! Another company owes me the labor, please take it back to it and use it to support my mother and Nannan for a total of 2,050 yuan. There is another letter that if the outside world knows that I committed suicide, it will be published in the newspaper. If you don’t know, it will be a must.

Ruan Lingyu's last writing (Republic of China) (March 7) midnight,

The suicide note emphasizes the "human words are fearful". It seems that Ruan Lingyu's death was killed by public opinion and drowned by people's spits. Given Ruan Lingyu's public opinion orientation before her death, it seems to be the fact. For this reason, Mr. Lu Xun also wrote an essay on the hospital bed, " on the words of people are terrifying " , expressing regret for Ruan Lingyu's suicide and criticizing public opinion. It seems that Ruan Lingyu's death has been concluded, and most people attribute her death to people's irresponsible remarks.

But is this really the case? Although Ruan Lingyu has suffered from public opinion, is she really so fragile and can only show her ambition by death? The fact is not that simple. Shortly after the publication of the suicide note, someone raised questions. Because in the suicide note, Ruan Lingyu only scolded Zhang Damin, but did not have any resentment towards Tang Jishan, and was also full of attachment and gratitude, which was obviously not in line with normal circumstances. Because everyone already knows that Tang Jishan is also a person who often plays with women. He has beaten Ruan Lingyu in public on the streets and forced Ruan Lingyu to commit suicide by taking poison. obviously has a false suicide note.

After the suicide note was published, Zhang Damin also strongly opposed it. Because in the suicide note, Ruan Lingyu obviously condemned him, and called Tang Jishan an innocent person or even a good person. So he was very angry and came out and pointed out that the suicide note was forged. He told reporters that the handwriting was not from Ruan Lingyu, and Ruan Lingyu was not well-educated and could not write such long and very rigorous texts. It must have been forged by Tang Jishan. He wanted to lead the gun to Tang Jishan, but he forced Ruan Lingyu to commit suicide. But he also has no evidence.

So, are these two suicide notes real?

(three) Two real suicide notes

Not long after, two new suicide notes appeared in the newspaper again.

More than a month after Ruan Lingyu committed suicide, on April 26, an article titled "The Truth is revealed: Tang Jishan forged suicide letters" was published in the Journal of Siming Business. The article revealed that on the night of Ruan Lingyu's suicide, she did write two suicide letters, but not two letters taken out by Tang Jishan. He forged the two suicide notes published in the Lianhua Pictorial. Two new suicide notes were published, with the contents as follows:

First letter:

Damin: I have been forced to death by you, who would believe it? Don’t you think about posting you another 100 yuan a month after I separated from you? You are so unscrupulous. Now that I am dead, you are probably satisfied! People must think that I am afraid of sin, but in fact, I am afraid of sin. I just regretted it and misunderstood (understand) that I should not be the battle between you two, but it is too late! No need to cry! I won't live anymore and I don't have to repent, because things have reached this point.

Second post:

Ji Shan: Without you being obsessed with "XXX" (referring to Tang Ji Shan's new lover), without you hit me that night, and hit me again tonight, I probably wouldn't be like this! After I die, there will definitely be people saying that you are a demon who plays with women in the future, and even more so that I am a soulless woman. But at that time, I am no longer alive, so you can bear it yourself! Zhiyun in the past (i.e. Zhang Zhiyun, a female movie star that Tang Jishan once played with), today, who I am tomorrow, I think you know it yourself.

I am dead, I dare not hate you. I hope you will treat your mother and Xiao Nannan (Ruan Lingyu's adopted daughter), and the labor owed by Lianhua 2,050 yuan. Please pay attention to them. Please take care of them carefully, because you can only rely on them! Without me, you can do what you like, and I'm very happy.

Lingyu's final letters

These two suicide notes are obvious. Ruan Lingyu accused two people. In addition to Zhang Damin, there is also Tang Jishan. Tang Jishan also beat Ruan Lingyu. She was forced to commit suicide by these two men! They are the culprits of killing Ruan Lingyu! Moreover, there is no word "human words are fearful" on the suicide note. Therefore, even though Ruan Lingyu was attacked by public opinion, it made her very painful and even tended to commit suicide, this is not the fundamental reason.

So since these two suicide notes were made public in April, why did people still later believe that Ruan Lingyu died because of "human words are fearful"? Moreover, Mr. Lu Xun wrote that article in May. Didn’t he see these two newly issued suicide notes? I really didn't see

. Not only did Mr. Lu Xun not see it, but everyone basically didn't see it at that time. Why? Because "Journal of Siming Business" is an internal agency publication with a small circulation of only 1,500 copies. It is basically impossible for people in society to see.

So how did these two suicide notes come to the Journal of Siming Business? This has to start with Tang Jishan’s new lover. That is, the "Not you are obsessed with "XXX", this "XXX" refers to the new lover Tang Jishan found, namely the singing and dancing star Liang Saizhen.

Liang Saizhen, a Guangdong native, was famous for starring in "Burning Red Lotus Temple" in 1926. She and her three sisters Liang Saizhu, Liang Saishan and Liang Saihu are all good at singing and dancing, and are also movie stars at that time. They live with Tang Jishan.

Ruan Lingyu was disgusted by Tang Jishan after following Tang Jishan. He was disgusted by Tang Jishan for not long after he was happy. He often scolded and even beat Ruan Lingyu. For example, once they had a meal at Xinghua Building, Tang Jishan beat her in public.

One night, Ruan Lingyu went out to shoot the movie "Xiang Xuehai" and came back late. Tang Ji Shan locked her outside the door. She cried outside for two hours, and Tang Jishan didn't open the door. At this time, Liang Saizhen's sisters came back from the dance hall and let Ruan Lingyu stay with them for a night, and they became friends from then on. But later Tang Jishan got along with Liang Saizhen again. This made Ruan Lingyu very sad.

After Ruan Lingyu committed suicide, Tang Jishan gave the suicide note left by Ruan Lingyu to Liang Saizhen's sisters, and asked them to imitate Ruan Lingyu's handwriting and rewrite the suicide note. So the legend of "people's words are fearful".

Does Ruan Lingyu's death have anything to do with "people's words are fearful"? Obviously there is. When the court opened, she really had the idea of ​​death. Because in her opinion, the meaning of life lies in reputation, love and career. reputation is very important. But as a woman, she puts love first. The two men made her despair. Without love and her reputation was discredited. What is the significance of her career? She was desperate. So her suicide was not an impulse.

The day before Ruan Lingyu committed suicide, that is, on the evening of March 7, she attended a family dinner with Li Minwei, general manager of Lianhua Company, to entertain American audio teacher Shi Jianna. At the banquet, she also raised her glasses frequently and chatted and laughed. After the banquet, she kissed Li Minwei's two children affectionately, and no one could see anything unusual.

After leaving Li’s house that night, Ruan Lingyu danced with Tang Jishan and others.

But they were quarreling all the way back home. The two discussed the lawsuit, and Tang Jishan scolded Ruan Lingyu for being "harmed by others and themselves" and was sorry for him. It is very likely that after returning home, Tang Jishan beat Ruan Lingyu again. This is what the suicide note says, "If you didn't hit me that night, I wouldn't have hit me again tonight, right? (referring to suicide)".

It seems that although Ruan Lingyu's suicide is suspected of being "humble" by others, the direct reason is definitely related to Tang Jishan's attack on her. In other words, she was already desperate about Zhang Damin, but now she was completely desperate about Tang Jishan.

. At that time, Tang Jishan found out that Ruan Lingyu was taking poison, so she went far and did not send her to Guangren Hospital, which was very close to her home, but to Fumin Hospital opened by the Japanese on Sichuan Road. However, there was no doctor on duty there at night and was sent to the Pushi Road Zhongxi Sanatorium, which delayed the opportunity for effective rescue. It can be seen that was Tang Jishan who eventually led to Ruan Lingyu's death.

After Ruan Lingyu's funeral, Liang Saizhen sisters were ashamed of being instructed by Tang Jishan to tamper with the suicide note, so they handed over the real suicide note to a reporter from Siming Business Daily and told the truth. Afterwards, they left Tang Jishan and continued to engage in acting career. Later, when the Anti-Japanese War broke out in 1937, Liang Saitian actively participated in the anti-Japanese war and worked as a nurse of the Red Cross. Later I went to Singapore .

The evil people are retribution. Zhang Damin and Tang Jishan had no good ending.

Tang Jishan later suffered a crushing defeat in business and was forced to sell her villa. She held her tea and sold her along the street, and eventually died of miserability.

After Ruan Lingyu's death, Zhang Damin still consumed Ruan Lingyu's "ex-husband". However, he was ignorant and eventually became poor and died of pneumonia in Hong Kong at the age of 36.

And on March 14, 1935, when Ruan Lingyu was heard on the stage by 12 celebrities, the newspaper described it like this:

"They held a beautiful soul to heaven with tears in their eyes. The white clouds in the sky were like the wings of an angel, and they welcomed her in the spring breeze from afar"...

(Woman talking about history·Iceland eating ice)

Reference materials: "The Biography of Ruan Lingyu", "The Biography of Ruan Lingyu: You are the Silent Song of Leaving", "The Film Star of a Generation Ruan Lingyu", "The Essence of Literature and History", etc.