Wang Zhen

Early career

Wang Zhen enlisted in the army in Changsha in 1922. Subsequently, he became a railroad worker, assuming the role of head of the workers' picket line and serving as an executive member of the Changsha section of the Guangzhou–Hankou railway Trade Union, among other positions. Wang Zhen became a member of the Communist Youth League of China in January 1927 and subsequently joined the Chinese Communist Party in May 1927.

Wang Zhen was born into a destitute peasant family and received his education under the guidance of his grandfather, who was violently suppressed when Wang Zhen participated in the revolution. Wang Zhen's spouse, Wang Jiqing (Chinese: 王季青), pursued her studies in the History Department at Beiping University. Subsequently, as a result of the Anti-Japanese War, she reached the Taiyuan Office of the Eighth Route Army, where she became affiliated with the 120th Division, overseeing the expansion of the Civilian Transportation Department of the 120th Division. Wang Zhen was introduced by He Long and Guan Xiangying, subsequently marrying Wang Jiqing. Wang Zhen commanded the 359th Brigade in Shanxi, then overseeing Xinjiang and reclaiming Heilongjiang, accompanied by Wang Jiqing. They had three sons: Wang Bing, Wang Jun, and Wang Zhi.