In northeastern China, an elderly farmer named Wang Yubin suddenly attracted widespread attention from society. He claimed to be the biological son of the last emperor Pu Yi and Empress Wanrong, and was the real crown prince of the Qing Dynasty. Wang Yubin recounts a surprising story in which he was designated crown prince by Pu Yi at the age of three, and was later sent to the Soviet Union as a hostage, but was too young to make the trip. He said that his adoptive father, Zhu Zhanlin, was Puyi's confidant and bodyguard, and took him away and raised him after the fall of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
This astonishing claim sparked a heated discussion. Some believe his story and think it could be a major discovery in history; There are also those who are skeptical, believing that it is just an elaborate hoax. In the face of doubts, Wang Yubin produced some evidence purportedly from the royal court, as well as a rare book about the last empress.
However, Qing history experts have strongly questioned Wang's claims. They pointed out that Pu Yi was infertile, and the evidence provided by Wang Yubin was also questionable. Faced with this battle between truth and lie, experts have put forward a key recommendation: to confirm Wang's identity through DNA testing. This proposal makes one wonder: will Wang Yubin accept this challenge? If he is really the crown prince of the Qing Dynasty, why did he make his identity public in his later years? What's the story behind this?
Wang Yubin's astonishing statement
Everyone knows that the last emperor Pu Yi had a rough life, but he didn't know that in his later years, someone claimed to be his own flesh and blood! At the beginning of 2019, an old farmer named Wang Yubin in Northeast China suddenly stood up and claimed that he was the biological son of Pu Yi and Wanrong, and that he was the real prince of the Qing Dynasty. This astonishing statement was like a bombshell that caused an uproar in society.
Wang Yubin, who is 67 years old this year, came to the relevant department and insisted that he was the son of Pu Yi and Wanrong. He recalled: "In 1952, when I had just turned three years old, my father, Emperor Puyi, officially announced that I had become the crown prince of the puppet state of Manchukuo in front of Wanrong Niangniang and Zhu Zhanlin. When Wang Yubin said this, tears flashed in his eyes, as if he had returned to that distant era.
According to Wang Yubin, Pu Yi made him the crown prince at that time, but in fact, he was just going through the motions, and the real purpose was to send him to the Soviet Union as a hostage. "Everything is packed, and it is Zhu Zhanlin who escorts me there." Wang Yubin said, "But then the news came, and the other party said that I was too young and asked for someone else to come." "
Wang Yubin's words attracted the attention of everyone present. He continued: "Actually, my background has always been a secret. It wasn't until after my adoptive parents died that my adoptive sister told me the truth. Wang Yubin said that his adoptive father, Zhu Zhanlin, had served as a military police officer in the puppet state of Manchukuo, and was just an ordinary soldier on the surface, but in fact he was Pu Yi's confidant and completed many secret tasks for Pu Yi.
Wang's statement has attracted the attention of not only ordinary people, but also historians. Some believe that this may be a major historical discovery, and if true, it will rewrite our understanding of the last emperor, Pu Yi. There are also those who are skeptical, believing that it may be an elaborate hoax.
In the face of doubts, Wang Yubin produced some evidence purportedly from the royal court. He also mentioned a copy of "The Last Empress and the Imperial Princess" published in the 80s of the last century, saying that the book has now been fried abroad for thousands of dollars, and the protagonists in the book are his parents, Pu Yi and Wanrong.
Wang's statement sparked a series of discussions and investigations. Some people began to delve into the details of Pu Yi and Wanrong's lives, trying to find flaws in Wang Yubin's statement. Some people also began to track down Zhu Zhanlin's identity, hoping to find some clues from this person who is said to be Pu Yi's confidant.
However, as the investigation deepened, there were more and more suspicions. Some historians have pointed out that, according to the available historical data, there is no record of Pu Yi and Wan Rong having children. Moreover, in 1952, Pu Yi was no longer the emperor, and he no longer had the power to make the crown prince. These doubts make Wang's statement more and more suspicious.
Despite this, Wang Yubin still insisted on his claim. He claimed that the reason why his background has been kept secret is to protect his own safety. "In those days, the descendants of the royal family were dangerous," he said. In order to protect me, my adoptive parents kept my true identity hidden. "
Wang Yubin's statement undoubtedly adds a mystery to this long-sealed history. Whether his claims are true or not, they make people re-examine this period of history, and also provoke people to think deeply about identity and historical truth.
Skepticism by historians
As soon as Wang Yubin's astonishing statement was released, it immediately attracted wide attention from the historical circles. Many Qing history experts and scholars have questioned his statement, and they have pointed out many doubts and contradictions in Wang Yubin's statement from multiple angles.
First of all, the experts pointed out that, according to the available historical data and medical records, Pu Yi was infertile. This view is supported by a wide range of evidence. In 1922, Pu Yi underwent a comprehensive medical examination, which revealed that he had cryptorchidism, a disease that greatly affected his fertility. In addition, Pu Yi's personal physician Xu Shiduo also clearly mentioned in his memoirs that Pu Yi was unable to have children throughout his life.
Not only that, Pu Yi himself also admitted the fact that he was unable to have children in his autobiography "The First Half of My Life". He wrote: "My body is defective and I cannot have children. This statement further supports the experts' views. Therefore, Wang Yubin's claim that he is Pu Yi's biological son is difficult to establish in the face of medical and historical facts.
Second, experts also questioned Wang Yubin's so-called "establishment of a prince". They pointed out that by 1952 Pu Yi no longer had any royal status, let alone the power to make a crown prince. Pu Yi was captured by the Soviet Red Army in 1945 and later imprisoned in the Fushun War Criminals Management Center. In this case, he simply did not have the opportunity and the right to perform any royal ceremonies.
In addition, historians have questioned the so-called "royal court letters" provided by Wang Yubin. Through a detailed analysis of the handwriting, paper, and language style of these letters, the experts found that there are many places that do not conform to historical reality. For example, some of the wording and expressions used in the letters differed markedly from the court language of Puyi's time.
A senior expert in Qing history researched pointed out: "These so-called 'court letters', both in terms of paper and writing style, are very different from real Qing court documents. In particular, some of the modern expressions used in it would not have been possible in the royal documents of the time. "
The experts also investigated the book "The Last Empress and Imperial Princess" mentioned by Wang Yubin. After verification, there is indeed such a book published in the eighties of the last century, but the book does not mention that Pu Yi and Wanrong have a secret son. On the contrary, the book clearly records the fact that Pu Yi and Wanrong had no children.
Another point that has aroused doubts among experts is Wang Yubin's statement that he was "sent to the Soviet Union as hostages." Historians point out that in 1952 Sino-Soviet relations were in a honeymoon period, and the Soviet Union had no reason or need to ask the Chinese side to provide hostages. What's more, if there is such a request, why would a three-year-old child be given up because he is too young? This argument is logically difficult to hold.
Regarding Zhu Zhanlin, the adoptive father mentioned by Wang Yubin, experts have also conducted an in-depth investigation. However, in the historical archives of the puppet state of Manchukuo, this name is not found. Although the possibility that Zhu Zhanlin used a pseudonym cannot be completely ruled out, this undoubtedly increases the degree of suspicion of Wang Yubin's statement.
In the face of these doubts, some experts have made a key suggestion: DNA testing to confirm Wang's identity. A genetics expert said: "Modern technology has made it possible to determine kinship through DNA alignment. If Wang Yubin is really the son of Pu Yi and Wanrong, then a conclusion can be drawn by DNA comparison with Pu Yi's other known relatives. "
This suggestion was immediately supported by a large number of scholars. They believe that DNA testing is the most direct and scientific way to solve this mystery. If Wang Yubin is willing to undergo a DNA test, and the results confirm his claim, it will be a sensational historical discovery. On the other hand, if he refuses to be tested, or if the test results deny his claim, then the mystery of the "prince" can be closed.
However, in the face of experts' doubts and suggestions for DNA testing, Wang's reaction is intriguing. He said it would take time to think about it, and this hesitation undoubtedly cast more doubt on his claims.
Pu Yi and Wanrong's married life
Pu Yi and Wanrong's marriage was a remarkable chapter in 20th-century Chinese history. This marriage not only symbolized the end of an era, but also witnessed the difficult process of China's transformation from feudal monarchy to modern society.
On November 30, 1922, 16-year-old Pu Yi and 17-year-old Wanrong held a grand wedding in the Forbidden City. Although the wedding was still carried out according to the traditional etiquette of the Qing Dynasty, it had actually lost its former glory. At that time, although Pu Yi still retained the false name of "Emperor of the Qing Dynasty", in fact, he had already lost his actual ruling power.
On the day of the wedding, the Forbidden City was lit up with lights, but the whole wedding process was full of embarrassment and unease. According to tradition, the queen should kneel three times and bow nine times to the queen mother on the wedding day. However, since Pu Yi's grandmother, the Empress Dowager Longyu, had died, the ceremony had to be hastily completed. This detail seems to foreshadow the fate of this marriage.
Life after marriage is not as good as a fairy tale. Although Pu Yi and Wanrong live together in the Forbidden City, their relationship has always been estranged. Pu Yi once mentioned in his autobiography that their married life was "like a stranger". This sense of alienation stems in part from Pu Yi's personality and upbringing. Pu Yi, who has lived in the court since he was a child, lacks the ability to interact with people normally, and it is difficult to have sincere feelings for Wanrong.
On the other hand, Pu Yi's physical condition is also an important factor affecting their marriage. A medical examination in 1922 revealed that Pu Yi was suffering from cryptorchidism, which seriously affected his fertility. This problem not only brought huge psychological pressure to Pu Yi, but also cast a shadow on this marriage.
In 1924, Pu Yi was expelled from the Forbidden City, and Wanrong moved with him to Jingyuan in Tianjin. This change has made the already precarious marital relationship even worse. During her time in Tianjin, Pu Yi indulged in the extravagant life of the West, while Wanrong felt lonely and neglected. The relationship between the two deteriorated day by day, and quarrels often broke out.
In 1931, Pu Yi secretly went to the northeast, preparing to accept the support of the Japanese and become the emperor of the puppet state of Manchukuo. This decision left Wanrong deeply uneasy and disappointed. Despite this, Wanrong, as the empress, came to Changchun in 1932 to participate in Puyi's "enthronement" ceremony. However, this reunion did not improve the relationship between the two.
During the puppet state of Manchukuo, the relationship between Pu Yi and Wanrong deteriorated even more. Pu Yi was addicted to opium and became more and more cold to Wanrong. Wanrong, on the other hand, fell into deep loneliness and despair. In 1938, Wanrong was sent back to Beijing for treatment of mental problems, which effectively marked the end of their marriage.
In 1945, with the fall of the puppet state of Manchukuo, Pu Yi was captured by Soviet troops. Wanrong stayed in Beijing and faced the changes of the times alone. The two have not seen each other since. In 1946, Wanrong died in Beijing at the age of 40. At that time, Pu Yi was in a prison in the Soviet Union, and he could not even attend Wanrong's funeral.
Pu Yi and Wanrong's marriage is, to some extent, a microcosm of an era. It reflects the various contradictions and difficulties in the process of China's transformation from a feudal monarchy to a modern society. This marriage is not only a tragedy for two individuals, but also a symbol of the end of a dynasty and an era.
Against this historical background, Wang Yubin's claim that he is the biological son of Pu Yi and Wanrong is even more implausible. According to the available historical information, Pu Yi and Wanrong's married life has been in a state of coldness and separation, and there is no record of them having children. Moreover, considering Pu Yi's physical condition and the fact that the two have been separated for a long time, Wang Yubin's statement is also difficult to establish on the timeline.
Still, Wang's statement has sparked renewed attention on this history. It makes us think again about identity, ancestry, and historical truth. Whether or not Wang's claims are ultimately confirmed, this incident provides us with an opportunity to re-examine history and explore the truth of history.
Folk reactions and discussions
As soon as Wang Yubin's statement claiming to be Pu Yi's biological son was released, it immediately aroused widespread repercussions and heated discussions among the people. The incident not only piqued curiosity about the last imperial family of the Qing Dynasty, but also triggered a re-examination of China's modern history.
On social media platforms, related topics quickly appeared on the hot search list. Netizens have expressed their opinions, forming two camps of support and doubt. Proponents argue that Mr. Wang's claims add an intriguing mystery to China's modern history and could lead to new historical discoveries. They point out that there is no shortage of examples of royal descendants who have hidden identities in history, so Wang's claim is not entirely impossible.
One user with the screen name "History Explorer" posted: "History is always full of surprises and secrets. If Wang's statement is true, it will be a major revision of our understanding of Qing history. We should not dismiss any possibility lightly. "
However, the voices of skepticism seem to prevail. Many netizens pointed out many loopholes in Wang Yubin's statement. A netizen who claimed to be a medical student posted an analysis: "According to the available medical data, Pu Yi suffers from cryptorchidism and has extremely low fertility. Coupled with the fact that he and Wanrong have been separated for a long time, Wang Yubin's statement is difficult to hold up in medicine and timeline. "
Some netizens questioned the so-called "royal letter" provided by Wang Yubin. A calligraphy enthusiast compared Puyi's calligraphy works published on the Internet and pointed out that there were obvious differences in the handwriting of the letters displayed by Wang Yubin. "As a long-time lover of Qing Dynasty calligraphy, I can responsibly say that these so-called 'royal letters' are very different from Pu Yi's authentic handwriting," he wrote in the post. "
Some history buffs have even dug deep and researched some of the details mentioned by Wang Yubin. For example, someone consulted a large number of historical materials and found that there was no record of Pu Yi's "establishment of the crown prince" in 1952. This netizen analyzed in detail in a long article: "Pu Yi in 1952 has lost all his royal status and is undergoing transformation. In this case, he simply did not have the ability and the possibility to perform any royal ceremonies. "
As the discussion deepened, some netizens began to pay attention to the possible social impact of this incident. Some people worry that such a statement may trigger some people's illusions about the restoration of the imperial system and affect social stability. A user with the screen name "Modern Citizen" posted: "Whether Wang Yubin's statement is true or not, we should all look at it rationally. China is already a modern republic, and any attempt to return to the imperial era is unrealistic. "
At the same time, there are those who associate this event with a current social phenomenon. Some netizens pointed out that Wang Yubin's statement reflects some people's yearning for "aristocratic status", which may be a projection of the current social class solidification and difficulty in upward mobility. A sociology student analyzed in a popular post: "In the current social environment, some people may seek psychological comfort by fantasizing about their special status. This reflects some of the problems that exist in our society, and it is worth pondering. "
As the discussion continued to heat up, a number of professionals joined in the discussion. People in the legal profession pointed out that if Wang Yubin's statement is true, it may involve legal issues such as inheritance. In an interview with the media, a lawyer said: "Even if Wang Yubin is really Pu Yi's son, considering that Pu Yi has long since given up his royal status, this identification may not be of practical significance in law." "
Interestingly, this discussion also provoked reflection on the methods of historical research. Some historians have posted online articles calling on the public to maintain a rational and objective attitude when facing such historical controversies, and to verify them through scientific methods. A well-known historian wrote in his personal blog: "Historical research should not be swayed by emotions and imagination. What we need is rigorous research and scientific argumentation, not wild speculation. "
Over time, the debate has evolved from a simple debate between truth and falsehood to a debate about history, identity, social mobility, and more. Whether or not Wang's claims are ultimately confirmed, this incident undoubtedly provides an opportunity for the public to re-examine history and think about contemporary social issues.
The impact and revelation of the event
Although the authenticity of Wang Yubin's claim to be the son of Pu Yi and Wanrong has been questioned, it has sparked widespread discussion and far-reaching impact in all walks of life. This incident not only raised renewed attention to the history of the last Qing dynasty, but also triggered reflections on historical research methods, identity, social mobility, and other fields.
First, the event prompted a public re-examination of the history of the late Qing Dynasty. Many people began to learn more about the lives of Pu Yi and Wanrong, as well as the fate of the royal family after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Some historians took the opportunity to publish articles in the media, detailing the historical background of the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, as well as the transformation of Puyi from emperor to ordinary citizen. This renewed focus on history has helped the public to understand more fully the complexities of modern Chinese history.
Second, this incident provoked people to think about the methods of historical research. In the course of the discussion, many scholars and experts emphasized the importance of rigorous research and scientific argumentation. For example, a history researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences pointed out in a public lecture: "In the face of such historical controversies, we should not rely only on legends or personal statements, but should seek the truth through scientific methods such as multi-faceted historical comparison, physical verification, and DNA testing." This view has been widely recognized, prompting more people to pay attention to the scientific method in historical research.
In addition, the incident has sparked a discussion about identity. On social media, many netizens shared the mystery of their family's origins and discussed the impact of blood relationships on personal identity. In his op-ed, a sociology professor wrote: "In modern society, an individual's identity should not be overly dependent on blood or origin, but more on individual abilities and contributions." This view has sparked further discussion and prompted people to think about how identity and descent are viewed in contemporary society.
At the same time, this incident also reflects some problems that exist in the current society. Some commentators have suggested that Wang's claim to be a descendant of the royal family may reflect some people's desire for upward mobility. In an interview with the media, a sociologist said: "In the context of the solidification of social classes, some people may seek psychological comfort by fantasizing about their special status. This reflects the problem of inequality of opportunity in our society, which is worth pondering. "
At the legal level, the incident has also sparked some discussion. Although Wang's claim lacks credible evidence, some legal experts have discussed the legal implications if this is true. A prominent lawyer wrote in his legal advice section: "Even if someone can prove that they are the descendants of former royals, this status does not entail special legal rights under the current legal system." However, some complex legal issues may arise in areas such as inheritance. "
From a cultural point of view, this incident has also triggered a reflection on the concept of "recognizing ancestors and returning to their ancestors" in traditional Chinese culture. Some cultural scholars have pointed out that kinship and family identity have always been regarded as important values in traditional cultures. But in modern society, this notion is fading. In an academic paper, a cultural studies expert wrote: "The Wang Yubin incident reflects the conflict between traditional notions of kinship and modern identity. This kind of conflict is prevalent in contemporary Chinese society and deserves our in-depth study. "
From the point of view of media communication, this incident also became an interesting case. Many media researchers have noticed that the rapid spread and discussion of this event on social media reflects the characteristics and challenges of contemporary information dissemination. A professor of communication pointed out in his research report: "In today's highly fragmented information, how to distinguish the truth from the false in the massive amount of information and how to avoid being misled by misinformation has become a must for every citizen." "
Overall, the incident of Wang Yubin's claim to be the son of Pu Yi and Wanrong, although its authenticity is questionable, has become a mirror that reflects the current situation and problems of contemporary Chinese society in terms of historical cognition, identity, social mobility, legal awareness, cultural inheritance, and other aspects. The impact of this event goes far beyond itself, providing us with an opportunity to re-examine society, history and culture.