She is not just another “She”

     The role of women in traditional society was often locked within the limits of cultural norms.  As a result, there was very little room for self-expression.  However, in Madam Hsiu-Feng Yen’s world, she was destined to overcome and challenge tradition.  In her eyes, it was never a question whether she could or could not do something. For her it was more a question of whether or not to commit oneself to something worthwhile.

        Some say that happiness is built upon repeated layers of everyday simplicity. What then can one do to earn extraordinary honor and glory?

         As an only daughter of a well-to-do family, Madam Yen walked away from her privileged environment in order to become a soldier passionately fighting for her country.  Those around her could only see her courage and determination as well as her devoted sacrifice for her fellow country men. However, behind the willpower, secretly hidden deep in her heart from others, was her fear and sense of helplessness. Thus, not many people could understand the choices and sacrifices that Madam Yen had made for herself. Perhaps in many people’s minds they felt that it was simply the condition of her time that forced her to this path. In any case, what kind of return did she ultimately receive for her sacrifice? Presently, she is able to look back with a sense of dignity and pride. However, at the time she defied her parents’ objections, brushed aside sadness to leave her loving home, and struggled in her life in the military, she never dared reveal her tears.

         When Madame Yen married into the Lee family, she stepped into an unfamiliar environment because she did not understand the language being spoken and she was not familiar with the local customs and cultures she needed to learn in order to fit in. Despite decades of labor and hardships Madame Yen was able to meet and overcome many of her life challenges. From the 2-28 incident, the White Terror era, and serving fifteen years in prison to starting a business in the face of adversity, donating the Lu-Chou Lee Family House, clearing the false charges against her husband, Madame Yen’s extraordinary past added illustriousness to her own life.

The role of traditional women

        Throughout Chinese history, the social status of women has often been limited within their homes. Joining the army was considered a man’s duty. It was considered bad luck if women appeared in the army or in battle. Even today in Taiwan taboos like this still exist, despite the fact the country emphasizes equality between men and women. We only have to compare the number of female to male soldiers to see that there is still an enormous difference. Even though it has been three years since the trial launch of the paid enlistment system, the recruitment of female soldiers only started this year.  Out of the total recruitment of 6,561 people, only 90 were women. While today’s conditions are rather different from the time the country was at war, one can still easily see that despite the rise of feminist teaching in Taiwan, the numerous constraints on women can still be detected to some extent. As a result, even now we can still relate to the kind of severe restrictions that were imposed upon women during Madam Yen’s youthful years.

         While relevant information involving the 2-28 incident and the White Terror era, highlight the sacrifice of men in a rather visible manner, there is very little in terms of hearing the roar of women. Most women were often portrayed as being passively involved during this stormy historical period.  Moreover, many women thought losing their husbands during the 2-28 incident was due to their “fate.”  As a result of this belief in “fate”, these women often felt that it was futile to struggle.  Instead these women felt they simply had to carry on with their roles of being the housewives and mothers who took care of the children and their home. At the same time, they also had to seek ways to support the family financially. Such a strenuous existence meant that most women were powerless to cry out for their husbands and to think about the unfairness imposed onto their shoulders.

         The distinguished Lee family in Lu-Chou had an extensive family tree. Traditional Chinese patriarchal customs dictated that the spiritual support for the family was a responsibility shouldered by the men in the family.  With Madam Yen this was an exception. When she came back to the family from prison, members in the family cleared out the room that “represented the noble position in the family” for her residence. In the Lee family’s mind this gesture directly reflected her irreplaceable position. This also represented a deep appreciation and admiration from family members to Madam Yen for her devotion.

       After experience of such stormy life, Lady Yen was still willing to choose this path if she had the chance again. However, she might thought to herself that if the important people in her life – her parents, her loving husband and her friends could accompany her without going through these separation in life and death; where they all lived a plain life, whom could she tell about this path and these dreams?

If given the chance to do it all again, Madam Yen would still be willing to choose her same path, despite having experienced such a stormy life.   However, she might secretly privately wished to herself that if the important persons in her life – her parents, her loving husband and her friends could stay with her by her side without going through the ultimate separation of life and death.  She would have preferred a way of life where they all lived ordinary lives, whom could she tell about this alternative path and these dreams?

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