Huang Mulan is well loved and regarded as "the most beautiful agent" by the Communist Party of China (CPC) as she was known for many acts of courage and heroism in the struggle against the Kuomintang (KMT).
She recently died in Nanjing and many revere her memory as the "most beautiful agent." She was born in Hunan to a wealthy family.
She joined the CPC in 1926 and was part of the underground movement and engaged in many acts of heroism during the struggle against the KMT.
In 1930, she protected Zhou Enlai, China's first premier, by providing information about an attempted abduction by the KMT.
The Party's General Secretary Xiang Zhongfa engaged in acts of betrayal that same year. Huang was the one who exposed him, which helped the CPC avoid many mistakes.
A year later, she led a group of political prisoners from the CPC to escape.
However, she was arrested and jailed for 17 years during the years of purging that was implemented during the Cultural Revolution. She was released in 1975.
Upon release, she continued her fight to clear up her name. Her efforts finally came to fruition when the Communist Party recognized their mistakes in 1980.
She was married four times in her life. She bore a son in 1928 when she was assigned in Jiangxi Province.
He son died four months later, but it did not deter her from continuing her work for the CPC.
Huang's autobiography was published in 2016 and revealed many recollections and insights on Huang's life struggle.
According to General Chen Geng, "the life of Mulan is a reflection of the vicissitudes of the Chinese revolution."
"I'm never pessimistic, always sticking to inspiring ideas even in the face of adversity. This is one of my strengths, and the only secret of my health and keeping fit," Huang wrote.