The Early Life and Career of Jin Yong
Before becoming the “swordsmanship master” of the literary world, Jin Yong (real name: Cha Leung Dung, 1924 – 2018) had a profound connection with books. Born into a prestigious family in the 1920s-1930s, he was exposed to a rich cultural and educational environment from a young age. His fascination with martial arts fiction began with the novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes.”
His first published work was not a martial arts novel but rather a guidebook for students titled “Tips for Those Entering Secondary School.” This book provided him with a substantial income, enabling him to cover his college tuition. With exceptional writing skills, Jin Yong frequently contributed articles to newspapers, attracting the attention of many readers. After graduation, he worked at a newspaper office and had his first encounter with the woman who would become his first love through a letter from a publisher.
A Turbulent Marriage
Jin Yong’s first love was Do Tri Phan, the only daughter of a wealthy publisher. Her beauty captivated him. To get closer to her, he often engaged in discussions about novels with her brother. Jin Yong’s talent and charm also won the heart of Do Tri Phan, and the two quickly got married.
However, happiness was short-lived as Jin Yong received orders to relocate to Hong Kong (China) for work. Not wanting to be apart from his new wife, he brought her along. Yet, due to his busy work schedule, he had little time to spend with her. Feeling lonely, depressed, and disconnected from life, Do Tri Phan decided to return to her hometown to seek a new love. Jin Yong was left feeling “abandoned.”
At the age of 74, he finally publicly announced the reason for his divorce. Many years later, when reflecting on his first marriage, Jin Yong noted, “The more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to choose someone else.” When he wrote these lines, he was thinking of his first love.
A Flourishing Career and a Second Marriage
After his first divorce, Jin Yong devoted himself entirely to writing. His martial arts novel “The Return of the Condor Heroes” quickly became a bestseller and propelled his name to the forefront of the literary scene.
Jin Yong continued to release numerous novels, elevating his name to new heights. As a public figure, he garnered widespread admiration from many fans, seeing him as a heroic figure. Among his admirers was a journalist named Chu Mai, who quickly fell in love with Jin Yong. They were married shortly after and had four children (two sons and two daughters).
Chu Mai was an intelligent and beautiful woman who supported Jin Yong significantly during the challenging early stages of his journalism career at “Ming Bao.” She even sold her jewelry to support his endeavors. During the initial period when the newspaper was struggling, she served as its sole female reporter. While managing her responsibilities outside, she also had to take care of their children at home, which was a considerable burden.
However, as his career flourished and his wealth increased, Jin Yong’s feelings for his wife began to wane. He had to watch as the starlet Ha Mang became famous. However, Ha Mang soon married a wealthy businessman and had a comfortable family life, ultimately rejecting Jin Yong’s affections.
The Third Marriage and Family Tragedy
Later, Jin Yong met Lam Lac Nghi, a 29-year-old actress, and they quickly got married. To be with Lam Lac Nghi, Jin Yong had to provide a large sum of money for Chu Mai to divorce him, while Lam Lac Nghi had to agree to undergo a surgical procedure.
His new wife, who had been with him for over 20 years, Chu Mai, had to live in poverty after their divorce. Many years later, when she passed away, no family members were present, and even the hospital staff helped with her funeral arrangements. This event deeply affected Jin Yong’s son, who always advised his father to remain single, leading him to contemplate suicide.
All four of Jin Yong’s children with Chu Mai have had their own share of difficulties: the eldest son is self-employed, the second son has a habit of being a dropout, the eldest daughter has faced personal challenges, and the second daughter has been married twice.
His second son, Cha Truyền Thích, was sent to England to study mathematics and has worked in this field for over a decade. Subsequently, he took on the responsibility of publishing his father’s works.
In 2018, the legendary author Jin Yong passed away at the age of 94 after a long battle with illness.
Source: 163
