Zhao Qiancheng

Biodata

Background / History

Zhao Qiancheng belonged to a Zhao family whose position improved after his relatives acquired grain and a gold bar by reporting local landlords. His elder brother, Zhao Manjiang, later became a textile-mill workshop director, while Qin Fengying's family helped Zhao Qiancheng attain the post of Brigade Secretary. 4

As Brigade Secretary, Zhao used his authority to control villagers and educated youths. People feared speaking against him because he held influence over their livelihoods, and he was known to delay letters of introduction unless applicants brought sufficiently valuable gifts. 3 10

He repeatedly suppressed Cheng Hu's branch of the Cheng family, deducting their grain and work points and assigning them the hardest jobs. Cheng Hu later testified that Zhao Qiancheng was responsible for his father's death and the destruction of his knee; a bloodstained belt identified by villagers as Zhao's became key supporting evidence. 6 37 40

Personality

Zhao Qiancheng was authoritarian, status-conscious, and highly calculating. He viewed marriage as a means to raise the Zhao family's standing, seeking a socially advantageous wife for Zhao Jianguo and refusing to allow Jiang Hongmei into the family despite his son's attachment to her. 3 4

He was also controlling and vindictive. He used official procedures for personal leverage, tried to seize control of the brigade's successful cooperation with the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, and pursued coercive marriage schemes to gain influence over Shen Jianan and Gu Yu. 10 23 30 33

Though he projected authority, he could be swayed by flattery, gifts, and political pressure. Shen Jianan successfully obtained a letter of introduction and Zhao's bicycle by exploiting these weaknesses in front of Zhao Hongjun. 9

Story Role / Major Arcs

Zhao Jianguo's Marriage Plans

Zhao initially supported Zhao Jianguo's desire to find a wife with superior looks, education, and urban family connections, seeing such a match as a path for the Zhao family to rise further. 3

When Zhao Jianguo became entangled with Jiang Hongmei, Zhao Qiancheng firmly opposed the relationship. He enlisted Zhao Manjiang to seek a different match and persuaded Zhao Jianguo that Jiang Hongmei was manipulating him. 4 8

Attempt to Control the Brigade's Prosperity

After Shen Jianan's handicraft business began benefiting Chaoyang Production Brigade, Zhao Qiancheng attempted to take over the Supply and Marketing Cooperative partnership. He also tried unsuccessfully to extract details about the brigade's backpack orders from Shen Jianan. 23 30

Zhao and Zhao Jianguo then planned to use Zhao Jianguo's wedding to pressure Gu Yu into marrying Zhao Xiufen and blackmail Shen Jianan into surrendering the business. 30

Forced-Marriage Scheme and Arrest

Zhao Qiancheng, Zhao Jianguo, and Zhao Manjiang attempted to arrange Shen Jianan's marriage to Zhao Xiaojun. Zhao Xiaojun fled rather than become a bargaining chip for the family's ambitions. 33

The Zhao brothers subsequently falsely accused Shen Jianan of forcibly marrying Zhao Xiaojun and driving her from home. The accusation triggered a Public Security Bureau investigation and exposed their planned scheme against Gu Yu. 34

Exposure and Execution

Following Zhao Qiancheng's arrest, Cheng Hu provided testimony about the years of abuse inflicted on his family. Zhao Gang and Zhao Hongjun collected forty-nine accusation letters from households Zhao had harmed. 37 40

The investigation established Zhao Qiancheng's involvement in serious crimes, including the violence against Cheng Hu's family. He and Qin Guangtao were sentenced to execution by firing squad. 40

Relationships

• Qin Fengying — Wife and fellow cadre. Her family's influence helped Zhao Qiancheng become Brigade Secretary; they jointly pursued advantageous marriages for their children. 4 30
• Zhao Jianguo — Eldest son. Zhao supported his search for a high-status wife, later beat him over his affair with Jiang Hongmei, and collaborated with him in schemes against Shen Jianan and Gu Yu. 3 30
• Zhao Manjiang — Elder brother and textile-mill workshop director. He helped Zhao seek a suitable wife for Zhao Jianguo and later joined the forced-marriage plot and false accusation against Shen Jianan. 4 8 34
• Zhao Xiufen — Daughter. Zhao and Qin Fengying considered arranging her marriage to Gu Yu as part of their plan to gain access to Gu Yu's family connections. 30
• Zhao Xiaojun — Niece. Zhao attempted to use her marriage to Shen Jianan to secure the family's interests; she fled the arrangement. 33 34
• Shen Jianan — Political and personal adversary. Zhao tried to probe his business dealings, force a family marriage connection, and ultimately frame him. 30 34
• Gu Yu — Target of Zhao's marriage scheme involving Zhao Xiufen; Zhao's plan to manipulate him was uncovered during the investigation. 30 34
• Cheng Hu — Long-term victim of Zhao's abuse of power. Cheng's testimony and the recovered belt helped expose Zhao's crimes. 37 40

Notable Quotes

“I will never let that Jiang Hongmei enter our family's door.” 4

“Believe it or not, I can make sure you never return to the city!?” 30