張戎的歷史小說三部曲中，2019年才出版的《宋氏三姐妹》（Big Sister， Little Sister，Red Sister）是其中寫得最不上心的一部。為什麼這樣說呢？因為有關宋氏三姐妹的資料汗牛充棟，百無禁忌，老百姓也耳詳能熟，多少都知道那麼一點，又是三個人，顧此失彼，勉為其難，除非是像羅貫中施耐庵那樣一等一的高手，寫好了不容易。
Ching-ling did cherish and show an uncommon fondness for her chief bodyguard, Sui Xue-fang. Sui was a handsome young man, a good shot, a skilled driver, a talented photographer and a gifted dancer. At Ching-ling's parties, when she occasionally danced, he was her partner. More often they played chess and billiards together. Ching-ling, who was generally kind and considerate to her staff, perhaps treated Sui like the son she could never have. Also, she was also affectionate to Sui's deputy, Jin Shan-wang, who she fondly nicknamed him Cannon. She taught Jin how to play the piano, and even deputised him to make informal speeches on her behalf. The two young men competed for her affection, sometimes in a petulant and wilful way. And she would act vivaciously and mischievously like a young woman. The atmosphere in Ching-ling's household took on the semblance of a family, with affection and laughter, as well as sulks and rows. Gossip was inevitable, but in this case, most unusually, it spread to the general public.
Ching-ling’s affection for her chief bodyguard, Sui Xue-fang, was crystal clear—he definitely held a special place in her heart. With his charm and an impressive list of talents, he was hard not to adore. He was a top-notch marksman, a skilled driver, a talented photographer, and an incredible dancer. At her lively parties, when the mood struck for dancing, he was always the one she picked as her partner. But more often, the two would have a blast competing in games of chess or billiards, simply enjoying each other’s company. Ching-ling, always warm and caring with her staff, treated Sui like the son she never had.
Her affection also extended to his right-hand man, Jin Shan-wang, who she affectionately dubbed “Cannon.” She took delight in teaching him to play the piano and often asked him to speak at informal events on her behalf.
The playful competition between the two young men for her attention added a fun, spirited energy to her household. Ching-ling, with her feisty personality, would lean into the rivalry, teasing them both and behaving like a young woman caught up in their little tug-of-war. Her home was like a big, happy family, full of warmth, laughter, and the occasional playful squabble. It wasn’t long before their lively dynamic became the talk of the town, sparking gossip and curiosity among the public.
Qing-ling harbored a deep and rare affection for her chief bodyguard, Sui Xue-fang, a young man of striking abilities. Handsome, a skilled marksman, an expert driver, a talented photographer, and a gifted dancer, Sui’s versatility impressed her greatly. At her gatherings, whenever she danced, he was invariably her partner. But their relationship went far beyond mere social occasions—they frequently spent time together playing chess and billiards. Qing-ling, known for her kindness and consideration toward her staff, seemed to regard Sui as the son she had never borne.
Her fondness extended to Sui’s deputy, Jin Shan-wang, whom she affectionately dubbed “Cannon.” She not only taught him to play the piano but also trusted him with delivering informal speeches in her stead. Both young men vied for her attention, sometimes displaying a rivalry marked by youthful petulance. Despite this competition, Qing-ling responded with an effervescent energy, displaying a vivacity and mischief that reflected her youthful spirit.
Her household took on the feel of a close-knit family, with moments of warmth, laughter, but also the occasional tension, disagreements, and sulks. Inevitably, such personal dynamics, marked by affection and rivalry, could not remain hidden, and rumors about the relationships within her inner circle soon began to spread beyond the confines of her home.
