There is an infinite number of ways people can remember loved ones who have passed away. Tchen Yu-hsiu (
"For all the time I knew my husband, our lifetime aspirations and interests were in the field of culture. Somehow, I felt obliged to accept the offer [from the new government] to head the CCA, as a way to realize our life's dreams," Tchen said.
Traveling to France in 1965 at the age of 15 to study music, Tchen's dream was to become a professional pianist. But as she excelled in music circles, meeting Lu in Paris in the 1970s changed the course of her life -- one which would become inextricably linked with politics.
"My greatest contentment was meeting Lu in Paris, enjoying the cultural events there," Tchen said.
Tchen had been studying piano in France, while Lu was working on a political science PhD in Belgium. However, Lu later transferred to Sorbonne University in Paris, to be close to Tchen.
"Lu used to say that when he first met Tchen, he boldly told her: `You will be my future wife,'" said Chan Shou-chung (
The couple was married after returning to Taiwan, despite strong opposition from Tchen's parents because Lu had majored in politics.
"I decided to marry him anyway," Tchen said. "And I told him that we had to stay in academics and he agreed. Unexpectedly, however, the `white terror' changed the course of our lives."
From 1983 to 1986, Lu, who was teaching at Chinese Cultural University, was imprisoned for three years on sedition charges. The academic community subsequently shut the door on Lu due to the stigma of being a political prisoner, forcing him to seek a career in politics by running for the legislature in 1989.
So Tchen, who had been lukewarm on politics, was drawn into the realm of political intrigue. And Lu, who was an avid supporter of Taiwan independence, found he had to rely on the assistance of his wife, in lieu of others willing to help.
"Sometimes I'd finish up a 60-minute-long speech manuscript within three minutes of stepping on the stage. Then my mind would go totally blank, and I'd be left speechless," Tchen said.
Despite her entrance into politics, Tchen was still able to keep her university life intact. From 1994 to 1997, she acted as chairperson of the Graduate Institute and the Department of Music at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). She is currently the Dean of NTNU's College of Fine and Applied Arts.
In 1993, the couple established the Egret Cultural Foundation, holding concerts in remote areas around Taiwan, and working to preserve Taiwan's musical history. For her work, Tchen was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite, from the French government in 1996.
But Tchen attributed much of her success to her husband.
"Without the influence of Lu, I would not have taken part in social and political affairs, perhaps just remaining a pianist," she said.
But others say it was Tchen's own steady disposition over time that has allowed her to stand out in the various roles she has played.
"She has a conscientious and diligent disposition, as well as an admirable sense of sincerity and innocence," said Shi Muren (
Describing herself as "optimistic to the extent that nothing matters even if the sky falls down," Tchen admitted her husband's illness changed her outlook on life.
"I feared nothing in the past. It was only after Lu became sick that I realized life is sometimes not in our control and that it can be very capricious," Tchen said. "After he passed away, I felt everything important to me was gone."
"My greatest regret in life is that I am unable to grow old together with him as husband and wife (
Even so, Tchen said leading the CCA will give her a chance to realize the dreams she shared with her husband.
"Not everybody has the chance to realize their dreams, so I cherish this opportunity and am willing to accept the challenge," she said.
Her husband, a three-term lawmaker, had once said he found himself lagging in terms of what he wanted to achieve as a legislator "like a dog chasing after a speeding train but in vain." But Tchen said she would have more room for policy implementation in her new role.
"My ultimate goal is to allow culture to be integrated into our daily lives -- to allow for a quality life in which people can show concern for one another," she said.
"It's a pity to see people lead hectic lives, always rushing to one thing or another and at the end of their journey hardly remembering what they achieved and finding their life has been wasted," Tchen added.
Meanwhile, the musician-turned-official said her love for music would remain. "I will continue playing piano and won't give up my practice sessions every day. If I can't play to the extent that my fingers cannot move smoothly on the keys, that would be a great loss," Tchen said.
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