Yü Keng 裕庚

Also Yu Geng

Diplomat, a Catholic

Member of the Manchu 'Plain White Banner Corp'.

Served as Chinese Minister to Japan,

1899 Minister to French 3rd Republic for 4 yrs

Known for his progressive, reformist view.

(Lydia's story): successively the Governor of many provinces. Whilst Governor of Kwan-tung & Kwang-hsi, he ordered the Imperial Troop to fight the French for defense of Vietnam in 1888. Less than a decade later, as the Governor of Korea, he defended that country against Japanese. After Treaty of Shimonoseki, Japanse Govt insisted upon his being China's 1st Imperial Minister to Japan - 3 yrs. Became a close friend of Prince Ito. Both his daughters were appointed as Honorary Ladies in Waiting to the Empress of Japan. After Japan, appointed to Paris - was there for 2 yrs. Returned to China and was appointed Secretary of External Affairs, one of 8 Secretaries holingd the same title during the Emprire.

(Grant) Lord Yu Keng's story is retold in the movie 'Dai noi kwan ying' 1980. (does not make sense - Chula snr)

(NY Times Paris Corresp 25 Oct 1902): " ..Her husband is a poet. Some of his poetry has been translated and published by Mme Judith Gautier, daughter of the great poet Theophile Gautier - the 'divine Theo' of the 'Emaux er Camees'

" .. uncle of the Chinese Emperor .." . " Lord Yu, the father of the bridegroom, is the owner of two important banks. "