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Today in History: Wang Lianying's murder ignites months of Shanghai coverage

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 9 June 1920, 20-year-old courtesan Wang Lianying was robbed and killed near Shanghai by Yan Ruisheng and his gang. Yan, a debt-laden university graduate, targeted her while she worked at the city’s famed “Brothel of Asia,” where she bore the title “Prime Minister of Flower Country.” The murder sparked months of press and literary attention.

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Story summary

On 9 June 1920, 20-year-old courtesan Wang Lianying was robbed and killed near Shanghai by Yan Ruisheng and his gang. Yan, a debt-laden university graduate, targeted her while she worked at the city’s famed “Brothel of Asia,” where she bore the title “Prime Minister of Flower Country.” The murder sparked months of press and literary attention.