[2] Zhang was born into a working-class family in Chongqing, China and joined a People's Liberation Army choir when she was 15.
After the death of her father a year later she joined the Central Military Commission Political Work Department Song and Dance Troupe, a section of the military designed to entertain troops.
Rumors of her disappearance circulated among the media who speculated that she had an affair with high ranking General Xu Caihou.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued an order barring media outlets from talking or publishing photos of her.
She not only had a successful career, but is also a competent daughter-in-law, good wife and loving mother."