Beijing: A 52-year-old government official from southwest China has received a 13-year prison sentence and a fine of one million yuan (approximately US$140,000) for misconduct. Her offenses include engaging in sexual relations with 58 subordinates and accepting nearly 60 million yuan in bribes.

Zhong Yang, 52, who previously held the positions of governor and deputy secretary of the Party in Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province comes from a humble background, She studied history at university and joined the Communist Party at the age of 22. She ultimately advanced to the role of deputy in the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Dubbed 'Beautiful Governor'

Zhong Yang was often dubbed “the beautiful governor” during her time in office. She remained unmarried and had no children. She gained recognition for establishing a fruit and agriculture association to assist farmers, and she personally funded initiatives to support the elderly in need.

According to a report in China Daily, Yang engaged in numerous affairs with male subordinates, using excuses like “working overtime” and “business trips” to spend time with her male lovers. Zhong is said to have had 58 lovers and was frequently seen in private nightclubs. 

In April last year, the Guizhou government initiated an investigation into her actions, leading to her sentencing for corruption. In addition to a 13-year prison term and a fine of one million yuan, her position in the NPC was revoked.

On September 1, she was expelled from the Communist Party and ousted from public office, marking one of the most severe political penalties for officials in China.