After graduating from Beijing Institute of Technology in 1960, he was assigned to a radio parts factory in Zhuzhou, Hunan, then he was transferred to Shangrao, Jiangxi. In 1974, while operating a machine, his right arm was cut off.[citation needed]
In 1978, Ye served as secretary of Kang Shien, director of the Economic Commission of the State Council.[citation needed]
In 1980, Ye had made a crossover from politics to business. He became the president of Canglang Consulting Corporation. In 1984, he served as vice-president of the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC). That same year, he enlisted in the People's Liberation Army. He was promoted to the rank of major general (shao jiang) in September 1988.[3]
Ye retired from the army in 1997. He was a member of the 8th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a Standing Committee member of the 9th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Ye was also a calligrapher, famous for his cursive calligraphy.[4]
Ye was the leader or godfather of the Princelings. He was low-profile but influential in political, military and business circles. Many people who ran into troubles looked for Ye, who was always able to resolve their problems.[6]
Personal life
Ye married painter Qian Ningge (钱宁戈), daughter of Qian Yimin, a CCP revolutionary and politician. They had a son, Ye Hong (叶弘), and a daughter, Ye Jingzi (叶静子). His son-in-law is Wang Jingyang (王京阳), grandson of Wang Zhen, one of the Eight Elders of the CCP.[7]