To Xiao Zisheng[1]

(September 28, 1921)

Upon returning to Hunan, I have been staying at Chuanshan, focusing primarily on treating my illness, which has since greatly improved. I am now in very good spirits, as my illness is getting better day by day and I bear no heavy burden of official duties or responsibilities. Each day, I busy myself with cooking and household chores; with a full stomach, my body feels even better. I can also read whatever books I wish at will, so there is a strong sense of "such delight here." Although I read very little at present, I have made English my main course of study and make sure to read at least a few lines every day. I have truly come to realize that I must study it.

This matter of funds[2] is urgent and must be raised without fail. We can only borrow the money and pay it out for now, regardless of how difficult repayment may be in the future.

Coeducation of men and women[3] is also a new development.

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[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong's letter to Xiao Zisheng.
[2] This refers to the issue of raising funds for the medical treatment of Chen Zanzhou, a member of the New People's Study Society who was in France. Chen Zanzhou went to France in May 1920 under the work-study program and died of illness in Paris in 1921.
[3] This refers to the enrollment of three young women—Xu Wenxuan, Yang Kaihui, and Zhou Yuming—at Yuyun Middle School.