To Wen Yunchang[1]

(November 11, 1922)

Yunchang, My Brother-in-Law:

Your letter has been received and read. There is truly no way to place Mr. Liu in a position. Now that Liu is returning to the countryside, please ask him in person about the situation. I have nothing good to record here; life is exceedingly difficult, not worth mentioning to relatives and friends.

A letter for my uncle and aunt is enclosed; please deliver it in person. To all my elder male and female cousins, the same greetings. When you have time, I hope you will favor me often with your instructive words. With regards,

Wishing you rural blessings!

Your younger brother, Zedong

November 11

[1] Wen Yunchang, courtesy name Yongchang, was from Tangjiatuo, Daping Village, Daping Township, Shaoshan City, Hunan (then part of Xiangxiang), Mao Zedong’s elder male cousin. In his early years, he graduated from the Xiangxiang County Normal School and worked as a primary school teacher in the countryside. During the Great Revolution period, he participated in the peasant movement and served as secretary of the Fengyin Township Peasant Association in Xiangxiang County, among other roles. After the founding of New China, he served as a member of the Hunan Provincial Cultural Relics Management Committee and as a researcher at the Hunan Provincial Research Institute of Culture and History.