Conversation with Liao Chengzhi[1]

(June 26, 1937)

Your mother is an outstanding woman. Even with you, her only son, she was never overindulgent, and she dedicated the one dearest to her heart to the revolution.

Someone is heading to Shanghai right away. I have written a reply to your esteemed mother. If you have anything to say, write a letter as well and have them take it along. I’ll have them wait for you.

Slacking off! Fine, I’ll write it on your behalf, but you’ll have to pay a writing fee!

[1] He Xiangning had someone bring a gift to Mao Zedong: a set of fine langhao Huzhou writing brushes, a collection of paintings, and a copy of *Shuangqing Ci Cao*. This is part of a conversation between Mao Zedong and He Xiangning’s son, Liao Chengzhi.

In early 1937, Mao Zedong frequently visited the Yan’an Xinhua News Agency to inspect work and converse with Liao Chengzhi. The image is an oil painting based on Liao Chengzhi’s recollections.