To Mr. Ding Ming and esteemed colleagues: The “Yongchang Narrative” has been borrowed by many over the past few years. Recently, I myself read it through and found it extremely enlightening. I have also made a copy for my own future reference. The author, Mr. Li Jianhou, devoted great effort to this work; please convey my profound respect to him on my behalf.  This book praises Li Zicheng’s personal character while disparaging his entire movement. In fact, since the Qin dynasty—over a thousand years ago—the primary force driving social progress in our country has been peasant wars. The great peasant uprising led by General Li Zicheng, the Shun Dynasty emperor, was one of the most renowned among the dozens that have occurred over the past millennium. Originating in northern Shaanxi, this movement is a source of pride for the people of Shaanxi, and especially for you and the author, Mr. Li Jianhou. If this book were now revised in light of the aforementioned new historical perspective, it would be highly instructive for the people. I wonder whether the author would consent to such a revision.  Furthermore, how is Mr. Li Jianhou’s health lately? Might he find it possible to visit Yan’an? Please kindly pass on these regards to Mr. Li Jianhou. April, 1980