To Liu Yazi
(October 7, 1945)
My esteemed elder brother Mr. Yazi,
I have read all your repeated instructions. Your last letter, expressed in such
noble words, is the most moving. Going to the battlefield empty-handed can sometimes work, but it has drawbacks as a routine method. This, I believe, you know as
well as the palm of your hand. At present, it is still too early to publish articles and
speak out. Such things as the selection of personnel are still beyond discussion. It
is better to forget them for the time being. When I first came to northern Shaanxi
and saw the heavy snow, I composed a ci.1 It seems to somewhat resemble your
style, so I would like to present it to you now for your criticism.
Respectfully wishing that your path may be peaceful,
Mao Zedong
Our source for this letter is Mao Zedong shuxin xuanji, p. 263, where it is reproduced
from Mao’s handwritten manuscript.
1.  The reference is to Mao’s poem “Snow, to the tune of ‘Spring in [Princess] Qin’s
garden,’” composed in February 1936. For the text, see Vol. V, pp. 118–19.
DOI:  10.4324/9781315719511-39