Inscription for Zhang Ruiqi
(May 16, 1949)

To Comrade Zhang Ruiqi: The squad leader, number one under heaven.

May 16, 1949
Mao Zedong at Xiangshan

[1] Zhang Ruiqi, a native of Xiazhangjiashan Brigade, Shuangmiaohe Commune, Qingrun County, served as the squad leader of Mao Zedong's guard squad during the period of moving operations in northern Shaanxi. On May 16, 1949, as Zhang Ruiqi was returning to northern Shaanxi, Mao Zedong wrote an inscription for him: "To Comrade Zhang Ruiqi: The squad leader, number one under heaven. May 16, 1949, Mao Zedong at Xiangshan." After returning home, Zhang Ruiqi lived in the countryside in harsh conditions. Later, desiring to take up local work, he found a way to alter Mao's inscription to read: "Return to northern Shaanxi to continue working, forever loyal to the cause of the people. May 16, 1949, Mao Zedong at Xiangshan."