Comrade Shuyi:

Your letter has been received. That Zhixun\[2\] sacrificed himself and you have raised the orphan to adulthood, enduring great hardships, is extremely admirable and comforting. The study of Marxism-Leninism can be pursued in your spare time from work; there is no need to travel a long distance to Beijing, as your goal can be achieved right where you are. Please convey my regards to the two venerable gentlemen, Xiao Peng\[3\] and Wuting\[3\]. I hereby salute you and wish you health!

Mao Zedong
April 18, 1950

\[1\] Li Shuyi, wife of Liu Zhixun. At the time, she was a teacher at Fuxiang Girls' Middle School in Changsha, Hunan.
\[2\] Zhixun, namely Liu Zhixun, who was acquainted with Mao Zedong in early years. He served as Secretary-General of the Hunan Provincial Peasant Association, Director of the Political Department of the Second Army Group of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, and Secretary of the Western Hubei Special Committee of the CPC. He sacrificed himself in 1932.
\[3\] Xiao Peng, namely Li Xiaopeng, father of Li Shuyi. Wuting, namely Liu Wuting, father of Liu Zhixun.