Inscription for Li Yinqiao\[1\]
(July 12, 1950)
Study diligently, and after completing your studies return to work, serve the people.
Mao Zedong
July 12, 1950
Chuan
Li Yinqiao (1927-2009) successively served as Mao Zedong’s bodyguard, deputy chief of the bodyguard staff, and chief of the bodyguard staff.
In 1950, when Li Yinqiao saw in the newspaper the enrollment notice for the cultural remedial school for cadres of the central Party and government organs, he reported to Mao Zedong his idea of going to school. Before his departure, he took out a black lacquered exercise book and asked Mao Zedong to write an inscription as a keepsake. Mao Zedong picked up the brush, thought for a moment, and then wrote on the first page with a flowing and natural style:
“Study diligently, and after completing your studies return to work, serve the people. Mao Zedong, July 12, 1950.”

Mao Zedong’s inscription for Li Yinqiao.