To Wang Shoudao\[1\]
(October 11, 1950)

Comrade Shoudao:

Mr. Zhang Cilun and Mr. Luo Yuanyin are elders in Hunan's educational circles. Both are now over seventy years old and have spent their entire lives teaching without doing anything bad. When I was studying at Hunan First Normal School, Zhang was the principal and Luo was a history teacher. I have heard that both gentlemen have large families and are living in extreme hardship. I propose that the Hunan Provincial Government provide each of them with a monthly allowance of a certain amount of rice to support them in their old age. Additionally, according to a letter from Mr. Luo Yuanyin, Mr. Yuan Zhongqian, who once served as my Chinese language teacher, has passed away, and his seventy-year-old wife is reportedly going hungry. I also request that the provincial government consider providing her with assistance. Regarding the matters concerning Zhang, Luo, and Dai mentioned above, please handle them as you see fit and reply to me. Also, please send someone to convey my regards to Mr. Zhang and Mr. Luo. The correspondence address for both Zhang and Luo is Miaogaofeng Middle School. Dai resides in Xinhua; you can inquire with Mr. Luo for details.

With regards,

Mao Zedong

October 11

\[1\] Wang Shoudao was then Chairman of the Hunan Provincial People's Government.