Letter to Ye Gongzuo
(May 25, 1952)

Source: Shuxin, p. 433.

Ye Gongzuo (1881-1968) was a very active political figure in the 1910s and 1920s,

Previously a scholar and school teacher, he entered politics in 1906 as a protégé of

Lang Shiyi. In the early years of the Chinese Republic, he was a chief official in

charge of communications, in particular railway development. He became an

influential member of the so-called Communications Clique in Chinese politics. In

1921, when Liang Shivi became, for a short time, prime minister under President Xu

, Ye became minister of communications. In 1925, after having served in

many diverse capacities under different leaders in the chaotic politics of the period, Ye

Tetired from politics and devoted his attention to cultural pursuits as director of classi-

cul studies at what was then Peking University. In the early 1930s, he resurfaced for a

* ax a minister in the Nationalist government. At the outbreak of war between

and Japan, Ye moved to Hong Kong, where he was later held in custody by the

nese. In 1942 he returned to Shanghai and remained there until 1949. After the

i of the PRC Ye served in many cultural and educational posts in the new gov-

ref nt and was influential in literary circles, especially in the committees on the

“be of the Chinese language. In addition to his contributions to Chinese railroad:

iling he was also well-known as the founder of Jiaotong University, which came to

9 leading center of engineering sciences in China, For more biographical informa-on Ye, see H. Boorman es al., eds, (1971), IV, pp. 31-33.

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Mr. Yuhu;'
I have received and read your gracious letter of several months ago, ang
poem written by Mr, Sa Zhenbing* which was enclosed. Soon theregf
received and read two more poems by yourself. For all this 1 am very pray
Now Mr. Sa has passed away to join the ancients, and his poem is OW
of memorabilia. 1 am returning it for your safekeeping. Most rece
received the letter from the four gentlemen of which you, sir, are ong
which you have described the matter related to the ancestral shrine of the
Ming patriotic leader Mr. Yuan Conghuan." | have already talked with Mai
Peng Zhen’ and, if there are no major objections, I believe it ought to be
served. Please contact Mayor Peng and discuss this matter with him.
With my respect,
Mao Zedong
May 25

Notes

1. “Yuhu" is Ye's 21 or honorific name. For an explanation of this usage, see text Oe
1949, note |

2. See text Apr. 12. 1952, source note.

3. According to the source, this refers to Ye, Liu Yaxi, Li Jishen, and Zhong shichan
more information on Liu and Li, see text Dee. 1949, note 2, and text Winter 1949, note 2 t

4. The letter written by Ye, Liu Yari, Ls Jishen und Zhang Shichao (see nove 3 als
requested the preservation and repair of the ancestral shrine anc! tomb of the Ming dynasty gene
and patriot Yuary Conghuan which are in the city of Beijing, Yuan (1584-1630) and th
under his command in northeastern China (in today's Liaoning and Heilongjiang Pro inte
the main bastion of defense for the lote-Ming dynasty against the encroaching Manchu {
known as How jin, or Later Jin) armies under Narchache. Twice, in 1626 and 1627, be wo
nes that repelled the Manchu forces. Yuan's political career was constantly thwarted, owe
by a weak emperor and by the scheming adyisors (0 the throne Who betrayed the interests |
Ming for their own gain in power, particularly the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and his Co 7
1629, when the reinforced Manchu forces broke through the Longjingguan and Daankow Mb ae

year, Yuan's death was ordered by the Congjing emperor, who wis the last of the Ming nu
5. Peng Zhen was then mayor of Beijing, in which Yuan Conghuan's tomb is located, For:
cm Peony, see text Nov, 26, 1957, note 1.

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