To Luo Yuankun[1]
(October 22, 1952)

Mr. Hanming:

I have respectfully received your esteemed letter of October 19. The two manuscripts (2) delivered by Mr. Li have both been perused, and I am extremely grateful!

The autobiography is written with spirited flourish, and the commentary is profound—worthy to serve as a model for the younger generation.

As for the various "distinctive features" mentioned in the other piece, they are based on hearsay and contain many inaccuracies; please refrain from making them public. Both manuscripts are hereby returned. The epitaph for Mr. Yuan[3] has been inscribed as requested; I would trouble you to forward it on my behalf. The damage inflicted upon the ancient temple in Xinhua is most improper; such cases are common in many places, and the Government Administration Council is currently coordinating measures for their protection. Hence, I will not write a separate inscription, and I beg your understanding. The view that elderly monks and nuns should guard the temples while the young and able-bodied engage in labor is fair and has been forwarded to the relevant government agencies for consideration. This is my reply.

With respectful wishes for your well-being during your travels!

Mao Zedong
October 22, 1952

[1] Luo Yuankun, courtesy name Hanming, was Mao Zedong's history teacher when he studied at the Hunan First Normal School.
[2] Refers to the two manuscripts that Luo Yuankun had Li Shuqing deliver to Mao Zedong. One was Luo Yuankun's autobiography, and the other was "Chairman Mao in the First Normal School Era," written by Luo.
[3] Refers to the tomb inscription "Tomb of Mr. Yuan Jiliu," written by Mao Zedong. Yuan Jiliu, also known as Yuan Zhongqian, was Mao Zedong's Chinese language teacher at the Hunan First Normal School and passed away in 1932.