Letter to Liu Songlin[1]
(January 15, 1960)

Siqi, my child:
I do not know how your situation is, whether your health has shown greater improvement. I am extremely concerned. You must foster lofty ambitions and aspirations, and pay attention to politics and theory. You must strive to vindicate—for the deceased[2], for your father, for the people, and also for those who show contempt and enmity, strive to vindicate. I am well, only thinking of you.
Wishing you peace and safety
Mao Zedong’s handwritten letter to Liu Siqi.

Father
January 15

[1] Liu Songlin, originally named Liu Siqi, married Mao Zedong’s eldest son Mao Anying in October 1949. At the time, she was studying in the Russian Language and Literature Department at Peking University.
[2] Refers to Mao Anying, who died a martyr in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in November 1950.