A Letter to Mao Anqing[1]
(1960)

Anqing, my son:

I trust you have received my previous letter. I miss you very much. I am extremely glad to hear that your health has greatly improved. You must continue to follow the advice of Comrade Doctor and the other comrades assisting you, rest well and recuperate quietly, so as to achieve a full recovery. You must not be impatient under any circumstances. Your sister-in-law Siqi[2] and her younger sister Shaohua[3] have come to see you. They are deeply concerned about your condition, and you should receive them properly. I hear you have exchanged many letters with Shaohua—is that so? Do you have the intention of becoming friends? Shaohua is a good child. You may have a proper talk with her. If you have letters, give them to Siqi and Shaohua to bring back. From now on, always do it this way; do not have others forward them. In addition, Jiaojiao[4] may also forward them. To the comrades of the Dalian Municipal Party Committee and all the comrades of the medical organization who are helping you, you must express your gratitude. They are very caring toward you and have exerted their utmost efforts. Show them this letter. I express my heartfelt thanks to them.

Wishing you happiness!

Father

[1] Mao Anqing, Mao Zedong's second son, was undergoing medical treatment in Dalian at the time.
[2] Siqi, namely Liu Siqi, now named Liu Songlin, married Mao Zedong's eldest son Mao Anying in October 1949.
[3] Shaohua, namely Zhang Shaohua, now named Shao Hua, married Mao Anqing in 1960.
[4] Jiaojiao, namely Li Min, Mao Zedong's daughter.