A Letter Drafted on Behalf of [Jiang Qing] to Chen Zong'e[1]
(May 12, 1962)

Zong'e:
The letter you sent me on June 27, 1961, I only received this morning. Held up in Beijing for ten and a half months — what outrageous behaviour! As for your mention of a letter sent last March, it has not been received to this day; an inquiry is underway. I have been away from Beijing for two years now, having contracted a serious illness and being unaccustomed to the northern climate. My condition has improved slightly — please do not be concerned. To learn that you are so gravely ill and in such dire straits grieves me deeply. I now send you five hundred yuan to relieve your immediate distress. Should you have further needs, I hope you will inform me at any time. When ill, one must not be impatient — the more impatient, the worse it gets. Set your mind at ease and follow the treatment; that is the best course. If you write, please address it to: Comrade Xu Yefu[2], Post Office Box 109, Branch 17, Zhongnanhai, Beijing, to be forwarded to Jiang Qing. Wishing you good health!

Yunhe[3]
May 12, 1962

[1] This letter was written in Jiang Qing's name to Chen Zong'e, who had previously worked as a housemaid in Mao Zedong's household.
[2] Xu Yefu, then serving as a secretary in Mao Zedong's office.
[3] Yunhe, namely Li Yunhe, was Jiang Qing's original name.