Professor Pei:

Professor Pei:

Hello!

I received your letter and was overjoyed! My longing for you only grew stronger day by day. In late October, I was tasked by the China Foreign Affairs Association to lead a delegation from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia to visit South Africa and Turkey, and to also visit Egypt. The history of ancient Egypt is truly awe-inspiring! But serving as the head of the delegation was a tough job, and I felt incredibly tired.

I returned to China on November 7th and immediately got busy—but no matter how busy I was, I always felt at ease and even quite happy. For me, the time when I could truly let go and focus on work was limited. I wanted to cherish every moment and do more for the people in my position, so I always felt that time was tight and that time flew by quickly!

I recently had a health checkup at a hospital in Beijing, and my test results were better than last year. I also felt better this year than last year. Last year, when my father was critically ill, your sincere care gave me the feeling of being like a small boat adrift on a vast sea at night, with only a lighthouse and the shore in sight. That kind of friendship always comes to mind, remaining etched in my heart, and it became a source of strength for me. In times of hardship, we find our true friends—this is the only way in life!

I’ve always had a dream of sitting down quietly, without distractions, to chat and enjoy the genuine joys of life. The National Day holiday was a plan I had, but it never came to fruition. I thought about returning home earlier for the Spring Festival, trying to spend a couple of days together in a suitable way—to fulfill a long-held wish.

Recently, I met an acquaintance named Zhang Qian, who works in Inner Mongolia’s power industry. He told me about his illness, just like mine in 1998. Recently, I saw him and wrote to introduce him to your clinic for examination and treatment. This comrade is capable, but his environment is harsh, and his journey has been quite challenging. This year, he’s faced new burdens and his health isn’t great—his situation is truly pitiable.

Yafang and my child Yang Jing are both doing well. In our free time, Yafang and I often talk about you, and we wish you and your family happiness and good health.

Let’s shake hands tightly!

Li Min, Yafang
November 26, 2004

Professor Pei encouraged me to write, and I will certainly make time to write whenever possible—first to cultivate my own character, and second to stay fit. I hope you can offer me some guidance. During the National Day holiday, I bought two calligraphy books by Mr. You Rightren in Sanyuan’s Chenghuang Temple, and I cherished them dearly. I also sent you a copy of a memoir by Zhou Weiwei, a fellow townsman and Vice Chairman of the Autonomous Region People’s Congress (formerly Vice Chairman), to read. In the future, when you have time, you should also write about your family and your own experiences—writing a book is not only a contribution to society, but also a precious legacy for your family and your descendants.

Some comrades encouraged me to collect and publish my writings, but I felt that wasn’t necessary; I’d wait until I retired to write something meaningful.

I’m sending you a new cashmere sweater—please wear it to keep warm. I wonder if it fits you well and if you like its style? Li Min

Professor Pei:

How are you doing lately? I miss you terribly!

I’ve had many guests in Inner Mongolia lately, and I’ve spent a lot of time attending to their needs, so I feel busier than usual. But whenever I have free time, I always think of you—our conversations together, your care for me… they’re all so vivid in my mind.

Since this summer, Yafang and I have been consistently going for walks. In our walks, we often talk about our hometown, and we talk about our friendship. The grass on the grasslands has grown beautifully, and we invite you and your wife to come here and see it. We hope to gather here—on the vast grasslands!

Recently, a report in the Inner Mongolia Illustrated Magazine featured the growth story of "Ulan Muqi," the dual-breed camels, and the history of the Xianbei people—perhaps you’ll find it interesting. I’ve sent you a copy.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Like a handshake. Li Min, August 6, 2004

Professor Pei:

Wishing your whole family a happy May Day!

I visited my elderly mother in Jiuquan and agreed with her to bring her to Hohhot in late May to live.

We spent several days in Jiuquan, completing two important tasks: First, we held a simple, solemn, yet dignified third anniversary celebration for my father—many relatives and friends were present, and everyone felt that the event was both modest and satisfying. Second, we invited 40 relatives to have lunch together and hosted the wedding of my son Yang Jing, planning to invite the bride’s guests to Beijing in the coming months. This event was also quite appropriate. In the end, we didn’t invite anyone else, but we felt that we had done our best to honor my father’s spirit and to honor our children, while also keeping ourselves strictly grounded and avoiding any suspicion of extravagance. I reported these events to Professor Pei—no one else was invited besides our relatives. I didn’t tell you about these stories beforehand, but I hope you can understand and forgive us.

One of my writer friends has lived in Alxa for a long time. He is the Chairman of the Literary Federation (also Vice Chairman of the Regional Literary Federation) and the Editor-in-Chief of "Alxa Literature." Dong Peiqin gave me a jade peony, which I found to be of excellent quality. I asked Jianmin to send it to you—please accept it. I also hope that in the coming months, you’ll allow him to edit your work for publication in "Alxa Literature," which would greatly enhance its prestige.

I need to catch a train at 11 a.m., so I wrote these notes in a hurry.

I miss you terribly and look forward to meeting you again at a convenient time.

Wishing your whole family a happy summer!

Li Min, May 6, 2006, at Longteng Hotel—this is a small hotel near my home, run by the County Water Resources Bureau, for convenience and economy.

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2. Selection of Preface by Chen Keji