Backstage Interview with Mao's Wife

1. What was your childhood like?
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3.     I was born in Zhucheng Shandong province on March 20, 1914. My original name was Li Shumeng. I was an only child. My father Lu Dewten, was a carpenter, he was also had a spouse or concubine that was my mother. One unfortunate night however after a fight they went their separate ways. I of course accompanied my mother, who worked often as a house cleaner or of rumors a prostitute as well. In school I did not succeed very well accept only in the theatre, most of the children made fun of me because of my family backround. Later though did I get my revenge. In 1926 my father died and so my mother and I went to live with my uncle in tanjing. Although later after many years I had my mind set on leaving my life at the theatre to be with non-other than Chairman Mao
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   What did you do to win Mao’s heart?
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6.       When I was 23 I went to Yanan to the Chinese communist headquarters to join the revolution. After several affairs I began to think seriously about seducing Chairman Mao, even though he already had a spouse it did not stop me. At his lectures I would always clap over the top just to get his attention. Sometimes I would also invite myself into his room. Finally after all of my plans it worked and he divorced his wife for me when I got pregnant. We had a beautiful girl and named her Li na who was born in 1940.
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8. Did you have any involvement with Mao’s death?
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10.     Some say that I mostly caused it but I only trie to help. On September 7, 1976, while Mao was at the hosptal I went over while he was sleeping to rub his back and cover himself with powder. The doctors although warned me that the powder was not good for his lungs. The next day when I came to visit I noticed that he slept on his left side for too long so I knew this wasn’t good for him so iItold the nurses to move his body to the right. Only he turned blue and stopped breathing. The doctors then told menot to interfear no more. Twas on September 9, 1976, that he died. To conclude looking back I suppose I did have to do with Mao’s death.
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12. Why did you get arrested and what cam over you to think about commiting suicide?
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14.     During 1980 I was tried for my persecution of artists that might have witholded any past photos of me when I was an actres. I wanted no one to find out about my past. My lawyers were beggining to fail so I dismissed them and defended myself saying that I only followed orders. In 1981 I was to be exicuted for my crimes But was later lightend to life in prison. Later I was diagnosed with throat cancer and refused treatment. While thinking it over I decided that I accepted death and planned to hang myself in the bathroom. But before I wrote on a note “Chairman Mao I love you! your student and comrade is coming to see you.” I hope that’s all any way he’s waiting for me.