Mao Yushi is one of China's most influential economists and a prominent representative of China's independent economic scholars. He has been recognized as one of the ten economists who made the greatest contributions during the 30 years of reform and opening-up, and as "the most morally cultivated and conscientious economist in contemporary China." From theoretical research to social practice, his innovative ideas and practical endeavors have been indispensable to economic reform. In recent years, his heavyweight statements—such as questioning the "1.8 billion mu farmland red line," suggesting the cancellation of "economically affordable housing," and proposing the "public rental housing without toilets" theory—have repeatedly sparked public debate.
Amidst the noise and clamor, this octogenarian happily says: "This life has been extremely perfect; I wouldn't trade it with anyone." What makes his life without regrets is his wife, Zhao Yanling. "The most worthy subject of my life's writing is Zhao Yanling; she is the primary source of my happiness." Mr. Mao wishes to live another 60 years, accompanying his wife to enjoy the long-delayed "golden age."
A Match of Talent and Beauty, Sincere Love Overcomes All Humiliation
In the spring of 1953, 24-year-old Mao Yushi walked through the gate at No. 63, a lane in Suzhou.
A young woman approached slowly, wearing a white shirt with blue polka dots paired with well-fitted trousers. Her eyes were full of affection, her brows carried a smile, elegant and vibrant. Mao Yushi was instantly captivated by her beauty. This young woman was Zhao Yanling, 19 years old, from a wealthy merchant family, and a student at a midwifery school. Well-read since childhood, Mao Yushi was refined and scholarly. Unlike the teachers and classmates who constantly fawned over Zhao Yanling, his calmness and composure were what delighted her.
Mao Yushi came from a prominent family in Nanjing. His father was railway expert Mao Yixin, and his uncle was bridge expert Mao Yisheng. After graduating from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1950, he went to work at the Qiqihar Railway Bureau, but his first love was unwilling to follow him. A few years later, relatives arranged a meeting, and he traveled thousands of miles to Suzhou, treating it as a leisure trip. Unexpectedly, he fell in love at first sight with Zhao Yanling.
The following autumn, after Zhao Yanling graduated and arrived at the Qiqihar Railway Hospital, she almost captivated the entire city: large photos of her were posted in photo studios; colleagues competed to invite her and Mao Yushi to dinner, just for another glimpse of her beauty... Mao Yushi was very proud. Although he occasionally worried that others might pursue his girlfriend, he never obstructed her activities, only doing his best to care for her.
Compared to Suzhou, the living conditions in Qiqihar were poor. During their first meal, seeing the yellow millet in her bowl, Zhao Yanling mistook it for egg-fried rice. After chewing it carefully, she couldn't help but frown. Mao Yushi noticed her discomfort, blaming himself for carelessness and forgetting that Suzhou natives preferred soft, sticky foods. Zhao Yanling quickly swallowed a mouthful and said, "It's alright, I'll slowly get used to it."
At subsequent meals, Zhao Yanling's bowl was always filled with white rice—back then, each person was only entitled to ten bowls of rice per month, but Mao Yushi found ways to arrange extra for her. During their free time, Mao Yushi took Zhao Yanling around to find the foods she liked. Though living in a foreign land, with Mao Yushi by her side caring for her, Zhao Yanling felt no loneliness or discomfort, and the two grew closer and closer.
At this time, someone "leaked" information to Zhao Yanling—Mao Yushi was corresponding with his former girlfriend. Zhao Yanling continued knitting sweaters for Mao Yushi's parents, never stopping, nor revealing any inner feelings, causing the hopeful suitors to slink away disappointed. When Mao Yushi arrived, he took out a letter and said, "My former girlfriend wants to get back together, but the past can't be relived. I know who I should treat well now." Zhao Yanling smiled faintly, neither blaming nor secretly rejoicing. She told herself she had come here for Mao Yushi and must not be distracted. Besides, Mao Yushi was so honest and truly outstanding.
Mao Yushi was an outstanding worker at the railway bureau. At 24, he published articles in journals of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attracting attention throughout the entire railway system. Zhao Yanling was no less impressive. As a midwife, despite her "delicate lady" frame, she worked efficiently and cleanly. Nurses vied to work under her shift, and within a year, she was also rated an outstanding worker. However, due to poor living conditions, Zhao Yanling developed a chronic stomach ulcer.
This talented and beautiful couple drew countless praises. During the passionate days of youth, the two, deeply admiring each other, enjoyed their happiest times. In 1955, they married. Soon after, Mao Yushi was recalled to Beijing to become an assistant researcher at the Railway Scientific Research Institute. At just 26, he had hoped to achieve great things, but was instead led down another life path by historical twists. At the time, Zhao Yanling was already pregnant and frequently vomited blood due to her stomach ulcer. Mao Yushi couldn't bear to upset her. Though marginalized and constrained at work, he forced a smile and held himself together at home.
In October 1957, their son, Mao Weixing, was born. Just as Mao Yushi began to savor the joy of fatherhood, he was labeled a "rightist," and his salary was cut by two levels. Taking his reduced pay home, he could no longer hide the truth. As soon as he said, "I'm sorry, you've suffered because of me," tears uncontrollably rolled down his cheeks...
Holding their crying newborn, Zhao Yanling was deeply pained by her husband's tears. Intelligent and perceptive, she knew that a slight pay cut wouldn't break her husband's spirit; what truly pained him most was their family's plight and the shattering of his dreams.
Excluded from research projects and denied access to important topics, the talented Mao Yushi felt suffocated. But when he returned home, he would routinely tell Zhao Yanling, "It was a good day today." Then he would bury himself in books to relieve his inner depression, his face no longer able to muster even a trace of a smile. Zhao Yanling, "reading his expressions," understood his state of mind and would timely hand their son to Mao Yushi. Watching father and son play happily, Zhao Yanling's own heart would brighten considerably...
The following National Day, Mao Yushi finally had the "rightist" label removed, but was then sent down to Teng County, Shandong, for "reform through labor" as an un-reformed "rightist."
As soon as Mao Yushi left, those who had long coveted Zhao Yanling made their move. One night, after putting her son to sleep, Zhao Yanling suddenly heard someone tapping on the windowpane, followed by the voice of a certain bureau chief from the neighboring unit. She politely declined, but the man persisted, so she ignored him. Subsequently, others continued to pursue her, and some with ulterior motives even used the organization's authority to threaten her to divorce Mao Yushi. Zhao Yanling saw through their intentions and calmly retorted, "If he were truly against the Party and socialism, I would have left him long before you said anything... What's wrong with him? He merely spoke some truths."
When he came home on leave, Mao Yushi was completely swollen, unable to bend down to take off his shoes. Zhao Yanling squatted down to untie his shoelaces; the pain she felt now far surpassed the suffering from all the humiliations the family had endured before. During those days, Mao Yushi heard about what had happened at home from others. He said emotionally, "I have no power or influence, I can't protect you. If you want to draw a clear line with me, I won't blame you." Zhao Yanling didn't make many declarations of love, but focused solely on figuring out where to buy nutritious food. Before dawn, she would go to the store to queue up, her small, frail body pushed and shoved, her feet painfully stepped on.
A year later, Mao Yushi was transferred back to Beijing. In 1965, their daughter Mao Yanxing was born, and even greater calamities descended once again.