Monday, 22 February

On the train. Read Xinjiang Tuzhi, on the chapter of ritual and custom. It mentioned Zuo Zhongtang (左宗棠)[1]’s memorials and Liu Jintang (劉錦棠)[2]. On dispatching troops to Xinjiang, establishing provincial administration, and civilizing various people, they showed a deep understanding and I respected them very much. This Tuzhi had over l00 juan. When Yuan Dahua (袁大化) governed Xinjiang he edited this book. This book contained a lot of information, but it was a great pity that governor Sheng did not treasure it. The train restaurant cook was over 60 years old and was very serious about his work. Every day he kept asking Secretary Yin whether the food was good enough or not. I was told he was from Voroshilovgrad and he had been the chief cook of the Director of Railways for many years. Recently that city had been recovered and he would be back soon. So he was quite happy. The train restaurant waitress served us well. Although she was not beautiful, she had exceptionally large breasts. Even Minqin could not compare with her in this regard.

[1] A late-Qing official.

[2] A late-Qing official.