Sunday, 17 January

Twelth day of the twelth lunar month

Yunzhong is back from Beibei and Fanny gave birth to a baby girl at 9.30 yesterday. The baby was just 4 lbs, and we were uncertain whether she would survive or not. Happily, Fanny was fine and did not suffer much giving birth to the baby.

At 2.00 in the afternoon I used Wu Shangying’s rickshaw to see Fanny. As there was no room at the time, she stayed temporarily in a second-class room. Mrs. Zhao was with her. Fanny was fine and told me about the labour process, saying she did not find it very painful. The baby was really too light so we talked and agreed that she stay in the hospital for a further two or three weeks to make her stronger and easier to care for.

I was also afraid that Fanny would feel sad after returning home. The hospital environment was very different and she would have a better time there. She agreed too. We talked for two hours and then I left the hospital. I came across officer Han. Han said that Fanny had better stay in the hospital for a month or forty days. I asked Han to pay special attention to Fanny’s health. As for the baby, whether she can survive or not is a matter of fate. What we can do is try our best.

Visited Mrs. Ke’s place with Tianjuan, and asked her to prepare the nutritious food which Fanny needs. She is quite helpful. I arrived home at 6.00. Members of the Diplomatic Committee invited me to a farewell dinner at the President’s dining room. I have been in charge of the Committee since it was established in 1928 and I am on good terms with colleagues, they are just like family members. I don’t want to leave them. Some of the members wanted to resign but I tried my best to dissuade them from doing so. To be honest, I feel sad too.