Part II: Chapter 12, Release Summary and Analysis

It is now 1971, and Cheng's health is declining more. One day, her book of quotations from Mao — something that should be with her at all time — is taken from her and when it is returned, the introduction by Lin Bao, Mao's top man, has been removed. In this way, Cheng realizes that the political environment is changing again.

She has real hope and waits to see what will happen next. Winter arrives, however, and nothing changes. Cheng needs a new coat and requests permission to buy new clothes as her current ones are too worn to be effective. She is denied buying new clothes, but one day, a large parcel is dropped off in her cell which contain Meiping's old clothes. This arrival greatly distresses Cheng since these clothes should be used by...