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00:00:00 – 00:27:58
The YouTube video explores the life and controversial behaviors of Mao Zedong through the perspective of Li Zhisui, his personal physician. Li Zhisui details Mao's debauched lifestyle, promiscuity, and health issues, shedding light on Mao's relationships with young girls and concubines. Mao's declining health, including his battle with various ailments, is highlighted, leading to his passing. Li Zhisui's revelations in the book "Memoirs of Mao Zedong's Personal Physician" stirred controversy within the CCP and provided unique insights into high-ranking Chinese officials. Despite attempts to discredit him, Li Zhisui's account of Mao is corroborated by other sources, leaving a lasting impact on understanding Mao's rule in China.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on the book “Memoirs of Mao Zedong’s Doctors” published in October 1994 in the United States. The book, written by the head of the PLA 305 Hospital where Mao was treated, covers Mao Zedong’s life from 1954 to 1976. The author, Li Zhisui, was born into a family of doctors in Beijing, received a Western education, and eventually returned to China after persuasions from government officials. His decision led to him working at the Xiangshan Medical Clinic in Beijing.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how a waiter died due to misdiagnosis in Yingtai, Zhongnanhai in 1950. Zhou Enlai and Yang Shangkun reorganized the clinic due to fear of the disease spreading among high-level CCP officials. Li Zhisui, a doctor, gained reputation working at the clinic. In 1954, Mao’s internal supervisor, Wang Dongxing, appointed Li Zhisui as Mao’s health doctor. Chen Congying warned Li Zhisui about dealing with Mao’s temper. Mao tested Li Zhisui’s cultural level in a chat, as he had few friends and interacted minimally with others.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how Li Zhisui, with his Western educational background, became a significant figure in Mao Zedong’s life as an imperial doctor. Mao invited Li Zhisui to the May Day celebrations in Tiananmen Square, signaling his favor. Li Zhisui’s conversations with Mao on history and philosophy led to a 22-year companionship. Mao’s interest in dancing as a way to select potential concubines is highlighted, with a mention of his interactions with girls from the Political Department Art Troupe and his behavior during dances. Mao’s lifestyle during the Great Leap Forward, including his constant travel and engagement in activities like dancing, is described, providing insight into his private life.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how a young nurse on a special train became Mao’s girlfriend and openly slept with Mao at a dance event. Wang Dongxing, responsible for finding girlfriends for Mao, arranged for young girls to participate in dances with Mao. Mao was described as having a strong sexual desire and maintaining a harem. Ye Zilong, Mao’s confidential secretary, facilitated Mao’s encounters with young girls, most of whom were from poor backgrounds. Mao would provide dismissal fees to girls he slept with and arranged marriages for them later. Some individuals refused to partake due to professional ethics. Li Zhisui noted Mao’s impotence in 1955 but observed his recovery when Mao regained power in 1960.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how Lao Mao began living a debauched lifestyle by interacting with young girls and providing them with ancient obscene books to learn “bed skills.” Some girls joke about Mao’s misunderstanding of love and sexual relationships. There is an incident where a female confidential officer accompanying Li Zhisui slept with Mao Mao at a hotel. Mao’s behavior is described as bourgeois and decadent, including his relationship with his sister Hua. Despite Wang Dongxing’s concerns about Mao’s behavior, it became increasingly indulgent, leading to controversial situations involving his relatives.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator discusses Lao Mao’s promiscuity and the effects on those around him, particularly his concubines like Zhang Yufeng. There are mentions of Lao Mao contracting sexually transmitted diseases and Li Zhisui treating him. Jiang Qing is portrayed as unable to control Mao’s behavior. Additionally, the segment touches on the consequences faced by some of Mao’s companions, such as Meng Jinyun being labeled a counterrevolutionary. The discussion includes references to an article published in Hong Kong’s “Open” magazine regarding Mao Zedong’s lovers.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how Mao was likened to an emperor with three palaces and six courtyards, and how certain individuals were punished for spreading rumors about Mao. The story includes details about Meng Jinyun, Chen Huimin, and their interactions with Mao. Additionally, it mentions Mao’s bad habits like not brushing his teeth and his declining health, leading to severe health issues such as ALS. The segment touches on the deteriorating health of Mao, including his struggle with edema, incontinence, and loss of motor functions. Li Zhisui’s role in diagnosing Mao and Zhang Yufeng’s efforts to care for him are also highlighted.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how Lao Mao’s health deteriorated, leading to his eventual passing. Li Zhisui, who spent 22 years with Mao, noted Mao’s callous attitude towards life and the lack of warmth he displayed. An incident where a child fell during a performance showed Mao’s indifference to others’ suffering. Following Mao’s death, Li Zhisui faced repercussions and was sent for labor reform before returning to his medical career.
00:24:00
In this segment, it is discussed how Li Zhisui burned his diaries during the Cultural Revolution, but later revisited and wrote “Memoirs of Mao Zedong’s Personal Physician.” The book caused a sensation as it provided unique insights into high-ranking Chinese officials like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Li Zhisui’s book was corroborated by Zhao Ziyang and stirred controversy within the CCP. After the book’s publication, Li Zhisui unexpectedly died in 1995. The CCP attempted to refute his claims through a propaganda campaign.
00:27:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how in 1997, 135 people, including Shi Zhe, Wang Dongxing, and Ye Zilong, co-signed an open letter criticizing Li Zhisui and his “Memoirs.” Despite efforts to erase Li Zhisui from Chinese history, his account of Mao Zedong is supported by other sources. The video concludes with commentary on the lasting impact of Mao’s rule on China and its people.