Soon I will take my final step in the journey of life, and thus bring an end to my art.

    I love my painting. Thinking back now, I have always been sincere to her. I have loved her deeply for all my days, and tightly bound her to my life. She has been an indispensable part of my life. I have always been true to art, true to life. Ever since my youth, no matter how difficult it became, I still followed my chosen path. I have faith that this was the correct path, a path of vitality. I never had time for the struggles of society, or the changes around me. The sweat I gave for her was very much worth it. In painting, I could forget all else. It was a great joy. I was never good at anything else in life. I was never able to navigate society, or fulfill my role as a person. As long as I could paint, I was contented. Now, late in life, I have no major achievements, but I am not concerned. I taught painting for forty years, cultivating a great many students, and for that, I am grateful. There is nothing more I could hope for. I have fulfilled my destiny. As for how people in the future will judge me, or how they will research my works, that is their business. My life is coming to an end. In summary, I have achieved two things in my life. First, I have been good to others throughout my life. I have never harbored ill intentions. This has been my principle in life. Second, I have dedicated all of my efforts to this endeavor of mine.

    Looking back, I have always been true to her, through and through. My conscience is clear. She has not been a stepping stone to any other end. She has been my everything, my life. My obsession for her was so great that my life depended on her. I have always basked in the great joy and happiness she has granted me, and I have always journeyed towards my chosen goal. No matter how tumultuous the changes in society, I have never cared for empty accolades, and never engaged in the struggles of society. I think art must return to its purest state to be truly moving. As soon as it is influenced by the social environment, it is soiled, and loses its noble value. I have no other talents. All I know is to follow art to the end. I believe that some of my better artworks will be researched in the future, and that leaves me grateful. I will not have lived in vain.

    But I am most grateful for having found where I belong.

    Lord, you created my life, and now I will return to heaven, to your embrace. I will gain life everlasting. I am tired of this mortal world. It is time for me to go. Friends, I leave you now.

From West China Hospital, May 17, 2007