title: Forged in Purgatory
author:  Wang Zhongfang 
description: "After finishing the book, I was truly overwhelmed. I've read many books about the Cultural Revolution, but Forged in Purgatory is the best. Through the book I see an extraordinary experience, a deep contemplation and the exceptional integrity of a senior Communist party member."<br /><br />-Yu Lei, Former PRC Deputy Minister of Public Security<br /><br />"Floating between the lines of Forged in Purgatory is Wang's noble credo of 'showing no remorse when facing Heaven and Earth'. In such a difficult environment, Wang was still able to face life with extraordinary optimism; this proves that he is a truly upright man, made of sterner stuff."<br /><br />-Bian Zushan, First-Class National Conductor, China<br /><br />"What is written in 'Forged in Purgatory' is not only the personal experience of Wang Zhongfang, but a historical testimony showing the hardship people went through during the Cultural Revolution in China."<br /><br />-Lin Baiye, Professor of PLA University of National Defense, China<br /><br />"Forged in Purgatory demonstrates how important it is to have an optimistic spirit, especially when one is surrounded by adversity. This book is no doubt an excellent educational material for young people nowadays, about upholding one's standards and beliefs." <br /><br />-Liang Sicui, Secretary of Luo Ruiqing (Former PLA Chief)<br /><br />"Wang prevailed in the face of humiliation and brutality and was able to maintain his dignity and moral compass. He came through the Cultural Revolution stronger and wiser, but at a price for him and his family. I deeply appreciated the book and the wisdom I garnered from it."<br /><br />-Seymour H. Chalif,<span><span></span></span> Senior Counsel (Ret), KayeScholer<br /><br /><span id="span_contact_Locked_AKASS3M6DFI91" style="display: inline;">"In Forged in Purgatory, a high-ranking Chinese cadre tells the story of his persecution during the cultural revolution. His book makes a valuable contribution to the political and personal history of that turbulent time."<br /><br />-Andrew J. Nathan, </span><span id="span_contact_Locked_AB7OECNTHUTSB" style="display: inline;">author of <em>The Tiananmen Papers</em>, </span><span id="span_contact_Locked_AKASS3M6DFI91" style="display: inline;">Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science, Columbia University</span><br /><br /><span id="span_contact_Locked_A2OOZCMVN1L0XD" style="display: inline;">"On one level, this book is about a remarkable, resourceful and ingenious person with an indomitable spirit who survived against all odds.But on a deeper level, this is about a country torn apart by the madness of a single person, who was worshipped by his people as a great leader, great teacher, great supreme commander and great helmsman but who cared more for himself than for his people."<br /><br />-</span><span id="span_contact_Locked_A2OOZCMVN1L0XD" style="display: inline;">Frank Ching, columnist and professor at HKUST and CUHK</span>
zlib_text: Chapter 61 —Evil—Part One 
   
   
  *Warning: as usual, you might not want to be eating when you read this chapter 
   
   
  “Ahhhhhhhh…!!!” 
   
   
  Wang LingJiao sat up from her bed with a scream. Wen Chao, who was 
  reading a letter by the desk, slammed its surface, enraged, “What are you 
  howling at again in the middle of the night?!” 
   
   
  Wang LingJiao panted as if she still hadn’t overcome the shock, “I… I 
  dreamed of Wei again, I dreamed of him again!” 
   
  Wen Chao, “It’s been three months since I threw him into Burial Mound. Why 
  are you still having dreams of him? Just how many times has it been?!” 
   
   
  Wang LingJiao, “I… I don’t know why either. These days I’ve been dreaming 
  of him a lot.” 
   
   
  Wen Chao had already been annoyed while he was reading the letter. He 
  didn’t have the time to pay attention to her. He didn’t care much for holding 
  her and comforting her like he had used to do either. He spoke impatiently, 
  “Then don’t sleep!” 
   
   
  She got out of bed and threw herself over to Wen 