The trio helped Zhao escape. Unfortunately, two days after her escape with their help, Zhao was caught again by the enemy who subjected her to various forms of torture, such as forcing chili water into her mouth, hanging and grilling her, stabbing her nails with bamboo spikes, and placing a hot iron on her wound.
Zhao did not surrender and was eventually killed.
The Zhao Yiman Memorial Hall has 828 exhibits related to Zhao, including her famous Letter to My Son.
On Aug 2, 1936, Zhao, who was only 31, penned her farewell letter to her 7-year-old son on the train heading to the execution ground.
She wrote:
"Ning'er,
It is truly a regret that I, as your mother, have not been able to fulfill my responsibility in your education. Mother has resolutely fought against the Japanese invasion, and today has reached the eve of sacrifice. Mother and you will never have the chance to meet each other again in this lifetime. My dearest child! I cannot educate you with many words, but I will educate you through action. After you grow up, I hope you will not forget that your mother sacrificed herself for the country. After my death, my child, you must continue the struggle on behalf of your mother, grow strong, and comfort your mother in the underworld!
Aug 2, 1936
Your mother, Zhao Yiman, on the train"
