Mao's ex-bodyguard settles down to become 'commander of the cattle'

Retired colonel, 83, gives up comfortable life in Beijing for one in home village

A retired colonel who served as Chairman Mao Zedong's bodyguard for 19 years has a new title - "commander of the cattle".

Seven years ago, at the age of 76, Li Lianqing surprised his army friends by giving up a comfortable life in Beijing to return to his home village in a remote, rural part of Guangdong province.