Literary Master 1983

Chapter 297 Like a Spring Breeze Overnight
Why are China's mountains so beautiful?

In his article, Yu Guangzhong wrote that the sentiments of "the heart swells with the rising clouds" or "discussing the evening rain" in Chinese poetry are scenes rarely seen on the Rocky Mountains.

Moreover, to truly appreciate the beauty of "white clouds looking back and merging, green dew entering and disappearing," one must come to China.

These lines of poetry describe a situation where there are many clouds and mist, and they change in layers.

During his studies in the United States, Yu Guangzhong had tried writing in English but found he couldn't make it there, so he returned. Overwhelmed by these complex emotions, he felt that the mountains of China were still the best. He should come back.

At that moment, he missed his hometown and felt that, in the realm of literature, the mountains of China and the mountains of America, like the cultures of the two countries, are both mountains, yet they are diametrically opposed—in short, it is impossible for a native-born Chinese to succeed in writing novels in America.

Look, here is the Rocky Mountains that run from north to south, and there is the Kunlun Mountains that stretch from east to west. The mountains are all different, let alone people and literature.

Yu Guangzhong raised this issue during a discussion among Taiwanese writers:

"More than 20 years ago, I hit a wall and ran into a wall, which made me wonder if Chinese people could not succeed. So I wrote an article expressing my feelings. Now I see that I was too presumptuous. Just because I couldn't do it, I thought that others couldn't either."

Here, everyone listened quietly to Yu Guangzhong's thoughts.

"Nuclear literature is a kind of literature I have never heard of before. I simply cannot imagine how he came up with it, or why other people in the world like this kind of novel."

Indeed, no one here has ever written a novel like this, nor has anyone even considered it.

Except for Li Ao.

Li Ao was a contrarian and disliked Yu Guangzhong; their lives were very different. Yu Guangzhong's career flourished because of his good relationship with the authorities, while Li Ao spent his life in prison.

"The bright moonlight shines before my bed, I wonder if it is frost on the ground," Li Ao said.

After the words were spoken, silence fell even more. Everyone was wondering what connection these words had with Yu Guangzhong's speech.

Li Ao recited to himself again: "I raise my head to gaze at the bright moon, then lower it to think of my hometown."

After a moment, Yu Guangzhong couldn't help but ask, "What does this mean?"

Li Ao said, “This is a poem for elementary education. I used it to teach my child. I told her that the moon wasn’t originally associated with homesickness. It’s just a big, round ball hanging in the sky. There’s no moon palace, no Chang’e. It’s just an inanimate object! But some amazing people wrote such a wonderful poem, and it spread so widely that when people looked up at the sky, they thought… I should think of my home!”

No one present was a fool; they understood what Li Ao meant.

Yu Qie is creating a connection, much like what Márquez wrote to him: "People believe the truth of things often lies in the novels you write." He is creating a new emotional connection in literature.

Nuclear power has become associated with the East. This will be one of the few elements representing violence, toughness, and destruction.

It not only inspired awe in the West, but also indirectly reversed the public's perception of the entire nation.

Before "Happy Hunting" was written, no one thought that a nine-tailed fox could have anything to do with cyberpunk. After winning the Akutagawa Prize, it became part of the Japanese national memory.

"Gu Yan" embodies a spirit of perseverance and struggle; he is a representative of this upright and indomitable man.

"Yu Zecheng" is used to represent the Chinese people.

Now, Yu Qie has injected a new energy, a core, into Chinese literature. This is his personal innovation.

Nuclear literature has thus become one of the literary forms created by the Chinese. From then on, good things such as "man can conquer nature" and "unity is strength" can be put into this kind of novel. It is by no means ignorant or conservative. This is the contribution of the Chinese people to world literature.

At the meeting, Lin Qingxuan couldn't help but say, "He's amazing! He's creating something! He's representing us on the highest platform of modern literature in America! He should be the number one of this generation!"

The delegation of writers from Taiwan was met with a wave of applause.

Amidst the applause, Li Ao was equally excited. Li Ao had never studied in the United States, but he also deeply admired and feared America. He required his daughter to study the Four Books and Five Classics from a young age, but insisted that she study in the United States and learn the American way of life when she grew up.

why?
Because they're awesome!

When Li Ao was young, he was extremely arrogant. Even when he was in prison, he remained arrogant. He told every guard who imprisoned him: "It is immoral for you to do this kind of thing. Sooner or later I will be released. When that happens, I will write novels that will ruin your reputation. What will you do then?"

You'd better treat me well!

As a result, many guards were very polite to Li Ao and made things convenient for him.

There was only one guard who was completely ungrateful and strictly enforced the rules. Whenever Li Ao went berserk and refused to be disciplined in prison, this guard would immediately beat him with a stick. After being beaten a few times, Li Ao became obedient.

Later, he was exonerated and about to be released from prison. He had gained considerable notoriety during his time incarcerated, and he proudly approached his former guard, saying:

"I'm leaving now, and you're not going to have an easy time! I won't let you get away with this!"

The man laughed and said, "My children are all in the United States, and I'm about to retire. I'll spend my old age in the United States and receive a pension from the government. You can't even lift a finger off me."

"Do you think you can control everything on this island and sway people's thoughts? Americans don't care what you say, I'll live just fine. Go ahead and come to America and criticize me."

Li Ao later found himself completely helpless against the guard.

This became a lifelong regret for him, as he realized he had no influence whatsoever in the United States.

After Gu Hua's peaches, everyone thought that Yu Qie, as the head of the mainland delegation, would be overwhelmed and repeat the same mistake.

Unexpectedly, Yu Qie was able to create popular literature and master the American media system; this is a direct comparison of strength. He exists on a higher level.

A reporter from United Literature listened to the whole process and asked, "Can we say that Yu Qie is the most promising Chinese writer right now?"

What holds the most promise?
Nobody knew it, but everyone felt that it was probably a Nobel Prize that no Chinese writer had ever won before.

Yu Guangzhong nodded heavily and said, "For the time being, there can only be one, only him."

After the release of Volume 2 of "2666", it was very popular and the third printing was launched. The book will soon be printed in several editions. Yu Qie's previous books will also be reprinted at the same time. Within two weeks, Carmen received nearly twenty translation and publishing contracts, including multiple languages ​​such as English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.

Yuche has appeared in Spanish-language newspapers multiple times this month, and some Latin Americans call him their eternal loyal friend.

After reading the novel, Colombian President Bertancur called to congratulate the country, saying, "Your novelists have written a remarkable novel."

During this period, many Latin American countries established relations with mainland China, and some Latin American leaders said, "I am reading Latin American novels written by Chinese authors."

Did they even look at it?
do not know.

However, they felt that "2666" was a book that could be presented in a high-brow setting and discussed internationally.

Well, Latin American novels have become one of the calling cards of Chinese literature.

Latinos are the second largest minority group in the United States, and they are trending toward surpassing Black people. Even with just this one novel, Yu Qie can now have a voice in the United States.

Those in mainland China were naturally most encouraged upon hearing that Yu Qie's new work had been published.

At this point, only one debate remained in the "ice-breaking journey" between writers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. According to information obtained, the authorities would announce the family visit policy after the debate. This could not be kept secret.

The fact that previous debates were broadcast to the island through various channels is itself a significant shift in public opinion. With only minutes and seconds left before the ice melts, the countdown has begun.

Wang Meng, the head of the cultural department, called Qian Zhongshu: "I've packed my things and am ready to come to the United States. This is a grand event, and I absolutely cannot miss it!"

Wang Meng took a flight that took more than 20 hours, flying directly from the capital to New York, and then from New York to Boston.

On a later flight, he was surprised to see someone reading the novel "2666." This was a novel written by Yu Qie.

He couldn't help but ask the person, "Why did you read this novel?"

"Because of Márquez, because of the truth about the massacre." "Did you know this novel was written by a Chinese person?"

“I know, I also know that you two are going to be together. My ancestors were Hondurans, and we were from the same place as Colombia back then. We had a Gran Colombia Republic, and the Panama Canal today also belonged to us. It used to be a very powerful place.”

The man continued, “In another ten years or so, by 1999, the Panama Canal will be back in Panamanian hands. But when Gran Colombia will be reunified again, it may not be until 2666… That time in the book is still hundreds of years away.”

The Panama Canal is a vital international shipping route.

In 1977, then-American President Jimmy Carter prepared to negotiate with the Panamanian government on this matter, causing an uproar in the United States. Even the "good guy" Carter was in a dilemma, with his then-national security advisor saying, "If that happens, the U.S. military will go in and shut down and repair the Panamanian government."

After a hard-fought struggle, the Panamanians gained control of the canal, which was handed over in 1999. This was nearly a century after the Panama Canal was seized by the United States.

Not to mention that "Gran Colombia" that has long since vanished without a trace?
Great undertakings often require sacrifice. Are you prepared for the deaths of millions or even tens of millions of people?

Wang Meng could only comfort the man, saying, "You will become Gran Colombia. Best wishes to you."

As soon as he arrived at the hotel in Boston, he encountered the editor of United Literature handing over the manuscript fee to Yu Qie.

The $46,000 in royalties was melted down and converted into gold jewelry of equal value, which adorned Yu Qie's body, making him look dazzling.

"Yu Qie! You've struck it rich again!" Wang Meng said.

Yu Qie smiled wryly and said, "It's too heavy and too conspicuous."

Wang Meng said, "Give me a hundred catties of iron, and I definitely can't lift it. But give me a hundred catties of gold, and I'll risk my life to bring it back to the capital."

Among these "remunerations," the most eye-catching is a large gold medal containing jade.

After learning what had happened, Wang Meng was shocked: "After all, this is a huge sum of money that someone gave you for your writing. You should keep it with you at all times. I think that gold medal is pretty good."

So Yu Qie put all the gold jewelry in his suitcase, leaving only this gold medal hanging around his neck, which he covered with his suit jacket.

This thing is heavy, but not big, and not very noticeable.

Afterwards, Wang Meng said sternly, "I am here to convey instructions, mainly two things. One is about the incident involving Gu Hua's peaches. After deliberation, it has been decided that since you have repeatedly emphasized discipline during this period, he should not be subject to any criticism. Let Gu Hua fend for himself in the United States. He is not worthy of being Chinese."

“In my heart, he is already a dead man,” Wang Meng said.

"And the other one?"

"You have been selected as a national model worker representative, and you are the first writer to receive this honor since the award was established. However, our certificates are not made of gold and are not valuable. You just won a big gold medal, and I am truly sorry..."

Yu Qie laughed loudly, "This is my greatest honor."

I never expected to be recognized as a model worker!

In the 1980s, there weren't many honors awarded to individuals, and the title of "Model Worker Representative" was one of the most prestigious. It was awarded to individuals who had made significant contributions in fields such as science, technology, and sports.

The year Nie Weiping was crowned the Chess Saint, he also received the title of Model Worker. In addition, a number of other scientific giants also received this award.

Yu Qie couldn't help but repeat, "Honestly, it's my honor!"

Wang Meng wanted to say something, but was speechless for a moment, and his eyes even reddened slightly. He hugged Yu Qie tightly. "You've worked hard this time."

So, Yu Qie, sporting two medals and this look, participated in his final debate. The topic of the debate was "history."

This debate was exceptionally harmonious, with everyone speaking freely. And because everyone shared similar viewpoints, there were virtually no conflicts.

The program gradually evolved into a science popularization program for readers or viewers.

Both sides felt a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.

Although there were some verbal exchanges during the process, everyone is now going back in glory, and history will remember this meeting.

Yu Qie once translated a line from Neruda's poetry, which includes the line "Your vast land has been united." If we were to nitpick the wording, it seems that Neruda was being a bit too absolute.

Neruda wrote this poem in 51.

The program begins with this point.

Li Ao said, "Our textbooks say that in the 26th year of King Zheng of Qin's reign, 221 BC, Qin conquered the six states and created an unprecedented unified situation. Later, when we see Qin Shi Huang, we say that he unified China."

"The Chinese people respect him very much. The most widely circulated portrait today is a portrait from the Ming Dynasty, which was commissioned by the emperor. It depicts Qin Shi Huang as very handsome with a beautiful beard. In fact, no one has ever really seen Qin Shi Huang... unless Xu Fu lived to that time."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Then, Li Ao took out a map and pointed to a red dot on it, saying, "Actually, this involves a conceptual issue. Did Qin Shi Huang really unify China? No. In the southwest of Puyang County in Hebei Province, there was a state called Wei. Wei was a younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. It lasted for thirty-seven generations from the time of King Wu of Zhou until the time of Qin Shi Huang, and it was not destroyed."

Wang Meng asked, "When was it destroyed?"

Li Ao said, "It was only during the reign of Qin Er Shi that it was destroyed. Therefore, if we nitpick the words, the textbook is wrong. China was not unified under Qin Shi Huang, but under Qin Er Shi. Is that correct? Shouldn't we be more precise and say that Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BC, except for the State of Wei!"

"Can it be written like this?" Li Ao asked everyone.

Li Ao gave the answer: "Of course you can't write it like that, because attacking your Weiguo is a piece of cake. You can't escape, you'll be unified sooner or later."

Li Ao is truly a master of metaphor!

There have been many such instances in history, and everyone has something to say about them.

Qian Zhongshu said, "When Emperor Taizu of Song unified the country, there was actually a small place called Wuyue. This place lasted for seventy-seven years, from the end of the Tang Dynasty to the beginning of the Song Dynasty."

"However, history does not say that Emperor Taizu of Song unified the country in 960 AD, except for Wuyue."

This incident also gave rise to a historical anecdote: in order to retain their territory, the royal family of Wuyue desperately offered jewels to Emperor Taizu of Song. Emperor Taizu replied, "Those things originally belonged to me; why would I need you to give them to me?"

What is the purpose of offering this?

The debate began to stray from the topic. At this point, everyone couldn't help but quote classical texts and talk about the major historical events, from ancient Chinese history to the division and reunification of Germany, and then to the turbulent history that happened in a small Latin American country like Colombia... These were just a few words or a few people talking about, but they involved tens of millions, hundreds of millions of people and decades of hardships.

The discussion was nearing its end in the evening.

A sense of sadness gradually settled in everyone's hearts.

This time we're going to part ways.

The discussions have expanded in scope and depth, from "simplified and traditional Chinese characters" and "nuclear literature" to "history."

In the long run, these decades pass in the blink of an eye. History will not specifically emphasize this distinction because it was bound to happen; it was the general trend of history.

Whether we admit it or not doesn't matter; we don't need anyone else to admit it. The facts are as they are.

Facing the camera, the "leaders" from both sides gave their statements.

Yu Guangzhong spoke in a very poetic way: "In autumn on the mainland, whether it is a light drizzle dripping on the paulownia tree or a sudden rain beating on the lotus leaves, it always sounds a bit desolate, bleak, and sad. Now, in addition to the sadness, there is an even layer of melancholy, and it cannot withstand repeated wind and rain."

How should we understand his words?
This friendship was hard-won and cannot withstand any more suspicion and turmoil. From now on, we should treat each other with sincerity.

Yu Qie asked Wang Meng, who had come from afar, to give his account. After deep thought, Wang Meng sighed and said, "History will not remember me, but it may remember you. I am just here to witness."

(End of this chapter)