Literary Master 1983

Chapter 97: The Great Writer and the Master and Disciple (End)
"Yang Yu" is Wang Meng's pseudonym, and Wang Meng is a leader in the "stream of consciousness" school in the literary world.

His novel "The Voice of Spring" tells the story of an engineering physicist who was on a study trip abroad and was on his way home for the Spring Festival. He was in a sealed carriage and his "consciousness" was flowing. He remembered a lot of things from the first half of his life, and he recalled them all again in this carriage.

This type of novel focuses on describing the characters' psychological activities, and restores the original appearance of the story by interweaving events that happened in different times, places and spaces based on people's self-memories.

——Therefore, it is not surprising that Wang Meng later promoted and recommended Guo Jingming (Tiny Times) to join the Writers Association.

Stream of consciousness was given a proper name in the 1980s and was recognized as a new form of literary expression. It seems very abstract and difficult to read now, but it was a sensation at the time.

Wang Meng is also a creator who has benefited from the changes of the times, because his series of novels contain the theme of "new era, new turning point" and enthusiastically praise young people and reform. He was eventually able to stand out among many writers and become one of the writers with a higher status.

The commentary articles written by Wang Meng have different meanings from those of ordinary people and can represent certain trends.

Ma Shi Tu took out the review from the Literary Gazette, which detailed the report that took place at the "Youth Gala" in the capital on the May Fourth Youth Day: Liu Xinwu, on behalf of the young writers, evaluated and praised the emerging writers represented by "Yu Qie".

This report states:
"They (Yu Qie's generation) were the first generation to grow up without forbidden areas, so they were able to create more advanced literature... Although the times have changed, people's outlook on life, the world, and values ​​are formed in their youth. Even if restrictions are gradually relaxed, people still cannot create completely free-spirited literature, because they already have shackles in their hearts and are used to them..."

“New literature can only be written by new people.”

"New people will break through the existing constraints and fetters, boldly explore and innovate, and lead the literary trend..."

Wang Meng's commentary article, based on Liu Xinwu's report, also added some of his personal insights, which are more important.

"Ma Wanmei?"

"Eh!"

"Pour some tea, I want to talk to Yu Qie." Ma Shi Tu looked serious.

"Right away..." Ma Wanmei immediately poured two bowls of tea, called Zhang Li away, closed the door, peeled an orange and gave it to Zhang Li to eat.

Zhang Li asked: "What are they going to talk about? Why are they closing the door?"

Ma Wanmei said: "My father is different from most people. The more important the matter is, the more he likes to drink tea and chat."

Zhang Li was surprised: "Do you still have this habit?"

Ma Wanmei said: "People of their generation had some habits, which seem strange now!"

Ma Shi Tu likes to drink tea very much. In Chengdu, where hedonism prevails, people also like to drink tea very much. Many stories and power-money transactions take place in teahouses. During the Republic of China, there were many warlords in Sichuan and Chongqing, and they had their own world. Teahouses were full of good and bad people.

Ma Shi Tu heard a lot of gossip in the teahouse at that time, especially the frequent buying and selling of official positions under the rule of warlords. "From the dean and school principal to the director and county magistrate, they are all waiting for the price. The buyers are full of confidence, and the sellers are safe in their pockets..."

Part of these things were written by Ma Shi Tu in "Ten Tales of Night", and many years later were adapted into the plot of "Master Tang buys an official position to become the county magistrate" in the movie "Let the Bullets Fly".

Underground teahouses were also a common base for the revolutionaries. When they sat down, they were peaceful and carefree, but when they stood up, they might be shackled and unable to see the light of day. Some of Ma Shi Tu’s comrades were also arrested and killed in teahouses. He wrote in his novel: "I never thought that teahouses would become the place where I seek happiness now!"

So, Ma Wanmei told Zhang Li: "He was talking to Yu Qie about something very important... How important is it? It's like he was engaging in an underground struggle, something about life and death!"

Zhang Li was particularly fascinated by what she heard.

The aroma of tea wafted in the air, and he blew away the foam on the tea and took a sip. Ma Shi Tu summarized for the Literary Gazette: "Let's talk about Wang Meng's article. He thinks there are several things that can contribute to the emergence of a new 'literary giant' today. The first is that the publishing industry is very prosperous... Do you think so?"

"That's it."

The entire literature reached its peak in the 1980s, and the magazine and newspaper industry was a booming sunrise industry at that time.

Ma Shi Tu added: "The second is that we are on the eve of a great change in the times. Everyone's thoughts have not yet been completely unified, and everyone can speak freely about their ideas... We are now fighting back in the south, and the mainland is carrying out reforms. It is indeed full of vitality and new things are brewing. Is that right?"

"That's right." Yu Qie agreed.

The sound of their conversation could be heard faintly from inside the door.

Whether it was Zhang Li or Ma Wanmei, they were all very interested and listened attentively.

Ma Shi Tu added the last point: "With a large number of authors and works joining our literary world, it is not just one person who shines, but a group of people who finally compare and select the best, and choose the best from the best... Do you think this is the case?"

Yu Qie nodded again.

Ma Shi Tu took a breath, picked up the tea and drank it, then asked: "Do you have any other opinions?"

What's your opinion?
In a commentary published in Literary Gazette, Wang Meng concluded that now is the "right era" and that the "right generation" like Yu Qie has arrived.

This is a bit like the "becoming an immortal" setting in the novels about cultivating immortals. Everyone is extremely talented, but the period to become an immortal is relatively short and there are quotas. Now the new cycle provides an opportunity.

All signs indicate that the golden age of literature has arrived, and Yu Qi knows that this may be the last time a literary giant will emerge.

But when Yu Qi thought of this, he began to shake his head again.

Ma Shi Tu asked: "Do you think what Wang Meng said is wrong?"

"I think what he said is right, but there is something missing, what he said is not enough."

Yu Qie proposed a new viewpoint: "To become a 'literary giant', one must be deeply involved in history. In the end, even if one does not obviously influence history, at least one must be a participant in history."

Ma Shi Tu said, "You mean this person is a writer, but not just a writer, right?"

"That's what happened."

Ma Shi Tu was excited. Yu Qi's views coincided with his. This was what Ma Shi Tu originally wanted to tell Yu Qi.

He looked around and saw some things in the house: a large desk, some calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and a red flag with a five-pointed star in the center. It was framed and hung in Ma Shi Tu's living room.

He asked Yu Qie: "Do you know what that flag is?"

"I am not very knowledgeable and don't know."

Ma Shi Tu explained that Chengdu was not liberated until December 49. This red flag with only one five-pointed star in the middle was embroidered by underground party members overnight based on their imagination when they learned that the new China was founded. It is said that this red flag was made by Luo Guangbin, a student of Ma Shi Tu, who is considered Yu Qie's senior brother. He is also the author of the novel "Red Rock" and has been to Zhazidong. "Red Rock" is simply the author's documentary diary.

"Wang Meng wants to publish articles in newspapers, but she can't say anything. But I also think that just doing this is not enough to become a 'literary giant'. At most, she can be a very good writer, but no matter how good a writer is, she is not a literary giant."

"A literary giant must do something big!" said Ma Shi Tu.

"I was afraid that you would be too happy after reading these compliments, which would hinder your progress. Now you know that a loud drum does not need a heavy hammer. You know it yourself!"

"Then what is a literary giant?" Yu Qie also asked, this time to Ma Shi Tu.

Ma Shi Tu said: "Look at this red flag. Do you see this red flag? How difficult was it to embroider it? How many people worked hard to embroider it? Only those who have made a real impact on our nation and contributed to the people of the world can be called literary masters."

"Ah!" Zhang Li suddenly felt her heart getting hot. She and Ma Wanmei looked at each other, and both saw each other's excited expressions.

It turned out that Ma Shi Tu was teaching and imparting knowledge to him! He already thought that Yu Qie had such potential and such character.

Wang Meng's commentary article caused a sensation. Since its publication, everyone has been thinking about who has the potential to become the next literary giant. Whether it is Wang Meng who wrote the article or Ma Shi Tu who is far away in Chengdu, they all thought of Yu Qie who had just returned from the south.

It’s not just these big names. Even Luo Yihe, a fledgling editor, ranked the writers in his mind after reading some articles: Zhang Chengzhi, Wang Zengqi, Shi Tiesheng, Wang Anyi, Deng Youmei, these people’s novels can lay the foundation for a great era of literature… After reading Yu Qie’s works, Luo Yihe added Yu Qie and put him at the top.

Ma Shi Tu led Yu Qie to his desk and showed him the letters they had exchanged during this period: "Look, there are so many letters. Many old friends asked me what my relationship with you is. Some also congratulated me on getting a great disciple."

"Because you were the first one I brought here, and you're from the same hometown as me, and everyone envies me. To be honest, if you're willing, if you're willing..."

How could Yu Qie not know what Ma Shi Tu meant? He immediately said, "Of course I am willing, Teacher Ma! You were Teacher Ma before, and now you are even more so!"

Ma Shi Tu was very happy: "I am not very good at writing articles, but I have a good eye for people and my students are all excellent."

When Ma Wanmei heard this, she immediately pushed the door open and said, "Dad, congratulations on having such a good student!"

Zhang Li also came in and said coquettishly, "Hello, Teacher Ma!"

"Okay, all good, you are also a very beautiful girl!"

Ma Wanmei waited until they were done being happy, then called them to come over for dinner: "Dad, stop chatting, the food is getting cold!"

"Let's go eat!" Ma Shi Tu winked at Yu Qie, "Let's play bridge tonight."

----

After dinner, Yu Qie and Zhang Li stayed here, and Ma Shi Tu taught them how to play bridge.

Bridge is a very popular regional game in Sichuan and Chongqing, and can be played by 2 to 4 people. In Yunnan Province, it is called "Bayizipai" or "Dazipai", and in some areas of Hunan Province, it is also called "Pao Huzi". The gameplay is similar to mahjong, but it is simpler, more convenient and more varied than mahjong.

There are many rules, and here we use a more popular rule: divide into two pairs of partners: north-south and east-west. Ma Shi Tu and Ma Wan Mei are a pair, and Yu Qie and Zhang Li are a pair.

Then the game is completed through "bidding", "playing cards", "scoring" and other stages. What is more interesting is that the "bidding" at the beginning of bridge is very important, because in this round everyone has to have a "score commitment", and the one who completes this score commitment first, or exceeds this score commitment, wins.

This rule eliminates randomness and places more emphasis on technique and strategy.

At this point, Yu Qie and Zhang Li had won several rounds in a row, and the situation was clearly in their favor. The Ma father and daughter were no match at all, and then Yu Qie started to play cards randomly and winked at Zhang Li.

Zhang Li also understood and started to play randomly, but she was more delicate than Yu Qie. She kept playing randomly, occasionally playing well one or two times, making Ma Shi Tu and his daughter feel nervous, and then continued to play randomly.

Ma Shi Tu suddenly asked: "Yu Qie, why do you think that great writers should participate in history? Let me tell you, participating in history is not only about style, but also about huge risks!"

While playing cards, Yu Qie said: "Tagore organized the Indian general strike and led the Indians to fight against British colonial rule earlier than Gandhi... The People's Will he wrote became the national anthem of India..."

Ma Shi Tu asked again, "Is Tagore meddling in other people's affairs? I see he comes from an aristocratic family and could have lived a peaceful life. Indians can get by without him."

Yu Qieze said: "In the 20s, the 'Amritsar Massacre' occurred in India. The British army shot and killed more than 1000 Indian civilians. He wrote a letter to the Governor-General to curse the British royal family and directly gave up the title of 'Sir' given to him by the British king. He visited China and sympathized with our situation at the time. He also wrote articles to denounce Britain's opium trade. When the Germans invaded other countries, Tagore wrote articles against fascism..."

"Yu Qie, you are talking about Tagore's social activities. Do you think Tagore's literary qualities are not good?"

"It's not that he wrote badly, but there is nothing beyond these works. Tagore is just an Indian writer. He doesn't deserve to be called a 'literary giant'. When he died, thousands of people came to pay their respects to him and carried his coffin to his funeral... This is not something that can be achieved by writing a few poems or novels."

Ma Shi Tu said: "We are getting better and better now, and there is no foreign enemy that we cannot stop. You certainly cannot learn from Tagore, so how can you become a great writer?"

Yu Qie said: "Young people need me, and I will strive to make the people of the world need me too."

Ma Shi Tu laughed after hearing this: "If you can do all these, then of course you have succeeded!"

In the end, Ma Shi Tu and his team won. Yu Qie and Zhang Li stayed at Ma Shi Tu's home for one night, met Zhang Li's parents the next day, and then took the train back to Wanxian.

Zhang Li's parents liked Yu Qie to begin with, and now they like him even more. Her parents are minor civil servants, and Yu Qie's teacher Ma Shi Tu was also a cadre who often went to the capital to play bridge with leaders, which made his parents-in-law see many career development possibilities for writers.

On the way, we passed a small county town under Wanxian, which was later divided into the Wanxian administrative district. It is the hometown of Ma Shi Tu and also the hometown and burial place of the author of "Red Rock".

Yes, this author is gone.

Yu Qie thought that this senior brother was still alive, and he went to his grave to talk about his own situation, and then took Zhang Li to Wanxian to meet his parents. Needless to say, he was surprised and excited during the period. When he returned to the capital from Wanxian, Zhang Li was already Yu Qie's formal wife.

The Marriage Law is the earliest law promulgated in my country, but it was not until April 84 that China implemented the ID card system for the first time. For many years before that, some regions did not care about the Marriage Law, but instead took the traditional "grand wedding banquet witnessed by relatives and friends" as the insurance and commitment of marriage.

Now both parties have met their parents and are very satisfied, so it's basically done.

Ma Shi Tu has parted ways with his students. He is also very busy. Recently, he has been busy writing a memoir of the leaders and the story of his friendship with the American Flying Tigers at Southwest Associated University in the 1940s. There is a meeting to be held in May, and Ma Shi Tu has to go to Yenching for the meeting.

This teacher's approach is very tough, and he has lived for a very long time. I'm afraid no one will be able to do anything to Yu Qie in the future. No one can outlast Yu Qie, and even Ma Shi Tu cannot outlast him.

As soon as I returned to Yenching, the hungry October magazine had already rushed up to me.

(End of this chapter)