I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 182 A Gift Left for St. Petersburg University and a Long Journey
The most prominent feature of the poem "The Will of the Wild" is undoubtedly the manifestation and clarity of personal will, and the rapid rhythm that is like a battle declaration. The former is reflected by powerful images such as "tiger", "eagle", and "night", as well as my uncompromising relationship with the outside world.

The latter, through the use of iambic pentameter, cross rhyme, and concise language, gives the poem a clear, vivid, and urgent feel.

When all these elements are combined, the poem reveals a boiling passion and the joy of struggle.

Of course, both the use of imagery and the use of poetic rhythm are very novel in this day and age, so much so that when Mikhail recited the poem in a concise and powerful tone, many people present were unable to react.

Even though they couldn't understand the poem immediately, the indescribable passion in it and Mikhail's presence among the crowd still excited many students present.

But before they could make any further comments, such as copying down the poem, analyzing what the images of "tiger" and "darkness" in the poem refer to, or what Mikhail was trying to express, Mikhail had already waved goodbye to everyone and successfully walked out of the crowd with Dmitry's help.

Such poems are best left for private contemplation, discussion, and copying. To discuss and interpret them in detail under the watchful eyes of a large group of excited students would be to seriously underestimate the Tsarist government's control over universities.

In fact, if we were to say Mikhail's opinion, this poem would undoubtedly emphasize more the transcendence of oneself, the transcendence of the difficulties and setbacks one may face in the future. In life, one must always have some of this spirit.

I read this to my classmates, hoping that everyone could shine in their own field and strive for excellence.

But such an unusual poem can indeed lead to many interpretations.

Who knows what would happen if Belinsky saw this?
It is worth mentioning that although Belinsky was recuperating abroad, he still kept a close eye on the situation in Russia. Occasionally, when he felt he was in good condition, he would still write commentaries in Kuku. It is estimated that when he returns from abroad with his manuscripts, the literary world in St. Petersburg will be in an uproar for quite some time.

After all, Belinsky was adept at both debating and writing insightful and incisive commentaries.

In short, after reciting the poem, Mikhail left St. Petersburg University as discreetly as possible to avoid causing unnecessary disturbance.

Although he had already left, according to the excited messages that Dmitry relayed to Mikhail over the next few days, it seemed that a poem was being copied and pondered by one person after another in the seemingly peaceful St. Petersburg University.

Some people couldn't contain their excitement and created new works based on the vivid and rapid rhythm of Mikhail's poem. As for how well they were written, Mikhail could only say that they were just average after listening to them, but the content of the poem made his eyelids twitch several times.

Fortunately, it ultimately didn't quite reach the heights of Pushkin's work. Back in the day, in "Ode to Liberty," Pushkin went straight to:

"I will strike at the evil on the throne!"

Tremble, you tyrannical rulers of the world!

I hate you and your throne.

Despotic tyrants and demon kings!

I watched with a cruel sense of satisfaction.
Your destruction, the death of your descendants.

Everyone will be on your forehead
Reading the mark of the people's curse

Fortunately, Lao Da was both exceptionally talented and of noble birth; otherwise, he would have been digging potatoes in Siberia for decades.

Regarding these events at St. Petersburg University, Dmitry excitedly concluded: "Misha, this is a gift you've left for St. Petersburg University! Along with your previous quotes, this will surely become a valuable asset for our university! My friends and I are already compiling them, and it would be best if every graduating class at St. Petersburg saw them!"
Those words were so inspiring; I believe everyone can find something they're looking for in them.

Mikhail: “?”

God is my witness, I really did nothing to St. Petersburg University, nor did I start something and then abandon it.
However, it must be said that memorable quotes are timeless, as they are simple, easy to understand, and easy to remember. They can also strike a chord with people and leave a deep impression on them.

If Mikhail had been determined to make a difference, leaving such a mark at St. Petersburg University would have been excellent, given that as Russia's premier university, St. Petersburg University has produced a great many outstanding individuals in the past.

Now that things have come to this, it's unlikely that Mikhail has no desire to do anything. Even if he can't keep up with the earth-shattering changes, he can still lay the groundwork thoroughly, and such groundwork may not be limited to Russia.

Even so, when Mikhail heard Dmitry say, "No, it might be a waste to just stay at St. Petersburg University. We should contact other universities," he still felt a little uneasy.

Good, good, good! With such a group of people around me, how can my grand plan not succeed? Bah!
Although surprised by Dmitri's initiative, Mikhail thought for a moment and reminded Dmitri about his studies, since there were many other things a noble young man like him could do besides university.

Just as Goncharov wrote in his serialized novel "Ordinary Stories" in 1847, the novel is simply set against the backdrop of the nascent capitalism in 19th-century Russia. It tells the story of Alexander Aduyev, a landowner's son, who travels from the countryside to St. Petersburg and transforms from an idealist into a pragmatic capitalist.

In short, one could start a business, and after the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, Alexander II established local self-governing assemblies throughout Russia for better reform and transition. Such institutions would have real access to local power. Mikhail might not have the time or energy to do these things, but investing in and supporting those around him to do them was a good option, even if the outcome was uncertain; at least something would be accomplished.

After spending a few more days talking with Dmitry and other people he knew from his school days, Mikhail began to make arrangements for his departure from St. Petersburg. As mentioned before, Mikhail would be away for a while in the summer, or rather, he would probably stay abroad for quite a long time in the autumn and winter as well.

In this situation, all kinds of work at the magazine naturally need to be arranged properly.

To be honest, apart from some decision-making power, Mikhail really didn't have much to arrange. After all, with Nekrasov and Panayev, two experienced veterans, Mikhail wasn't too worried.

But faced with the fact that Mikhail was going to be away for a long time, the staff of the "Modern Man" magazine were really flustered for a while. Even Nekrasov and Panayev, who had been in charge of the magazine's main affairs, couldn't help but talk to Mikhail for a long time.

Mikhail just wants to say that I'm really not as good as you guys in this area.
Nekrasov could only shake his head with a wry smile and say, "Of course we know that the magazine is running very well and there are basically no major mistakes, but without you, we feel like we're missing a bit of certainty of victory."

"Don't worry, I will write back often."

After arranging these matters, Mikhail also received a message from Dostoevsky: "Dear Mikhail, I also plan to go back to stay for a while this summer. If you have the chance, you can come and visit me. However, I probably won't stay at home for too long."

As for what the young Dostoevsky has been up to lately, generally speaking, apart from some setbacks in interpersonal relationships, everything else is going quite well. In fact, when he received the annual bonus of 500 rubles from the magazine "The Contemporary," the old Dostoevsky was overjoyed and even sent some money back home, writing to his brother:
"I'm sorry I haven't written to you in a long time. I was very busy before. As I told you before, after meeting Mikhail, my literary career and life were both secure. I have achieved a certain status, my manuscripts are published in many magazines, and my financial resources will never run dry."

Especially recently, I received a generous bonus, and now I'm going to fulfill my promise to you. As a true millionaire, I'm sending you one hundred rubles. I heard you've been having some financial difficulties lately.

Don't worry about me, I'm very happy right now. The weather is nice, I have more money than I can spend, and my future is bright, brother!

Old Dosto boasted to his heart's content in the letter. Even his brother was astonished when he received the money and read the letter. "No, really? That Mikhail has such supernatural power? He can even send me money?"

Unfortunately, although Dostoevsky has gained some fame, his output is not high, and when he has more time, he prefers to polish his manuscripts. Therefore, apart from this particularly generous bonus, Dostoevsky's daily income is only so-so.

This income was indeed enough to maintain a decent life, but because life was too smooth and vanity occasionally got the better of him, Lao Tuo spent a lot of his money without realizing it, and even gambled a bit when he couldn't resist the urge.

Soon after, Old Dostoevsky's brother received another letter like this:
"Going all in is a smart move, but it's also a scam! No one but Mikhail could do something like that!"
Good heavens, how could I possibly think I could be like Mikhail in this respect? Mikhail had been playing cards less lately, and my friends and I all breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Mikhail had finally given up on beating his friends and was going to show off his skills on others.

But alas! The devil must have bewitched me. Anyway, I'm currently writing another novel, and the work is progressing as smoothly and easily as when I wrote *The Poor*. My task is to finish it as soon as possible, so that I won't owe anyone a penny by summer. When will I ever be free from debt? Working to make ends meet is truly a miserable thing!
The weather in St. Petersburg is getting worse, and I feel a tightness in my chest. For the sake of the angel, please send some money. I'm too embarrassed to go to Mikhail's place again, even though he was so welcoming to me.”

Old Tuo's brother: "???"

So you were supposed to be a millionaire? It's only been a few months!
While feeling utterly perplexed, Old Tuo's brother, after carefully rereading the letter, surprisingly revealed a somewhat relieved smile.
All I can say is that this is his younger brother. If he can't get rid of his bad habits, he'll probably keep having headaches about life. But when will he finally get rid of these bad habits?

After sighing several times, Lao Tuo's brother finally started preparing to send the money. Fortunately, although he was pleasantly surprised when he received the money from his younger brother last time, he did not spend it all and instead kept a considerable amount.

In this way, it is estimated that at least two more remittance requests can be handled.

In short, that's roughly how things are. Mikhail knows some things, and he's not so clear about others, but regarding Old Dostoevsky's situation, all Mikhail can say is that this is what happens when someone is a gambler and doesn't know how to manage money.
However, "The Modern Man" is indeed Dostoevsky's lifeline. He has already received a lot of advance payments from "The Modern Man," which has resulted in him owing a lot of manuscripts. He is currently working hard to pay off his debts.

As for his return home, Old Dostoevsky, who thought he had already won the "triumphant return home" script, originally planned to stay for a long time. However, after writing another letter to his brother, he only planned to stay for a week or two before rushing back to St. Petersburg to write his manuscript.

Mikhail's comment on this was, "This is a good thing. Old Dostoevsky, you should just focus on writing and stop messing around with all this nonsense."

After talking for a while and playing cards with the somewhat reluctant old Do, Mikhail saw the fleeing old Do off and then began arranging the itinerary for his mother and sister.

Basically, there's nothing special about it. In the summer, the two of them will stay in St. Petersburg or a nearby estate for a while, and then they will travel abroad together when Mikhail returns.

The only thing that gave Mikhail a bit of a headache was the young girl Mira.

Although Mikhail didn't plan to take anyone with him on his long journey, the little girl insisted:
"Without help from others, I don't even know if Mr. Mikhail will be able to wake up!"

Mikhail: “?”

I'm not a sleep god, thank you.
(End of this chapter)