Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 128 A Night Meeting at Plum Pond? "Boule de Suif"?
Lionel's oral exam undoubtedly received the "highest grade" score.

The Sorbonne's "oral examination controversy," with its dramatic process and epic ending, quickly swept through all of Paris.

Lionel Sorel's name dominated the pages of major newspapers.

What was particularly surprising was that Le Figaro reported on the event with the striking headline, "Lional Sorel, 'the conscience of the Sorbonne,' battles with the baron's daughter in defense of academic dignity."

The article details the difficult questions in the supplementary exam and praises Lionel's answer for "demonstrating a rare philosophical depth and moral courage among the younger generation of France" and for being "a resounding interpretation of the essence of literature."

Pierre, the journalist who wrote the report, went even further, saying: "Miss Durova-Sherbatova's attempt to use rubles to hijack the Sorbonne's examination standards only revealed the shallowness of her own thinking and the superficial arrogance of the Russian nobility."

Mr. Sorel proved with his wisdom that true conscience cannot be bought with money, and true dignity stems from fearless courage.

The Little Daily News focused more on the dramatic scenes during the oral exam, and the headline was particularly "enticing"—"Exam Scandal! Sorbonne Prodigy Attracts Two Noble Ladies to Compete for Him."

The report vividly described Sophia's arrogance upon entering, the nobility of Lydia, the head lady-in-waiting of Madame Rothschild, and Lionel's sharp retort.

The article concludes with a gossipy speculation about Madame Rothschild's "special attention" to Lionel, accompanied by an exaggerated cartoon:

Lionel, wielding a quill that had transformed into a sword, shattered Sophia's purse, and Madame Rothschild cast an approving glance from the clouds.

The editorial in *La Repubblica* was even more politically and intellectually profound—"Truth, Morality and Freedom: The Triumph of the Republican Spirit as Seen in the Examination Hall of the Sorbonne."

The article elevates Lionel's arguments to the level of republican values, praising them for embodying the republican spirit of "not fearing power, pursuing truth, and thinking independently," and calling them a resounding slap in the face to attempts to interfere with academic freedom through money and privilege.

The article also subtly criticizes some short-sighted individuals in the Sorbonne who are afraid of losing Russia's "financial future."

Even the relatively conservative newspaper, *Le Debate*, had to admit: "Mr. Lionel Sorel's oral examination performance was exemplary. His discourse on literary truth and morality was thought-provoking, demonstrating solid scholarship and clear critical thinking."

The controversy in the examination room ultimately ended in a victory for academia itself.

Lionel's reputation soared along with these reports, which in turn boosted sales of the two newspapers serializing "The Curious Cases of Benjamin Buton".

In particular, in "Modern Life," Georges Charpentier, this spoiled second-generation rich kid, seems to have truly been enlightened by the slick tricks taught to him by Lionel, and has actually learned to apply what he has learned to other situations.

He published a booklet containing 20 pages of thick copperplate printing, each page with large blank areas, and only a few sentences at the bottom summarizing a certain episode of Benjamin's "The Curious Cases of Bouton".

The blank space is just the right place to paste Renoir's illustrations.

The booklet was exquisitely made, with even a gilded border on the cover, and each copy cost as much as two francs, which immediately triggered a buying frenzy among high society.

The wealthy woman who bought the booklet said that it would not only be a better place to store the illustrations she had collected, but it could also be used as children's books to introduce her children to literature.

Lionel was stunned when he received the pamphlet—Mr. Charpentier had independently invented the modern comic strip, or serialized comic.

What will Pierre Renoir be called from now on? A pioneer of Impressionism, or the father of comics?

However, Mr. Charpentier was a man of principle; along with the brochure, he also sent him the new contract—

For every booklet sold, he would give Lionel, the original author, a 5-souk commission.

Lionel readily agreed, as this was indeed unexpected wealth; however, after signing the contract, he also offered Mr. Charpentier a suggestion—

The illustrations could be compiled and published as a booklet, printed in black and white, priced at 15 sous per book. With all this finished, Lionel's summer vacation officially began, lasting nearly three months from early July to the end of September.

Lionel, at the eye of the storm, can also temporarily escape the hustle and bustle, and her tense nerves can finally relax a little.

Just as he was enjoying the peace and quiet, an invitation carrying the scent of the countryside arrived at 64 Lafitte Street.

The invitation came from Émile Zola. The great writer's country villa in Médan was finally welcoming its liveliest time of the year.

He would invite a few like-minded friends to a small gathering each week to enjoy the tranquility away from Paris. The list of invitees included Guy de Maupassant, Paul Alexis, Henri Céarr, Léon Ennique…

Of course, there's also Lionel Sorel.

In the letter, Zola wrote enthusiastically:

"...Dear Lionel, the vineyards of Médan and the breezes of the Seine can soothe all your troubles. Here you'll find the finest wines, the freshest bread, the freest air, and the most sincere friends with whom you can share intimate conversations without reservation."

We urgently need you to join us...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Meitang Villa is full of pastoral charm in summer.

The spacious mansion is surrounded by lush trees, and the meticulously maintained gardens are full of blooming flowers. In the distance, the Seine River glistens and flows gently.

When Lionel arrived, it was already evening, and the golden glow of the setting sun cast a warm sheen on the villa's white walls and red tiles.

Maupassant, wearing only shorts and soaking wet, was the first to spot him: "Ha! Our 'conscience' has finally arrived! The Parisian newspapers are practically praising you as the reincarnation of Socrates!"
"Come in quickly, Mr. Zola's treasured Bordeaux is ready!"

Zola came out when he heard the noise, put his hunting rifle aside, and warmly embraced Lionel.

He seemed particularly relaxed in this space that was entirely his own: "Welcome to Médan, Lionel. There are no examiners here, no baroness and her wilful daughter, only friends and freedom."

Young men like Paul Alexis and Henri Céar also warmly greeted Lionel, welcoming their friend who had given them the opportunity to become famous.

Dinner was held in the villa's spacious dining room.

The long table was covered with a clean white linen tablecloth and was filled with food: freshly baked bread, vegetable salad, stewed beef, various kinds of cheese, and a variety of wines taken from Zola's proud cellar.

After dinner, everyone went to the small dock in the courtyard, where there was a small boat named "Nana" that could be rowed to a small island in the river not far away.

Lionel followed Zola and a few others in a small boat, while Maupassant and Paul simply took off their clothes and jumped into the river to swim across.

A few minutes later, they met again on the island, and Zola suddenly remembered something, with a rare, almost heavy strength: "Friends, we enjoy the wine, the friendship, and the tranquility of this summer night."

But do you remember that less than ten years ago, this land, this Seine, and even the air we breathe right now were filled with another voice?

Those were the sounds of Prussian cannons, the dying cries of French soldiers, and the desperate groans of Paris under siege…

Lionel suddenly looked up—was today the beginning of the "Meitang Night Party"?
Then he turned to Maupassant—"Boule de Suif"?
(Third update completed for today)
　We've finally reached the Plum Blossom Night Meeting, which was originally supposed to be the beginning of this novel...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)