Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 170 The First Dinner of Autumn (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

After returning from the "Santa Martha Meeting", Lionel went directly to Zola's Villa Médan.

The Zolas returned from their seaside vacation yesterday, and Villa Médan is bustling with activity again.

Alice and Petty were pleasantly surprised to see Lionel, especially after inquiring about his health.

Lionel said he has fully recovered and has nothing to worry about.

He then led Monsieur Zola to the relatively quiet living room and told him about the "Order of Saint Martha" and Alice.

Lionel said to Zola somewhat apologetically, "Emile, Alice will probably need to stay with you for a while longer, until I've resolved the 'St. Martha Meeting'..."

Zola was startled: "Resolve the 'Santa Martha Society'? What are you planning to do?"

Lionel gave a mocking look: "They think they can control me like this? What a joke..."

Zola hurriedly asked, "What are your plans? Do you need my help?"

Lionel shook his head: "Right now, it's just a preliminary idea, not mature enough."

Heh... I'll definitely work well with the church and give them a surprise..."

Zola patted him on the shoulder: "Alice can stay here as long as she wants, don't worry."

Lionel nodded and gave him a gentle hug: "Thank you, Emile, you have always been the kindest among us..."

Leaving the living room, Lionel called Alice aside and told her what had happened.

Alice was terrified and even suggested turning herself in, but Lionel's gentle yet reassuring tone calmed her down.

He even had the nerve to joke: "You're the best scribe in all of Paris, I can't bear to let you become a nun."

Alice was relieved.

Lionel did not return to Paris by train until after having dinner at Villa Médan.

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Just as Lionel was planning to "cooperate well with the church," the long-awaited autumn wind finally swept away the heat and stench of Paris.

After a torrential downpour, the Seine River regained its clear waters.

Although there is still a week before the start of the Sorbonne, Paris's autumn social scene has already begun.

Lionel never expected that the first invitation he received would come from Chen Jitong.

The translator for the British and French ministers personally delivered the invitation to him.

He was still as dashing as he had been when we met at the Sorbonne Auditorium a few months earlier, with his braid neatly combed at the back of his head.

Chen Jitong smiled and said, "Mr. Sorel, I hope I haven't disturbed your work."

Lionel quickly replied politely, "Mr. Chen, this is a wonderful surprise. Please come in!"

The two sat down in the living room, and Chen Jitong took out an exquisite invitation from his pocket and handed it over: "I am here on behalf of the newly appointed Minister to Britain and France, Marquis Zeng Jize, to invite you."

Many figures from the arts and culture world will be attending. The Marquis has long admired your reputation and especially hopes you can grace us with your presence.

Lionel accepted the invitation, looking puzzled: "Marquis Zeng Jize? If I remember correctly, isn't your country's minister Lord Guo Songtao?"
I've heard his name in some salons, and everyone seems to have a good impression of him.

Chen Jitong's face immediately darkened: "Lord Guo... he has already resigned and returned to the country. And not in glory, but to await punishment."

Lionel was surprised: "Awaiting punishment? What's going on? Isn't Lord Guo one of the few enlightened people in China?"

Chen Jitong's tone was full of indignation: "Enlightened? It is precisely because he was too enlightened that he suffered such an end!"
Did you know that during his mission to the West, Guo wrote a book called "A Journey to the West," which recorded the political systems and social customs of various European countries?

He advocated that China should learn from the strengths of the West. When this book was sent back to China, it was denounced as a symbol of betrayal by those conservative ministers!

Lionel: "..." It's a familiar recipe, a familiar taste.

He felt as if a high school history textbook had been opened in front of him.

Chen Jitong's tone became increasingly agitated: "That's not all. Guo's deputy envoy is constantly opposing Guo in the embassy, ​​and has even submitted a memorial to impeach him."

Then Chen Jitong recounted in detail the three absurd charges against Guo Songtao: First, he visited the fort wearing a Western-style suit jacket—a dignified envoy of the Celestial Empire should not wear foreign clothes, even if it means freezing to death!
Secondly, upon meeting the King of Brazil, he stood up to pay his respects—how could a high-ranking envoy from the Celestial Empire possibly pay homage to the king of a small country?

Third, he repeatedly asked for the program at the concert at Buckingham Palace—why should a dignified envoy of the Celestial Empire imitate the behavior of foreigners?
Lionel: "..." This smell is too strong, making him feel disoriented and unaware of the time.

Chen Jitong finally sneered: "What's ridiculous is that the British newspapers even praised Lord Guo as 'the most cultured person they have ever seen in the East'!"
But in China, Lord Guo has already become a traitor, a spy for the British!

Lionel could only offer words of comfort: "This is truly...unbelievable. Please allow me to express my sympathy for Lord Guo's plight..."

These are all trivial matters…

Chen Jitong seemed to have found a kindred spirit: "Unfortunately... the government, under pressure, had no choice but to recall him."

Now, upon returning to China, he may face further investigation, and could even be imprisoned.

Lionel said sincerely, "I hope Lord Guo is safe and sound... this Marquis Zeng?"

Chen Jitong then realized that his indignation had caused him to stray from the topic: "Please rest assured, the new minister, Marquis Zeng Jize, is also an outstanding person."

He was the second son of the late Zeng Guofan, a prominent official in my country. He was fluent in English, well-versed in mathematics and physics, and possessed unique insights into international affairs. He also advocated learning from Europe and pursuing reform to strengthen the nation.

Lionel nodded; he did remember Guo Zeng from diplomatic history.

Chen Jitong continued, "The Marquis especially hopes to establish friendly relations with all sectors of French society."

He knows that you are not only a rising star in the literary world, but also have an understanding and respect for Eastern culture.

Mr. Sorel, influential young talents like yourself are exactly the bridges that China and France need for exchanges.

Your voice may carry more weight than many diplomatic notes.

Lionel fell into deep thought...

After some deliberation, Lionel finally nodded: "I understand. Thank you for the invitation, Marquis. I am honored to attend the banquet."

Chen Jitong smiled sincerely: "That's wonderful! Lord Zeng will be very pleased. I will send a carriage to pick you up then."

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.

Two days later, at six o'clock in the evening, an elaborately decorated carriage stopped precisely at the foot of Lionel's apartment building.

Lionel rode in a carriage through the streets of Paris and finally stopped in front of a Haussmann-style mansion.

A dragon flag hangs above the door, fluttering slightly in the evening breeze.

The embassy was already packed with guests.

Lionel saw many familiar faces in Parisian society—Paul Pigut, editor of Le Petit Parisien, and Anatole France, a writer who was already quite famous…

The interior decoration is a blend of Chinese and Western styles: Chinese palace lanterns hang under European-style chandeliers, and the walls are decorated with both oil paintings and ink paintings.

Marquis Zeng Jize appeared in the hall surrounded by a large entourage.

He was about forty years old, with a thin face, dressed in Qing Dynasty official robes. Although his French was not fluent, he had no problem with daily communication.

After a brief speech, the dinner officially began, and Lionel was seated at a table near the head table.

The silverware on the table gleamed, but the dishes that were served were a real eye-opener:

Chinese cold dishes and French appetizers are served side by side, with West Lake fish in vinegar sauce and abalone, sea cucumber and shark fin appearing alternately, as well as French baked snails and truffle soup.

Halfway through the banquet, Chen Jitong brought two young Chinese men to Lionel's side, and Lionel quickly wiped his mouth and stood up.

Surprisingly, the two young men were neither wearing official robes nor Western suits, but rather dark blue European-style student uniforms.

Chen Jitong introduced, "Lionel, these two are government-funded students sent by our country to study in the UK. They are about the same age as you and are outstanding young people from both countries."

The minister brought them to Paris specifically to forge goodwill. I hope you can become friends!

After speaking, one of the young men, tall and with a resolute expression, extended his hand first: "Mr. Sorel, good evening! I am Sa Zhenbing!"

Another young man spoke up: "Good evening, Mr. Sorel! My name is Yan Fu."

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(End of this chapter)