Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 171 A gentleman's words cannot be taken back, even by "Quaderiga".
With mixed feelings, Lionel shook hands with the two young Chinese students.

He could feel that both of their hands were quite rough and very strong—the marks left by long voyages and training.

According to the British Navy's training tradition, they should have all trained on old-fashioned sailing warships.

Lionel switched to English and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you both. You can just call me Lionel."

A look of surprise flashed across Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing's eyes. They hadn't expected Lionel to greet them in English, and so warmly at that.

Sa Zhenbing smiled sincerely: "Leonard, how is your recovery going?"
I read in the British newspapers that you had unfortunately fallen ill in London.

Lionel smiled slightly awkwardly: "Thank you for your concern, I have fully recovered."

All I can say is that London's air... well, it certainly has its own unique character.

This remark drew a knowing smile from Sa Zhenbing: "Indeed! The Thames, huh..."

During every low point in its life, it reminds people of its presence with its strong scent.

When my brother Yan and I first arrived in England, it also took us a long time to adjust.

Yan Fu also laughed: "Lionel, please allow me to express my admiration for your work."

I've read *The Old Guard*, and your critique of social injustice left a deep impression on me.

Lionel was somewhat surprised: "You've read my work?"

Yan Fu nodded: "We have studied English and French—I discovered them by chance in the Greenwich Library."

What I admire most is your public support for free compulsory education.

I have always believed that if China wants to truly become strong, it must also take this path—ensuring that every child, regardless of wealth, can receive a basic education.

Only by enlightening the people can a nation prosper!

Lionel keenly noticed that Sa Zhenbing looked unconvinced after Yan Fu finished speaking.

However, Yan Fu did not notice his companion's displeasure, but instead made a request to Lionel: "Lionel, I even had a thought—"

I hope to translate your work into Chinese!

Stories like "The Old Guard," though set in France, seem almost tailor-made for China.

Chinese readers who read this may find it inspiring.

Lionel was startled.

Yan Fu later indeed became one of China's most important translators, translating Western classics such as "Evolution and Ethics," which influenced generations of Chinese intellectuals afterward.

If your work is translated into Chinese...

Lionel nodded sincerely and quickly: "It is my honor. 'The Old Guard' belongs to France, and it also belongs to China!"
If you are interested, I can provide authorization and add some annotations.

Yan Fu was overjoyed and grasped Lionel's hand tightly: "Then it's a deal!"

Lionel smiled and said, "A gentleman's words cannot be taken back, not even by Quadriga!"

Upon hearing this, not only Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing were stunned, but Chen Jitong was also dumbfounded.

After a while, the three Chinese people realized that this meant "a gentleman's word is as good as his bond."

"Gentleman" corresponds to "gentleman," and "Quadrigal" is the name of a type of four-horse chariot in Europe.

When they realized what was happening, the three of them burst into laughter; Chen Jitong patted Lionel on the shoulder: "Leon, I didn't know you were so familiar with Chinese idioms!"

Lionel smiled and nodded: "I know a little..."

At that moment, Lionel stared at the two young faces in front of him, and the feeling of time and space intersecting made him feel a little dazed.

He could almost see the long river of history flowing before his eyes, and he was standing at a special intersection.

Chen Jitong interjected at the opportune moment: "It seems you two get along very well—but the banquet is still ongoing, so please return to your seats first. There will be other opportunities in the future."

Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu politely nodded to Lionel and then returned to their seats. After Lionel sat down again, Anatole France, sitting next to him, leaned over with a curious smile: "Lionel, you seem to have a particular fondness for Chinese people?"

This is quite unusual!

Although Anatole France was a good friend of Chen Jitong, this was a personal relationship—his overall impression of the Chinese people was not good.

This was also the mainstream attitude of European intellectuals towards China in this era.

After all, less than twenty years ago, the Anglo-French allied forces had entered Beijing and burned down the Chinese emperor's summer palace.

Many European homes still contain gold, silver, jewels, porcelain, silk, and paintings looted from there...

After a moment of contemplation, Lionel said, "Tipo, I have always believed that any country or nation that does not give up its efforts to improve itself after a defeat deserves respect."

He paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing: "Look, this ancient empire, which has suffered repeated defeats, has sent out figures like Guo Songtao and Zeng Jize to conduct diplomacy, and has also sent young people like Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu to learn from it."

Whatever their initial intentions and purposes, this has sown the seeds for the country's resurgence!

It may not be now, or even in the foreseeable future, but that day will surely come.

Anatole France was surprised: "Lionel, do you have such a high opinion of China?"

Lionel nodded: "The greatness of civilization lies not in never falling, but in being able to get back up every time it falls, and even learn from its former adversaries."

China is doing this with difficulty, and although there are obstacles and setbacks along the way, this effort itself deserves respect.

Anatole France nodded thoughtfully: "Your perspective is very interesting. Indeed, it takes great courage and wisdom to admit one's own shortcomings and learn from others."

I think I understand why you treat them differently.

The dinner drew to a close in a friendly atmosphere.

Zeng Jize rose to give a speech, which Chen Jitong translated into French, with appropriate wording: "Distinguished guests, thank you for coming tonight."

There is an old Chinese saying, "Isn't it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?" Although France and China are separated by oceans, the pursuit of knowledge and beauty is a common language between us.

I hope that through this exchange, we can deepen our understanding and friendship…

His brief speech also earned polite applause.

However, Lionel was particularly moved – this was the first time in a long time that he had heard “Chinese”.

It took him several seconds to realize what Zeng Jize was saying.

The banquet was supposed to be followed by a dance party.

But Paul Pigut, editor of Le Parisien, joked: "I guess the upcoming ball might be too 'enthusiastic' for our Chinese friends?"

After all, ballroom dancing might be considered indecent in the East.

Sure enough, the servants quickly and skillfully removed the dining table and chairs, replacing them with comfortable sofas and small tables set with desserts and drinks.

A small stage was temporarily set up in the embassy lobby, and several actors dressed in gorgeous costumes with exaggerated facial makeup took to the stage, immediately attracting the attention of all the French people present.

Lionel listened for a couple of lines and realized it was "The Orphan of Zhao." Feeling rather uninterested, he quietly slipped out through a side door and went to the embassy's back garden for some fresh air.

The Parisian nights in September were already cool, and the garden was filled with the scent of damp earth and plants.

Lionel was about to find a bench to sit down when he heard familiar voices coming from behind the bushes—it was Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu.

However, they weren't using English or French, nor the commonly used "Chinese," but another language that Lionel was very familiar with—

Pinghua is the Fuzhou dialect.

Both men were from Houguan, Fuzhou, and they spoke in their hometown dialect, clearly not wanting anyone to know what they were saying.

He intended to go up and say hello, but upon hearing the content of their conversation, he stopped in his tracks.

These two figures, who would later go down in history, were actually arguing fiercely!

(End of this chapter)