Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 172 If there are true friends in the world, even if they are far away, they are still like neighbors.

Sa Zhenbing's voice carried a persuasive tone: "Brother Fu, I really don't understand why you are so interested in translation!"
We were ordered to come to Britain to study naval affairs, so that we could return to our country in the future to build a powerful navy and wipe away our past humiliations!
"But you spend all your time in the library reading philosophy and literature. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"

Yan Fu's voice was calm and firm: "Dingming (Sa Zhenbing's courtesy name), do you think that simply buying a few warships, learning some navigation techniques, and knowing how to fire cannons—"

Can this really make China strong? During our time in Europe, didn't you see the deeper reasons behind the strength of Britain and France?

Sa Zhenbing was somewhat excited: "Of course I saw it! They have strong ships and powerful cannons, and their industry is advanced..."

Yan Fu interrupted him: "You're wrong! What's more important is the cultural system, the scientific spirit, and the education system! Look at why Britain was able to become the empire on which the sun never sets."
It's not just because their navy is powerful, but also because they have a parliamentary system to ensure rational decision-making, a patent system to encourage invention and innovation, and an education system to cultivate talent!
These are the foundations of a strong nation!

Sa Zhenbing remained stubborn: "Those are matters for the officials in the court to consider."

As soldiers, our duty is to master advanced military technology so that we can train soldiers and command fleets in the future…

Yan Fu raised his voice a few decibels: "Foolish! If the system and ideology don't change, even if we buy the most advanced warships, they will become mere decorations!"

His voice was bold and powerful: "I believe that China needs not only technological changes, but also ideological enlightenment."

That's why I believe translating European classics and introducing new ideas is more important than simply learning the techniques.

We need to help more people understand global trends and grasp the true meaning of modern civilization!

Sa Zhenbing was silent for a moment, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Brother Fu, what you said may have a point. But I think you are too idealistic."

Changing minds? Easier said than done! Those ministers couldn't even tolerate Lord Guo, how could they possibly allow you to spread Western learning?
I think it would be better to be down-to-earth and first master practical military technology.

At least in this respect, we can still make some practical contributions to the country.

We cannot afford to lose the next naval battle! And we will not lose again!

Lionel: "..."

He really wanted to say, "In the next naval battle, we not only lost, but we lost to someone you two would never have imagined even if you racked your brains..."

Seeing the argument between the two getting more and more heated, Lionel couldn't stand it anymore and coughed.

Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing immediately fell silent, turning around with tense expressions. They breathed a sigh of relief when they saw it was Lionel.

The two exchanged a glance, both looking relieved.

Their argument was overheard by someone with ulterior motives, who will later "submit a memorial to the throne." Sa Zhenbing might not be in any serious trouble, but Yan Fu will definitely be in big trouble.

They might even implicate others—that's why they communicate in their local dialect.

Fortunately, it was Lionel who came; he wasn't even Chinese, so he just listened.

Lionel could tell what the two were thinking, and even felt a mischievous urge to say something plain to scare them.

However, he ultimately suppressed this absurd idea and simply greeted them calmly in English: "Oh? You guys are here for some fresh air too?"

The two men turned around with slightly embarrassed expressions and exchanged pleasantries with Lionel.

Lionel pretended not to understand their earlier heated argument: "The nights in Paris are indeed much more comfortable than in London, at least the air is fresher."

Speaking of which, how much longer will you two be studying in the UK? When do you plan to return home?

Sa Zhenbing was quite straightforward and immediately replied, "Our courses at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich will end next April, at which time we will set off to return home."

His tone carried the clarity and decisiveness characteristic of a soldier.

Lionel was somewhat surprised: "Next April? That means there are only six months left?"

I've only just met you all, and I never imagined we'd have to part ways so soon.

Sa Zhenbing smiled and said, "Leonard, although China and France are thousands of miles apart, we are both still young."

I believe that as long as we share the same aspirations, we will meet again someday. Just as a Chinese poet said—

"If there is a true friend in the world, even if they are at the farthest edge of the sky, it feels as if they are still living next door to you."

Lionel: "..." This translation sounds just like Oscar Wilde's.

I thought my translation of "A gentleman's word is as good as his bond" was bad enough, but I never expected Sa Zhenbing to be even better.

Poetry is indeed untranslatable.

Yan Fu sincerely replied, “That is indeed the case. Moreover, I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to invite you to China for lectures and travels in the future. Chinese schools desperately need talents like you—to talk to young Chinese students about the current situation in Europe and about French literature and thought.”

This will broaden their horizons.

Lionel nodded: "That's an attractive invitation. So, will you all join the Navy after returning home?"

I wish you both a speedy rise to the rank of general!

He glanced at the two of them and noticed that Sa Zhenbing's eyes were firm, while Yan Fu showed a hint of hesitation.

Sa Zhenbing glanced at Yan Fu and said firmly, "Yes, I will definitely join the navy. The country sends us abroad to study in order to build a strong navy."

This is my duty and honor as a soldier.

Yan Fu seemed hesitant. He opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

Lionel asked gently, "Yan, your ideas seem to differ from Sa's? Just now at the banquet, you said you wanted to translate my work..."

Are you more interested in translation?

Yan Fu nodded helplessly, his voice low: "Lionel, you're right. I do have more passion for translation and education."

I believe that enlightening the people and spreading new ideas are more important for China's long-term development than piloting warships.

He didn't dare look Sa Zhenbing in the eye when he said this.

The atmosphere in the garden became somewhat heavy for a moment. A gentle evening breeze carried the faint strains of Peking Opera singers singing in the distance.

Lionel pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "In fact, whether it's naval development, translation, or education, these are all essential paths for a nation to become strong."

He looked at Yan Fu: "The cause of translation and education is like lighting lamps, enabling more people to open their eyes to see the world and understand the essence of modern civilization."

This can fundamentally change a nation's way of thinking.

He then turned to Sa Zhenbing: "Building a navy is not just about showing off at sea right now."

A powerful navy requires a scientific, technological, and industrial system as its foundation to propel the entire nation forward.

More importantly, after you complete your studies and return home, you will be responsible for training the next batch of naval personnel, and the batch after that.

This is a kind of inheritance; as long as the flame continues, even if it's just a few sparks, it can eventually ignite the entire grassland.

Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing's eyes lit up!

He paused for a moment to let the two of them process what he had just said before continuing, "So I think that the right thing should be done immediately, but we don't have to be obsessed with immediate success."

The strengthening of a nation is a long process. Military power without a foundation of civilized spirit is ultimately a castle in the air; and intellectual enlightenment without the backing of strength is also destined to be trampled upon.

Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu both fell into deep thought, their expressions gradually becoming profound and complex.

The Peking Opera singing in the distance had stopped sometime ago, and only the crisp sound of gongs and drums could be heard from time to time, indicating that the banquet was nearing its end.

The three people in the garden remained standing in the night, each lost in their own thoughts.

Looking at these two future historical figures, Lionel felt a strange sense of mission welling up inside him.

He had no intention of intervening in or changing the course of history, but fate always seemed to compel him to gaze upon this river.

Was the principle I just mentioned difficult to understand? In fact, every Chinese person who has studied modern history would have no doubt that building a navy and translating Western learning are two paths that can be pursued in parallel without conflict.

However, Sa Zhenbing, Yan Fu, and other "enlightened people" who were caught up in the tide of the times were all blinded by their own perspectives.

Lionel, an observer with a clearer perspective, could not voice his opinion.

Their argument was just one moment in the long, painful process of history.

Lionel wanted to tell them that no matter which path they chose, it would eventually merge with other paths to form a main road.

However, Yan Fu, one of them, probably wouldn't live to see the Chinese people embark on this path.

Lionel patted Yan Fu on the shoulder with some sympathy, and was about to say something when a voice suddenly rang out:
"I've been looking for you. What are you doing hiding here?"

(End of this chapter)