Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 173 I can’t do it!

Chen Jitong appeared at the garden entrance: "Lional, Marquis Zeng wishes to speak with you privately. Is this a convenient time for you?"

Lionel was somewhat surprised, but still nodded politely: "Of course it's convenient."

He turned to Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu: "Excuse me, I have to go see Marquis Zeng. You two continue your conversation."

The two quickly returned the greeting and said goodbye to Lionel.

As Lionel followed Chen Jitong through the corridor, a hint of doubt arose in his mind.

Why would Zeng Jize, as the Qing Dynasty's envoy, suddenly want to have a private meeting with this French writer? The two had no prior interaction, and he was not a politician.

As they spoke, the two went up to the second floor of the embassy.

The living room here is elegantly and comfortably furnished in a completely Western style, unlike the banquet we just attended, which was a blend of Chinese and Western elements.

Zeng Jize had changed out of his official robes and was now wearing a dark long gown. He was standing by the window gazing at the Parisian night view.

Hearing footsteps, he turned around with a gentle smile on his face: "Mr. Sorel, thank you for taking the time to come. Please have a seat."

Zeng Jize's English is very fluent, which does not hinder their communication at all.

He gestured for Lionel to sit on a sofa covered with brocade; Chen Jitong gently closed the door and stood guard outside.

Lionel maintained a polite smile: "What brings you here, Your Excellency Marquis?"

Zeng Jize did not answer directly, but first poured Lionel a cup of tea: "This is Junshan Silver Needle tea from my hometown of Hunan, which is not commonly seen in Paris."

However, we enjoy tea differently than you Europeans; you can try it.”

Lionel raised his teacup, took a sip, and nodded: "Actually, I prefer this kind, but you can't buy such good tea in France."

All you can buy here is Indian tea—that's only good for boiling in milk and then sprinkling with peppercorns and herbs..."

Zeng Jize was somewhat surprised: "Indian tea? It's certainly not presentable—but it's very successful in the market, isn't it?"

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, he did not continue the topic, but instead said, "I was very pleased to see your conversation with the two young men, Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu, tonight."

They are the hope for our country's future, and we need to associate more with insightful French talents like you.

Lionel smacked his lips slightly, seemingly still savoring the aftertaste: "They are both very outstanding. With such young people in China, the future is promising."

Zeng Jize nodded, "That's right, which is why I brought them to Paris. I hope that cultural exchange and the collision of ideas can spark brilliant ideas."

He paused, his tone turning serious: "However, bridges of friendship need to be built on the soil of peace..."

Lionel sat up straight: "Please go ahead."

Zeng Jize's gaze turned serious: "Mr. Sorel, what are your views on the current state of Sino-French relations?"
As a Frenchman, what are your thoughts on the...tense atmosphere between the two countries?

A warning bell rang in Lionel's mind.

He was well aware that while Sino-French relations appeared friendly on the surface, tensions were already running high over the Vietnam issue.

France continued its colonial expansion in Vietnam, while China insisted on its suzerainty over Vietnam.

After a moment's consideration, Lionel cautiously replied: "As a writer, I am more concerned with culture than politics."

However, I believe that China and France have a long history of friendly exchanges.

Since the time of Louis XIV, the two countries have admired and learned from each other.

I believe that peace and friendship are the choices that best serve the fundamental interests of both peoples.

Zeng Jize was taken aback. How could this young French writer so skillfully utter such flowery and empty diplomatic rhetoric?

It takes decades of practice to be able to say something so fluently.

Zeng Jize gently stroked the rim of his teacup, lost in thought: "You're right. Peace and friendship are indeed the common aspirations of the people of both countries. However..."

He sighed: "In Paris, there are voices advocating war. They believe that only through force can the Vietnam problem be resolved."

Lionel knew that Zeng Jize was referring to the French colonialists and business interest groups who had been pushing the government to adopt a tougher Asia policy.

Jules Ferry, who is actively promoting free primary education, is one of them.

He remained silent, waiting for the other person to continue.

Zeng Jize's tone became heavy: "What I least want to see is China and France going to war."

Maintaining peace requires not only political and diplomatic efforts, but also cultural exchange and understanding.

If the French people could truly understand China and recognize that its colonial expansion in Vietnam was unjust and unwise...

So public pressure might influence government decisions…

Lionel began to understand Zeng Jize's intentions.

Zeng Jize leaned forward and lowered his voice: "Mr. Sorel, you are a writer with a deep affection for China. I hope you can write some articles to help the French people better understand China and enhance the goodwill between the people of our two countries..."

He paused for a moment, then added, "The embassy will not let you waste your time."

Lionel fell into deep thought.

He certainly knew the outcome of the Sino-French War that took place in Vietnam in history. Although the conclusion that "China lost without being defeated and France won without being victorious" was somewhat biased, it was indeed a rare victory for the Chinese army against the Western army in the 19th century.

If he accepts Zeng Jize's request, he might be able to influence French public opinion to some extent, but can he really change the course of history?

On the one hand, Lionel was deeply skeptical; on the other hand, he was unwilling to deprive the Chinese of this victory.

Moreover, he knew that the war objectively promoted China's awakening and sowed the seeds for later changes.

This is a continuous process, and no one knows what will happen if a single frame is removed from it.

Lionel finally spoke, his tone tactful yet firm: "Your Excellency, I thank you for your trust, but I cannot accept this request."

Disappointment flashed in Zeng Jize's eyes, but he remained very polite: "Can you tell me why?"

Instead of answering the question directly, Lionel began to recount history: "Did you know that there was a 'China craze' in Europe in the 18th century?"

Voltaire praised China's moral and political system, Chinese gardens were modeled in royal palaces, and wealthy people took pride in collecting Chinese porcelain.

The Qianlong Emperor of China and Louis XIV of France even exchanged frequent letters.

Zeng Jize was somewhat surprised: "I know what happened before. The play being performed at the embassy today is called 'The Orphan of Zhao,' which Voltaire adapted into 'The Chinese Orphan.'"

It was once said to be one of the most popular plays in Europe. But His Majesty's private letters…

Lionel then realized he had let something slip and quickly added, "After the French Revolution, French libraries collected Emperor Qianlong's replies..."

Zeng Jize suddenly realized: "Oh, I see..." and then fell silent.

After all, even someone with a good Western education would struggle to process the complex emotional impact of ordinary people beheading their ruler in the street.

Lionel then changed the subject: "However, after those wars, Europe's view of China underwent a fundamental change."

What was once praised has become ridiculed, and what was once admired has become despised.

Do you think this is because Europe doesn't understand China? No, it's precisely because Europeans believe they understand China too well—

A stagnant, weak, and easily bullied China.

Zeng Jize's expression turned serious.

Lionel didn't stop: "A few beautiful articles cannot change the balance of national power, nor can they change the harsh reality of international politics."

China needs to earn respect not through the pens of French writers, but through its own transformation and strengthening.

When China appears on the world stage with a new image, it doesn't need anyone to speak for it; it will naturally earn the respect it deserves.

A long silence fell over the living room.

Zeng Jize's gaze became distant, as if he were looking into a very far place.

After a long silence, Zeng Jize finally spoke, his voice weary: "What you said... makes a lot of sense."

Lionel rose and bowed politely: "Please forgive my bluntness. But I have the utmost goodwill and confidence in China."

I believe that young people like Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu will contribute to building a strong China.

The best thing I can do is wish them all success!

Zeng Jize also stood up, his expression complex: "I respect your decision. Tonight's conversation has been very beneficial to me."

He forced a smile: "But in any case, I hope you will continue to maintain your friendship with young people in China; that is the most precious thing."

Lionel nodded: "I will."

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.

Stepping out of the embassy, ​​a cool autumn breeze swept over me.

Lionel took a deep breath, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew he might have just missed a chance to make a quick buck, or he might have missed a small window of opportunity that could have influenced history.

But he didn't regret it—when asked to praise present-day China and the Qing Dynasty, he could only say, "I can't do that!"

Lionel tightened his collar and began his journey back to 64 Lafitte Street.

He has something very important to do tomorrow, more important than writing any article!

(End of this chapter)