Literary Master 1918: Starting with New Youth

The echoes of the school bell lingered in the air.

The students who had just finished the phonetics class left excitedly, their hearts filled with boundless joy, as they bid farewell to Qian Xuantong and Wu Zhu.

Having watched such a good show for free, we can't be impolite, can we?

As for the students in the literature and history class next door, apart from the professor and a small group, most of the students looked embarrassed, lowered their heads, and dared not look into classroom 35, for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

But Wu Zhu clearly had no intention of speaking again. Even during the entire class, he mostly helped Mr. Pa Weng by handing him lecture notes, erasing the blackboard, and maintaining discipline...

After all, he was the one who pushed discipline into chaos, so some compensatory measures have to be taken...

"I think you're going to get a good scolding from the literary world soon, and then no one will dare to mess with you."

Qian Xuantong began to speak while tidying up his lecture notes.

Wu Zhu, somewhat embarrassed, neatly arranged the blackboard eraser on the podium:

"I'm so sorry, sir. If anything happens, I'll be all alone..."

"There's no need for that. As your mentor, it's already a dereliction of duty of me to let you rush in and stand up for yourself. How can I let you get caught up in the mess?"

"In the end, I was just young and impetuous. My husband stopped me; he had done his duty..."

"What are you pretending for?"

When Qian Xuantong saw Wu Zhu putting on an act like Wu Daiyu, speaking in a high-pitched voice, almost making a delicate gesture with his fingers, he immediately saw through Wu Zhu's pretense.

It's kind of disgusting...

This grown man, when he's writing a book and swearing, he seems quite respectable, but when he tries to put on an act, he just makes you want to punch him...

Wu Zhu restrained himself somewhat, his expression embarrassed:

"Are you really alright?"

"We're on the second floor. Cai Gong and Zhong Fu are next door. If you really wanted to interfere, they would have come out long ago. Who are you to scold them? They're probably secretly happy right now. Don't worry about it."

"That's good...that was really satisfying to yell at..."

"Um?"

"No, it's the filth that I can't stand, especially for you, sir!"

Wu Zhu quickly changed his tune.

Qian Xuantong, with an expression that seemed to say, "Do you think I believe you?", tucked the lecture notes under his arm.

"What happened today was clearly premeditated. It wasn't just aimed at you and me, but also at our fellow writers of new literature and new youth."

"Huang Jigang is hot-tempered and easily angered, and has deep-seated sectarian prejudices. As for the likes of Zhang Fengzai, they are always stirring up trouble. You handled it with relatively restraint; I almost thought you were going to take action."

Honestly, the way Wu Zhu blocked the door at the time really scared him.

Having attended classes at Yenching University for so long, this is the first time I've seen such energetic students.

Wu Zhu followed Mr. Climbing Elder outside, and his mood improved considerably.

"We're all scholars, how could we possibly resort to violence? Mr. Climbing Elder, you overestimate me. With my small frame, wouldn't I just get pinned to the ground and beaten up if we started fighting?"

"At least you have the self-awareness. Remember this..."

"What?"

"Since I started advocating for new literature, I've heard far too many accusations of forgetting our roots and aiding and abetting evil. I'm sick of them. What can I do? You can curse all you want, I'll do my thing. Why bother responding to each and every one of them? When we smash down this iron house and the light shines in, those hiding in the shadows will naturally have nowhere to hide."

"I understand. Silence is the greatest contempt."

"You're really good at spouting nonsense. Anyway, remember this: let it go this time, but next time something like this happens, ignore it if you can, and be careful with your words so that no one can find fault with you. If you really get into trouble, remember, the entire 'New Youth' magazine is behind you."

"Mr. Climbing Elder, what you said makes me want to cry."

"Give me a break! Get lost! Don't hug me!"

The teacher and student left the classroom, still smelling of gunpowder, and walked up the stairs along the corridor toward the Institute of Chinese Literature on the third floor.

The warm autumn sunlight slanted down, casting long shadows on the floor behind them...

.......

The two, a master and apprentice who were kindred spirits, did everything with great enthusiasm and energy.

The ascent up the stairs was incredibly fast. Just as they turned the corner, they saw a figure standing in front of the research institute's office.

The man was slightly overweight, dressed in a gray long gown, with a kind face and frameless glasses, giving him the appearance of a nice guy.

It was Ma Yuzhao.

Qian Xuantong led Wu Zhu forward to greet them.

"Old Ma."

"Mr. Ma."

"well."

Ma Yuzhao also bowed in return.

Qian Xuantong thought it was a chance encounter and was about to go back to his office by mistake, but was stopped by Ma Yuzhao.

"What's wrong?"

"...Well, Wu Zhu's incident today has made him quite famous."

"Um?"

Qian Xuantong was slightly surprised.

It should be noted that although the two are from the same school and have a good relationship, Ma Yuzhao has always been the one to mediate conflicts, so why would he appear in front of such a sensitive person?

Moreover, he heard from Chen Zhongfu that at yesterday's review meeting, Ma Yuzhao surprisingly took sides and publicly supported Wu Zhu's appointment as an assistant instructor.

Is he trying to steal my apprentice?

Thinking of this, he became wary.

Anyone who dares to steal Wu Zhu, I'll fight them to the death! Not even fellow disciples!

Ma Yuzhao smiled and waved his hand:

"It's nothing. I just happened to hear the news and came to check it out."

Then he turned to Wu Zhu, his face showing admiration:

"I overheard a bit of Assistant Teacher Wu's response in class, and his scolding was truly satisfying! Ji Gang has such a bad temper, always acting like he's superior because of his age, constantly spewing vulgarities, and his private life is also immoral. Someone should have taught him a lesson long ago!"

This was completely unlike his usual self, who was a nice guy who could get along with all sorts of factions.

Even Wu Zhu was somewhat taken aback, and humbly replied:

"Master Ma is too kind. I was indignant and spoke without thinking, which led to many inappropriate remarks."

"Not at all, I think it's great. You said you'd write a novel like 'Kong Yiji' next time, I'm really looking forward to it, I must finish it as soon as possible."

"Yes, I will."

Wu Zhu gave evasive answers. He did have some ideas, but they couldn't be put into practice immediately.

Seeing his beloved student chatting happily with Ma Yuzhao, Qian Xuantong's eyes, behind his thick glasses, were filled with danger.

"I'm telling you, Old Ma, this isn't like you at all... You voted in favor at the council meeting, then turned around and started trying to curry favor with them. Aren't you afraid people will say you're two-faced and that your betting strategy is too ugly?"

Test!

Ma Yuzhao knew exactly what Qian Xuantong was thinking, but his smile remained unchanged, and his expression was calm.

"Not at all. We've known each other for years, don't you know my temperament? I'm not some peacemaker without principles, I just don't want to see infighting on campus."

"Furthermore, what Ji Gang said today was a personal attack and extremely rude. I must make a statement."

"As for your disciple, I have long admired his talent. Besides, I am, by all accounts, his senior in the martial arts school, which is why I have come to extend this invitation."

Wu Zhu asked in confusion:

"What are you inviting me to?"

"I would like to invite you, my junior brother, to my humble abode for a chat. Firstly, to calm your nerves, and secondly, to discuss the future of vernacular Chinese. Would you do me the honor of coming?"

Ma Yuzhao's tone was very sincere.

Wu Zhu hesitated.

This is a pillar of Yenching University's academic community, respected for both his scholarship and character. To invite a young teaching assistant like myself, and with such a humble attitude, is truly an honor.

Furthermore, this matter is too abrupt. Who invites someone to their home for dinner right away? What if it's a trap?

I'm here to eat, what do you want...?

Just as he was pondering how to refuse, Qian Xuantong pulled him aside and whispered:

"Haven't you been begging me to introduce you to someone? Let me tell you, Old Ma's daughter is in the prime of her life. You could go and eat and drink for free, maybe you can even strike up a conversation and solve your single problem!"

"nice?"

"I've met her a few times, she's definitely your type."

"What about his age? Child pedophilia is illegal."

"You keep muttering strange and weird things. Although you're still in middle school, you're definitely over eighteen, a little younger than you. I think Old Ma probably has the same idea in mind."

"So that's how it is..."

"That's right!"

"Why didn't you say so sooner? You really misled me!"

Perhaps to make up for the regret of his arranged marriage, Qian Xuantong and his apprentice would often talk about life when they got drunk at restaurants, such as their criteria for choosing a spouse and their views on love. Once they started talking, they would become very talkative, so they knew each other's preferences.

Now they're even sporting the wicked grins of Sun Wukong and Laozi from later generations.

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Wu Zhu immediately turned around, grasped Ma Yuzhao's hand, and smiled obsequiously:

"Uncle Ma, please give me a time!"

"Um... how about today?"

"Not today, I have to go to Master Qian's house to see my junior brother today."

"Then tomorrow."

"Respect is not as good as obedience."