Literary Master 1918: Starting with New Youth

Wu Zhu walked back to Sanyanjing Hutong.

Because I had a little wine at the luncheon, and the alcohol was making me feel tipsy, plus the time I spent with Huaijin, I was walking unsteadily, and I felt incredibly happy.

Having been in this world for so long, apart from meeting Brother Li, today seems to be his happiest day. He's not even as happy as he was when he made money.

For some reason, Wu Zhu suddenly thought of his father and brothers, who lived far away in the remote mountains of Lingling in southern Hunan.

He is now rich and famous, knows many cultured people, and is highly respected.

He wanted to send a letter back with money to tell his father and brothers the good news. He did not disappoint them, but it was 1918, not 1981.

In the early Republican era, postal services were not well-developed, but the postal systems in key cities were relatively sound, making it relatively convenient to send and receive mail.

However, sending a letter from Yanjing to southern Hunan and accurately locating the village hidden in the remote mountains of Lingling was virtually impossible without a trusted acquaintance delivering the message.

Especially against the backdrop of warlord civil war and chaotic times, the final outcome was most likely that they would be stuck at the post office in Lingling...

Therefore, how could I not feel regret?

However, Wu Zhu counted on his fingers and realized it was almost the end of October, and the New Year was just a few months away. He could go home then, but it would be tough on his father and brothers, who would have to tighten their belts...

"Sending money alone won't stop millions of farmers from suffering..."

He shook his head and sighed, touching the letters in his pocket, somewhat impatient.

Just as he arrived at his doorstep and was about to push open the half-closed gate, the gate was pulled open and a person came out to block his way.

"I've been waiting for you forever... Hmm? You look pretty smart today, went out on a date?"

Liang Shouming had an aloof expression and a low voice, exuding the calmness unique to philosophers.

Wu Zhu was slightly surprised and quickly cupped his hands in greeting:

"I went to visit a senior fellow disciple. What brings Mr. Liang here?"

"It was my father who sent me here to inform you that the copyright matters have been settled and the standalone edition of 'Xiangzi's Story' will be printed soon. He also wanted to ask if you have any inspiration for your next work and hoped that you would continue to submit articles to our newspaper."

"That's good. I believe you all can do it well, so I won't give you any expert advice. As for the next work... I already have an idea and am currently brainstorming. I should submit it to your newspaper after it's finished."

Wu Zhu now feels neither joy nor sorrow upon hearing news of making money.

However, he did have some ideas about the manuscript that Liang Shouming was urging him to write, which came from yesterday's argument. However, this time it needs to be revised a lot and cannot be completed in a day or two.

Liang Shouming nodded and stepped aside, but did not leave immediately; his eyes held a complex expression.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

"Alas! To be honest, your story 'Kong Yiji' has not only made Huang Kan and others furious, but even my father and his family are still reeling from it. They haven't even been able to eat lately."

Liang Shouming shrugged.

His two elderly Confucian scholars had spent their lives studying the classics, and their reverence for Confucianism was etched into their every word and deed. Even he, as their son, found it difficult to truly empathize with them. At this moment, even when he sought solace from others, it was mostly out of helplessness.

"Is that so?"

Wu Zhu was slightly surprised to hear this.

His purpose in copying "Kong Yiji," or rather, the purpose of Lu Xun's creation of "Kong Yiji" in his previous life, was mainly aimed at the old imperial examination system, the old social ethics, and the apathy of the people. It was never aimed at any specific person, but rather at the old social system.

From a personal perspective, he had a good impression of Liang Ji and Wu Zizhen and did not feel any aversion towards them just because they were old scholars.

Even if their cultural stances differ publicly, the two sides don't have the opportunity to confront each other directly. Advocating for reform is always better than being conservative; both sides should seek common ground while reserving differences.

"I really didn't expect this. I understand how difficult it is to change the mind of an old man who's half-buried... Mr. Liang, please try to persuade him, lest the old man harm his health."

"If it were just a physical injury, that would be fine, but... never mind, judging from your argument yesterday, is your new novel going to be based on Huang Kan and others?"

Liang Shouming hesitated, then changed the subject halfway through his sentence.

Wu Zhu didn't press for details and gave a vague answer:

"I guess so, it was just based on the real person."

"Literature influences society and people's hearts; one must be cautious in writing, and also possess compassion. This must always be remembered!"

Liang Shouming nodded slightly, then turned and left.

Wu Zhu watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

It's not surprising that Professor Liang Shouming, a Buddhist philosopher, would utter words of compassion, but what does it mean when he suddenly says something like that?

Knowing full well that modern literature opposes feudal culture, why are you still so brazenly provoking it?

"baffling......"

......

Watching Liang Shouming's figure disappear, Wu Zhu closed the door.

The wooden door of the rear room was open, letting in light, but an oil lamp was still lit inside.

All three roommates were present today, but none of them went out for a walk.

Guo Xingang and Wang Kunlun were studying Hegel's major and minor logics together, their eyes somewhat glazed over.

Chen Gongbo also took his seat, reading a philosophy book and taking notes from time to time, appearing much more at ease.

Hearing the noise coming from the doorway, the three of them turned around at the same time.

"Hey! The great writer is back!"

"Look at him, look at him! Wu Zhu is all dressed up, he must be going on a date!"

Guo Xingang winked and made faces, his voice a little hoarse, clearly trying to be funny.

"Yeah! I usually wear those patched clothes until they're practically falling apart, but today I'm actually looking quite energetic!"

"They've definitely gone out on a date. Let me guess, they must be a student from the female teacher's college."

The other two chimed in, making a show of pressing them to reveal who their date was.

Wu Zhu dodged the three men's clutches, took off her coat, folded it neatly, and changed into her old clothes:

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm going to Mr. Youyu's house for dinner today, so I'll definitely dress neatly."

But this answer clearly failed to convince the public.

You didn't even dress up properly when you went to your mentor's house yesterday, but today when you went to Ma Yuzhao's house, would you be dressed up like this unless there's some other reason?

"I heard that Master Ma spoke up for you at the council meeting."

"This Mr. Balance-of-Water has clearly taken sides for you and even hosted a private banquet for you, a figure at the center of controversy. If my suspicions are true, could it be that...?"

"I've heard that Master Ma has a beautiful daughter, in the prime of her youth!"

Guo Xingang stroked his chin, looking like he believed "there's only one truth," and said he could dress up as Conan just by wearing glasses.

The remaining two joined in the screaming and commotion, making Wu Zhu feel somewhat embarrassed.

If he's not mistaken, that might really be the case!

"Guo Xingang! If you keep this up, you can forget about seeing the latest issue of 'New Youth'!"

"No, no, no! I was just kidding, please don't be angry."

Guo Xingang got up and helped Wu Zhu to a seat. He then picked up the teapot, poured a cup of cool tea, and presented it to Wu Zhu with both hands, showing his thoughtfulness.

Something unusual must be going on. This sudden enthusiasm made Wu Zhu wary.

"What mischief are you plotting, you little rascal?"

"It's not broken! I just need something from you!"

Guo Xingang moved a chair next to Wu Zhu, his face full of flattery.

Wu Zhu nudged him and started taking out his money:

"I told you, you love to overspend on books, now you can't even afford to eat, huh? Name your price..."

"I don't want money!"

Guo Xingang hurriedly grabbed Wu Zhu's hand, somewhat agitated, revealing a heartbroken expression that said, "You've wronged me."

"So what are you going to do?"

"That's right...that's right..."

Guo Xingang awkwardly rubbed his hands together, his expression serious:

"I actually came to you with a mission!"

"When I invited you to join the National Society with me, you refused no matter what. Now that the members of the society know that I share a room with you, they are all begging me to bring you in too... The society doesn't have the support of the school, and everyone really wants you to join."

"Tomorrow is the official founding day of the National Society. We hope you can do us the honor of attending the founding ceremony."

He finished stating his request in one breath.

Wu Zhu understood perfectly.

Although the members of the National Society were a mixed group with significant ideological differences, many prominent figures emerged from among them, and many of them later devoted themselves to the revolutionary cause. The fact that they asked Guo Xingang to come back and invite him back proves that they indeed valued it.

But he couldn't decide whether to go or not, since he had already joined the Shincho Club.

"I know you're listed as a member on Shincho's side. You don't need to do anything here with us, just register and occasionally participate in discussions!"

"My fellow members of the National Society, although you haven't chosen a path of literary creation, don't your goals share some similarities?"

"The conflict between the old and the new is intensifying, and the world is becoming increasingly difficult. People like Huang and Zhang are stirring up trouble, and the nation is being carved up and devoured by foreigners. Our progressive organizations should support each other and strengthen our power!"

"And you, Zhu Junzi, are the most steadfast flag among the students; without you, something would be missing!"

Guo Xingang stared at Wu Zhu with an incredibly sincere expression.

Wu Zhu suddenly realized that in the few months he had been in Beijing, he had unknowingly become a student leader...

Even if he himself doesn't acknowledge this fact, some things are beyond one's control. When students see such a writer among their classmates, they naturally regard him as an old authority figure, and they certainly won't forget to consult him for anything...

He also knew that both the person in front of him and the soon-to-be-established National Society possessed a sincere heart, and ultimately he couldn't bear to refuse them:

"Alright, what time tomorrow, and where?"

"Great! I'll take you there!"