1979: Reopening Wenhao Road from the Village

Following Wang Meng, Liu Xinwu commented in *Yanjing Literature*: "The Herdsman continues the humanitarian concern of 'scar literature,' but cleverly transforms the treatment of trauma into a sense of land attachment and ethical warmth. Its narrative strategy demonstrates the literary and artistic circles' wisdom in balancing 'reflection' and 'stability maintenance.' Xu ​​Lingjun's choice can be seen as a subtle response to the current 'going abroad trend.'"

Ding Ling, a renowned writer who has just returned to the literary scene and is also the vice chairman of the Writers Association, published an article titled "A Patriotic Hymn—Reading Chen Weidong's Short Story 'The Horse Herder'" in the Literary Gazette at the beginning of the month, giving it full affirmation.

Following this, many writers, critics, and editors joined the discussion. He Xilai published "The Patriotic Affection of the Laborers - In Praise of Chen Weidong's Short Story 'The Horse Herder'" in the People's Daily.

After returning to the South, Lu Wenfu, who had attended the symposium, also published "The Most Beautiful and Noble Soul - An Analysis of the Character of Xu Lingjun, the Protagonist of 'The Herdsman'" in Harvest.

Next, Li Jingru, Tian Meilin, Sun Shulun, Chen Tongfang, Zeng Zhennan, and others gave their evaluations.

Even Zhang Guangnian responded to Su Mao's call and published "The Exploration of Simple Beauty - A Commentary on Chen Weidong's Novel 'The Herdsman'" in October.

Meanwhile, October also published a summary of some of the remarks made at the symposium.

Even major universities followed suit, commenting on "The Herdsman". The Peking University Journal (Natural Science Edition) published: "The Literary Reconstruction of the Discourse of 'People'—The Relationship Between Intellectuals and the Masses in 'The Herdsman'".

"In the novel, 'the people' is not an abstract concept of governance, but an ethical entity embodied by specific characters such as the herdsman Lao Guo and Li Xiuzhi. Xu Lingjun completes his ideological 'conversion' through the identity transformation from 'being saved by the people' to 'becoming a member of the people'."

This narrative mode continues the theme of "intellectual reform" that has existed since the Yan'an period of literature and art, but it is imbued with more humanistic overtones. It is noteworthy that the novel's critique of the rectification movement is subtle; its core conflict is ultimately transformed into personal emotional choices. This is both a limitation of the era and a narrative strategy.

The major newspapers went back and forth, some supporting and some criticizing, each trying to suppress the other's viewpoint.

There are also those who take a neutral stance, simply finding the story very touching, especially the younger generation, who are loyal fans of "The Herdsman," which has also brought the name "Chen Weidong" into the hearts of many literature lovers.

This has reignited interest in "The Herdsman," which had previously seen a decline in popularity.

The Youth Daily even published some letters from readers.

"I finished reading 'The Herdsman' with tears in my eyes. I am like Xu Lingjun back then. The grasslands saved me, but I still ask myself: Who caused our suffering?"

"Li Xiuzhi's love story is too perfect. In reality, how many people end up alone? I hope literature will not use fairy tales to cover up the lessons of history."

……

Taking advantage of this opportunity, October also accelerated the review and printing of Hibiscus Town, intending to ride this wave to give Hibiscus Town an even more perfect start.

Despite the outside commotion, Chen Weidong's schedule remained unchanged. Without further notification from Wang Liming, he could only stay home to take care of his children and, at the same time, published a creative essay in the Wenyi Bao (Literary Gazette).

In addition to the previous symposium he attended, which was also summarized and published by "October" magazine, he received another ten-odd yuan in royalties. Although it wasn't much, it was enough for his family of four to live on for a month as long as they didn't go out to eat.

……

"Wei Dong, change your clothes and come with me to Wang Liming's house."

When Mr. Chen returned home today, he didn't even have time to eat before greeting Chen Weidong directly.

"Father, is there any news?"

"Maybe."

Chen Weidong immediately placed Chen Xiaoan in Su Man's arms and got off the kang (a heated brick bed).

"Dad, I want to go too."

When Chen Xiaosui saw Chen Weidong about to leave, she immediately stood up and wanted to follow him.

"Dad's going out on some errands, he'll bring you something delicious when he gets back."

Chen Weidong offered a reassuring remark.

"No, I want to go too."

Upon hearing that there was food, Chen Xiaosui became even more determined not to let go, grabbing Chen Weidong's clothes and crawling off the kang (heated brick bed).

"Go where are you going? Do you want to get beaten up?"

Chen Xiaosui, who was lying on the kang, paused and turned to look at Su Man, only to see the latter staring at her with a cold face.

"I'm not going. I'm a good girl, Mom."

"A wise man submits to circumstances," and Chen Xiaosui perfectly embodied this saying. She stood up again and instructed Chen Weidong, "Dad, remember to bring me food."

Chen Weidong smiled, and even his father, who had changed his clothes, couldn't help but smile and kiss his eldest granddaughter when he saw her earlier appearance.

At this moment, Chen's mother also entered the east wing. While helping to pick up Chen Xiaosui, she said to Chen Weidong and the other man, "If you have something to do, you should leave quickly."

The two walked quickly and soon arrived at Wang Liming's house.

"Liming".

"Uncle Wang."

"Brother Chen, Wei Dong is here. Please have a seat. Honey, Brother Chen and the others are here."

Wang Liming said enthusiastically, and even called out towards the inner room.

"Brother Chen, this must be Wei Dong. He is indeed a handsome man."

Xiao Hui took a kettle from the kitchen and two cups in her other hand, and poured a cup of water for Chen Weidong and his companion.

"Thank you, Aunt Wang."

Chen Weidong politely accepted the water glass with both hands.

"I've heard quite a few reviews of 'The Herdsman' lately. Even someone from my workplace submitted a review to 'October,' but it wasn't accepted."

Brother Chen is truly blessed to have such a talented son as Wei Dong.

Xiao Hui sat next to Wang Liming and praised Chen Weidong to Chen's father.

"He's just lucky; he's trained hard in the countryside these past few years."

Mr. Chen adhered to the principle of not praising his son, but the smile on his lips betrayed his inner joy.

Wang Liming and Xiao Hui also noticed this, but neither of them pointed it out. In fact, they were somewhat envious of Chen's father, who was a rough and uncultured man, yet he had a son like Chen Weidong.

Chen Weidong had been mischievous before, and Wang Liming had learned a bit about him recently. After all, when introducing a job, it's essential to understand his background.

But unexpectedly, after a few years in the countryside, Chen Weidong changed drastically.

"Weidong, I wonder if you'd like to work at the school?"

Wang Liming asked Chen Weidong, "I've read a lot of the magazine and newspaper comments about Chen Weidong recently, especially those by Zhang Guangnian, Ding Ling, and others. Their rank and treatment are no worse than mine."

These people's comments on "The Herdsman" demonstrated their appreciation for Chen Weidong, making Wang Liming realize that Chen Weidong had considerable influence in the cultural world, and thus his attitude became much more friendly.

"I'm fine with anything, I'll follow Uncle Wang's arrangements."

Chen Weidong did not take advantage of the favor, but instead put on a humble attitude. After all, one should act like one is asking for help. Wang Liming valued him, which is why he asked him. However, he could not be ungrateful and pick and choose, otherwise he would only make the other party unhappy.