Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 882 The Wandering Immortals Sect

Looking at the three smiling professors, Chen Fan felt a headache coming on.

He really wanted to graduate early and get his master's degree certificate, but he felt a chill whenever he thought about the "experience" of the first master's graduate in history after the reform and opening up.

Chen Fan did not participate in the postgraduate entrance examination from March to May 1978. Instead, Professor Xu of Jiangnan University used the recommendation system, which was not completely abolished, to directly admit him without examination.

Apart from this very small number of postgraduate students exempt from the entrance examination, which totaled only about 200 nationwide, the postgraduate entrance examination in 1978 admitted more than 10500 qualified postgraduate students, bringing the total to more than 10,700.

These more than 81 graduate students mostly graduated in June of 6.

However, there are a few exceptions.

For example, Tang Yiming, Yi Zhongtian's classmate and later a famous historian of Wei-Jin culture and calligrapher.

Tang Jiming's father, Tang Zhenchu, had once worked as Lao Chang's secretary. So even though he achieved the second-best score in the province, he was unable to attend university until 78 when he took the postgraduate entrance examination and was admitted to the Chinese Department of Wuhan University with the highest score. There, he became classmates with Yi Zhongtian, who had also been admitted to the Chinese Department of Wuhan University to study ancient Chinese literature.

After more than two years of study, in December 1980, he took the selection exam for international students, qualified to study in the United States, and successfully obtained a visa to study in the United States.

At the time, the visa was only valid for three months. In order to get to the United States within the time limit and not delay his graduate studies, Tang Jiming applied to the school for early graduation.

At that time, Wuhan University implemented a credit system for a period of time. As long as you earned enough credits and passed your graduation thesis defense, you could graduate smoothly.

After the school approved his request, Tang Jiming spent two months writing his 60,000-word graduation thesis, "From Jian'an to Taikang: On the Evolution of Wei-Jin Literature".

At the same time, Wuhan University submitted Tang Yiming's application to the Ministry of Education.

Because he was in the first cohort of graduate students after the reform and opening up, and the nationally unified study period is three years, he now needs to graduate six months early, and the school cannot make that decision.

After receiving the application, the ministry replied immediately: "You must send over the student's complete transcripts and papers for review."

After the review was approved, the leader gave a special instruction: "This is our country's first master's graduate, so we must conduct a rigorous and careful oral examination. The professors on the oral examination committee should include not only those from Wuhan University, but also those from other universities, and at least two of them should be from other places."

It was under these circumstances that a special defense committee was formed.

The committee that specifically served Tang Jiming's graduation defense consisted of nine professors: five from Wuhan University, two from other universities in Wuhan, and two from outside Wuhan, namely Professor Chen Yixun from Peking University and Professor Liao Zhong'an from Renmin University.

However, Professor Liao Zhong'an was unable to attend due to health reasons, so only eight people actually showed up.

It was under these circumstances that the first national postgraduate graduation defense was finally "held solemnly" after the resumption of postgraduate education.

Chen Fan felt a chill run down his spine when he thought of Tang Jiming's recollection of his graduation defense.

The dissertation defense committee consisted of nine professors, with eight actually present. Did you think only eight people participated?!

NO!

The defense will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 12:00 PM in the Wuhan University Auditorium.

All eight professors presiding over the defense sat on the stage in the auditorium. Below the stage, a separate desk was set up for Tang Jiming, but he was not facing the professors directly; instead, he was positioned at a 45-degree angle to them.

Because in addition to these professors, almost all the professors at Wuhan University also came out in full force, sitting in the first two rows of the auditorium to observe this student who dared to take the plunge.

In addition, there were graduate students from both our own university and other universities who rushed to the scene after hearing the news.

The auditorium, which can hold hundreds of people, was packed to capacity, with people sitting on the steps and in the outer corridors as well.

This is hardly a defense.

Even a public trial wouldn't be this extreme!

If it were me now, wouldn't I be the one being publicly tried?
Chen Fan blinked repeatedly, his mouth going dry at the thought of that scene.

Someone as low-key as me doesn't need to do anything so high-profile, right?
Actually, graduating on time is quite good...

Professor Xu, however, did not understand that his student was very modest. Seeing that he did not speak, he immediately said, "If it were any other student, even if his grades were very good, I would definitely not suggest that he apply for graduation early."

You are different. Your current graduate courses are far from providing you with the necessary nourishment. In fact, many of the readings and assignments I've given you are based on doctoral-level content.

A master's degree takes three years, and a doctorate takes another three to four years. With your qualifications, you wouldn't be satisfied with just a master's degree, would you?

When Chen Fan saw Professor Xu looking at him with an inquiring gaze, he immediately grinned and nodded slightly, "Yes."

Professor Xu's eyes widened instantly. "Huh?"

Chen Fan quickly said, "I mean I'm not satisfied, I'm not satisfied."

Professor Xu then nodded with a smile, "As the saying goes, time is money. Since you want to pursue a doctorate, you might as well seize the time and apply for a master's degree in advance, so as to save more than a year."

Professor Xi nodded, then turned to Professor Xu and said, "Foreign universities have regulations for combined master's and doctoral programs at the graduate level, and even for outstanding young students, there is a system for combined bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. It's a pity that this year's graduate regulations do not include this aspect. Otherwise, Xiao Fan would not have needed to apply for early graduation and then enroll as a doctoral student, which would seem redundant."

Professor Liu immediately remarked, "The Central South Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (later Central South University) did have an innovation: they arranged for students from the 'Class of '78,' the 'New Class of '78,' and the 'Old Class of '78' to be taught together. This might provide valuable experience for developing a combined master's and doctoral program in the future."

Chen Fan listened from the side and felt a little dizzy. The Class of '78 was the first batch of graduate students, the new Class of '78 were students who were admitted through the college entrance examination in 78, while the old Class of '78 were students who took the college entrance examination for the first time in 77.

Should we combine these three sessions into one course?
Are you sure it's not because of a teacher shortage?
Whether he felt dizzy or not, he immediately had an extra task, and it was the highest priority: writing his graduation thesis.

Chen Fan is currently studying the same major as Yi Zhongtian: "Ancient Literature" research. Therefore, his thesis will also focus on ancient literature.

Another point is that the Chinese department is not aimed at training "writers". Even the Chinese major, which is closest to "writer", is officially called "Chinese Language and Literature". It mainly cultivates "high-level professionals in Chinese language and literature who have certain literary theory literacy and systematic knowledge of Chinese language and literature, and can engage in literary criticism, teaching and research of Chinese language and literature, as well as practical work in culture and publicity in news, literature and publishing departments, universities, research institutions and government agencies and enterprises".

In short, editors, critics, and even language arts teachers and advertising planners are closer to writers than authors.

Chen Fanxue's "ancient literature" leans more towards the direction of "historian," and in short, has little to do with writers.

However, because of his own background as a writer, Professor Xu tailored his teaching to him, specifically cultivating his knowledge in this area, cramming him with both classical and modern literature, even assigning him novel writing as homework. Now, writing a graduation thesis is not the same as before.

Chen Fan was well aware that when he defended his graduation thesis, he would likely be surrounded by experts and professors from multiple universities, so he needed to demonstrate professionalism in his topic selection and writing.

This requires him to discuss the research topic with Professor Xu.

Professor Xi and Professor Liu happened to be there as well, and Professor Xu pulled them together to discuss the matter.

Even when the nanny calls them to eat, they argue endlessly at the dinner table.

One person suggested focusing on the Book of Songs, starting with the origins of ancient literature. The other argued that the Book of Songs had already been thoroughly studied, so what new insights would there be? They suggested focusing on the Tang and Song dynasties instead, as Tang poetry and Song lyrics represent the pinnacle of ancient literature, a constellation of brilliant works with countless topics for study.

Another person shook their head repeatedly, indicating that it was inappropriate. While ancient literature should certainly be taken seriously, we cannot ignore the importance of using the past to serve the present. Research is for the purpose of better inheritance and application. We might as well start by talking about the current state of modern literature and discuss the inheritance and influence of ancient literature.

Since the three professors of Jiangnan University are so renowned, it is natural that their research directions are different, but their academic achievements are equally impressive, so naturally none of them can convince the others.

In the end, Chen Fan listened in for a long time, and seeing that the dishes on the table were all empty, he weakly raised his right hand and said softly, "How about we choose the immortal literature of the Qin, Han, Wei and Jin dynasties?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the three elders who had been arguing fell silent and stared at him blankly.

After a long pause, Professor Xu asked in a low voice, "Why choose the genre of 'Wandering Immortal Literature'?"

The so-called "fairy-tale literature" refers to literary works related to "traveling in fairyland" and immortals.

This type of work is also known in literature as the "Wandering Immortal School".

There are many kinds of "fantasy literature" in a broad sense. For example, much of the content in "Chu Ci" has the characteristics of fantasy literature.

However, the most prosperous period was the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with representative poets such as Guo Pu of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Cao Tang of the late Tang Dynasty.

Based on the Qin and Han dynasties, it reached its peak in the Wei and Jin dynasties. Discussions of the immortals literature cannot be separated from the Qin and Han dynasties.

That's why Chen Fan just mentioned "the immortal literature of the Qin, Han, Wei and Jin dynasties".

However, this is 1980 now, and the call to break free from feudal superstition still exists. It's nothing like the 1990s, after the 1980s when mythological works such as "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" and "Journey to the West" were openly and honestly presented, and no monsters or demons were considered strange.

Even if it's five or six years later, it would be fine. Why study the Wandering Immortals Sect now?

Professor Xu couldn't understand what his prized student was thinking.

Upon hearing Professor Xu's question, Chen Fan immediately smiled and said, "I'm a Taoist priest, so isn't it normal for me to study the literature of wandering immortals?"

Well, one sentence left the three old men of Jiangda speechless.

After a long while, Professor Xi gasped and said to Professor Xu, "Old Xu, you're right..."

He glanced at Chen Fan before continuing, "If others chose this topic, it would definitely be taboo, but Xiao Fan has been approved by the old political commissar and is also a legitimate Taoist priest registered with the Taoist Association and Chaoyang Temple. It's perfectly normal for him to study the Wandering Immortals School, right?"

Professor Liu, standing beside him, pursed his lips and nodded gently. "Normal, perfectly normal."

He glanced at Chen Fan as he spoke, "I think Xiao Fan should choose this one, otherwise who else can research this?"

Seeing that his two old friends both said so, Professor Xu blinked twice and nodded slightly.

Then he said to Chen Fan, "So, you'll choose this one?"

Chen Fan grinned and said, "Okay, I'll write this."

Professor Xu touched his chest, feeling a little strange, but since it was already decided, he didn't say anything more. He then carefully explained, "You are the first graduate student to apply for graduation. Since it is an early graduation, it will definitely require the approval of the ministry, and it is very likely that the ministry will arrange for someone to come and supervise the defense."

Therefore, you must write your paper well; simply passing it isn't enough, it must be outstanding.

He shook his head and sighed, "I didn't expect the degree regulations to be passed so quickly. Otherwise, your thesis on cultural relics researching history from last year would definitely be accepted as your graduation thesis now."

Chen Fan grinned and said, "Don't worry, teacher, I will definitely write well and make sure I don't embarrass you."

Just kidding. Others might not know, but he knows perfectly well that with hundreds of professors participating and nearly a thousand people watching, this kind of thesis defense is probably a once-in-a-lifetime event. How could he dare not take it seriously?!
Choosing this "Wandering Immortals" literature as the topic of my thesis was also driven by a desire to be unexpected and achieve success through unconventional means.

In short, now that I'm in this position, I'll write well and try to make a name for myself again!
……

After leaving Professor Xu's house, I drove back to the Wenyi Xincun residential area. Before I even turned onto the island in the lake, I saw a group of people sitting in the courtyard in front of He Qingsheng's house, smoking and chatting.

However, everyone was wearing caps with ear flaps and military overcoats, so it was impossible to tell who was who.

Once they drove onto the road to the island in the middle of the lake and got closer, the people noticed the approaching GAZ truck and stood up to look in their direction.

Chen Fan's eyes widened immediately. He stepped on the gas and drove off, stopping at the gate of the courtyard. He then got out of the car and shouted, "Master, what brings you here?"

Then he greeted the others, "Director Wu, Director Kuang, Director Lao, Grandpa Yang, Grandpa Han, Grandpa Zhao."

There were nine people in total. Luckily, none of the younger generation came, otherwise there wouldn't have been enough room here.

Factory Director Wu immediately went to greet him, laughing heartily, "I've told the security guards at the gate to call me as soon as you return."

So, when I received the call this morning, I immediately arranged for people to bring your masters back, and then the three of them, including Master Yang, came to find you.”

Zhang Xuansong also walked over, leaning on his cane, and said with a sneer, "What did you say when we were in Beijing? You said you'd only stay in Shanghai for two days and then come over. Good heavens, those two days were actually six days? My bones are practically rusting."

Enough said. Now that you're back, when are you going to make the movie?

(End of this chapter)