Back to 80: My literary life.

Chapter 736: The Dispute between Two Fujian People
Of course, Fang Minghua was not stupid enough to point out on the spot that the 20 novels provided by the reading class after the initial evaluation were not comprehensive enough. He took out the long list of 111 novels and looked at it carefully.

Fortunately, these novels are all included in this list.

In the next half month, the 23 jury members will read these 20 novels, express their opinions and conduct in-depth discussions.

Although it seems that reading 15 long novels in 20 days is a tight schedule, in fact most of the members present have already read these novels. Now they just need to focus on reading them and listen to other members' opinions on a particular book.

Today we will discuss the novel "Emperor Yongzheng".

"Emperor Yongzheng" is a series of historical novels written by the writer Er Yuehe. It is the second part of the "Luoxia Trilogy". The novel is divided into three parts: "Emperor Yongzheng·Nine Princes Fighting for the Throne", "Emperor Yongzheng·Carved Bow and Heavenly Wolf" and "Emperor Yongzheng·Hate the Water Flowing East".

The speaker now is Zheng Bonong, deputy editor-in-chief of "Literary Theory and Criticism".

Zheng Bonong is almost 60 years old this year. He is a senior official from Fujian. His Mandarin has a strong accent from his hometown, and it is a little unclear if you don’t listen carefully.

"Comrades, please read the book "Emperor Yongzheng" carefully. I think it is an excellent historical novel. Its advantages are mainly concentrated in the following points."

Zheng Bonong, wearing reading glasses and holding a notebook, read: "First, the writing style is unique. The writing style of this book is somewhat similar to that of A Dream of Red Mansions, which not only relies on vivid themes, characters, plot structure, etc., but also relies on the description of a large number of dense details of daily life."

“Second, combining the pursuit of pure literature with the techniques of popular literature is also an important feature of Emperor Yongzheng.”

“Third, the narrative is based on historical facts, so that the description of power struggle expands the breadth and depth of historical novel creation, rather than excessively catering to the reading interests of the general public, resulting in “flattened entertainment functions that flatten the depth of historical culture.”

Zheng Bonong's speech lasted for ten minutes before it ended, and everyone in the conference room began to discuss in a low voice.

"Minghua, what do you think of this book?" Lei Da, who was sitting next to Fang Minghua, asked in a low voice.

"I think what Chief Editor Zheng said makes a lot of sense." Fang Minghua did not hide his opinion.

"This novel not only allows people to see the complicated historical events and historical struggles in the grand historical picture scroll, but also allows people to feel the fresh and simple historical customs and people in the gentle and delicate folk paintings. The character creation is also quite good."

"Yes, it is." Radar nodded and said:

"When the members of the reading class first saw "Emperor Yongzheng" among a pile of books, they thought it was just an ordinary popular reading and almost threw it aside. Later, they accidentally flipped through it and found that it was a rare and substantial novel, so they rescued it. Hey, do you think this book will win the award in the end?"

Of course, it is too early to talk about the award now, but it is okay to discuss it privately with good relationships. Fang Minghua was about to speak when he suddenly heard someone say, "I just listened to the speech of Editor-in-Chief Zheng. Let me tell you that I have different opinions on this novel."

Why is it that another person sounds strenuous in speaking?
Fang Minghua took a look and found that it was another person from Fujian Province!

Zeng Zhennan, a native of Zhangpu, Fujian Province, is the deputy editor-in-chief of "Literary Review" of the Institute of Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Ah?
Two people from Fujian Province are competing!
The meeting place suddenly fell silent.

"Editor Zheng just talked about the advantages of this novel, and I agree with it, but!" Zeng Zhennan paused, looked around and emphasized his tone. "This novel also has its shortcomings, some of which I think are fatal! According to the principles of historical novels that are recognized by the academic community in dealing with historical facts: the plots of famous historical events are generally not suitable for fictionalization, and the basic features of important historical figures are generally not suitable for fictionalization."

"But this novel made a self-righteous adaptation of Yongzheng's death! Yongzheng's death has always been one of the mysteries in the Qing Palace. There are only two versions of the story in folklore and history books: a natural death and a stabbing by a woman who hated him. But the author of this novel came up with his own version: suicide by drinking a knife, which seriously violates the facts and is the biggest flaw of this novel! It is also a blasphemy against the symbol of historical novel creation!"

"In addition, there are many such flaws in the novel, that is, obvious historical errors that appear simply because the author wants to show off his historical knowledge." For example, in the 52nd chapter of the novel: "The high birds have been killed and the good bows should be hidden, the scholar is wise and saves his body", there is such a passage:
Fang Minghua was stunned when he saw the other party talking nonstop.

What the hell!

Fortunately, I have never written a historical novel. In this era without the Internet, there is not so much information for you to check. If I wrote it, I would probably be scolded to death by these people.

However, I did read this novel carefully, and why did the author Er Yuehe have to be so creative in dealing with the death of Yongzheng?
It's obviously a thankless task.
Zeng Zhennan's speech was agreed by most of the participants, and Fang Minghua sighed in his heart.

There is a reason why this book was not selected in the end.

悬了
But the novel is indeed well written. Once we buy the adaptation rights and let Shengshi Film and Television make it into a TV series, it will also become a hit.

Fang Minghua thought that he would contact the author Er Yue He after this business trip was over.

There is relatively more consensus on the comments about "White Gate Willow".

The author started writing this book in 1981 and published the fourth volume in 1998, which took a full 16 years. The author also wrote from the age of 35 to 51!
The works submitted for evaluation this time are the first and second parts. The works are imbued with the charm and style of oriental culture, with elegant style, vivid characters, and solemn and exquisite writing. It is a typical literati historical novel.

At the meeting, Yong Wenhua, deputy director of the Creative Research Department of the Chinese Writers Association, joked with Fang Minghua: "Minghua, the first World Chinese Literature Award for Best Novel sponsored by your Qin Province Writers Association was awarded to this book "White Gate Willow". It seems that you have a good eye for talent. I think you will definitely vote for him this time!"

Fang Minghua laughed and said, "Director Yong, you are wrong. I was just a member of the reading class at that time. The final selection was made by the members of the jury. It should be said that the members of the jury had a keen eye for talent, but I cannot say that."

"Well, what do you think of this novel?"

"It's pretty good." Fang Minghua replied.

"How does it compare to the book 'Emperor Yongzheng'?"

"Each has its own merits. As for their respective advantages and disadvantages, everyone has just said it, and I agree with it."

Seeing Fang Minghua laughing, Yong Wenhua didn't ask any more questions.

At dinner that night, Lei Da and Fang Minghua gathered together. Lei Da asked with a smile, "Minghua, are you somewhat partial to "Emperor Yongzheng"? "

"Yes." This time Fang Minghua did not hide his opinion.

(End of this chapter)