The literary era since 1979

Chapter 203 I think we can still save it

The next day, Fangyan went to the publishing house to report for leave, then walked to the office humming a little tune. It was cold and deserted, with no one there.

Even though I was half an hour late, I was still the first one to arrive.

So I got a basin of water and gave the tables and chairs a thorough wash.

After a while, the sound of footsteps and bursts of chatting were heard in the corridor.

Tian Zengxiang stood at the door and saw Fangyan busy at work:

"Iwako!"

All of a sudden, he attracted the attention of Zhang Zhonge, He Xin and others behind him, and they greeted him with surprise.

"Our literary theorist is finally back!"

"Literary theorist?"

Fangyan raised his eyebrows and found out after asking.

Views such as "pure literature" and "martial arts culture" are now well known in the literary world. It is even so famous that if you don't know these, you would be embarrassed to say that you are a literary person.

Everyone couldn't wait to talk about "pure literature", and more and more people joined the discussion. Latecomers like Yan Ming and Zhang Shouren went straight to the medium and long novel group as soon as they arrived at the editorial department.

The topic gradually shifted from pure literature to serious literature, popular literature, and martial arts novels, becoming more and more diverse.

"Yanzi, you are so mean!"

Tian Zengxiang couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Shouren, who was also the head of the literary theory group, felt the same way. With so many good things, how could Huacheng be the only one to enjoy them all? October didn't even get a sip.

"Yes, Yanzi, even if you can give a little bit of 'pure literature' to October, that would be good!"

As the former head of the literary theory group, Yan Ming was well aware of the value of Fangyan's literary viewpoints and felt deeply distressed.

"It just occurred to me on a whim."

Fangyan talked about the ins and outs of the novel writing class.

He Xin said: "Teacher Fang, next time you have something good like this, please think about our October first."

"Yes, it's good to keep the wealth within the family."

Zhang Shouren said that literary theory was also the weak point of October, second only to the essays, which ranked last, and that we had to find ways to support it.

“I don’t think we need to pay too much attention to pure literature itself.”

Fang Yan said: "Although there are definitions and theories, there are no representative works and no reference basis. It is still just an empty shell that needs to be filled with flesh and blood."

"Yes, Yanzi is right!"

Zhang Shouren's eyes lit up.

Tian Zengxiang, Yan Ming and others also realized that theory is theory, but it needs to be supported by substantive works.

Isn’t this the opportunity for October?
...............

The entire editorial department became busy because of Fangyan's suggestion and carefully screened the recent manuscripts submitted by authors.

"How about this article "Black Beauty"?"

Tian Zengxiang handed over a manuscript.

Zhang Zhonge first looked at the review report, then flipped through a few pages. "Although this manuscript is good, it does not directly address the human dilemma as Yan Zi said, but rather avoids the topic."

Zhang Shouren said: "I think the second issue of "Life is Like a String of Harp" fits this point very well."

Tian Zengxiang said, "I remember that Yan Zi asked Tie Sheng for this manuscript, right? How about asking Tie Sheng for another one?"

Facing their gazes, Fang Yan smiled and nodded:

"Let's take a look. Are there any other good manuscripts?"

“There should have been another one.”

Tian Zengxiang said: "It's the manuscript you agreed with Cun Bao."

Fangyan was very surprised, "The article "Nineteen Tombs in the Mountains"?"

Zhang Zhonge said with regret that the novel had been intercepted by the editorial department of Kunlun.

"Kunlun is published by the Liberation Army Literature and Art Publishing House, right?"

Fangyan learned from everyone that no one knew how the news about the manuscript leaked out.

But no matter what, the editor of "Kunlun" contacted Li Cunbao's troops, found his hiding place, and had been working on his thoughts, vowing to take away the manuscript.

After listening, he frowned and asked, "What did Cun Bao say?"

Zhang Zhonge said: "Comrade Cunbao is in a difficult situation now, so he wrote a letter to tell us the whole story."

"The editor of Kunlun said that if October published this article, it would reflect negatively on military publications."

Tian Zengxiang curled his lips and said, "What bad talk? It's just that the good things should be kept within the family."

Zhang Shouren said, "Even if it is true, you can't say it out." Then he handed the letter sent by Li Cunbao to Fang Yan.

"He wrote two letters, one of which was written to you alone." "As a writer in the army, this situation is understandable."

Fang Yan said: "If Liberation Army Literature and Art hadn't thought that The Wreath Under the Mountain was too dark, we wouldn't have been able to pick up the leak."

“They just don’t want to repeat the same mistake this time.”

Zhang Shouren handed over another manuscript, "Yanzi, the author of this novel repeatedly requested in the letter that you read it."

I first looked at the title of the book, "The First Dormitory", and it seemed familiar.

I looked at the author's name again, hey, isn't it Yu Hua!
"I personally think that the manuscript is not up to par and the quality does not meet the requirements for publication in October."

He Xin said seriously.

Fangyan asked, "Old Tian, ​​what's your opinion?"

"The story is very lifelike, showing youth, friendship, frustration and growth through the friction, quarrels and reconciliation between several college students." Tian Zengxiang said: "However, the writing is not strong enough, the emotions of the characters are not written out, and it relies too much on inner monologues and character dialogues, which makes it difficult to make the emotions full..."

Then he changed the subject, "But Teacher Zhang and the others said to put it aside for now and discuss it again when you come back. I also agree with this approach."

“Although the manuscript does not meet the standards of October, it can be seen from it that the author is quite spiritual.”

Zhang Zhonge said: "There is potential to be explored. I wonder if I can recommend it to other journals to take a look?"

"This manuscript can be rescued, and it can be considered a good deed." Fangyan asked everyone which magazine he would recommend it to.

Yan Ming said, "Why not try to recommend it to Yenching Literature?"

Tian Zengxiang said: "Since it is about young people, I think it can be recommended to Youth Literature."

"Talent Publishing House recently launched a new magazine called The Ugly Duckling."

Zhang Zhonge suddenly said, "It specializes in publishing the works of new literary talents, and is aimed at young readers."

"This "The Ugly Duckling" sounds pretty good."

Fangyan made a decision in his heart.

It is not a disgrace for Yu Hua's debut work to be featured in "The Ugly Duckling".

After all, "The Ugly Duckling", "The Sprout", "Youth" and "Literary Youth" will be the "Four Little Famous Actresses" of the literary world in the future.

What’s more, the founder of “The Ugly Duckling” is Hu Muqiao’s son.

When he thought of this, he couldn't help but remember that Hu Muqiao asked him to meet in his senior brother's office in the afternoon and also wanted to give him something.

What could it be?

When I came to Renwenshe and met Zhang Guangnian and Hu Muqiao, the answer was revealed.

It turned out to be a complete set of "Zizhi Tongjian"!
Moreover, on the title pages of several of the books, there were the old man’s own signatures!
Hu Muqiao said that the old man had two sets of "Zizhi Tongjian", one set was a thread-bound edition that could not be moved, and this was the other set.

Fangyan was so shocked that his eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly. This was much more valuable than the antiques, calligraphy and paintings in his collection.

"How about it, are you satisfied with this gift?"

Hu Muqiao smiled and joked.

“Very satisfied! Very satisfied!”

Dialect grins, excited hearts, trembling hands.

Zhang Guangnian repeatedly reminded him: "You must read it carefully. The Zizhi Tongjian is a great book. The great man read it seventeen times in his life."

Hu Muqiao asked: "Do you want to know why I gave you this?"

Fangyan originally thought that this was a reward for completing his task, but he never expected that the literature lecture mentioned the rise and fall of dynasties. The old man hoped that he would read more "Zizhi Tongjian" and write more long novels about the dynasties of China.

For example, "The Rise of the Qin Empire".

From the sound of it, it seems like he is urging for more updates!

"You are visiting and collecting folk songs in eastern Guangdong. What kind of new work do you plan to write this time?" Hu Muqiao stared at him kindly.

Fangyan said that he wanted to write a martial arts novel with the characteristics of Lingnan culture, and his tone was serious.

Zhang Guangnian asked, "Why did you think of writing a martial arts novel?"

The dialect told the truth, even the theme and conception of the novel, all of which came out in one go.

Zhang Guangnian immediately realized the potential value in it and exchanged glances with Hu Muqiao for a while without saying a word.

"Xiao Fang!"

Hu Muqiao said solemnly: "This novel must be written well."

Fangyan did not agree immediately, but asked weakly whether there would be any problem in writing Mr. Sun into the novel.

“It depends on how you write it.”

Zhang Guangnian said that it would be like "Operation Sharp Sword". After the manuscript is written, it will be submitted to the relevant departments for strict review.

“Remember to print a few more copies.”

Hu Muqiao smiled and said that the old man liked to read martial arts novels very much, and he would give them to him to read when the time comes.

(End of this chapter)