The literary era since 1979

"The Poetic Age" encompasses almost all the middle-aged and young writers in the literary world.

In addition to classmates from the first creative writing class of the literary workshop, such as Jiang Zilong, Wang Anyi, Tie Ning, and Mo Shen, and colleagues from the company such as Wang Shuo, Yu Hua, and Shi Tiesheng, the ambitious Liu Yiwei and Lü Le, under the guise of directors, extended invitations to Jia Pingwa, Su Tong, Er Yuehe, and others.

The list of invitees included almost everyone whose dialect was unfamiliar to them.

Of course, not everyone who is invited will necessarily attend, such as Chen Zhongshi, who is currently in seclusion writing "White Deer Plain".

Some, like Lu Yao, were unable to attend due to health or family reasons, while others were unwilling to make cameo appearances in the film...

In addition, one writer after another arrived in Yanjing, but filming did not begin because not all the personnel had arrived.

As the leading figure in the literary elite of Yenching, Fangyan naturally had to fulfill its duties as a host.

So he hosted a welcome banquet for his long-lost friends, and after they had eaten and drunk their fill, he suggested that they go to Fragrant Hills.

Although Fragrant Hills in February lacks the lush greenery and fiery red leaves of summer and autumn, the park remains beautiful and tranquil after a snowfall, offering a refreshing and delightful experience. The snow-covered landscape subtly hints at the arrival of spring, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.

"I almost forgot to say it at the dinner table earlier, congratulations Yanzi, you've made another step forward, becoming the editor-in-chief of People's Literature!"

Tie Ning smiled, her eyes crinkling and her eyelashes fluttering.

Compared to your past life, you are still far inferior!
Fang Yan thought to himself, but said with a helpless tone, "Sigh, it's a long story, don't even mention it."

Jiang Zilong joked, "What's wrong? You've been promoted, why are you still looking so gloomy?"

“Exactly,” Tie Ning joked. “Yanzi, you’d better take good care of us old classmates in the future. When we submit manuscripts to your People’s Literature, you have to publish them. Don’t reject them or refuse them. Let us experience the thrill of getting in through the back door…”

"No problem, I'll take whatever you offer. I'm completely open to you!"

Fang Yan curled her lips into a smile.

"This is not like your editor-in-chief's usual style."

Tie Ning let out a soft "hmm".

"Yeah, Yanzi, haven't you always advocated for a high-quality approach? How come you've suddenly become so indiscriminate?"

Jiang Zilong was puzzled.

Facing the gazes of his friends, Fang Yan shrugged and spoke with reservation about the predicament of "People's Literature," after all, one should not air one's dirty laundry in public.

"I never thought even People's Literature would be in such a predicament."

When Tie Ning said this, everyone present sighed with regret, lamenting that the golden age of literature in the early 80s seemed to be over.

"That's why I was thinking of taking this opportunity to ask you to contribute a few articles?"

Fang Yan smiled and said, "Of course, it would be even better if there were articles that have already been written but not yet submitted."

Jiang Zilong recalled: "I remember when we were on the train, Tie Ning told me that she had recently written a novel, called, called..."

"Rose Gate!"

When Fang Yan heard that Tie Ning was willing to submit his novel to People's Literature for publication, he was overjoyed, thinking that his old classmate was indeed reliable.

In a short time, thanks to his connections, he managed to secure nearly ten works for People's Literature, including short, medium and long novels.

Fang Yan had gained a lot and couldn't stop smiling. "When we get to Yi Fang Xuan later, I'll treat everyone to tea instead of wine to express my gratitude!" "Yan Zi, you're too kind."

"Yes, this is what we should do, and it can be considered as contributing to Chinese literature."

"Not bad, not bad. Just like why we agreed to make a cameo appearance in 'The Poetic Age,' it was precisely to promote literature!"

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, and suddenly Yu Hua, quick-witted, offered a suggestion.

"Didn't Director Lü give us three questions, one of which was related to film and the other two to literature?"

"The first question is whether there is still poetry in this era, and the second is my opinion on the current media, including movies and television."

Tie Ning nodded.

"According to Director Lü, we were to have a long chat before filming started to get the atmosphere and feeling of the literary gathering in mind."

Yu Hua suggested, "I think it would be better if we could have tea and discuss the first question after we get to Yifangxuan, and then publish the results in People's Literature as a literary feature on the 'Poetic Era'?"

Jiang Zilong nodded: "That's a good idea, Yanzi, you can consider it."

"Then let's hurry up and climb the mountain. Once we get to Yifangxuan, we can have a proper sword-fighting session on Xiangshan Mountain."

Fang Yan quickened his pace and led everyone to the open-air teahouse.

Wisps of steam rose slowly from the cup, the aroma of tea filled the air, and the tea soup was rich and flavorful, instantly relieving the fatigue from the climb.

While sipping tea, Wang Shuo offered a suggestion to spark discussion: "Poetic sentiment is a manifestation of the literati's sourness."

"That's not right at all."

Tie Ning said: "Poetic sentiment is a passion for life. Poetic sentiment does not exist in a certain era; it exists in a certain person."

Zhong Acheng also agreed, saying, "I think poetry relies on imagery, which is inexpressible. Singing expresses words, and poetry expresses aspirations. The poetic meaning carried by poetry is precisely this 'aspiration,' which may be the aspiration of having lofty ambitions or the aspiration of unfulfilled ambitions. In today's environment, we live in a very rational era, so there is nowhere for poetic meaning to reside."

The writers present expressed their opinions on this matter, offering various perspectives.

Yu Hua turned to Fang Yan, "Teacher Fang, what do you think?"

Fang Yu said slowly, "Many people think the early 80s were more poetic than the late 80s, but I think the present is more poetic than the past because it allows poetry to exist, which was not allowed in the past. No matter what kind of life you lead, poetry will definitely exist. Poetry is something that only arises from extreme decadence, when you are rejected by society to the extreme, and your body and mind are at their lowest point, then poetry arises..."

"Yanzi's words make some sense!"

Jiang Zilong nodded, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Shi Tiesheng, who was acting as a recorder.

Tie Ning took a sip of tea to moisten his throat and started chatting with Fang Yan and the others about some trivial topics, such as who the male lead of the movie was.

Zhong Acheng said, "It seems to be Wang Zhiwen, a student in the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy, class of '84."

"Where's the female lead?" Tie Ning asked in surprise.

Zhong Acheng adjusted his glasses and said, "It's Zhu Lin."

"Zhu Lin?!"

Tie Ning and the others were speechless, completely unexpected that such a big shot would be willing to come.
Zhong Acheng's eyes held a hint of gratitude. "This is all thanks to Professor Fang. Originally, we planned to choose a female student from the Central Academy of Drama or the Beijing Film Academy, but Zhu Lin agreed to participate in this experimental film directed by a new director out of respect for Professor Fang." (End of Chapter)