Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 427 The Premiere of "Beloved"

"Huang Wei, you incompetent scholar!"

"Liu Zhi is a stupid pig!"

Zheng Dongguo: "Chen Cheng is incapable of commanding large armies. The Northeast campaign has become a laughing stock. The people of Shenyang all admire Chen Cixiu's competence. The North Railway Station is connected to the South Railway Station!"

"Hu Zongnan, a mere pretty face, made his greatest contribution to the Northwest by being a good caregiver for the elderly!"

"Huang Baitao made a command error, got trapped in Nianzhuang, and died in internal strife!"

"Guo Yiyu of Chenguanzhuang fighting with the pilot for a seat is truly a laughing stock for eternity!"

After Guo Yiyu surrendered to the GMD, his career flourished. Du Yuming was trapped in Chenguanzhuang. Chiang Kai-shek sent a plane to pick up his generals and deliver a message to Du Yuming. When the plane was leaving, Guo Yiyu actually sat in the pilot's seat and escaped.

When the pilot's attempts to persuade him failed, he sat on Guo Yiyu's lap and operated the plane, resulting in the runway being destroyed and all of them being captured.

Inside Zheng Dongguo's study, the topic of discussion gradually veered off course. Zheng Tingji and Zheng Dongguo began to comment on the various generals of the National Revolutionary Army, essentially engaging in another blame-assignment session.

The reason why Zheng Tingji and Zheng Dongguo could curse each other without cursing each other was because Zheng Dongguo quite admired Zheng Tingji. The two had fought side by side for a long time, and Zheng Dongguo called Zheng Tingji a fierce general.

"Song Xilian is not bad, but he still lacks the ability to command large troops."

Liu Yimin interjected, "I also met General Song Xilian in the United States."

"Oh? How is he doing in America?"

"He's in pretty good spirits. He often meets with some of his Huangpu alumni and has even established the Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association, contributing to the peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait."

"Haha, this is all the old folks like us can do."

When Zheng Tingji talked about Song Xilian's time at Gongdelin, he said that Song had a positive attitude towards reform, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to get out in 59.

"The two generals have been talking for so long, they've forgotten about the other scalpel!" Liu Yimin laughed.

"Who?"

"Bald guy, the number one mountain climber in pajamas, doesn't know how to fight, and likes to remotely command, even bypassing the commander and issuing orders directly to subordinates. If that's the case, what's the point of having a commander? With the commander hindering both superiors and subordinates, how can we win battles?"
This is akin to a commander directly ordering a frontline machine gun to move five centimeters to the left. This was a common occurrence during the three major campaigns, and the airdrop order ultimately ruined Du Yuming's career.

After listening to Liu Yimin's explanation, the two men agreed with him and both looked helpless: "Women's hearts are so narrow-minded. Just the fact that she forced Du Yuming's son to his death is enough to make him infamous for eternity. Commander Du dragged his sick body around for him, only to be ignored in return."

They transported so many gold bars, silver dollars, and US dollars from the mainland, yet they were reluctant to offer any assistance.

"When Commander Du passed away, Madam Yue hoped that her children on the island would be allowed to visit him, but Chiang Kai-shek was utterly inhumane. His body waited for 18 days, and they had no choice but to bury him," Zheng Dongguo said, his eyes red.

It was Zheng Dongguo who helped arrange Du Yuming's funeral and made a request to the island to allow Du Yuming's children to visit him.

Zheng Dongguo's family brought warm towels for the two to wipe their faces. After wiping their faces, the three of them chatted again under the trees in the yard.

Zheng Dongguo recounted many details of the Battle of Taierzhuang. At the time, Zheng Dongguo was just a division commander under Tang Enbo, and the details mainly concerned the battle situation of his Second Division.

"When Tang Enbo attacked Yixian, he originally planned to send the 89th Division, but suddenly ordered our 2nd Division to attack. This was because the 89th Division was the elite unit, while we were not. Logically speaking, soldiers are duty-bound to obey orders and should not complain. But there should be a proper order to things. It was easier for the 89th Division to attack. If we were to switch to our 2nd Division, we would have to switch positions, which would be very troublesome."

But Tang Enbo, in order to preserve his strength, was not afraid of trouble. This is why Commander Li could not command him. In wartime, personal interests outweigh public good, and one tends to rely on cronies.

At noon, Liu Yimin didn't go home; instead, he ate lunch with Zheng Tingji at Zheng Dongguo's house. Zheng Dongguo was from Hunan Province, and his family cooked Hunan cuisine. Because of his age, the food wasn't as spicy as it used to be.

Liu Yimin and Zheng Tingji both enjoyed the meal; the spiciness was just right, and the flavor was rich and delicious.

In the afternoon, the three of them had another good chat, and Zheng Dongguo gave Liu Yimin a copy of "Li Zongren's Memoirs".

This is a record of Li Zongren's dictation during his lifetime, written down by Tang Degang. It contains a large amount of Li Zongren's experiences during his lifetime, with a particularly detailed description of the Battle of Taierzhuang.

This book is divided into two volumes. It was printed in limited quantities and is rarely seen on the market. Most of it is given away as gifts to private collectors.

"Thank you very much, I will definitely study it carefully," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zheng Dongguo said, "Make sure you show it to us after you finish writing it."

“You are a war veteran, so when the movie is made, we’ll need you to be our consultants and advisors,” Liu Yimin said.

Zheng Dongguo said happily, "I'm in great health, I can lead the troops in another charge."

"I'll be your adjutant," Zheng Tingji said cheerfully.

After Liu Yimin rode away on his motorcycle, Zheng Dongguo looked at the leaves kicked up by the motorcycle wheels and said, "Double Ten Day, Double Ten Day!"

"It's been over 70 years, and the National Revolution has been going on for almost 60 years. The country is not yet unified, so the National Revolution cannot be considered a success," Zheng Tingji said.

Zheng Dongguo watched Liu Yimin disappear around the street corner and said again, "I wonder what it will look like when it's written down."

Lishi Hutong is south of Tiananmen Square. When Liu Yimin rode his motorcycle past Dashilan, he stopped by and bought some braised beef, pickled vegetables, and sausage. This cost Liu Yimin eight yuan; in the past, this amount of food would probably have cost four yuan.

Back home, Ximei and Yang Xiuyun were chatting in the yard when they saw the braised beef, sausage, and pickles in Liu Yimin's hands. They said, "Professor Liu, if you want to eat these, just tell me this morning and I'll go buy them for you!"

"I happened to be passing by and was craving some sausage. This sausage, seasoned with sauce, is so fragrant and delicious," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Xi Mei was about to go get the things when Yang Xiuyun said, "I'll do it. Yimin likes my sausage."

Liu Yimin sat in the yard playing with the two little ones. The two little ones were slowly starting to grow teeth and were trying to speak, but they couldn't say anything, and drool was running down their chins.

Xi Mei quickly wiped their mouths with a handkerchief: "Professor Liu, I think they'll be calling me 'Dad' soon."

"Haha, you should teach them more often." Liu Yimin gently pinched the two little ones' cheeks.

Both little ones have double eyelids, big eyes, and bright, dark pupils, making them look very energetic. Liu Lin's face is chubby, while Liu Yu's face has almost no baby fat, and her nose is small like Zhu Lin's.

Liu Yimin carried Liu Yu around in the yard, laughing heartily as he waved his arms and legs, his laughter echoing throughout the entire yard.

"Yimin, be careful. It's autumn and the wind is strong. Don't let Xiaoyu catch a cold!" Yang Xiuyun, who was cooking, instructed.

After preparing the enema, Yang Xiuyun came out, and Ximei went in to cook the other dishes.

By the time the meal was ready, Zhu Lin had already arrived home.

"Teacher Liu, how did the interview go today?" Zhu Lin washed her hands and took the child from Liu Yimin's hands.

"It went very smoothly. I not only met Zheng Dongguo but also Zheng Tingji. We chatted from morning till afternoon. I just got back. I'll call later to see if I can visit Cheng Siyuan again tomorrow," Liu Yimin said.

Zhu Lin reminded him, "Tomorrow is the weekend!"

"Oh, it's the weekend!" Liu Yimin said with a grin, as if waking from a dream. "Then I won't go. Mom, Linlin and I are going out tomorrow, I have something to do."

"Okay, we'll take care of things at home."

Normally, breast milk is refrigerated and stored in the refrigerator. In addition, Liu Yimin is discussing with Zhu Lin how to wean the two little ones step by step and feed them with a combination of formula and complementary foods.

After dinner, Zhu Lin urged Liu Yimin to go into the study and finish the script for "The Most Beautiful Youth" as soon as possible.

"Can't you be a little more understanding of me?" Liu Yimin joked.

Zhu Lin said softly, "Teacher Liu, you look so energetic, not tired at all. Hurry up and finish writing, I'll give you a full-body massage tonight!"

Liu Yimin was writing a book in his study, Zhu Lin was reading a book beside him, and Yang Xiuyun was watching the recently popular TV series "The Best Restaurant Under Heaven" with her child.

That night, Liu Yimin lay exhausted on the bed. Zhu Lin, wearing pink pajamas, walked to the bedside and said, "Change your position, lie face down on the bed, I'll massage your back first."

Liu Yimin quickly lay down, and Zhu Lin drew the thick curtains, got on the bed, sat on Liu Yimin, and started massaging him: "Teacher Liu, you have a bit too much dampness in your body!"

"That sounds like something a bathhouse masseur would say."

"I'll go get the cupping jar for you to suck your breath." Zhu Lin got up and went to find the cupping jar.

At 11:30, the two fell asleep in each other's arms.

The two got up and left home at seven in the morning, driving straight to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. It took them about two hours to clean the room, and after taking a shower, they finally lay down on the sofa, dressed lightly.

Zhu Lin peeled an orange, took a bite, and then smiled as she fed the orange segments to Liu Yimin: "Teacher Liu, this Sunday belongs to just the two of us."

Liu Yimin rubbed his hands together eagerly and said, "Springtime is fleeting, it's the perfect time to get things moving quickly, let's go!"

This was the most carefree and uninhibited weekend the two of them had since Zhu Lin became pregnant. The child, their parents—all those things were forgotten. They were back to the simple life they had shared when they first got married. Except for cooking lunch, they spent the entire time together.

"Boom!"

The two closed the door to the overseas Chinese apartment and quickly locked it.

"Ouch!"

"what happened?"

"It's okay, it's okay, I just missed a step!" Liu Yimin held onto the stairs in the darkness, gently rubbing his slightly sore back.

Although he was a little sore, Liu Yimin felt that he could do it for another night without any problem.

Zhu Lin righted the motorcycle: "I'll ride it when we get back!"

Liu Yimin handed the key to Zhu Lin, put his arms around his waist, and returned home to find Zhu's parents there as well. The two of them spent the day in the yard with Yang Xiuyun and the two little ones.

Mr. Zhu asked with a smile, "Where have you two been? We haven't seen you all day!"

"I went to play with Chu Hong."

"They went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to discuss the script!"

Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin exchanged a glance. Under the questioning gazes of Zhu's parents and Yang Xiuyun, Zhu Lin quickly explained, "Let's find Chu Hong first. After lunch, we'll go to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to discuss the script."

"What script? We've been discussing it all afternoon?" Mr. Zhu pressed.

“Yi Min just wrote, ‘The Most Beautiful Youth’.”

Yang Xiuyun said, "No matter what you've been doing, you're all exhausted after a long day. Hurry up and eat; Ximei has already prepared the food!"

After dinner, I discussed "The Most Beautiful Youth" with Mr. Zhu. Around nine o'clock, Mr. Zhu and Mrs. Zhu left.

At Yenching University, Liu Yimin received a reply from Li Liangrong of Fudan University. The Chinese Department of Fudan University decided to let Li Liangrong come back for further studies after the New Year.

"Okay, then let's wait until after the New Year!" Liu Yimin said with a smile. The opinion given by the Chinese Department of Fudan University was that the school had already made arrangements for Li Liangrong's teaching, and once he was transferred, the faculty strength of the journalism major in the Chinese Department would be insufficient.

Hebei University is eager to improve the capabilities of its teachers, unlike Fudan University.

Sitting at his desk, Liu Yimin felt he needed to find a way to enhance the authority of the Institute of Literature's teacher training program, so that everyone would be proud to study at the Institute.

To achieve this, we must take it slowly; it certainly won't happen in a short time.

As it was almost time to leave work, Liu Yimin arrived at Zhu Guangqian's house. Zhu Guangqian was going to watch the premiere of "Beloved".

He's been recovering quite well lately, and Liu Yimin personally rode his motorcycle to take him there and back.

"The Beijing People's Art Theatre must not bury this excellent article," Zhu Guangqian said worriedly.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Don't worry, Professor Zhu, I've seen it, and the acting was quite good."

On their way, the two encountered Mulatu and his group, who were riding bicycles to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to see a play. It was getting late, but fortunately, the clothes they were wearing were quite conspicuous.

"What brings these international students here?"

"Let them see if the arrangement is real or not."

When they arrived at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, there was already a long queue at the entrance. Liu Yimin first led Zhu Guangqian to a seat in the performance hall to rest. Zhu Guangqian looked at the "torture instruments" displayed in the lobby and said, "How hateful!"

After watching the performance once, they entered the performance hall. Upon seeing him, Zhu Lin immediately came over to greet Zhu Guangqian.

Zhu Guangqian smiled and said, "The two of you look more and more compatible together."

"Professor Zhu, shall I get you some hot tea?" Zhu Lin asked.

"No need, you guys go about your business, I'll just sit here and wait to watch the show."

When audience members enter the performance hall, they inevitably see the instruments of torture displayed at the entrance, and everyone who sees them looks on with a pained expression.

As the audience arrived, it was time for the performance. A crisp bell rang, drawing everyone's attention to the stage. In the center of the stage, a Black woman slowly drifted off to sleep, followed by the nightmares of her past life.

In the plantation, Black people were working desperately, their hands stained with blood, while the white man played by Yang Lixin would whip anyone he didn't like.

Yang Lixin walked to the front of the stage and brandished his long whip at the audience, the cracking sound echoing through the performance hall.

Several African American students in the front row suddenly clutched their heads in pain, their eyes filled with terror. The whip gradually magnified in their field of vision, becoming clearer and clearer.

Not content with just performing the nine-section whip, Yang Lixin then went on to demonstrate holding two whips with both hands. The white exchange student looked relaxed, his hands unconsciously mimicking Yang Lixin's movements.

As the Black international students' faces became increasingly sweaty, their ancient memories gradually resurfaced. Some simply decided not to watch the performance anymore, while others couldn't help but run out of the Beijing People's Art Theatre's performance hall.

This sudden scene caught many viewers, including the actors, off guard. Yang Lixin hesitated for a moment, and the whip's tail lashed out onto his back.

After realizing what was happening, he forced himself to continue the performance despite the pain.

Zhu Guangqian asked what was wrong with the black man.
“Ancient memories have resurfaced. What the white people did to them has given them deep-seated painful memories; the sight of a whip triggers a painful reaction,” Liu Yimin said in a low voice.

Then the character playing the Black man on stage began to wail in agony, and the audience in the theater felt their hearts clench with the cries, with some even bursting into tears.

“Our people are still too kind,” Liu Yimin said to Zhu Guangqian.

Zhu Guangqian said, "The Chinese nation has always been an empathetic nation, a nation that loves farming. How could its heart be hardened?"

What followed was the tragic escape of the enslaved people, and when they saw their own children being killed, the sighs, lamentations, and grief in the theater grew even louder.

The actors performed with all their might on stage, while from the perspective of the stage, the audience below was completely silent, as if dead.

There was usually laughter and applause, but this time there was none.

Adding to what had just happened, the actors were feeling quite uneasy. Backstage, Lan Tianye and Su Min kept encouraging the actors who came on stage: "No matter what happens, even if the sky falls, we have to finish the performance."

One performance after another, one tragedy after another, until the performance officially ended during a religious ceremony.

After a long silence, the audience burst into enthusiastic applause, followed by a silent departure, with almost no one speaking.

Liu Yimin went backstage and said with a smile, "Congratulations everyone, the performance was a great success."

"How come some people ran away too?"

"Because your acting was so realistic, some Black students couldn't stand it."

Everyone then realized that after Liu Yimin finished greeting everyone and returned to the performance hall, Mulatu and several international students were still there, and the black international student still had a trace of fear in his eyes.

"It's so real," Murat said. "It's like real history."

This is the true history!

"Yes, yes, the stage play was so realistic."

After chatting for a while, the group left together, and Liu Yimin sent Zhu Guang back to Yenching University.

The following day, news of the Black international student running away from the performance made the newspapers, which extensively reported on the play "Beloved," praising it for depicting a true historical event.

"The Etched Memory of Slavery: A Perpetual Pain for Black People"

Liu Yimin personally wrote an article titled "How Black People Arrived in America and Became Slaves," which detailed the so-called "triangular trade."

Lan Tianye, Su Min, and Liu Yimin stood upstairs, watching the audience scrambling to buy tickets, with faint smiles on their lips.

"I wonder what the difference is between the American version of 'Beloved' and our version of 'Beloved'?" Lan Tianye asked excitedly.

Su Min said, "However, one thing is certain: the American production of 'The Favourite' definitely had more Black audience members than ours at the Beijing People's Art Theatre."

"Hahaha, then by the time the movie is halfway through, all the Black people will have run away," Lan Tianye said without any restraint.

"Maybe it's mostly white people who go to see it."

(End of this chapter)