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

Chapter 459 Domestic Martial Arts Films Starting with "Fearless"
Originally, the film "The Battle of Taierzhuang" had a huge impact on the Chinese world after its release. Jiang Da contacted Xinhua News Agency through Xie Zhonghou, the head of the "Taichung News Agency" in Hong Kong. With approval, a copy was made from the Guangxi Film Studio and sent to the island.

After watching the film, Jiang Da was deeply moved, believing that the film acknowledged his father's contributions to the war effort on the main battlefield and expressed gratitude for the goodwill shown by the mainland.

Now, the movie "The Battle of Taierzhuang" hasn't been released yet, but the documentary novel has come out first. So Jiang Daxian took a look at the novel and could deduce the movie's content from it.

The authorities are taking the potential chain reaction from this novel or film very seriously, and are increasing the sales of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" in the international market through People's Literature Publishing House and Commercial Press to further catalyze the possible reaction.

At Liu Yimin's suggestion, the two publishing houses set up a telegraphic purchase window, where buyers would send money via telegram and money order, and the publishing houses would ship the books through their directly operated bookstores.

This was considered online shopping in the 1980s. Except for countries that had not signed the International Postal Union Treaty with China, you could buy from all other countries.

Liu Yimin contacted more than a dozen publishing houses he was collaborating with overseas, hoping they could cooperate with the two publishing houses' actions.

This good news is like a spring rain for the crew of "The Battle of Taierzhuang," and it is expected that the crew will have no worries about the filming budget. However, the attention from all sides will also put enormous pressure on the crew.

A few days ago, director Yang Guangyuan sent a telegram to Liu Yimin saying that the supplies for filming had been purchased, most of the actors had arrived, and the filming base built based on the ancient city of Taierzhuang was nearing completion.

After completion, the crew began formal filming. The Battle of Taierzhuang was filmed in the spring and midsummer, and wearing cotton-padded clothes was a test of the actors' physical health.

In Zheng Dongguo's courtyard house in Lishi Hutong, a reunion of Huangpu Military Academy alumni is being held. The attendees are students from the Gongdelin Academy in Yenching University, and the only topic of discussion is how to play a greater role in this historical opportunity.

When Liu Yimin arrived, many people gathered around him, praising his "The Battle of Taierzhuang" as well as his "Amnesty in 1959".

"It still can't compare to 'The Battle of Taierzhuang,' otherwise Jiang Da wouldn't have only bought three copies!" Liu Yimin joked, shaking Zheng Dongguo's hand.

Huang Wei, beaming, said, "Yimin, you're not being fair to me using the language of Yanjing. With our relationship, you should be giving me a compliment. Luckily, I'm an old man with a calm mind, or I would have been driven to my death by your anger."

After "Amnesty 1959" was published, Huang Wei was ridiculed by many people, but he had been scolded by Yang Botao for decades and had long since developed a thick skin.

Why are you so happy?

"Everyone seems quite happy," Huang Wei said, puzzled.

"You seem a little too happy?"

Huang Wei's smile vanished: "You little rascal, you can't just make things up without evidence!"

The students from Gongdelin Temple nearby burst into laughter. Cheng Siyuan, who had arrived relatively late, couldn't help but inquire with those around him about the reason for the lively scene.

"Haha, Yimin, Comrade Huang Wei has indeed abandoned evil and turned to good."

In the living room, Cheng Siyuan spoke first: "De Gong's son, Li Youlin, called to say he will be returning to China soon and wants to meet the actor who plays his father in person. I've only seen photos of this actor, but he really looks like him!"

"At the time, we held a meeting at the ministry, and the policy we decided on was to select actors who were similar to the real people, and to strive to restore reality in every detail," Liu Yimin said.

Jung Dong-guk said, "You have all worked hard, from the screenwriter to the director and the actors."

Zheng Dongguo shared the latest information he had learned with everyone present. The Unification Promotion Association, which he led, had been established and was currently making appeals all day long, but in reality, there had been little progress.

He asked everyone to think about it and find a practical entry point, even a small one, because they could eventually expand upon it.

Upon hearing this, everyone started talking at once, mostly repeating the same old arguments, such as writing letters to their friends on the other side to offer advice.

"Actually, it's the young general who really makes the difference!" Huang Wei pointed directly to the issue.

Upon reflection, everyone realized that this was indeed the case. Many of the people on the other side were still wary. Their friends were mostly in high positions, and naturally, they had different concerns.

"They've been separated from the mainland for nearly forty years. Don't they miss home?" Zheng Tingji asked.

Liu Yimin said, "Chinese people have always been attached to their homeland and reluctant to leave. How can we not miss it?"

“Yes, even so, they are still unwilling to lift the restrictions. We proposed the three links, but they just won’t cooperate,” Zheng Dongguo said.

The atmosphere in the room became oppressive. This group of people, though old and ambitious, wanted to accomplish something great, but found that nothing was easy to do.

“If the other side can’t fully open up, I think we can open up in parts. In addition to high-ranking personnel, there are also a large number of rank-and-file soldiers on the island. These people have been living alone on the island for decades, and it’s natural for them to miss home. Perhaps we can persuade the other side to allow veterans or those with relatives on the mainland to return home to visit their families.”

Liu Yimin continued, “During my visits abroad, I met many Chinese who had moved from the island to overseas. They maintain close ties with the island, and the veterans have a very strong desire to return home.”

As the veterans grow older year by year, fewer and fewer will be able to return to visit. How many have long since turned to ashes? Their wives and children abandoned at home, their elderly mothers still alive and well?

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, the eyes of several people present were slightly red. For decades, they had suffered from homesickness, tossing and turning every night. In this strait, how much of it was seawater, and how much of it was the tears of a veteran longing for home?

Zheng Dongguo patted the armrest of the chair and said loudly, "Yes, how much of it is seawater, and how much of it is the homesick tears of young men?"

They felt that Liu Yimin was right; they should encourage veterans to return to their hometowns to visit relatives, as they had been separated for decades.

Cheng Siyuan got up and paced back and forth in the middle of the living room several times, then clapped his hands and said, "If we can promote visits by veterans or their families, I believe that comprehensive exchanges in the future will be a piece of cake."

“However, we need to take this step slowly and plan carefully. If we make a big fuss about it here, it might provoke a rebellious attitude on the other side. We should keep a low profile and do big things quietly, and try to create a certain mindset within their ranks,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Then this is the next task for our Association for the Promotion of Reunification. Since it's internal, we need to contact people overseas so they can pass on information."

Under Zheng Dongguo's arrangement, the meeting produced specific documents. He not only wanted the members of the association to see them, but also wanted the higher-level departments to see them.

At lunchtime, the atmosphere became lively again. Someone mentioned that the area across the street was developing quite well, with its economy booming.

"It's strange, those who work in economics seem to have suddenly figured it out."

Liu Yimin said, "Gentlemen, the bald man took away the country's gold and US dollars. He's going to use that gold and US dollars to build up a province. Do you think that's fast?"

In addition, land was redistributed on the island. These people were based on the mainland, had close ties with the gentry, or were themselves large landowners, so naturally they wouldn't harm their own interests. But things were different on the island. The island's landowners had nothing to do with them; they could be slaughtered without consequence, and the knife might even get a little oil on it in the process.

During the meal, Zheng Dongguo invited Liu Yimin to join their association and offer him advice.

After dinner, the class reunion ended, and Liu Yimin returned to the courtyard house.

When the script for "The Redemption of Black Slaves" was completed, "Harvest" was conquering the market for pure literary magazines.

"Uncle Tom's Redemption" also has a huge market in China, especially after it was announced that an American director was going to make it into a movie, few people doubted the authenticity of its content.

Liu Yimin sent the script from China and included a letter with it for the director, Frank.

After finishing these tasks, Liu Yimin rested in the courtyard for two days before taking his family to Beidaihe.

This time, Liu Yimin did not stay at the Creation House in Beidaihe, but instead rented a small courtyard through Zhao Xiuwen, who was affiliated with the Creation House.

"Comrade Yimin, we have plenty of space at our creative center, why are you wasting this money?" Old Zhao asked, puzzled.

“There are many of us, and the children often cry, so we won’t bother our comrades,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Besides Yang Xiuyun, Xi, Liu Yu, and Liu Lin, Zhu's parents were also present. Zhu's mother had taken her annual leave in advance, and Zhu Lin couldn't come because he was tied up with work at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Liu Yimin sent a telegram to Liu Fuqing, who was in his hometown. Liu Fuqing also missed his grandchildren, so after receiving the telegram, he sent a letter of introduction and came by train.

With the whole family crammed into the creative home, I bet a lot of people will gossip about it.

Rent your own courtyard for less than ten yuan a month, and you can live a carefree life.

After Lao Zhao left, Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Mom and Dad, don't worry, rest here. Go ahead and buy whatever you want to eat."

"Let's go for a walk on the beach outside," Yang Xiuyun said, picking up Liu Yu. Zhu's mother held Liu Lin's hand. "Okay, but don't go too far."

The security situation in Beidaihe is at its best this year, and many leaders are working there, so Liu Yimin isn't worried about anything happening to them.

Liu Yimin sat on the roof of the bungalow, gazing at the sea, his thoughts surging with the tide.

Originally, Liu Yimin came to Beidaihe to rest and write, but Jiang Daheng interfered, preventing Liu Yimin from fully resting in Beidaihe.

In particular, the leaders who worked in Beidaihe were very interested in the conversations Liu Yimin had at Zheng Dongguo's house and often sought him out for chats.

“There is a writer named Sanmao whose meeting with Yao Xueyin, chairman of the Hubei Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, in Singapore was very touching. Intellectuals like this are people we can win over. Let them see the mainland, see its landscape and culture. I think this would be very meaningful for both sides of the Taiwan Strait.” The old leader moved the “chariot” on the chessboard next to Liu Yimin’s “horse”.

"You've ambushed me," Liu Yimin said with a laugh, forcing the "car" away.

"You're not paying attention, your eyes are on the chessboard," the old commander said with displeasure.

"When playing chess with you, I will definitely give it my all."

What do you think of what I said?

“It’s possible, but communicating with the other side isn’t easy. Intellectuals like Sanmao might want to come, but a one-sided invitation from us won’t work; we need their consent,” Liu Yimin said.

"Yes, we can think about it," the old commander said.

"If Americans can launch an international writing program, we can launch a cross-strait writing program too."

The old leader thought Liu Yimin was right and even jokingly said that if such a writing plan were to come up, Liu Yimin would be in charge of managing it.

What have you been writing lately?

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "Old Chief, you really changed your tone very quickly."

Liu Yimin took out what he had written from his pocket and handed it to the old commander. There were two documents inside, not one, but neither was finished.

"What is this?"

“Our research institute proposed to develop kung fu movies, but the film studio didn’t have any good scripts, so they asked me to write one. I’ve only just started thinking about it and am still brainstorming,” Liu Yimin explained.

The script the old leader was holding was for the movie "Huo Yuanjia," which tells the story of Huo Yuanjia, a martial arts enthusiast, who becomes a patriotic martial arts master.

This film was released in 2006 and grossed more than $48 million at the North American box office.

Liu Yimin wanted to quickly establish the reputation of mainland kung fu movies through the film "Fearless".

"Back then, Dr. Sun Yat-sen praised Huo Yuanjia's courage, saying that he used martial arts to protect the country and strengthen the race, and he even personally inscribed the four characters 'Martial Spirit.' If this script is well-written, it can also let Chinese people at home and abroad see the spirit of resistance of the Chinese people back then." The old leader looked at the script that had just been written two pages and did not hold back his praise.

The other book is a literary novel, which I've written even less of; it's only just begun.

“We’ve delayed your writing. I need to see both of these books once they’re finished.” The old commander led Liu Yimin toward the beach.

Only a few streaks of fiery red sunset remained on the horizon, and the tide rhythmically crashed against the rocks on the shore.

After walking for about half an hour, the old commander said, "Cancel your vacation plans!"

"Any arrangements?"

“Go keep an eye on things at the film set. Also, Li Zongren’s eldest son is here. After all, you wrote the script, so take him around. Don’t worry about your parents and children; I’ll have someone look after them for you.” The old commander turned to look at Liu Yimin.

"it is good."

He left Beidaihe, and his family's safety and meals were no longer a concern. They would be accompanied for safety, and meals would be delivered from the local canteen.

Not only Liu Yimin is going this time, but Zheng Dongguo, Cheng Siyuan, and Zheng Tingji are also going.

In early August, Liu Yimin and Zheng Dongguo picked up Li Youlin, who had come from the United States, at Shanghai Airport.

After greeting Zheng Dongguo and the others, Li Youlin said warmly to Liu Yimin, "Comrade Yimin, I've read your novel. I believe my father would thank you from below. It's really well written."

"Haha, it's not that I wrote well, it's that I fought well."

After resting overnight in Shanghai, they took a train directly to Taierzhuang.

We arrived in Taierzhuang on August 6th. All members of the crew were ready and had been living in the newly built Taierzhuang for a while.

When the local residents heard that the film crew was there to film the battle that took place there years ago, they were all very enthusiastic, and the crew received food from the surrounding people every day.

Director Yang Guangyuan and Zhai Junjie stood at the city gate, next to Shao Honglai, who played Li Zongren. Despite the sweltering heat, Shao Honglai was still wearing his military uniform and overcoat, and although he was covered in sweat, he did not complain.

Yang Guangyuan specifically wanted Li Youlin, Cheng Siyuan, and others to see if Shao Honglai's portrayal was convincing, as the first impression was particularly important.

The jeep was carrying several people. Even from a distance, Cheng Siyuan and the others were already on high alert. As soon as the door opened, Cheng Siyuan pointed at Shao Hong and said, "De Gong has come back to life!"

Li Youlin circled around Shao Honglai a few times: "He looks just like him, so much like him, he's practically my father."

Shao Honglai stood with his hands on his hips, exuding an air of superiority, though he lacked that domineering presence.

Everyone in the crew had to stand at attention, salute, and call him "Commander Li" when they saw Shao Hong arrive. This was to cultivate in him the kind of aura that made him feel like he was second only to the emperor.

The filming props in Taierzhuang were piled up to the brim, including tanks, cars, and artillery.

The military dispatched many soldiers to help with the filming; looking at these people and equipment, it felt like returning to a real battlefield.

"Seeing how dedicated you are, I feel relieved. I will definitely come back to watch the movie after it's finished," Li Youlin said, moved.

Accompanied by Cheng Siyuan and others, Li Youlin visited the former battlefield and left China after two days.

Cheng Siyuan, Zheng Dongguo, and others were on set directing the production and providing guidance on the actors' military-style movements.

"Comrade Yimin, I really didn't expect you to come." Zhai Junjie said to Liu Yimin.

"Director Zhai, are you feeling a lot of pressure?" Liu Yimin asked with a smile.

“It’s huge, how could it not be huge? We feel like everyone’s eyes are on us,” Zhai Junjie said sincerely.

"The greater the pressure, the more likely problems will arise. Just do what you're supposed to do," Liu Yimin comforted him.

On August 10th, the crew officially began filming. The actor playing Han Fuqu was killed on his first appearance, ending the crew's filming mission.

The script was already very complete, so Liu Yimin didn't have much to do. He spent most of his time discussing the plot and set design with directors Yang Guangyuan and Zhai Junjie.

The drama scenes were filmed first, such as those in the command post, and then the battlefield scenes were filmed later.

There were many explosives on set, and Liu Yimin felt like he was standing on a bomb. These explosives were managed by military personnel, and ordinary actors in the crew were not allowed to get close to them on a regular basis.

During rehearsals, the actors in the crew were completely immersed in filming, getting covered in dust and dirt. They would also swim in the river under the pontoon bridge to escape the summer heat.

The high-intensity movements combined with the cotton-padded clothing made the actors very susceptible to heatstroke.

(End of this chapter)