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

Chapter 559 From People's Writer to People's Artist (7 chapters)

Among those invited by Gabriel García Márquez was Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian who was a member of the Peruvian Communist Group and supported the Cuban Revolution. He was the first recipient of the Romulo Galagos Prize in South America and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010.

From the 1970s onwards, he became active in the United States, and his thinking began to Westernize.

What Márquez regretted was that Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentinian writer, was unable to attend the conference because he passed away suddenly last June.

Marquez closed the file, his eyes gazing at the flower wall outside the study, lost in thought.

Márquez's wife pushed open the door, placed her hands on his shoulders, and followed his gaze: "Garcia, what are you thinking about?"

“Look, flowers, they’ll wither soon! Young flowers are the most beautiful, and young writers are the most worthy of respect. Because they are young, their future is full of unknowns. If we neglect them because of their youth, perhaps before long their achievements will make you blush,” Márquez said softly.

"Garcia, no matter what, you will always be the greatest writer in my heart!"

Even the greatest writers die, and even the most beautiful flowers wither. In China, the four seasons are distinct, with winter and summer. The flowers and plants there die in winter and are reborn in spring.

Sadly, as our creaking bodies journey towards our graves, we never have the chance to climb out again. The only proof that we were here is the traces of our existence and the inscription on our tombstones. My works are the proof of my existence. Tell everyone, Garcia was here! "Márquez concluded,"
“Garcia, I am so proud of you. Because of you, the world knows that I have been here.” Márquez’s wife leaned down and gently kissed his cheek, patted his hands, and turned to leave the study.

As Márquez watched his wife's retreating figure, his lips moved slightly: "What a pity, if only I were a young man!"

"I am a young writer, but I don't believe that the future of literature lies with young people. I believe that the future of literature also comes from the inheritance of the older generation. The first thing young writers should do is to study the works of the older generation of writers carefully and explore higher literary realms by standing on the shoulders of the older generation of writers."

In addition, I believe everyone has seen a trend in recent years: realist literature is making a comeback. This can be seen from the works that have won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, all of which are in the style of realist literature.

I believe that Chinese writers should study realist literature carefully, as realism is the root of all literature.

Before Liu Yimin could finish speaking, someone immediately shouted, "Comrade Liu Yimin, may I assume that you are criticizing the currently popular avant-garde literature?"

"I don't want to criticize any kind of literature, but what I want to say is that literature is also a long-term endeavor. Short-term gimmicks can only create a temporary sensation, while true literature will always reside in the hearts of readers."

Good writers should not only focus on the present but also on the future. Comrades, we must not be blinded by temporary prosperity; true writers must stand the test of time.

That's all I have to say, comrades. Perhaps my words are harsh, but if you can prove me wrong, I welcome any debate.

Liu Yimin glanced at the venue and walked off the stage with composure and confidence.

Just as Li Zhun was about to go on stage, he whispered to Liu Yimin, "Well done, Comrade Yimin, you spoke very well!"

"Comrade Li, speak properly, be spirited, don't embarrass yourself!" Liu Yimin said in a low voice.

Li Zhun's works are also in the style of realism. "The Yellow River Flows East" tells the story of the Yellow River flood after the GMD bombed the Huayuankou section of the Yellow River in 1938, which caused the dike to burst. It shows the tragic scene of refugees in the Yellow River flood area struggling to survive during the eight years of chaos.

The Yellow River breached its banks, flooding 44 counties across Henan, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, affecting more than ten million people. Subsequently, the Central Plains region suffered from war and drought, and countless victims perished on their way to survival.

Standing on the stage, with tears in his eyes, Li Zhun recounted the reason he wrote this article: "Comrades, in 1942, Henan Province suffered a great disaster. My father and I traveled westward all the way to Xi'an, where we spent more than half a year, serving as 'Henan Province porters' for half a year. Comrades, the days when we could eat our fill were hard-won. There are all sorts of trends in the literary and artistic circles. No matter what, we must never forget where we came from."

Since the reform and opening up, we have encountered difficulties, both practical and ideological.

Here I'd like to quote a line from the article "Serve the People," written by our teacher in 1944 in commemoration of Comrade Zhang Side: "In times of difficulty, we must see the achievements and the light, and we must raise our courage."

"Yu Sheng Dan" refers to the millions of refugees from Henan Province who fled to Shaanxi Province after 1938 due to the Yellow River breaching its banks, locust plagues, and droughts. These millions of Henan people traveled along the Longhai Railway to Xi'an and Baoji in search of a living.

They carried their belongings and children on shoulder poles, hence the name "Henan Province Shoulder Pole!"

Zhang Side was a soldier in the Central Guard Regiment who sacrificed his life in 1944 while saving people.

Li Zhun's words were deafening, striking a chord in everyone's hearts. When Li Zhun stepped down from the stage, Liu Yimin was the first to applaud.

After Li Zhun came down, Liu Yimin handed him a handkerchief: "Old Li, wipe yourself!"

“Yimin, we are from Henan Province, so I think you should have a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to have enough to eat.”

"Comrade Li, I understand. I believe that there will never be days when we don't have enough to eat again."

Liu Yimin held Li Zhun's hand and said softly. At some point, a round-faced head appeared between the two of them. The person was of average build, but because of the round face, everyone would instinctively think that this person was a bit fat.

"Professor Li, Professor Liu, my name is Zhong Acheng, everyone calls me Acheng. Hello, we are going to South America together this time. This is my first time going abroad. If there is anything I don't understand, please give me your guidance." Acheng smiled and extended his hand.

Liu Yimin looked at Acheng, pursed his lips and said, "No need to call me senior, I'm younger than you."

“There is a sequence to learning, and you became famous earlier, so you are a senior,” Acheng said humbly.

Li Zhun was also quite interested in this humble young man: "When we get to South America, we should observe more and talk less, and listen to Commander Wan, Deputy Commander Qian, and Deputy Commander Liu."

"Comrade Li, you flatter me!" Liu Yimin said hurriedly.

"Yimin, you don't need to be modest!"

Ah Cheng was a very talkative man. When he spoke, the muscles on his round face and his eyebrows twitched. Coupled with his vivid voice, the two men were immediately filled with goodwill towards Ah Cheng.

Acheng offered to treat the two to dinner, but Liu Yimin laughed and said, "I should be the one to treat, but I have something to do later and I really can't go."

Ah Cheng said regretfully, "Comrade Yimin, I'll invite you again another time."

As the Mao Dun Literature Prize conference drew to a close, Wang Meng, as a leader from the Ministry of Culture, delivered a closing speech, calling on the literary community to do a good job in promoting "socialist literature."

After the meeting, Ba Jin and Cao Yu went to the Ministry of Culture and found Xia Yan working there.

It was clear that Ba Jin was not in good health. By the time he arrived at the Ministry of Culture's office, he was already panting heavily, frequently wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

Cao Yu said with concern, "My dear brother Ba, if you're not feeling well, it would be so much better if you stayed in Shanghai. Don't worry about these trivial matters; your health should be the most important thing."

“Jiabao, there are some things we can ignore, but there are some things we can’t ignore. While you’re all busy, how can I lie in a hospital bed and sleep soundly? I know my own body. Although it’s not good, it’s resilient. Even the King of Hell can’t take me.” Ba Jin wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Xia Yan brought over a cup of tea: "Old Ba, this is Tuocha that I prepared especially for you. Try it."

Ba Jin picked up the cup, took a sip, and said, "Not bad. I took it with me when I left."

"Haha, okay, it's prepared for you. Take it if you want," Xia Yan said with a smile.

After a while, Qian Zhongshu also arrived, and the group gathered together to discuss the visit.

"While South America may be easily overlooked on the world's economic and political map, its influence in literature is undeniable. I learned from PEN International that when Gabriel García Márquez received our letter accepting the invitation, he said he wanted to invite the most famous writers in South America to meet with us and discuss Asian and South American literature."

Therefore, I think we should be prepared this time. South America is a hotbed of magical realism, so the discussions will definitely revolve around it. Yimin, you're the most qualified to speak on magical realism, so tell us what you think!

Seeing Ba Jin looking at him, Liu Yimin immediately put down his teacup: "I don't think we need to make any big preparations. So-called magical realism is realism, and we are realists too. In that sense, we should be good friends who can talk about anything!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Qian Zhongshu leaned forward, his entire weight resting on the canes he held in his hands: "Yimin is right. We both live in the Third World and have similar experiences of aggression and anti-colonialism. Currently, in terms of political and economic strength, we are stronger than the other side. So, the advantage is on our side!"

Ba Jin shared the information he had collected about famous South American writers with everyone: "Those who participated in this exchange were none other than these people. First of all, we are a high-level delegation, unlike the delegations of ordinary writers' associations."

Cao Yu, Qian Zhongshu, and Liu Yimin nodded in agreement. Xia Yan smiled and said, "Brother Lao Ba, aren't you worried about Jiabao, Zhongshu, and Yimin?"

"Haha, I'm getting old, so I'll say a few more words." Ba Jin looked at Liu Yimin: "How's it going with your plan to invite left-wing writers from the island to visit and exchange ideas?"

Before Liu Yimin could speak, Xia Yan said, "Yimin's invitation list has been sent to me. I've looked at it and think there's no problem, but I have a few doubts. Should we invite Yu Guangzhong?"

The list of invitees written by Liu Yimin included: Chen Yingzhen, Sanmao, Lin Shuyang, Li Ao, and Lan Bozhou. Among them, Lan Bozhou was the youngest, working for Chen Yingzhen's magazine "Renjian" and was a left-wing youth. These people were all radical pro-unification writers.

The others were Bai Chongxi's son, Bai Xianyong, Qi Bangyuan, Xi Murong, and others.

"I don't think it's necessary," Liu Yimin said helplessly.

Xia Yan asked, "Why? Yu Guangzhong has a lot of influence on the island!"

"You don't know, Chen Yingzhen was once reported by Yu Guangzhong for being a communist sympathizer, and Li Ao disapproved of Yu Guangzhong's behavior, always criticizing him whenever they met. If that's the case, this invitation event might turn into a marketplace."

"We can certainly enjoy watching the spectacle, but our purpose isn't to watch the spectacle; it's to exchange ideas," Liu Yimin said.

Ba Jin pondered for a moment: "If only Qian Mu could come back!"

Liu Yimin remained silent. Inviting Qian Mu was a major event. Qian Mu was once known as one of the three great FD writers. Even if the mainland no longer cared, it was still a sensitive matter.

On the other hand, Qian Mu holds an extraordinary position on the island, and his arrival would certainly stir up a lot of people's emotions.

Qian Mu did not have a good life on the island in his later years; he suffered repeated humiliations. Although he longed to return to his hometown, he was unable to do so.

Some of his children stayed in mainland China, and his daughter Qian Yi is even a professor at Tsinghua University. The family has reunited in Hong Kong.

Qian Yi once visited Qian Mu on the island. Because she had participated in the Communist Youth League and was a representative of the R&D, she was almost detained on the island on suspicion of treason.

Hearing Ba Jin's words, Cao Yu also felt quite regretful. If the master of Chinese studies could have come to the mainland, the impact would have been immeasurable.

Qian Zhongshu and Qian Mu shared the same surname, Qian, but they were not from the same branch of the family. However, Qian Mu respectfully addressed Qian Zhongshu's father as his uncle.

Thinking of this, Liu Yimin couldn't help but sigh, "The Qian family truly produces a great many talented people."

When Qian Zhongshu heard everyone talking about Qian Mu, he just sighed and didn't say anything.

“If our children invite us, we can express our attitude and maybe we can make it happen. But if we invite them, even if it’s the school, it’s not appropriate,” Liu Yimin said.

The group fell silent, and the topic shifted. Xia Yan said, "Since that's the case, this list can remain as it is. The Institute of Literature can issue invitations, and the exchange will begin on May 1st and last for half a month."

“Okay,” Liu Yimin nodded. Ba Jin stood up and said, “I’ll be waiting at home for everyone’s good news. Also, Jiabao, your script award is coming up. I’ll be resting in Yanjing for a while, and we’ll attend together.”

After the four-person meeting ended, Liu Yimin returned to the Institute of Literature at Yenching University to prepare to send out the invitation letter.

The list and content of the invitation letter were reviewed by the Ministry of Culture. Liu Yimin only needed to add the name and official seal of the Institute of Literature and Art to the invitation letter.

After the official seal was affixed, Yan Jiayan walked in and saw Liu Yimin busy, so he asked, "What are you busy with?"

"It's nothing, you'll see later." Liu Yimin put the things away.

"Okay, that's quite mysterious. Yimin, congratulations on winning the Mao Dun Literature Prize!" Yan Jiayan said with a smile.

Liu Yimin said, "Professor Yan, is this what you came here to talk about?"

"Isn't that enough? The Mao Dun Literature Prize is the highest literary award in our country." Yan Jiayan pointed outside the door: "Many senior professors want to come over!"

"Please thank everyone for me!"

Yan Jiayan took Liu Yimin to the conference room of the Chinese Department to meet with the teachers and professors. Liu Yimin had no choice but to share some literature with everyone.

After listening, Yan Jiayan smiled and said, "Comrades, let's learn from Professor Liu. Professor Liu is about to go to South America to meet with Márquez. If Professor Liu has time then, he can convey that the Chinese Department of Yenching University wants to invite Mr. Márquez to give a lecture."

"Director Yan, is it feasible to invite Márquez?" a young teacher asked loudly from below.

"Whether it's a sure thing or not, let's take a shot. What if it works? If it doesn't, at least let Márquez know that Professor Liu is a professor at Yenching University."

Yan Jiayan's words elicited knowing smiles from everyone. They all thought it was a joke, but they also hoped to invite Gabriel García Márquez to come and see what the Nobel Prize-winning writer looked like.

"Director Yan, don't worry, I'll definitely tell you when the time comes," Liu Yimin assured the crowd below the stage.

After the brief meeting, Liu Yimin approached Yan Jiayan, Wu Zuxiang, and Wang Yao, asking them to look after the Institute of Literature while he was away.

Yan Jiayan readily replied, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Tell Yan Zhen that she can come to me if she's unsure about anything."

"Alright, that puts my mind at ease. Professor Yan, don't forget to record 'Water Margin,' the audience of 'Youth Night Talk' is waiting!"

Yan Jiayan said with a smile, "I only realize the wonder of broadcasting today! I never imagined that millions or even tens of millions of people would listen to my lectures."

"Hahaha!"

After leaving Yan Jiayan's office, Liu Yimin gave some instructions to the people at the Institute of Literature.

On March 15th, Liu Yimin returned to the Dramatists Association to receive the Cao Yu Script Award, the Chinese Drama Outstanding Script Award.

The Dramatists Association has a large number of members, including representatives from many well-known drama troupes, as well as many award winners.

The Drama Script Award, as the name suggests, includes scripts for plays, operas, and other types of plays, with operas and traditional Chinese operas accounting for the largest share.

Lan Tianye, Ouyang Shanzun, Zhu Lin, and others followed Liu Yimin; they had come to watch the awards ceremony.

"Yimin, let me introduce you." Ouyang Shanzun introduced Liu Yimin to other award-winning playwrights.

"Comrade Yimin, I've long admired your name. Even if all of us were to join forces, we still wouldn't have written as much or as well as you!" said Suo Yunping, the playwright of the play "The Battle of Huaihai."

"Your 'Battle of Huaihai' is also very good."

"Comrade Yimin, your series of war-themed plays, such as 'Deng Jiaxian,' 'The Birth of a Nation,' and 'The Sons of the South China Sea,' are all very good. It's a pity we don't have that many awards, otherwise, you could definitely have won more. Also, it's because Dean Wan avoided any appearance of impropriety that it took you so long to receive them!" Su Yunping warmly shook Liu Yimin's hand.

Liu Yimin greeted everyone one by one. When the award ceremony began, Cao Yu spoke on stage, while Ba Jin sat to the side, smiling without saying a word.

"Liu Yimin, winner of the first prize of the China Drama Excellent Script Award, wrote the script 'The Best Restaurant Under Heaven.' Comrade Liu Yimin is the pride of our drama community. He has created a large number of popular and captivating excellent drama works. Countless soldiers on the front line call him 'family'!"

After Liu Yimin went on stage, Cao Yu handed him the award certificate, gently straightened his collar, and smoothed out the wrinkles on his shirt with his hand: "Yimin, as I said before, keep up the good work. Your teacher is getting old, but you are still young. The unfinished business needs you to complete it!"

"Teacher, I will definitely try my best!"

Cao Yu patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and turned around to say, "As everyone knows, Comrade Yimin is my student. I was afraid that people would say I was nepotistic in awarding awards, so I repeatedly refused to present the award to Comrade Yimin."

However, many comrades said this was unfair to Comrade Liu Yimin. Comrades, if anyone has any objections to Comrade Liu Yimin or this award selection, please report it to the higher authorities. I, Cao Yu, will certainly accept the investigation.

After Cao Yu finished speaking, he slowly walked back to the podium, and as soon as he sat down, applause rang out from below the stage.

Ba Jin continued, "Comrades, Comrade Liu Yimin has proven with his actions that he is worthy of this honor. Comrade Liu Yimin is renowned not only domestically but also internationally, even to the point of being deafening."

In recent years, many things have happened in the cultural field. Comrade Liu Yimin, however, has forged a unique and remarkable path with his distinctive writing style. I have read many letters that refer to him as a "people's writer," a title I did not bestow, nor could I.

But this is what the readers and the audience gave him; I think it's what the readers, the audience, and the people gave him. Of course, I hope that one day, Comrade Yimin can truly become a 'people's artist.'

Upon hearing this, Liu Yimin immediately straightened up. The title "People's Writer" carries great weight, and "People's Artist" is an even higher national honor.

Zhu Lin, sitting in the back row, clapped happily. Lan Tianye and Ouyang Shanzun exchanged a glance and also clapped.

The awards ceremony continued, with opera performers and playwrights from various regions taking turns to receive their awards, each with a joyful smile on their face.

After the awards ceremony, everyone went on stage for a group photo.

After the drama awards ceremony, Cao Yu and Liu Yimin's focus shifted to traveling abroad, and preparing gifts for their colleagues in South America became an extremely difficult task.

Ultimately, the Writers' Association decided that they would invite some painters and calligraphers to create some calligraphy and paintings for them to take with them.

“The painting by Márquez depicts yellow roses, I think. I heard there was often a bunch of yellow roses in his study,” Liu Yimin said.

Tang Dacheng said, "Comrade Yimin, you are very thoughtful."

Cao Yu said, "Comrade Dacheng, then you will be in charge of handling this!"

After March 11, members of the delegation to South America began training at the Writers Association. Staff from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries told them about the customs and culture of South America, and Qian Zhongshu and Liu Yimin talked about famous South American writers and their main literary ideas.

After the morning meeting ended, Ma Shitu held Liu Yimin's hand and said, "Comrade Yimin, your novel 'Dust Settles Down' has become very famous in Sichuan Province after my adaptation. It can be said that your work has not been buried."

"Mr. Ma, you're too kind. It's your adaptation that's so good."

Acheng glanced over and wanted to come closer, but he wasn't sure if it was appropriate. Liu Yimin waved him over and introduced him to Ma Shitu.

"Comrade Acheng, your writing is very unique, and I hope you will continue to maintain it. You are one of the few promising young writers," Ma Shitu praised without reservation.

"Thank you, Professor Ma! I will definitely follow Professor Liu's example and become a good writer!"

Ma Shitu patted Acheng on the shoulder: "Haha, yes, Comrade Yimin is a role model for young writers and a banner of our country's literature. It's never wrong to learn from him."

Liu Yimin didn't attend the last dinner hosted by Acheng, but this time all the delegation members were present, so Liu Yimin paid for everyone to go out to eat out of his own pocket.

Upon hearing this, Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu also decided to go together.

"Comrades, we'll arrive in South America on the 16th, and we'll depart on the 14th. Now it's the 11th, and we only have less than three days left. We must be prepared," Cao Yu said earnestly.

Qian Zhongshu said, "Everyone must remember what Dean Wan said."

Cao Yu glanced at Qian Zhongshu: "Zhongshu, how are things at home? Xiao Yang isn't reluctant to part with you, is she? You two have a good relationship. If Xiao Yang complains about me, I won't dare to visit again next time!"

"Jiabao, you're not saying that because you don't mean it. My talented daughter would never dare to refuse you entry."

The two exchanged a few playful banter, which lightened the atmosphere of the entire delegation considerably.

Liu Yimin took everyone to Fengzeyuan Restaurant for a meal. During the meal, the manager of Fengzeyuan Restaurant came over to greet them, and the head chef, Wang Yijun, personally cooked for them.

"We at Fengzeyuan wish you all a smooth and successful trip to South America!"

Ma Shitu laughed: "So you guys in the catering industry know we're going to South America?"

"The newspapers are reporting that this is a collision between Asian and South American literature, and that this collision will inevitably spark literary inspiration. Who is Márquez? He is the author of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'."

After the manager left, Ma Shitu laughed and said, "Beijing truly lives up to its reputation as the capital; everyone's enthusiasm for literature is even higher than that of the people in Sichuan Province!"

“If you keep asking, he probably won’t even know what ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ is about. Fame isn’t just built by readers, but also by those who don’t understand it. But that’s the power of literature. It doesn’t matter if they don’t understand; as long as they know who Márquez is, the writer’s goal has been achieved.” Liu Yimin put down his chopsticks.

Qian Zhongshu said, “Yes, literature is not something everyone can understand. Take opera, for example. Even those who applaud may not know the difference between Mei Lanfang’s singing and that of the actors from the Henan Provincial Opera Troupe. Some people only appreciate the aroma of pork after they have eaten it, while others know it’s delicious from hearing others’ stories. But no matter what, it doesn’t change the fact that pork is delicious.”

There are many knowledgeable people in the world, and even more who simply parrot others. Liu Yimin said there are too many parrots, while Qian Zhongshu said that even if someone parrots others, praise will only come if the work is good.

Cao Yu seemed to have a thought: "How many people in the world truly think that 'Thunderstorm' is good?"

Upon hearing this, A-Cheng glanced at Liu Yimin. His apprentice had even managed to upset his teacher. He lowered his head, trying to remain invisible.

Qian Zhongshu laughed heartily: "Why care about the world's opinions? Everyone has different tastes. Jiabao, at least your works have been popular for decades, which proves that they are indeed well-received by everyone."

"Teacher, I just said it offhand."

Cao Yu glanced at Liu Yimin: "Your teacher isn't that petty!"

March 14th arrived quickly, and Liu Yimin and the others boarded a plane bound for Latin America.

(End of this chapter)