Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 378 Diary? The Four Heroes of Wuzhong Discuss Taoism!
"November 21
Recently, probably because I ate too much and too many different kinds of food, I always felt like there was something stuck in my chest. Changzhi suggested that I exercise more and try playing basketball.

I spent the whole afternoon reading more than ten pages of Don Marquis's "Autobiography of a Miser". I felt like I wanted more. The last time I read it was when I was reading Mr. Bingwen's "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword".

At night, I was lying in bed and wanted to read some poetry, but I unconsciously started reading "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" next to my pillow. I listened to the sound of rain outside the window and the sound of wind walking in the woods, and another night was wasted.

Damn it, why hasn’t Bao Bingwen released the next one yet? "

"November 22

I went to bed at 1:00 last night, and today I woke up early because of the English reading roommate.

Because Professor Zhu Guangqian was holding a literary salon today, I went to watch it with my elder brother. Relying on my status as a Tsinghua student, I was able to sneak in. At the table, I saw many famous masters from Peking City, as well as many acquaintances, especially Qian Zhongshu, who was also at the table. I thought I must not lose.

After listening to a lot of Professor Zhu Guangqian's interpretation of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" which was simply the essence, I was in a trance and forgot to speak, and even let Qian Zhongshu steal the limelight again!
Stay up late and go to bed early. ”

"November 23

In the past, I always felt that student life was noble, especially after entering Tsinghua University. I felt as if I had a long tail growing on my butt. But I never imagined that I would encounter difficulties on the basketball court.

In the afternoon, he played basketball with Chang Zhi and scored more than 20 points from him in one go. He used some basketball rules, which were said to have been invented by Bao Bingwen when he was in Hangzhou High School.

In the evening, I read "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" again, and I concluded that I would never be able to surpass Bao Bingwen in literature in my lifetime.

I have decided to practice basketball hard, and when Bao Bingwen comes, I will fight him to the death! "

"November 24

My morning life was the same as yesterday. After lunch, I decided to study some German and continue translating something. Before dinner, I talked with Chang Zhi about the latest newspaper. The various reviews and reports on "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" were really wonderful.

It is said that the Japanese emperor has learned about this book recently. "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" caused a sensation in Japan. The Japanese political arena felt the crisis brought by Bao Bingwen. Looking back, the only person who can have such an influence on national politics is Bao Bingwen.

Of course, the comments from other famous writers are also wonderful.

Such as Mr. Zhou Shuren's editorial on "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword", Mr. Zhang Taiyan's sharp comments on his disciples, Mr. Liu Wentian's discussion of Japanese culture in "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword", Mr. Qian Mu's mention of the threat posed by Japan since the Ming Dynasty, and so on, all of which are wonderful!
It is touching that Bao Bingwen's works always arouse heated discussions in the literary world, thus forming a cultural whirlwind. In my opinion, Bao Bingwen should create more works!

(Make up late at night) Damn it, when will he write the sequel to The Legend of the Condor Heroes?
"

Zhang Mansion, in the courtyard.

The Zhang Mansion was particularly lively today, especially in the pavilion where several square tables were set up with some fruits on them.

Seeing Butler Deng busy, a servant couldn't help but ask.

"Butler Deng, what important person is coming today? It's been a long time since I've seen the master hold a literary gathering at home."

It was common knowledge among his servants that Zhang Taiyan liked to hold literary gatherings. Especially before he fell ill, he was either on his way to give lectures or on his way to hold literary gatherings.

However, after he fell ill, Zhang Taiyan no longer had the energy to do these things.

Old Bao went back to Shanghai a few days ago. Butler Deng is still a little uncomfortable with doing things alone.

However, he knew in his heart that it was impossible for Old Bao to help in the Zhang Mansion forever. With the help of his son, he was no longer in the same class as himself.

Butler Deng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile on his face.

"Isn't it that the master is in good health now? It is said that Miss Nianyue and Master Bingwen went out to play. The master was bored at home, so he naturally found a group of friends to come and chat. We haven't seen each other for a long time, so of course we have to make it grand."

"If that's the case, there must be many well-known gentlemen in Gusu City, right? I'll go and give them instructions, and be more careful, so as not to embarrass the master."

The servants also hoped that Zhang Taiyan was in poor health. They didn't want him to lose face and make his health worse, so they worked even harder.

The Zhang family treated their hired servants very well, and naturally, each of them worked efficiently. In no time, they decorated the courtyard with a scholarly atmosphere.

Many arrangements were still based on Bao Guowei's instructions during the last Mid-Autumn Festival. Now it seems that this young master really had some foresight.

When everything was ready, Butler Deng smiled and said.

"Thank you all for your hard work."

When he was done, he did not forget to remind his servants.

"Today is special. Please don't disturb the conversation between the master and the gentlemen unless you have something else to do."

"Why?" Someone inevitably raised the question. In the past, they had to add tea, fruits and melons all the time, and sometimes they could meet some famous gentlemen, which made the servants very proud.

But today, Butler Deng asked not to disturb him. Could it be something confidential?

Seeing the suspicious expressions of the servants, Butler Deng couldn't help but speak mysteriously.

"It's not a secret, but I don't know if you have heard that our future son-in-law, Mr. Bao Bingwen, has written a book called "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword", which has caused a sensation across the country, and all major newspapers are reporting on it!"

"I've heard of some of it, but I don't know what it's about. Most of us haven't read many books, which is a pity." An old woman showed a regretful expression on her face.

The servants employed in the Zhang Mansion would have some "literary air" in them, and the younger ones would even read some books with Zhang Taiyan.

Zhang Taiyan welcomed everyone who came to him, and never discriminated against even the servants in his mansion.

For me, although I am no longer old enough to study, I still want to be influenced by the literary atmosphere of Zhang Taiyan.

For the lower class people, they firmly believe that even if they themselves are just exposed to the "literary spirit", they can help their children at home to get better grades.

This is similar to the fact that people in later generations are unwilling to wash their hands after shaking hands with their idols.

The old servant felt sorry, but a young servant who had read some books asked.

"Master Bingwen is very capable, but why can't anyone interrupt the discussion of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" between the master and the gentlemen? If we just stay quiet and move gently, there shouldn't be any problem, right?"

Butler Deng showed a mysterious smile on his face and said without saying anything.

“It won’t be that simple.”

Seeing the increasingly curious look in the servants' eyes, Butler Deng said lightly.

"Now, Master Bingwen has become the master's pillar~"

Just this one unclear sentence left the servants confused. For a moment, they became even more curious about what would happen in this courtyard.

An hour later, in the courtyard.

"Brother Uncle Mei, should we continue reading? I'm already thirsty, how about passing it around?" An old man with white hair and beard, except for black eyebrows, showed a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face, and said to Zhang Taiyan who was sitting opposite him.

Zhang Taiyan raised his eyebrows, stopped drinking tea, glanced at the old man and said, "Brother Shuyi, you can't be lazy. As a native of Houguan in Fujian, it's normal for you to have a heavy accent, but it's not good for our teaching. I asked you to read the content of this newspaper for your own good! If you don't correct your pronunciation, how can you teach well in our National Academy?"

The muscles on Chen Yan's face twitched, and he looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. He could only sigh and continue to read the newspaper in his hand.

He is the oldest among the four, and was even a juren in the Qing Dynasty. Now he is 74 years old, but when facing Zhang Taiyan, Chen Yan is still helpless.

This person is just like that. Chen Yan has always been easy to talk to. Thinking that what the other party said makes sense, he continued reading.

"As mentioned earlier, it was written by Liu Wendian, a professor of Chinese at Tsinghua University and an expert in ancient books. He wrote in the article:

I have read The Chrysanthemum and the Sword since it was first published, and I have read it many times, and I can't help but compare it with Guns, Germs, and Steel.
For me personally, this book can be regarded as a work of great academic value in the field of history. Bao Bingwen continues the historical research method he created in Guns, Germs, and Steel, and provides us with a completely new historical research perspective.
In my opinion, the discussion of Japan's class system and the impact and changes of the Meiji Restoration on the traditional cultural class system not only foreshadows the threat of Japan, but also provides a high academic value. I dare to conclude that this book will occupy an important position in the entire historical sociology.

As a juren in the Qing Dynasty, Chen Yan was more proficient in the study of classics, history and exegesis, and was particularly good at poetry. He was actually very adept at reading these texts.

It’s just that the Fujian dialect is so different from Mandarin that it sounds a bit awkward.

Zhang Taiyan closed his eyes and listened with a satisfied smile on his face. He didn't say anything unexpected until the other party stopped.

"Keep reading! Brother Shuyi, keep reading! Read about the others!"

After hearing this, Zhang Taiyan could no longer hide the smile on his face, and several wrinkles appeared on his already old face.

A gentleman nearby seemed to be unable to listen any longer. He reminded with a smile, "Brother Mei, Mr. Chen Yan is now over 70 years old. Please don't embarrass him!"

The gentleman who was speaking was younger. He had a standard square face, was a little fat, and had a small mustache on his lips.

This person's name is Li Genyuan, and he is a heavyweight figure.

In his early years, he was a student sent by the Qing Dynasty to study various combat knowledge in the Japanese Military Academy. Later, he served in important positions in the Beiyang and National Government.

However, a few years ago, because he could not stand the bribery and election-buying culture in the government, he resolutely resigned from his position. Later, he returned to Suzhou and opened a private children's school, and often did some research.

He and Zhang Taiyan were close friends, so he naturally knew each other's temperament.

He continued without mercy.

"We all know the genius of our nephew Bingwen. Please stop torturing us brothers."

Which of the three people present didn't know that Zhang Taiyan was deliberately showing off? He didn't say anything on the surface, but his expression was written all over his face.

Seems to be talking to several people.

Everyone, take a good look, this is my disciple, Zhang Taiyan! You don’t have him, do you?

After he finished speaking, there was a burst of hearty laughter at the table. Given the friendship among the gentlemen, they naturally would not take Zhang Taiyan's little thoughts to heart.

Chen Yan stroked his beard and said with a strange expression on his face.

"Brother Mei, if you want us to praise our nephew Bingwen, just say it. We all admire this child, but it's too difficult for me to read the newspaper."

He looked at the article again and couldn't help but smile.

"Mr. Liu Wendian Liu Shuya, even if you see me, you should still address me as Mr., right?"

Considering Chen Yan’s seniority, he could be the teacher of almost anyone in the academic world today, and only Zhang Taiyan dared to tease him.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Zhongren laughed loudly, shaking his finger at Zhang Taiyan and said, "You old fellow, you said you wanted Mr. Shuyi to practice correct pronunciation, but you actually wanted to brag about your apprentice, right?"

Zhang Zhongren, whose real name is Zhang Yikui, is now over sixty years old.

He once served as the Minister of Education of the Beiyang Government. After Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself emperor, he resolutely opposed it and left for the south.

He also worked with Cai Yuanpei many times to rescue students who were arrested for protesting.

As these three people were able to become close friends of Zhang Taiyan, they were naturally not mediocre people. In a sense, it can be said that the four of them can be regarded as typical representatives of patriotic literati of this era.

It’s just that the ways of being patriotic are different.

Just like Zhang Zhongren, after the Japanese invasion, he actively organized anti-Japanese resistance and established an anti-enemy support association to prepare military supplies.

He also called on those in the country who were over 60 years old to organize an "Laozi Army" to fight the Japanese army to the death with their old bodies!

It caused a sensation across the country at that time.

Needless to say, the three gentlemen are so capable.

Let’s return our focus to the table.

At this moment, being laughed at by his good friend, Zhang Taiyan suddenly felt a little embarrassed. His old face turned red, but he still spoke unforgivingly.

"Correct pronunciation! This is correct pronunciation! I read this article by accident! By accident!"

After contracting pneumonia, Zhang Taiyan's mind became a little confused, otherwise he would not have shown such an embarrassing state in front of his good friends.

But he was a little "crazy" to begin with, so it wasn't too surprising that he did something like this.

Chen Yan and the other two had already gotten used to his temper.

As a good friend, Li Genyuan naturally tried to make up for it, he said with a smile.

"But Uncle Mei is right. I have read many of Bao Bingwen's works. He is truly a contemporary genius. It is rare that he has made achievements in various fields."

Zhang Taiyan did not often encounter such a predicament, and he had never shown off like this before.

The other two naturally commented as well.

Zhang Zhongren looked very thin, but when he spoke, his voice was as loud as a bell.

"His literary talent can be seen in his works such as To Live. What is rare is that he has a pure heart. The Chrysanthemum and the Sword takes into account both national sentiment and academic value. It can be said to be a great book in today's historical circles. If those in power can have some of the wisdom in the book, I think the current situation will not be so corrupt."

His evaluation is very high.

When it was Chen Yan's turn, he glanced at his friends present, then smiled and said.

"I think Bingwen should have changed a little."

(End of this chapter)