The literary era since 1979

It was snowing heavily and the wind was cold.

The house was warm and the lights were as bright as day. Everyone sat around the kotatsu with their legs tucked into the quilts.

The table was filled with snacks and oranges, and the tea in the cup was steaming.

While peeling an orange, Fangyan discussed the similarities and differences between the new orthodox school and the forensic reasoning school with Ayatsuji Yukito, Shimada Shoji and others.

"I have already made it very clear through the mouths of my characters in The Ten-corner Hall Incident."

Ayatsuji Yukito said seriously: "The 'social school' that was once popular in Japan has become decadent, backward and vulgar."

"For example, after a female office worker in a bachelor apartment was killed, the criminal police finally arrested the lover's boss after going through untold hardships. I hate this kind of old-fashioned and boring plot, especially the corruption and company scandals involved behind it. I can't stand it."

"Instead, it's the famous detective, the big house, the weird residents, the bloody tragedy, the impossible crime, the earth-shattering tricks...Although it's absurd and fictional and not real at all, it doesn't matter. The most important thing is to find the fun of the game in that world."

"Of course, it's the fun of the game of wits!"

As soon as this was said, my grandson Takemaru, Ono Fuyumi and other club members immediately echoed it, and they all thought that -

This is their declaration of new orthodox reasoning!

It is also a promotion to the entire Japanese mystery literature community!
"Those who can break the 'Qing Zhang curse' and break the monopoly of the social reasoning school are what the orthodox and deviant schools have not been able to do for so many years."

Hozuki Ryutaro said with a firm look in his eyes: "I'm afraid this mission can only be accomplished by us, the New Original School!"

"Good! Very energetic!"

As their instructor, Soji Shimada's face was filled with satisfaction and his smile was as bright as a chrysanthemum.

"Dialect-san."

Ayatsuji Yukito then raised the previous question again, what do you think of the principles of orthodox mystery writing?
Fangyan put a slice of orange into his mouth and smiled faintly.

During the conversation just now, I have learned the so-called rules of mystery novels from Yoko Suzuki, Shoji Shimada and others.

During the heyday of classical detective novels in the last century, many mystery novelists established basic principles that the orthodox school should follow.

For example, Ronald Knox from the United Kingdom created the "Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction" which was once regarded as a bible.

"The detective cannot use supernatural or weird detective methods", "the crime scene cannot have more than one secret room or passage", "the detective's stupid friend, such as Watson, must tell the reader his judgment without reservation, and this person's intelligence must be lower than the average intelligence level of the reader"...

However, with the deepening of the routines and techniques of mystery writing, many principles in the "Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction" have become outdated.

So, Van Dine made corresponding revisions and additions on this basis, and it became the "Twenty Rules of Detective Novels".

For example, "all clues must be presented clearly and fairly to the detective and the reader", "except for the murderer's tricks, the writing techniques must not mislead the reader", "in order to solve the case, the detective must engage in investigation behavior"...

One of the rules is that "there should be no love elements in the story."

If "Detective Conan" strictly adheres to this rule, there will not be the two pairs of CPs "Shinichi and Xiaolan" and "Conan and Haibara Ai".

"Pedestrians, didn't I tell you?"

Shimada Soji frowned and said, "Don't be obsessed with these mystery novel principles, and don't follow Van Dine and Knox and set so many rules and regulations for mystery novels. This will only limit your creative thinking and even the development of the new orthodox school."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Shimada, but I still don't agree with you."

Ayatsuji Yukito said: "Only by establishing our own principles of mystery novels can we break away from Van Dine's orthodox mystery concept and become a true 'new orthodox school' that belongs only to the Japanese mystery world!"

"That's right! If the New Orthodox School still uses Van Dine's twenty laws of reasoning, then what's the difference between us and the 'Orthodox School'?"

"Swoosh, the 'new' of the new orthodox school must first be new in the rules of detective fiction."

"But doing so would completely go against Poe's original intention."

"Just like Mr. Shimada said, as long as we follow the principle of combining mystery and scientific theory, there is no element that cannot be used. Why should we tie a rope around ourselves? I am worried that sooner or later we will be trapped in our own trap."

"........."

Among the members of Kyoto University's mystery club, there are those who support Ayatsuji Yukito and those who support Shimada Shoji, and they are in sharp opposition to each other.

Just as Soji Shimada said, in the end, neither of the two groups within the New Orthodox School could convince the other.

Therefore, the right to decide this issue was left to the outsider Fangyan. After all, those involved are often confused, while those who are not involved can see things more clearly.

"I think Xingren-kun and the others' opinions are not without reason."

"In addition to detective fiction, science fiction also has the 'Three Laws of Robotics' which are similar to the 'Knox Ten Commandments'. The first is that a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Second, a robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the first. Third, a robot must protect itself as long as such orders do not conflict with the first or second law."

"These three laws not only play an important role in science fiction literature, but also provide a theoretical reference for robotics."

“So, I think the new orthodox school can have its own original creative rules. Since it is new, it should be innovative.”

"Dialect-san!"

Ayatsuji Yukito, Ono Fuyumi and others were very excited, with expressions of "it's a pity we didn't meet earlier" on their faces.

Shimada Shoji pondered for a while and did not directly suppress or oppose them rudely. Instead, he wanted to listen to what reasoning principles his disciples had established.

"This...this..."

Ryoutaro Hozuki, Fuyumi Ono and others looked at each other in bewilderment.

Finally, my grandson Takemaru could no longer hold back and was the first to speak out:

"First, the crime scene becomes a locked room only when the police arrive. Second, before the case is closed, the detective deciphers the code or leaves a message before death to find the murderer. Third..."

"Wait, wait, what you said is not a universal rule for detective novels."

Shimada Shoji said with a straight face: "At best, it can only be regarded as a line of thought for a mystery novel."

After being scolded, my grandson Takemaru blushed with shame, lost all courage, and could not continue.

Seeing this, Ryoutarou Hozuki stepped forward and told all the so-called rules of reasoning that he and the other members had worked out with great effort.

"wrong!"

Shimada Soji shook his head repeatedly. "Aren't the several points you mentioned one of Van Dine's reasoning principles?"

For a moment, there was complete silence. Everyone looked at each other, and finally everyone focused their attention on Fangyan.

His eyes seemed to say, "Save us, dialect teacher!"

"I have a few creative principles here, but they are not yet mature. I would like to take this rare opportunity to discuss them."

Dialect looks left and right.

Then Hozuki Ryutaro, my grandson Takemaru and the others looked as if they had seen a savior. Their eyes lit up instantly and they pricked up their ears to listen:

"First, the story is set in a closed space like an island or a snowstorm manor. After the incident, the characters cannot leave, and the police or other outsiders are not allowed to enter. Of course, advanced scientific investigations cannot be carried out."

"Second, set the place where the incident takes place in a man-made building with a door that can be locked, or around this building. Third, introduce all the people who live or visit the place where the incident takes place at the beginning of the novel."

"Fourth, arrange for certain events to happen, preferably a murder tragedy, and it must happen in a secret room..."

"fifth……"

"Sixth, arrange for tragedies to happen one after another, but the murderer is still not found. At this stage, appropriately add tricks and narrative traps to mislead the detective and the reader."

"Seventh, at the end, the detective points out the murderer, and for the readers, the murderer must be an unexpected person."

"The eighth..." "Si...Si...Si Country One."

Ayatsuji Yukito, Maya Yutaka, Aganobu Takemaru and others were more and more surprised the more they listened; they were simply astonished by her beauty.

With just a few words, he succinctly summarizes the common features of today's new orthodox creations, and even includes unprecedented reasoning concepts.

Even Shimada Shoji couldn't find any fault with it for a while, and could only sigh:
"I didn't expect that Fangyanjun is not only good at the Eccentric School and the Social School, but also has such profound insights into the Orthodox School."

"I understand a little bit, I understand a little bit."

Fangyan took a sip of tea.

Shimada Soji said: "Among the ten points you just mentioned, I can completely understand the introduction of elements such as thriller and horror into the creation of mystery novels, and I also fully support the integration of horror novel elements into mystery novels. After all, The Ring is a very good example."

Then, he changed the subject, "But I have one question, that is, 'when questioning a case, catch the murderer through the suspect's facial expressions and psychological reactions', what is the principle behind this, or is there any scientific basis for it?"

"There is a discipline in forensic medicine called forensic psychology."

Fang Yan said: "It is reflected in solving cases, such as psychological analysis of crime scenes, psychological assessment of suspects and victims, and providing psychological evidence in court. Of course, I have also expanded this scope to include interrogation methods using psychology."

"Using psychological interrogation methods?"

Shimada Soji, Ayatsuji Yukito and others were all full of curiosity.

He talked endlessly, giving examples of dialects like the back of his hand.

For example, through criminal acts, we can understand the criminal motives and even break through the psychological defenses of criminals, like in "The Silence of the Lambs".

Another example is using interrogation techniques such as non-verbal information to judge the truthfulness of confessions from criminals and witnesses, like in "Lie to Me".

"Or, build psychological trust with witnesses, victims, etc. to obtain effective and reliable information and communication!"

As Suzuki Yoko translated, her tone couldn't help but carry a hint of pride, her chin slightly raised, and she looked around.

Either they were lost in deep thought like Ayatsuji Yukito, or they were taking notes like my grandson Takemaru.

"I didn't expect that forensic reasoning incorporates so many elements and disciplines, even involving psychology, forensic medicine, psychiatry..."

Shimada Shoji expressed what everyone present was thinking.

Ayatsuji Yukito couldn't wait to ask, "Fangyan-san, are those things you just said the creative principles of forensic reasoning?"

"Not at all."

Fangyan smiled playfully, "At least I think there are several of them, and they are also very suitable for the new orthodox school. What do you think?"

Ayatsuji Yukito nodded and said, "Hi! The creative principles of forensic reasoning have a lot to recommend them to us!"

My grandson Takemaru, Maya Yutaka and others agreed with this, and even Hozuki Ryutaro pleaded sincerely:

"Fangyan-san, since you know so much about detective novels, can you join the New Classical School..."

"rude!"

Shimada Soji interrupted directly, "Fangyan-san is the founder of the forensic reasoning school, how can he join the new orthodox school?"

Houyue Luntaro was so frightened that he bowed and apologized quickly, "Fangyan-san, I'm sorry, it's my fault for not thinking it through!"

After being reminded by Yoko Suzuki, Fangyan realized that factionalism is very serious in many industries in Japan.

However, even if I didn't have any prejudice against any school of thought, I would definitely not agree to it.

After all, if the leader of the forensic reasoning school joins the new orthodox school, wouldn't the forensic reasoning school become subordinate to the new orthodox school and become a vassal?
Ayatsuji Yukito settled for the next best thing and hoped to publish the "Ten Rules" mentioned in the dialect in the "Crow City" magazine.

"Crow City?"

Fangyan and Suzuki Yoko looked at each other.

My grandson Takemaru explained that "Crow Castle" was a publication created by their mystery club, which specialized in publishing theoretical articles on mystery literature as well as the works of the members. Each issue of the magazine was not only widely circulated in Kyoto University, but also spread to other universities in Kyoto.

"If that's the case, of course it's fine."

Fangyan agreed readily.

Ayatsuji Yukito expressed his gratitude: "It is an honor for our mystery club to publish Fangyan-san's mystery novel principles in "Crow City"!"

"It's also an honor for me."

Fang Yan said: "However, these 10 rules themselves are not mature yet, and they don't necessarily have to be implemented rigidly and dogmatically."

Then, everyone started chatting animatedly about the novel forensic reasoning process.

I drank cup of tea again and again. The heavy snow outside finally stopped. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the white snow, shining with golden light.

Soji Shimada suggested moving to the izakaya to continue the topic while eating and chatting.

But unfortunately, Suzuki Yoko had already told her mother that she would invite Fangyan to her home tonight and ask him to stay overnight.

Shimada Soji, Ayatsuji Yukito and others had no choice but to give up and reluctantly sent them all the way to the school gate.

"We had a great time chatting today."

Fangyan shook hands with everyone one by one, and when it was Ayatsuji Yukito's turn, he said, "If "Crow City" is published, please be sure to send me a copy."

Ayatsuji Yukito agreed readily, and then watched Fangyan and Suzuki Yoko get into the taxi.

"Goodbye!"

Fangyan waved goodbye through the car window.

Suzuki Yoko smiled and said, "Teacher Fang, today is a day full of joy and harvest!"

"Yoko, thank you for your hard work."

Fang Yan said, "By the way, will it cause any trouble to you if the magazine "Crow City" is sent to your home?"

"how could be!"

Suzuki Yoko shook her head and laughed, saying that she couldn't wait to see the school magazine that published Teacher Fang's mystery novel principles.

"In fact, having this principle of mystery novels may not necessarily be a good thing." Fang Yan couldn't help but sigh.

"This is Mr. Shimada's point of view." Suzuki Yoko said in surprise, "Mr. Fang, weren't you supporting Xingren-kun just now?"

"No, I support both sides. Their views have some merit."

Fang Yan said: "In the long run, the 'mystery fiction principle' will indeed hinder the development of mystery literature and should not be promoted."

Suzuki Yoko was very surprised. "You mean, the new orthodox school will develop more and more..."

"The reason is simple. How did the Benge School decline?"

Fangyan analyzed that as readers' threshold for orthodox detective novels becomes higher and higher, if orthodox works want to retain readers, the tricks must become more and more complicated. As a result, the logic of solving the case becomes more and more far-fetched, and the fictional stories become more and more outrageous.

It even distorts reality and goes against common sense, and is ultimately abandoned by readers who lose interest.

The reality is indeed as Fangyan expected. The new orthodox school reached its peak in the 90s, but soon declined in the early 21st century. (End of this chapter)