The literary era since 1979

Chapter 63 Mao Dun Literature Award

Houyuanensi Hutong, Siheyuan.

“These are the revisions I wrote.”

Shen Yanbing was lying on the bed, holding a magnifying glass in one hand and a manuscript paper in the other. "You take a look. I'll take my medicine first."

"Teacher, I'll get the medicine for you."

Fangyan took the manuscript and stood up.

"Need not."

Shen Yanbing waved his hand: "For me, no matter what it is, I always put it in the fixed position I am used to."

Fangyan supported him and slowly walked to the desk.

There are two low bookcases against the wall on the right, with more than a dozen medicine bottles neatly arranged in the cabinets. A white towel is spread on the right side of the medicine bottles, and there are 6 teaspoons of different sizes, some for drinking medicine and some for taking tea leaves. There is also a white cloth covering them to prevent dust.

"Teacher, hot water."

"I'll do it myself, you just watch."

"Eh."

Fangyan took a closer look and saw dozens of pages of comments on revisions, just like marking students' essays, noting which parts should be added, rewritten, deleted, and adjusted. He couldn't help but be moved.

Although Shen Yanbing was in good spirits, he had been suffering from a long-term illness.

Therefore, their conversation time is now basically controlled within 2 to 4 hours. If it exceeds the time limit, Shen Shuang will come to remind them.

“Your overall concept and design are very good.”

"Although the focus is on Shang Yang's reforms, it is not limited to Shang Yang as a person. Instead, it arranges two lines and divides the focus on Qin Xiaogong, the king of Qin who was determined to reform and strengthen the country..."

Shen Yanbing took out the medicine bottles from the cabinet and put them back one by one.

"Teacher, this is what I think."

Fangyan said bluntly: "Shang Yang was a pioneer of reform and the sharp sword of the Qin Dynasty's reform, but the one who really wielded this sword was Qin Xiaogong. Without him as the reform commander, and without his unyielding determination, Shang Yang's reform would not have been successful."

"It is so accurate that one cannot be deprived of his will!"

Shen Yanbing's eyes suddenly lit up.

"There is another saying, 'No matter how many thoughts you have, they cannot disturb your mind.'"

Fangyan raised the corners of his mouth. He moved all the words of praise he had written to Yongzheng to Qin Xiaogong.

After all, the current Qin Xiaogong is that person.

"With Qin Xiaogong, we avoided all the halo and glorification and focused on Shang Yang, which led to the ending of escaping and being torn apart by chariots instead of dying heroically."

Shen Yanbing said with satisfaction: "Excessive beautification can easily backfire. It's not beautification, but uglification."

"Isn't it like in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, 'It wants to show that Liu Bei is honest but seems fake, and Zhuge Liang is wise but seems like a demon'?"

Dialect comes out fluently.

"You can immediately think of Mr. Lu Xun's evaluation of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Very good! Very good!"

Shen Yanbing cast an admiring and doting look at him.

Fang Yan said: "That's all because of your good teaching."

"Don't be so poor."

Shen Yanbing laughed. "Although the glorification of Shang Yang, Qin Xiaogong, and even the Qin State is excessive, you still have a good sense of proportion. After all, this is your first long novel, and it is historical literature, which is not easy. We can't expect you to write a long novel."

"Long River Novel?"

This is the first time Fangyan has heard this word.

"Romain Rolland wrote this sentence in the preface to Jean-Christophe: 'In my opinion, Jean-Christophe has always been like a long river.'"

Shen Yanbing explained that long river novels are long masterpieces with historical significance, such as "Les Miserables" and "War and Peace".

"How can I compare with Les Miserables or War and Peace?"

Fangyan smiled awkwardly.

"Haha, you are quite self-aware."

Shen Yanbing laughed so hard that he felt better.

The two discussed the revision suggestions, and the first part was basically finalized. Now they are waiting for the first draft of the second part.

After completion, Fangyan re-transcribed it, and Shen Yanbing handed the transcript to the editorial department of People's Literature.

In this way, after "Harvest", Fang Xiaojiang has risen to a higher level in the literary world and can be regarded as a first-line celebrity. Whether he can become a big name depends on the response after the publication.

"Teacher, the institute plans to hold a teacher appreciation banquet in early September. Mr. Li asked me to ask you if you are feeling well..."

"Of course you have to go. Tell Shen Shuang the time then."

Just as Fang Yan helped Shen Yanbing back to bed, Shen Shuang walked in and handed him the proposal to establish the Lu Xun Literature Prize.

"Father, the Writers Association hopes to seek your opinion."

"Teacher, I won't disturb you from your official duties."

Fang Yan was about to say goodbye, but Shen Yanbing stopped him.

Shen Shuang looked left and right, and saw Shen Yanbing staring at the proposal for a long time. Then he slowly said that he was inspired by the establishment of the Lu Xun Literature Award and was also interested in establishing a literary award, and wanted to hear their opinions.

Mao Dun Literature Award!
Fangyan was startled. Was this witnessing history with his own eyes?
Shen Yanbing looked at his son. "We have a stable life. Your mother was always frugal when she was alive. I don't spend money either. I have kept my royalties in the bank. How much do I have now?"

Shen Shuang hesitated for a moment and said, "About 25."

"We all have fixed salaries, and my royalties are useless if I keep them at home. Why not donate them and set up a literary award like the Lu Xun Literature Award? What do you think?"

Shen Yanbing cast an inquiring look at his son.

"Of course! You can use the money however you want!"

Shen Shuang agreed without hesitation.

Shen Yanbing looked at Fang Yan and the others and asked, "Is 25 enough for a single literary award? Is it too little?"

"Teacher, 25 is a huge amount of money."

Fang Yan comforted him, "The average salary now is around 30 to 50 yuan. If the bonus can be over 100 yuan, it will be very generous and will definitely help promote literary creation."

"That's good."

Shen Yanbing immediately dispelled his anxiety about donating too little.

Fangyan added silently in his heart, "When I achieve some small goals in the future, I will donate a large sum of money in your name every year!"

Shen Yanbing then discussed with them about setting up individual awards.

"Teacher, there is only one national award for outstanding short stories. Although the Lu Xun Literature Award rewards short stories, novellas and essays, it does not reward novels."

Fangyan suggested: "Why not set up a literary award specifically for novels?"

"Bonus novel!"

Shen Yanbing seemed to be thinking about something.

"Nowadays, the novel is in decline. If there is such an award, it will definitely encourage more people to write novels. And considering your status in the novel field, it is most appropriate for you to establish it."

Fangyan said seriously.

"Father, Yanzi is right!"

Shen Shuang nodded in agreement.

"Then donate money to set up a novel award!"

Shen Yanbing patted the table lightly.

"Should we bring this up with the Writers Association now?"

Shen Shuang asked.

"No rush, let's wait until the Lu Xun Literature Prize is established."

Shen Yanbing shook his head.

Fang Yan listened quietly, and suddenly he looked at him kindly, "After establishing this award, I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to win this award while I'm alive. It's very likely that you will never have this opportunity. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Then I'd rather not take it. May you live a long life."

"Don't be so sarcastic. As my disciple, you may be wronged in this matter."

"It's okay, teacher, I don't feel wronged!"

Fangyan's eyes were full of determination.

What I swallow is grievance, and what I feed is the pattern!

　In the evening there is...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)