Chapter 415 Picking up the big leak

“surprise?”

Jiang Xian didn’t understand.

Wang Meng is such a romantic person, whether he is speaking, doing things or writing.

Jiang Xian really couldn’t figure out what kind of surprise a military parade could give him.
A few days later, Jiang Xian was invited to the filming location of “Dream of Red Mansions”.

“Teacher Jiang, you are here.” A staff member came over quickly to greet him.

“Ah.”

Jiang Xian nodded and looked around. This place was a rural area in the western suburbs of Beijing. The crew had set up a simple set here, and there were many ordinary people watching the fun nearby.

This place is just one of the filming locations for “A Dream of Red Mansions”.

It is said that in order to shoot this unprecedented TV series “Dream of Red Mansions”, Wang Fulin and his crew visited more than 10 provinces and cities, more than 40 regions and more than 200 scenic spots across the country to select locations.

Under the guidance of the staff, Jiang Xian quickly sat down with a few old men.

“These are all consultants for our Red Mansions crew,” someone introduced them to him.

“Ah.”

Jiang Xian nodded. He had already spotted the relatively young Ling Jiefang, also known as the writer Er Yuehe, from among a group of old men. He was strong and muscular.

“Brother Ling.”

“Hey, Comrade Jiang Xian is here.”

Ling Jiefang greeted Jiang Xian. They had met each other once before going to the United States and knew each other.

Ling Jiefang’s greeting attracted the attention of a group of Redologists, and they all turned their attention to Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian looked again and saw that among all the scholars of the Redology, several of his teachers were present, including Cao Yu, Shen Congwen, Wu Zuxiang,
“teacher.”

Jiang Xian greeted several teachers respectfully, and they all smiled and nodded in response.

Wang Fulin came over quickly.

He looked much thinner, and walked over to me with a smile and bowed, “I’m sorry to bother you all to come here today, mainly to bother you to take a look at our actors, and to see if their performances are in line with the roles. If they are not suitable, we must replace them as soon as possible.”

As the filming task of “A Red Mansion” is a major event that the people of the whole country are paying close attention to, it is natural that the filming progress must be reported to the people of the whole country at any time.

After the actors were confirmed, their names and photos appeared in major newspapers, sparking huge discussion in the country.

Of course there were scoldings.

Although in later generations, this 1987 version of “Dream of Red Mansions” has become a well-deserved classic in people’s minds.

Chen Xiaoxu, Ouyang Fenqiang and Deng Jie, who played Lin Daiyu, Jia Baoyu, Wang Xifeng and others, have also become the chosen ones in people’s minds and are irreplaceable.

But this was not the case when it was first broadcast on TV. When it was first broadcast, “Dream of Red Mansions” did not receive such recognition.

On the contrary, there are constant controversies, with newspapers and radio reporting various evaluations and criticisms incessantly.

This kind of criticism started from the casting. As soon as the cast list of “Dream of Red Mansions” was announced, there was huge controversy and the crew was directly scolded.

For example, the most controversial and most criticized one is: Chen Xiaoxu is not beautiful enough!

“What kind of actress did you find? She can’t even compare to Xue Baochai in appearance. Even the maid Qingwen is prettier than her!”

“Why does Lin Daiyu have three white eyes?”

“This actor’s nose is too pointy!”

“When the actress Chen Xiaoxu smiles and shows her teeth, how can she look like Lin Daiyu?”

Opinions and voices like these are everywhere.

Wang Fulin was also frightened by the overwhelming criticism.

In a hurry, he had to quickly ask these key figures from the advisory group to come and stabilize the morale of his troops.

Jiang Xian followed a group of old men and stood next to the set. The actors soon appeared on stage.

He immediately noticed the protagonist Chen Xiaoxu.

The girl probably had a psychological trauma from being criticized. When she played the role of Lin Daiyu and laughed, she either covered her mouth with a fan or with the back of her hand, refusing to let her teeth show.

The consultants stayed on the set for three days and watched three days of filming.

Finally, we sat together, with each person sitting on a small stool to hold the meeting.

“The actors are all very good, but their performances are still too superficial.” Cao Yu commented, “Let me take the actress who played Lin Daiyu as an example. Her performance was a bit petty. What is Lin Daiyu’s identity? She is a noble lady. By acting like this, she failed to show her dependent state, her rebellious spirit, and her inner pursuit and noble qualities as a poet.”

A group of big shots listened to Cao Yu’s words and nodded continuously.

As for Chen Xiaoxu, tears of grievance welled up in his eyes as he listened to Cao Yu’s comments.

She was not an actress.

This step into the film and television industry, and the role she played was Lin Daiyu, the most watched character in the country, the pressure can be imagined.

Coupled with the overwhelming scolding and criticism during this period, although she had a mean temper, she cried secretly many times.

Listening to Cao Yu’s comments again, I suddenly felt that life was bleak and the future was uncertain. When I thought that I might be kicked out by Director Wang in the next second and return to my hometown in Anshan in disgrace, my eyes were as bleak as a salted fish that had lost its ideals.
“Teacher, you are right.”

At this moment, Jiang Xian coughed lightly and said, “I agree with what Mr. Cao Yu said, but in fact, film and television art is an art of regret. In my opinion, it is difficult to be perfect, and the same is true for actors’ performances.”

After Jiang Xian said this, everyone around him seemed to be thinking about something.

Chen Xiaoxu was also stunned. She didn’t expect Jiang Xian to stand up and say these words for her. She stared at Jiang Xian in a daze.

“How to completely integrate oneself with the role played, rather than forcing them to fit together, may really take time, and also require people like us to be more tolerant and understanding.”

Jiang Xian spoke slowly.

He was really a little worried because his appearance would affect the development of history and eventually lead to Chen Xiaoxu being replaced.

So I quickly stood up and said a few words on behalf of Chen Xiaoxu to prevent any deviation in the actor who played Lin Daiyu in this drama.

After finishing his speech, he modestly said, “It’s just my humble opinion. Please forgive me for making fun of you seniors.”

“That’s a good point.”

“That makes sense.”

The old consultants were still very friendly and all felt that what Jiang Xian said was not bad.

Cao Yu nodded thoughtfully, “Mr. Jiang Xian said it well. In fact, this female comrade still has many remarkable qualities, such as Daiyu’s playfulness, wit, and cuteness.”

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the actors.”

Wu Zuxiang also spoke up at this time, “Let’s just continue with the current cast. How can there be actors who can 100% restore the characters in Dream of the Red Chamber? It’s impossible to create a Lin Daiyu who is exactly the same as in the book, but the role can be performed. How to perform it in a way that touches people’s hearts depends on the actors’ own abilities.”

With a few people speaking up, and the other consultants having no different opinions, it was basically decided not to change the actors.

Ling Jiefang was slacking off the whole time, but he was not really slacking off. His opinions coincided with those of other experts. Other experts said it and won the MVP, but he didn’t. So we can’t say that he won without doing anything, because he also wanted to express his opinion.

“Liberate the comrades.”

Back at the resting place, Ling Jiefang was planning in his mind what to bring back to Henan from Beijing this time, when he was suddenly stopped by Jiang Xian.

“What’s the matter, Comrade Jiang Xian?”

“Well, I heard it from others.” Jiang Xian came over with a smile: “I heard from other comrades that you are writing a manuscript recently?”

Ling Jiefang nodded, “That’s right.”

It was because of his tinkering with the Dream of the Red Chamber that he developed the urge to create and decided to write a “emperor” novel.

Which emperor?
Kangxi!

Ling Jiefang named this novel “Emperor Kangxi” and planned to write the whole book in four volumes. He is currently writing the first volume.

“It’s like this. I’m in charge of publishing a magazine recently. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it.” Jiang Xian said, “It’s called People’s Digest.”

“I know, I know.”

Ling Jiefang nodded. “There is such a magazine in the recent newsletter of our Nanyang Cultural Center. I have read it. It is of a very high standard.”

“Our magazine is a monthly publication. The editorial department has just been established. We have few staff and a heavy workload. I am now eager to get manuscripts. Every day I try to find ways to collect manuscripts. I am afraid that I will not be able to collect manuscripts by the end of the month.”

Jiang Xian first complained about his troubles, and then said:

“If you don’t mind, why don’t you give me your novel so I can see how good it is and whether it can be published. If it can be published, I will serialize it in a magazine and pay you for it.”

“no problem.”

Ling Jiefang agreed readily.

He had previously been involved in the field of “Redology”, and this was his first time stepping into the field of literature, so he had no way to submit his work.

Now that someone has taken the initiative to ask him to write an article, Ling Jiefang is of course happy to do so.

This is a good thing that can earn royalties!
Ling Jiefang is already in his early 40s this year. He has never thought about making a name for himself by writing novels, becoming famous with one book, and becoming a big star.

How many people in history have become famous with just one book?

The number of slaps is indeed too small.

But such people are definitely one in a million.

Since he was one in a million, why did it have to be Ling Jiefang?

Ling Jiefang’s idea is very practical.

The main reason for his creation is the impulse in his heart, which is to fulfill his obsession for many years.

But if he could get some rewards for writing, Ling Jiefang would certainly not resist.

He is poor.

His family can’t even afford an electric fan.

It’s hot without a fan, so I have to take off my clothes. If I take off my clothes, I will be bitten by mosquitoes, and if I am bitten, I cannot concentrate on writing.

So, when Ling Jiefang wrote, he wore pants, soaked his legs in a bucket of water, and wrapped his arms with a towel.

Now after listening to Jiang Xian’s words, he couldn’t help but feel a little eager. If he could earn some royalties from his manuscripts and buy an electric fan for his home, his creation would be much more comfortable.

What Ling Jiefang couldn’t have expected was.

His book “Emperor Kangxi” really made him famous.

This book, “Emperor Kangxi”, caused a sensation across the country after its publication and has been a best-seller at home and abroad for forty years. It is hailed as “the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty historical novels.”

Let’s put it this way, why do later film and television works particularly favor the “Qing Dynasty”? Why do they especially like to focus on Kangxi?
The root of the problem can be traced back to the book “Emperor Kangxi”.

This book opened up the market for Qing Dynasty and Kangxi themes and laid the foundation.

And now, Jiang Xian is the only one in the world who knows all this.

After getting Ling Jiefang, he got a big bargain and got “Kangxi the Great”, which made him feel relieved.

Just after turning two courtyard gates, I was suddenly called by someone. When I turned around, it was Chen Xiaoxu.

“Teacher Jiang!”

“Comrade Xiaoxu? Is there anything wrong?” Jiang Xian asked puzzledly.

Chen Xiaoxu ran over with a slightly red face, “I’m fine, I just wanted to thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me for no reason?”

“You’re my replacement today”

“Stop it, stop it.”

Jiang Xian blocked Chen Xiaoxu’s words, “I didn’t say that for you, I said it for all the actors. You don’t have to take it too seriously, because whether it’s me, Director Wang, or the consultants, we all hope that you actors can do well. Don’t take it too seriously, and don’t care too much about what others say. Just play your role well.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Chen Xiaoxu, who has always been mean, now behaved as obediently as a little white rabbit when listening to Jiang Xian’s earnest words to her.

Jiang Xian finished speaking and gave her some pointers, saying, “Lin Daiyu is not petty. Don’t be too sarcastic and mean. That’s too petty. You should try your best to express the talent of Lin Daiyu and the grace and connotation of a noble lady. If you act like a punching bag, then you won’t be cute, let alone likable. What do you think?”

“You’re right.” Chen Xiaoxu nodded obediently.

“Okay, I’m leaving first.” Jiang Xian felt that it was about time, so he said goodbye to her.

This is the crew of “A Red Mansion” and his wife is still in the crew. Besides, men and women must keep their distance at this time. If others see him talking to Chen Xiaoxu in private, wouldn’t rumors spread everywhere?
By then, you won’t be able to wash yourself clean even if you jump into the Yellow River.

Who would believe that we are discussing a play?
Jiang Xian left in a hurry. Chen Xiaoxu stood there, looking at his back, quietly thinking about what he had said to her, a smile appeared very naturally at the corner of her mouth.

Wang Fulin was passing by with his assistant. When he saw Chen Xiaoxu, he wanted to go over and say a few words to her.

But the girl seemed to be thinking about something.

“Xiao Xu.” The assistant was about to call her, but Wang Fulin raised his hand to stop her.

He carefully observed the expression on Chen Xiaoxu’s face and whispered:
“Coquettish and playful!”

“She has to be the one to play Daiyu!”

“dad.”

In Jingshan East Hutong, Jiang Xian listened to his daughter calling him vaguely, and his heart was filled with warmth.

Jiang Niannian is almost one year old.

He has grown a lot taller and fatter. When he was born he weighed 6.42 catties, but now he weighs more than 10 kg.

When the little one was just born, he could only cry, but now he has learned some ways to express his emotions, such as laughing, frowning, and losing his temper.

“Sister, your daughter has a bad temper.” Zhu Hong complained to Zhu Lin, “She gets angry at the slightest thing that doesn’t go her way. I don’t know if it’s your turn or my brother-in-law’s.”

“Why don’t you just say it’s up to you?” Zhu Lin rolled her eyes at her.

“This is not my daughter.” Zhu Hong muttered.

Zhu Lin ignored her, took the child from Jiang Xian’s arms, coaxed him for a while, and then looked at him with a little uneasiness.

“Jiang Xian.”

“The factory talked to me.”

(End of this chapter)