Chapter 291: Praise and Criticism of Youth
“Give me a copy of the Literary and Art Newspaper, today’s one.”

October 19th.

Wangfujing Bookstore in Beijing.

The narrow sidewalk in front of the bookstore was filled with young people.

The young people, all wearing military coats and red cotton-padded jackets, were shivering in the cold wind of the early morning, but they were not afraid at all. They had looks of anticipation and excitement on their faces, and chatted with their friends about the plot of “Youth”.

Apparently they all came to buy the new magazine “Military Travel Writers Special Issue”.

Originally, everyone came here for “Youth”.

However, after reading the works of other field writers, many people found that although they were not as good as “Youth”, the quality was also very good and worth reading.

This attracted a group of young people to buy.

Today, this is a literary magazine that truly records the grand military tour in August, the writers’ personal efforts on the front line in southern Xinjiang, and the soldiers on the front line.

Finally it became popular.

It became popular in Beijing and in many other big cities.

Suddenly, the circulation increased dramatically.

……

At the store entrance, the line moved forward several meters.

“Give me a copy of the Literary and Art Newspaper!”

Cheng Kaiyan straightened his hat that was blown askew by the wind, then lowered the hard brim, followed the team without stopping and walked into the bookstore, shouting to the clerk.

“Literary Newspaper, right? Two cents!”

The clerk skillfully took out a literary newspaper and handed it out.

The Wen Yi Bao is a nationally renowned newspaper review. During this period, a group of works by writers who had traveled through the military were published, and the Wen Yi Bao published several professional reviews by famous writers. As a result, many people wanted to read the reviews in the Wen Yi Bao after reading the works, so sales also soared.

“Row.”

Cheng Kaiyan took out a wallet from his inner jacket pocket, pulled out two dimes and handed it over, then picked up the newspaper and walked out.

I walked to the bus stop not far away, then stopped and waited for the bus.

“Wow~”

Cheng Kaiyan leaned his shoulders against the tree next to the platform. He shook off the newspaper, which was a bit hard because it had just come out of the printing factory, and his eyes fell on the newspaper to read.

The first thing that caught my eye was the comments and reflections on Youth written by the famous female writer Zhang Jie in the Literary Gazette. She said:

“Cheng Kaiyan’s description of youth in Youth is probably the most romantic, passionate and beautiful that I have ever seen in my life.

In the novel, I saw him write more than once:

‘The green painted white walls of the rehearsal room, the mottled blackboard and chalk’

‘The warm sunlight fell on the floor and the girls’ beautiful bodies, leaving long shadows on the floor’

‘They were dressed in training clothes and dancing on a lively and grand stage.’

‘A distant view of people jogging in the morning mist and chatting busily’

These collective symbols that integrate individual youth into the times are his beautiful memories and remembrances of youth.

Just like an impressionist oil painting by a master, a group of young boys and girls from the art troupe are frozen in hazy and beautiful light and shadow.

It is like a poem of youth written with tears as ink and life as pen.

In my opinion, rather than calling it a work of military literature, it is more like a commemoration and reflection of Cheng Kaiyan…”

“Zhang Jie, this teacher seems to be the one who wrote “Love, Can’t Be Forgotten” and “Heavy Wings”, right?”

Cheng Kaiyan silently took in Teacher Zhang Jie’s comments and pondered.

He was still quite concerned about the comments after Youth was published, after all, Youth involved some dark sides of the army.

Fortunately, the tone of Teacher Zhang Jie’s first review was relatively positive and only talked about youth.

“Drip drop~”

Just as he was thinking, the bus came.

Cheng Kaiyan put aside her worries, clutched the newspaper and boarded the bus.

Heading towards Beijing Normal University.

at the same time.

In the “Yangtze River Daily”, the well-known female writer Ms. Zhan Rong expressed her views on “Youth” and even had a conversation with Ms. Zhang Jie across the air.

She said: “The youth described by Cheng Kaiyan is not as beautiful and dreamy as that written by Zhang Jie, and the carving of the article is not that simple.

The work “Youth” is set in the 1970s, an era before the reform and opening up. As a military unit, the art troupe was subject to militarized high-pressure management.

Such a group of young boys and girls are alienated unconsciously in an oppressive and controlling environment.

The discrimination against Shen Xiaoping’s body odor, the children of cadres formed a small group to secretly exclude Cheng Lu, a combat hero, the child of cadres Liu Tao placed a blade out of jealousy, the people in the art troupe were silent during the investigation, Lin Suisui ruthlessly tore up the letter that was once full of love in the toilet late at night and flushed it into the sewer…

It is built on these dark, repressive and distorted foundations.

The youthful shadows that the boys and girls can’t help but reveal in their life in the art troupe are even more unforgettable.

Just like in her youth, on the eve of the National Day performance, Lin Suisui took a tomato handed to her by Cheng Lu in the grove. When she bit it, the juice overflowed and a satisfied smile bloomed on her face.

I think this is the clip that is closest to the essence of youth. Through simple movements and natural light and shadow, it restores the precious feeling of small happiness in the material scarcity of that era.

The aftertaste of his words is long-lasting, as pure as the tomatoes we ate as children.

The reason why they are beautiful is not simply beautification.

Instead, through realistic descriptions, the author constructs a youth utopia for the art troupe that is both real and idealized, beautiful and cruel.

Youth is the filter of memory, filtering out the bitterness and leaving behind the halo. “

……

The heated discussion about youth and beauty in “Youth” by two heavyweight female writers in the domestic literary world quickly attracted the attention of many literature lovers.

After carefully reading “Youth”, many literary writers, critics and literature lovers wrote reviews in newspapers across the country.

From the Yangtze River Daily, Guangming Daily, Xiangjiang Daily, China Youth Daily, to the Yanjing Daily, Tianjin Daily and Nanfang Daily, many comments have emerged.

Yang Shuan, editor-in-chief of Fangcao Magazine, said in the Yangtze River Daily: “The work “Youth” is based on the real experience of Comrade Cheng Kaiyan in the army when he was a teenager. He joined the army at the age of 14, and was recommended to the Southern Xinjiang Victory Art Troupe as a pianist at the age of 15 because of his piano skills. He lived and worked in the art troupe until he was 19 years old. “Youth” may be a personal memoir of Comrade Cheng Kaiyan…”

……

……

“I also really like Cheng Kaiyan’s delicate brushstrokes about the beauty of youth in “Youth”, which is really similar to his style in the first volume of “Fragrant Grass”. Even the names of the two works are so similar, maybe they are sister works?”

“The disillusionment with personal growth and youthful ideals is only the surface of Youth. Inside, there is a deep and sharp reflection and criticism, which is what we want.”

“Yes! This is just like the Fengyue Baojian in Dream of the Red Chamber, with a beauty on one side and a skull on the other side…”

“Youth is composed of a diary and the protagonist’s dual memories from their perspective. It is really sad that this diary, which the mother asked to be written, has never returned to her.

I personally think that it is quite unwise for the protagonist Cheng Lu to choose to wash with blood after being slandered. It may be that he was subtly disciplined by collectivism and had the idea of ​​self-combustion…”

After reading the reviews related to “Youth”, many readers wrote down their thoughts.

There were lively exchanges and discussions in the streets and alleys about the true meaning of “Youth”.

They do not think that this work is limited to youthful ideals, nostalgia and memories, but that there is something deeper to be discovered.

Until October 22nd.

Such a critical article from the well-known literary critic Zhai Haoqiang appeared in the “Literary Gazette” –

“Heroes deconstruct heroism and collectivism? How ironic!”

This critical article, which gave an in-depth interpretation of “Youth”, caused an instant uproar as soon as it came out.

Zhai Haoqiang believes that the seemingly beautiful art troupe in “Youth” actually uses obscure methods to depict the existence of oppression within the troupe, the privileges of children of cadres, and other plots, which is suspected of vilifying the image and polluting the purity of the revolutionary team.

In particular, Cheng Lu’s transformation from a combat hero to a criticized person is an implicit “de-sacralization” of heroes, which is not conducive to the ideological education of young people. The lack of a bright ending is not in line with the fundamental purpose of “literature and art serve the people.”

It is really shocking and infuriating that literary works like this actually appear in front of the public!
……

Such fierce and sharp criticism is not uncommon in the literary and art circles, but it seems extremely shocking in the current situation.

Zhai Haoqiang’s criticism was like a sudden thunderstorm, impacting people’s minds immersed in their beautiful youth.

A dark cloud quietly enveloped the originally peaceful and positive literary public opinion.

Many paper media have reprinted the article.

For a time, voices of criticism began to rise.

Is it that “Youth” is too avant-garde in its literary pursuits, or is there something wrong with its stance?

Surrounding these two sharply contradictory arguments, the seemingly peaceful literary world also sparked a discussion and confrontation.

However, at this time, Cheng Kaiyan, the protagonist of the whole incident, was leisurely playing chess with his teacher.

“Since the teacher has chosen to play here, I will have to play in the middle. Sorry, teacher, my chess pieces are already in a line.”

The small garden that was once full of spring now only has chrysanthemums in bloom.

Under the crabapple tree beside the courtyard wall, the bleak autumn wind blew, and the yellow dead leaves floated in the air and landed on the wooden table.

On both sides of the wooden table, two figures sat opposite each other playing chess.

One was as young as twenty years old, and the other was over eighty years old.

The two men held black and white chess pieces in their hands and placed them on the chessboard, making crisp clicking sounds.

The atmosphere was leisurely and quiet, not disturbed at all by criticism and discussion from the outside world.

“No, not here.”

When Ye Shengtao heard Cheng Kaiyan’s words, he immediately regretted his move. He reached out to take the chess piece and put it back in Cheng Kaiyan’s previous position.

“hehe.”

Cheng Kaiyan smiled without saying anything and looked at the teacher in front of him who looked like an old naughty boy.

“What are you laughing at? Why are you playing Go with me instead of this stupid Gobang game?”

Ye Shengtao blew his beard and glared, dissatisfied.

“I don’t know how to play Go, so why should I play it? Besides, playing Go is not about winning or losing, it’s just to kill time. Why should I take it so seriously?”

Cheng Kaiyan said comfortingly.

“You are open-minded.”

Ye Shengtao nodded and said meaningfully.

Since the publication of “Youth”, he has been paying attention to the fact that “Youth” was severely criticized by some critics from the newspapers bought by his daughter-in-law Yao Cheng.

The fierce critical remarks instantly reminded him of that serious and tense period of time.

Even he found this matter a bit tricky.

After all, Cheng Kaiyan is a combat hero here, if the impact is bad…

“If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if water comes, we will block it with earth. We can’t control others because they have our mouths on their bodies.”

Cheng Kaiyan shook his head slowly. He was actually quite open-minded.

First of all, we have now entered the era of reform and opening up.

Secondly, he had thought about this problem as early as when he was creating “Youth” and consciously controlled it.

There’s talk outside.

The criticism is nothing more than focusing on the problems of the small group of children of cadres within the art troupe and the oppression of privileges in the second volume, as well as the plot in which the hero is slandered.

But these are real things.

Therefore, Cheng Kaiyan didn’t actually have much worries in her heart. She just looked at the teacher’s dry white hair, furrowed brows and somewhat tired face.

I feel both warmth and concern for his health.

He knew that the teacher was worried about him and might not have slept well for several days.

“Don’t worry, everything will be fine. How could I not know about my own work? I didn’t write some sensitive plots at all and softened them. Otherwise, do you think Cheng Lu will be acquitted because there is no evidence after entering the interrogation room?

These critics can only focus on certain words and plots, and exaggerate their criticism. In today’s era of scar literature and reflective literature, although Youth points directly to the potential oppression of collectivism, it is actually not a big deal. “

Cheng Kaiyan looked at the teacher and spoke in a gentle and comforting voice.

“Um……”

Ye Shengtao pondered for a moment and felt that this was true.

Besides, Cheng Kaiyan was awarded the title of Battlefield Literary Pioneer just last month, and she also has a field research team to support her.

This criticism is actually nothing.

Ye Shengtao laughed and sighed, “That’s true. Teacher has experienced that special period and is a bit afraid of the rope after being bitten by a snake once…”

“Aren’t you just too worried? I know you’re worried about me, but at your age, you should just take a good rest and enjoy your old age. In a few years, you can look forward to having grandchildren.”

Cheng Kaiyan stood up, refilled the teacher’s cup of hot tea, brought it to the old man and said with a smile.

“Haha… you’re still enjoying your grandchildren? Great-grandchildren are almost the same.”

Mr. Ye Shengtao felt a lot more relaxed and joked with a smile.

He actually treated Cheng Kaiyan as his grandson.

“Okay, wait.”

Cheng Kaiyan also laughed.

“You and Li girl, hurry up. I’m already over 80 years old… In a few years, maybe…”

As the old man spoke, his voice became lower.

Cheng Kaiyan’s heart darkened when he heard this, and he forced a smile and said, “I know, just wait.”

Although I haven’t reached that age yet, it’s time to put it on the agenda.

at the same time.

Beijing City, General Political Department Building.

A discussion meeting on the field writing competition and “Youth” is being held.

“Well, judging from your explanations, the work ‘Youth’ does not involve any fundamental issues. In principle, the organization will not take action against ‘Youth’ and Comrade Cheng Kaiyan. However, you three must resolve these negative public opinions as soon as possible.”

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Jiang Yunxia looked at Liu Baiyu, Wei Wei, and Xu Huaizhong calmly.

“Don’t worry, Minister Jiang, we will handle it.”

Mr. Wei Wei nodded calmly. In fact, he had guessed about this situation as early as when he finished reading this work.

Moreover, all three of them agreed with the publication of this work.

After the meeting.

A review article jointly signed by the three was published in the Literary Gazette: “Fang Hua does not deny the nobleness of the army as a whole, but reveals the oppression and alienation of the individual by the collective unconscious through the accidental tragedy of individual fate. This is a reasonable criticism of society by literature.

It is not a deconstruction, but a reconstruction of heroism. The experience of the protagonist Cheng Lu proves that true heroism does not lie in a perfect personality, but in the resilience to persist in ideals and glory after being broken.

His ordinariness and persistence prove that heroes are not perfect people, but ordinary people who stick to their conscience in the mud…”

The commentary articles by three famous military figures cleared away the gloom that had been there for many days.

At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army Daily also published a piece of news that the leaders of southern Xinjiang personally purchased the “Military Writers’ Special Issue” and called on the entire army to read and study it.

For a time, the entire literary world calmed down.

(End of this chapter)