"Professor Tao, you're a renowned figure in prose. This time, we really need you to step in."
'Youth Literature' held a high status. Although its circulation wasn't the largest, its unique position and distinctive ideas gave it immense influence among young readers. After Qiushui's scathing article was published, Mota Publishing took it extremely seriously. After thoroughly scolding Nianhua, Gao Hong, the head of youth literature at Mota Publishing, personally visited Professor Tao Yuanbai of Modu University.
"Oh come on, Gao Hong, don't flatter me. Didn't your Mota Publishing already promote a top-tier prose writer, Han Jin? Why drag this old man out? Just let Han Jin handle it."
"Professor Tao, I mean every word sincerely. We've indeed promoted Han Jin, but as you know, he's still young. His knowledge and experience are lacking. The reason his works are popular is simply that they cater to modern youth tastes. That's nothing compared to a true scholar like you."
"Hm, at least you've got some insight."
Tao Yuanbai looked quite pleased.
Seeing an opening, Gao Hong continued, "Professor Tao, you've seen it yourself. That Qiushui fellow attacking Nianhua is one thing; Nianhua brought it on himself. But in doing so, he also trashed the entire prose genre. Look at what he said about prose needing to be 'loose in form, unified in spirit.' It sounds reasonable on the surface, but I think it's complete nonsense. If you don't step in, a lot of young readers might be misled by him."
"From what you're saying, I really should go meet this Qiushui."
"Exactly. You should have done so earlier. And this Qiushui guy, though somewhat talented, is far too arrogant. Did you know he once wrote an article called 'The Way of Great Learning'? In it, he claimed that all previous interpretations of 'Great Learning' were not truly great learning, but merely elementary or introductory knowledge. Just look at that kind of attitude. If we don't suppress his arrogance, the entire literary world will fall into chaos…"
"Oh? This Qiushui sounds quite bold."
"Bold? He's extremely arrogant. He even dares to question the words of the sage Zengzi. These are the words of a sage, yet he twists their meaning however he likes. You must step in."
"This is outrageous. Gao Hong, you can go back now. Don't worry, I'll write an article immediately."
"That's great, Professor Tao. I've already arranged the media outlets. As soon as your article is ready, it'll be published right away."
...
Meanwhile, another publishing house was also taking action.
"Mr. Shen, this time, we'll have to rely on you."
Fangyuan Publishing and Mota Publishing were both among the top ten publishers in the country, constantly competing for the top spot. Mota had Han Jin, while Fangyuan had Guo Cheng. Their strengths were evenly matched, and with overlapping business areas, their rivalry was intense.
But now, Qiushui's article has forced both sides to look for countermeasures.
Ling Donglai, a senior editor at Fangyuan Publishing, went to visit a well-known literary critic.
"Ling Donglai, you'd better find someone else. I can't deal with this Qiushui."
Shen Junru pointed at the article in 'Youth Literature' and spoke helplessly.
Qiushui's earlier 'The Way of Great Learning' still echoed in his mind. And now someone wanted him to refute him?
Not only did Shen Junru not want to, but he also knew he wasn't a match for Qiushui.
"Mr. Shen, you're too modest. You're a renowned literary critic, and you've reviewed countless prose works. We highly respect your insights on prose. Now this Qiushui article, though aimed at Nianhua, is also challenging your standing in the prose world."
"Ling Donglai, that kind of provocation won't work on me. Try something else."
"Of course, Mr. Shen. I know you're not concerned with personal fame. But what about your juniors? Across Huaguo, countless people write prose, and many rely on it for a living. Until now, everyone coexisted peacefully. But now Qiushui has come along, with one phrase, 'loose in form, unified in spirit,' and with the influence of 'Youth Literature', he's already affected many readers. If this idea continues to spread, many writers in this field might not survive."
"…."
Shen Junru hesitated.
"And another thing, Mr. Shen. Do you really agree with Qiushui's idea? I don't think so. Previously, you defined prose in a very meaningful way: prose is valued for its looseness.' If it's no longer loose, can it still be called prose? Don't you want to have a debate with him?"
"That's enough."
Shen Junru cut him off.
"Alright, I won't say more. Please consider it carefully. But even if you don't step forward, I believe many prose masters and scholars across Huaguo will. Whether you choose to act is up to you."
...
No one expected that a single article, "All Under Heaven Bustle for Profit," would ignite a massive literary conflict.
Across Huaguo, countless famous writers, prose masters, literary critics, and scholars joined the battle.
The fastest to respond was 'Guanghui Daily'.
The day after 'Youth Literature' published Qiushui's article, 'Guanghui Daily' featured a counterattack by Professor Tao Yuanbai of Modu University.
In his article, 'Yesterday and Tomorrow of Prose Creation', Tao Yuanbai sharply criticized the concept of "loose in form, unified in spirit." He argued that it was merely Qiushui's personal interpretation and could not represent the general understanding of prose, nor could it define its true essence.
If, as Qiushui claimed, prose must follow this principle and always present a clear central theme, then would it still be prose?
Tao Yuanbai believed that prose is defined by its flexibility in form and diversity in meaning. It may have a theme, but it can also exist without one. To rigidly define prose as "loose in form but not in spirit" was, in his view, narrow-minded and out of touch with modern literary trends.
Finally, Tao Yuanbai concluded that Qiushui's concept belonged to the past. It was outdated, a relic that could neither represent contemporary prose nor the future of prose.
Thus, the great prose war of Huaguo officially began.
==========
Unlock up to 50 advanced chapters on Patreon!
patreon.com/Childish_Patriarch