Chapter 64: Award Presentation

From the killing of a candid, outspoken official of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, and then as heavy snow swirls the story begins, giving a slowly unfolding epic feeling.

Next, Zhejiang forcefully promotes replacing rice with mulberry, and the prefect leads troops to trample the seedlings…

Seeing this, Wang Meng couldn't help but take a deep breath.

In the court, the Son of Heaven is immersed in alchemy, single‑mindedly seeking the Dao to ascend to immortality.

To satisfy his personal desire, the local authorities forcibly promote mulberry trees and dispatch troops to suppress the resisting populace…

From the gloom in the halls of power to the misery among the people, the two together are deeply moving, and the scenes and plot are highly tense.

At this point, the manuscript abruptly stops, making one eager to see the exciting parts that follow.

"You plan to write a long novel, right?"

Wang Meng closed the manuscript, took a sip of tea, and asked, "What length are you aiming for?"

"Around 600,000 words."

Great Ming 1566 is a massive novel; based on the length of its adapted TV series, Xu Yuexin has only reached the second episode so far, already nearing 30,000 words.

"Hmm, a long novel best showcases a writer's structural skill."

"Write diligently. When you truly finish this work, I believe your writing career will enter a new realm."

Wang Meng looked at Xu Yuexin appreciatively and said, "As for the editing you mentioned, I indeed don't dare to claim it; the opening is already excellent, showing your strong penmanship."

"I hope you can maintain this level in the subsequent sections. In a long novel, the part after 300,000 words is the most demanding."

"Thank you for your guidance; I will keep it in mind."

Xu Yuexin said modestly, "By the way, I have another matter I'd like to ask you about."

"Go ahead."

"May I ask how current policies regulate authors publishing works in Xiangjiang and abroad?"

"You mean publishing overseas?"

Wang Meng thought for a moment, then answered, "From my recollection, from the founding of the nation until the 1960s there was a period when works could be published abroad. Of course, the distribution was mainly to friendly countries such as Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union."

"The change began during a special period; at that time, aside from speeches, there were no records of books or periodicals being published in Xiangjiang or overseas."

"What, it seems you want to give it a try?"

"Exactly. I think this is an endeavor extremely beneficial to the nation and society."

Xu Yuexin said sincerely, "Take 'Wreath Under the High Mountain' as an example; sending it to Xiangjiang and overseas for publication can showcase to the world our country's soldiers' resilient, steadfast, and noble heroic image."

"What do you think?"

Hmm…

Wang Meng, after hearing Xu Yuexin's words, fell into thought.

At their level, the primary concern is not the profit a book might generate after publication, but its political and social impact.

Indeed, as Xu Yuexin said, once 'Wreath Under the High Mountain' can be published in Xiangjiang and internationally, the world will witness the heroic spirit of our people's soldiers.

Simply on that basis, I find it necessary to help this young author.

The only problem is that in the past decade or so there has been no precedent of authors publishing in Xiangjiang or abroad; breaking this zero record requires seeking leadership support.

……

"I agree with what you just said."

After some contemplation, Wang Meng stated, "The next time I meet the relevant cultural department leaders, I will bring this up to them."

"We will strive to obtain higher‑level departmental support, so your work can reach the world as soon as possible."

Wang Meng agreed.

Xu Yuexin felt a surge of vigor, straightened his back, and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

"My home is in Building 15 of Keyuan Community; I've had time lately."

"When you have news, could you please let me know?"

"It's no trouble; a good work should go to a bigger stage for more people to see."

Wang Meng smiled, waved grandly, and his mind already began planning how to communicate with the leaders later.

……After returning from Wang Meng's house, Xu Yuexin wrote a letter to People's Literature, informing them of his new address.

Then he wrote a separate letter to each of the magazines Shanghai Arts, Yan River, Duck Green River, October Magazine, and Contemporary, proactively expressing his intention to cooperate on publication.

Xu Yuexin originally requested a non‑exclusive contract with People's Literature; that was his intention.

Making money from just one outlet isn't enough; we need to blossom everywhere! After leaving, Xu Yuexin tossed a stack of letters into the mailbox and rode his bicycle to Jia Su Yuan.

The admission notice from Yanda should have arrived; he still had the old address registered with the College Entrance Exam Office.

When he got there, Xu Yuexin opened the mailbox and saw two of his own letters inside.

One was an admission notice from Yanjing University, the other a letter from People's Literature.

The envelope of the admission notice was plain; on the yellow kraft paper were the handwritten characters "Xu Yuexin Comrade" in large script, and the sign‑off below was from the Yanjing University Admissions Office, stamped with a purple square seal.

Xu Yuexin took a deep breath, restrained his excitement, placed Yanda's notice and People's Literature's letter into his bike basket, and rode home at top speed, eager to share the joy with Chen Qiaoqiao.

"Look, what's this?"

Upon arriving home, Xu Yuexin immediately showed the admission notice to Chen Qiaoqiao.

Chen Qiaoqiao had been reading in the bedroom; hearing Xu Yuexin's voice, she instantly set the book down, stood up happily, and said, "Quickly open it and take a look."

"Ssshh…"

Xu Yuexin carefully tore open the envelope, and line after line of neat lead‑type characters came into view.

Haiding District Education Committee, to Comrade Xu Yuexin: Having been admitted by the school, the Beijing City Higher Education Admissions Committee approves your enrollment in our university's Chinese Department, Contemporary Chinese Literature major, regular class; please report to the school on October 5–6, 1979.

The sign‑off at the bottom is the Yanjing University Party Committee.

Xu Yuexin read those few short lines over and over, his heart full of joy.

Finally, he is about to go to the highest hall of national education.

Ahem, congratulations, comrade Top Scholar.

From now on, you're a member of Yanda, and I will now have a top‑scholar junior brother.

At that moment, Qiao Qiao placed her hands behind her back, stifling a laugh as she deliberately said, "If you have any questions about university life in the future, feel free to ask senior sister me for advice."

Xu Yuexin set aside the admission notice, lifted the corner of his mouth and looked at Qiao Qiao: "Oh. Senior sister, may I ask, is university life romantic?"

"Of course, not romantic!"

Qiao Qiao crossed her arms over her chest, huffing, "Be honest, do you have feelings now?"

"Can't it be romantic with you?"

Xu Yuexin casually pulled Qiao Qiao into his arms, whispered into her ear, "Continuing romance after marrying one's own wife—how wonderful."

Campus couples of the late '70s and early '80s sound truly beautiful.

Qiao Qiao suddenly felt both shy and delighted, a flush spreading across her cheeks.

"Only you know how to cheer people up."

Qiao Qiao pressed her heated cheek against Xu Yuexin's chest and said, then noticed the letter on the desk, "Isn't there still an unopened letter? Open it quickly."

"It's from People's Literature; probably the Editor Group Leader is looking for me."

Xu Yuexin temporarily let her be, walked to the desk and opened the second envelope.

Upon seeing the letter paper, he realized the handwriting above was not Wang Chaoyin's.

"Hello Xiao Xu, I am People's Literature Chief Editor Li Ji."

"Congratulations, your work has won our society's 1977‑1979 Excellent Literary Works Award; the award ceremony will be on July 26, 1979, at Chaonei 166 Courtyard."

……

"We hope you can find some free time amid your busy schedule to visit our society."

Line after line of vigorous, powerful characters leapt onto the paper, and Xu Yuexin's spirits rose along with them.

I won?

(End of chapter)