Chapter 100: The Law of the Land in These Times

"Perhaps we can translate your novel together, Mikhail. I recall your French is also quite good. Of course, finding some Mr. proficient in translation to undertake this work would also be an excellent choice. We translating it ourselves might not achieve the desired effect."

Turgenev, who was quite enthusiastic about this task, continued: "Although I have no connections within the upper literary circles over there, rest assured. To ensure your work appears directly before the most renowned writers there, I will also strive to break into the French literary circles. Just wait for me to make you famous over there!"

Hmm, spread the word: Turgenev, in order to help promote Mikhail's work, had to sell out his own... Pfft!

Shaking his head to drive away those strange thoughts from his mind, Mikhail was indeed very moved. While expressing his gratitude to Turgenev, Mikhail, not wanting Turgenev to lose face in the Western European literary circles later, also spoke up proactively:

"So, Turgenev, you are going to France, correct? If so, I actually have some novels written in the Authentic method of French here..."

It must be said that back then, out of interest and some research needs, Mikhail did indeed look for the source texts of many works to read. After all, many works always feel a bit lacking when removed from their original language.

Just as foreigners would probably find it very difficult to understand the various imagery and the subtlety of the descriptions in 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.

However, back then Mikhail did force his way through a bit. He couldn't be said to have truly understood it, but fortunately he did read it; otherwise, he really wouldn't be able to recall it now.

No matter what, the original flavor is always good.

"Mikhail, you can write novels in French?!"

Although feeling that the phrasing of 'the Authentic method of French' was a bit strange, at this very moment Turgenev completely ignored this point. He just looked at Mikhail and said in disbelief:

"Writing novels in French is no simple matter. I didn't expect your French to have reached this level. Moreover, I am truly starting to wonder what your writing will look like. So when will you give me this novel? I can't wait to read it!"

Writing in a language other than one's mother tongue is not an easy task to begin with. Moreover, judging by Mikhail's implication, it seems he believes his French work has reached a level where it can be read aloud to those Mr. in the French literary circles?

Keep in mind, that is the French literary circle!

And in the recent one or two centuries, France could almost be called the cultural center and art center of Europe.

Turgenev looked quite shocked, while Mikhail, seeing him like this, actually thought there wasn't much wrong with it.

After all, although Old France performed terribly in the following century, to the point where the internet daily mocks France, raising two hands to make the French military salute.

But in these times, Old France was undoubtedly still a European power. Moreover, just a few decades ago, the Russian upper class was culturally almost a vassal of Old France. It was only after defeating Napoleon and wandering around France that they found quite a bit of national confidence.

However, even so, to this day, France's profound influence on Russia is still reflected in various aspects.

By the way, France has an Arc de Triomphe. It was ordered by Napoleon in 1806 to be built to commemorate the victory over the Russo-Austrian coalition army in 1805. After Napoleon was overthrown, this project was halted. It was not until the Bourbon Dynasty was overthrown that work resumed, and it was not completed until 1836.

Accompanying this was, of course, another joke related to France: "Many nations have passed in front of the French Arc de Triomphe, but the Moscow Arc de Triomphe is an exception." Regarding this Arc de Triomphe, Russia also went all out face-to-face. In 1814, to celebrate the return of the Russian troops from the Western European expedition after defeating Napoleon, the people of Moscow built a wooden Arc de Triomphe at the Tver Gate. Later, the wooden Arc de Triomphe rotted. After many twists and turns, it was not until 1968 that an exact replica of the original was built on Kutuzov Avenue.

Accompanying this was, of course, another joke related to France: "Many nations have passed in front of the French Arc de Triomphe, but the Moscow Arc de Triomphe is an exception."

So returning to the present, Old France is still capable. As for literature, Old France was also quite glorious in the nineteenth century.

In the coming year of 1845, Victor Hugo is about to be ennobled as a Peer of France by Louis Philippe and will also become a member of the Chamber of Peers. But shortly after, he gradually moved towards a republican stance and began to strive tirelessly for liberty and democracy.

At the same time, the 'Boss' of the French literary circle, Alexandre Dumas, who would later be known as the Great Dumas, was continuing to write the progenitor of 'cool novels', 'The Count of Monte Cristo', this year.

Of course, like many writers of this century, revolution was Dumas's main profession; writing works was merely a small hobby on the side.

As for Honoré de Balzac, who owed a butt-load of debt, although he had already written 'La Comédie Humaine', which was enough to make him immortal in French literary history, due to his habit of spending money recklessly, he was still furiously drinking coffee and writing manuscripts to pay off his debts.

Even after his death, he still left behind a debt of a full 210,000 francs. Regarding this, Mikhail could only say, "Bro, you really know how to spend."

And also in this year, Gustave Flaubert had just started trying to write novels, and as for Guy de Maupassant, his father and mother probably didn't even know each other yet.

In short, Old France in these times undoubtedly still maintained a certain cultural advantage. In the eyes of a 'Westernizer' like Turgenev, the status of Old France was probably even more sacred. Precisely for this reason, upon learning that Mikhail actually wrote novels in French, he reacted in such a manner.

To this, Mikhail just humbly waved his hand: "Just trying it out, just a little knowledge, just a little knowledge. I'll bring it to you in a couple of days. If you think it's good, you could conveniently submit it for me in Paris then."

"I understand..."

Seeing that Mikhail seemed to truly intend to submit the work, Turgenev nodded and agreed, but at the same time, he unconsciously shook his head slightly in his heart.

In Turgenev's eyes, Mikhail's short stories were certainly good, but writing in a different language might not produce that same effect, especially in front of those French people who look down on everyone; they would probably be subjected to even stricter scrutiny.

Of course, thinking is one thing, but we'll see how it really is after reading the work!

While Turgenev was thinking this, Mikhail also couldn't help but look towards Old Dostoevsky and Dmitri. Just now, Mikhail had noticed that these two seemed to be chatting very fluently, and they were chatting quite enthusiastically.

Hmm? So Dmitri actually knows Old Dostoevsky?

Does this mean the three of us are going to get rich together?

(End of Chapter)