After reading Tao Yuanbai's critique, the well-known scholar Li Qi also strongly opposed Qiushui's concept of "loose in form, unified in spirit." He argued that prose originally had no fixed definition, so why impose one? Sometimes, casual essays or memoirs can all be considered prose. But according to this "loose in form, unified in spirit" theory, does that mean we must assign a central theme to everything we write? He believed this was far too one-sided. In many cases, prose doesn't need a central idea at all.
Another well-known scholar, Qiuhanshi, also agreed with Li Qi. He further stated that the expression of a central idea should take many forms. Sometimes, works without a clear theme, subtle and implicit, can inspire profound thought. This kind of effect cannot be achieved by narrow artistic perspectives. Therefore, while "loose in form, unified in spirit" may sound reasonable, it is too narrow-minded and not beneficial for the future development of prose.
Meanwhile, 'Literary Gazette', following 'Guanghui Daily', invited the renowned prose master Feiwo to weigh in. Although Feiwo had written little prose in recent years, he had been one of the most influential figures in the 1990s. Writers like him brought prose to the masses. It could be said that without that older generation, prose would not have reached its current prominence.
In his article, Feiwo stated:
"'Loose in form, unified in spirit' is an interesting idea. However, prose is ever-changing and does not follow rigid rules. In recent years, prose has evolved rapidly and moved far beyond earlier definitions. Today, prose is widely regarded as 'beautiful writing.' This 'beauty' does not refer to deep meaning, but rather to aesthetic form. After reading too many works with forced central themes, readers may find a different kind of charm in pieces that appear aimless and lack a defined core."
...
The prose war had officially begun.
Unfortunately, the central figure of the controversy, Huang Yifan, wasn't paying attention at all.
"Huang Yifan, No.1 High, No.2 High, No.5 High, and No.6 High are organizing a county-wide recitation competition. Which piece do you think I should choose?"
At lunch, as usual, Zhang Huiping was eating with him and asked the question.
"A recitation competition? What's the point? It's useless."
Huang Yifan ignored it and kept eating.
"Just to improve my literary skills. What about 'Years in the Rain'?"
"Come on, that's a farewell poem. It's too sad. Why recite something like that?"
"Then how about 'Written for Happiness'? That one isn't sad."
"Not sad, sure. But it's basically a girl daydreaming about love. Do you think that's appropriate? Or… Zhang Huiping, did you fall for some handsome guy after starting high school? If you did, tell me, I'll help you evaluate him."
"No!"
Zhang Huiping blushed and lightly hit him. "Then what about 'Wartime Years'? That should work, right?"
"It works, but it's too tragic and solemn. I'm not sure you can bring out its tone."
"Then what do you think I should recite?"
"You're a high school student. You should pick something about self-improvement, perseverance, studying hard, that kind of theme."
"But there aren't many poems or essays with that kind of theme. Oh right, Guo Cheng and Han Jin have some. Should I use theirs?"
"I…"
Hearing that, Huang Yifan nearly spat out his food.
"Zhang Huiping, have you lost your mind? Those two aren't real writers; they're basically celebrities. And their prose isn't good at all. Most of it lacks substance and meaning, just empty rambling. Some of it is just forced melancholy. Guo Cheng is 'sad today, sad tomorrow.' Han Jin just throws around idioms and complains about everything. Seriously, don't read their stuff."
"Is it really that bad?"
Zhang Huiping looked unconvinced.
"Of course. It's beyond bad. Even I could write better than them."
"Really?"
"Obviously."
"Then can you write one for me?"
"Well… uh… I was just bragging. Don't take it seriously."
Huang Yifan chuckled awkwardly. "I'm full. You figure it out yourself. See you later."
Patting his stomach, he left after eating his fill.
...
"Mr. Qiushui, Mr. Qiushui, are you there? Are you there?"
As soon as he got home, Ji Ziping's avatar on TT messenger started flashing nonstop.
Huang Yifan clicked and replied, "Editor Ji, what's so urgent?"
"How could it not be urgent? Something big has happened."
"What big thing?"
"Haven't you read today's newspaper commentaries?"
"Sorry, I don't have the habit of reading newspapers every day."
"Ah…"
"Alright, I'll keep it short. A few days ago, you published an article in 'Youth Literature', right?"
"Yeah. Did that Nianhua guy fight back?"
"No. Forget him. The problem is that your 'loose in form, unified in spirit' idea is being attacked by many well-known critics. They all say it doesn't represent modern prose and isn't suitable for current trends… and so on."
"Oh, that's it?"
Huang Yifan sounded completely unconcerned. "If they don't agree, then they don't. I'm not forcing them to accept my ideas."
"Mr. Qiushui, you…"
Ji Ziping nearly burst into tears.
"You're not going to respond?"
"Respond to what?"
"Defend your theory, of course."
"No need."
Huang Yifan shook his head again. "There's no absolute right answer in literature. I have my views, they have theirs. I only wrote that article to criticize Nianhua. Now that I've done that, I don't feel like arguing with others."
"But…"
Ji Ziping was at a loss for words.
It was the first time he had met a writer with zero desire to argue.
In Huaguo, which writer wasn't combative? Which one easily admitted defeat? Even a casual remark could spark endless debates. But this Qiushui treated fame and reputation like dirt, showing no interest in defending himself.
Ji Ziping suddenly recalled what Sun Zaian had said before, that Qiushui wrote for 'Youth Daily' to increase his fame. But now, this attitude didn't match that goal at all. Didn't he know that more controversy meant more recognition?
With that thought, Ji Ziping asked again, "Mr. Qiushui, your author rating is only 3-star right now. Don't you want to level up?"
"I do."
At the mention of leveling up, Huang Yifan became interested.
"Then why not respond?"
"Respond? If I argue with them, will I level up?"
"My god… Mr. Qiushui, you really don't know?"
At that moment, Ji Ziping felt like crying.
==========
Unlock up to 50 advanced chapters on Patreon!
patreon.com/Childish_Patriarch