Blue Sky Tower Letter

Author: Shu Wu / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: At the passing of winter, a couplet was composed in memory: "Poetry masters both new and old, learning excels Han and Su, a small room stands like Mount Tai (it refers to the room name 'Mount Tai Studio'), in this era, Liu Yazi's heart belongs to it; sharing calamity with dragon and snake, deep bonds with Zhang and Fan, a grand eulogy on this day, send a final greeting to San Yi Sheng in the underworld." Later, another commemorative text was written, likely to be published in "New Literary Materials" around August or September. Last November, news of the passing of lifelong teachers and friends came frequently, and Mr. Tai Jingnong also passed away on November 9. Two commemorative texts had already been written, one published in the second issue of "Reading" this year, and the other will be published in the second issue of "New Literary Materials" this year. Writing such texts is not without sorrow, yet it is also the duty of the living, and I dare not shirk it. Regarding your elegy for Wang, the recent tracing of the manuscript's route has been clarified: Fang - Zhu - Shao - Huang. Given this, I alone will carry five poems, and even Zhu and Shao dare not show them. Regarding your inquiry for Shao and Huang's contact information, it is listed below. Your health should not be agitated, please take good care. The poet's sorrow and joy exceed ordinary people, and there are indeed unavoidable reasons for this. Yet, the path of the Dao resides within, and it can also elevate people to the realm of sainthood, which is truly believable. I hereby reply, and wish you well in your literary pursuits! My humble respects, Fang Guan () kowtow and pay my respects!
March 13, 1991, 10 pm
Dear Qian Fan:
I received your letter of April 25 and immediately called Mr. Shi Fu, who confirmed that the small piece of quoted verses has also been received today. He will write a thank-you letter to Shi. On April 7, I mailed two books simultaneously, one to Tianshui, which has already been confirmed as received, but the one to Nanjing has arrived late, which is quite strange. Fortunately, the receipt is still preserved, so there is no trace of it. Perhaps the large city's mail is often delayed. Regarding your three small essays on poetry theory, "Reading" has included them in the June issue. Please note to purchase them locally in Nanjing at that time to avoid back-and-forth mailing. The small essays are rough drafts and are far from satisfactory. I hope you will not hesitate to point out any flaws. Thank you!
Regarding Mr. Hou Jingtian, his spirit is truly inspiring. The materials he has collected for his book are also valuable for reference. His years of hard work and self-funded printing are far more commendable than others who spend their time gardening or fishing. I hereby reply, and wish you well in your literary pursuits! My humble respects, Fang Guan () kowtow and pay my respects!
April 28, 1991
Regarding your health, it is important to maintain a calm mind, as poetry writing may not be suitable. Please refrain from it! Recently, I came across one poem each by Mr. Miao Yanzwei, and I have attached them separately for your appreciation.
Dear Qian Fan:
I received your letter of November 11, along with the scroll "Ren Meng Fei Xiong" and your book "Version Compilation." The precious gifts are deeply appreciated. The four poems in a small frame span a thousand miles, with a seamless flow, embodying a "sense of the century" and truly opening new ground for predecessors. The couplet "A Few Stars" and the previous poem "After Calamity, the Banner Remains Un" are both breathtaking. In the study of versions, firsthand observation is paramount. I have heard that Li Shengduo teaches version studies by claiming to have seen hundreds of ancient and modern books. Neidong, who appreciates ancient jade, once sought advice from Puyi, who said, "I have nothing else, but having seen many real jade pieces, I can easily spot fakes." Yet, this is something only a nobleman or a half-century emperor could accomplish. The majority of us have spent half our lives in turmoil and war, and after tilling the land and raising pigs, how could we dare to hope for such? Your book organizes various views and has a grand and far-reaching system, benefiting future scholars, which is self-evident. I will wait to read it leisurely and express my gratitude in advance. Regarding the discussion on Qian Xue and Nie Xue, I deeply admire your insightful views. After Lu Xun, the essay should be attributed to Mr. Nie. I have long held this belief, but I was afraid of being disliked if I spoke it openly. Now that Mr. Xia Yan has spoken of it, today is the only one with the qualification to say it, which truly delights me. Nie regards Lu as his teacher but does not imitate his appearance. His writing is unrestrained and vigorous, with a profound and satisfying flow, differing greatly from Lu's sharp and decisive style. Yet, the unifying principle is the same as what you argue as "observing the human heart," which is close to the path of a scholar, though it is hard to say which is higher. It seems to have reached the realm of a "thinker," beyond the reach of those who spend their lives studying ancient texts. The book "The Bowstring Is Still Alive" is filled with substantive essays, without any mere social engagements. Works like those of Huang Miaozi and Lou Shiyi are deeply moving. I hope you will take time to read it and further prove the "Nie Xue" theory.
Stories of teachers and friends, if written in colloquial language, would have a greater impact. Today's young people truly regard learning from the past as a great matter. I hope you will pay attention. I hereby reply, and wish you well in your literary pursuits! My humble respects, Fang Guan ()
November 18, 1991
Regarding the works of Mr. Yutang from the Yue Lu edition, a list of the books I own is attached on another sheet for your reference when requesting them via mail. Mr. Zhong Peng from Xi'an passed away last month, and I received the calligraphy for the studio's name during his illness and was unable to reply.
Dear Qian Fan:
I received your letter of January 3. On New Year's Day, I sent a photo of your grandparents, which also served as a New Year's greeting. That was indeed the best New Year's card. In 1984, when I was in Nanjing, Li Ze brought Zaozao to visit. She was still a primary school student then. Li Ze said she aspired to write a poem titled "Every Family Poem." Now, looking at the photo, she is full of grace and composure, embodying the elegance of a noble family. Your smiling and waving seem to announce a new beginning, like a new ship setting sail. The colors are rich, and the spirit is bright—truly a wonderful photo. The commemorative collection for Mr. Geng, from the drafting to the editing, was mostly due to the efforts of Ms. Yao Xipei. The book is like a collection of biographical materials and holds long-term value, not just as a temporary commemoration. In previous letters, you often discussed "Nie Xue," but in fact, there are many who have quietly engaged in it, such as Zhu Zheng, Hou Jingtian, Yao Xipei, and Zhou Jianqiang (who wrote a biography of Nie). There are about seven or eight of them, all focused on foundational work, not as loudly as "Qian Xue," but it will continue to expand silently. Mr. Peng Yanjiao wrote an article titled "The Art of Writing Is Endless" in the October 1991 issue of "Reading," discussing Nie's poetry. The article is excellent. Have you seen it? Peng believes that Nie's new poetry is even better than his old poetry. Unfortunately, he is only known for his old poetry in his later years. Although his old poetry surpasses that of Yu, Liu, Tian, and Su, it is still "the art of writing that is endless." I think this argument is excellent and has contributed to poetry studies. Just as I heard that your new poetry collection will be published, I cannot help but celebrate this great event.
The snow and wind in Jinling seem to be more than in Yanjing. Although your health has improved, I still hope you will take extra care. I hereby reply, and wish you well in your literary pursuits! My humble respects, Fang Guan () kowtow and pay my respects!
January 6, 1992