Heavy wings

Author: Zhang Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Wings of the Heavy takes as its main thread a "clash" between high-ranking leaders in China during the late 1970s and early 1980s—specifically, the Minister of Heavy Industry and the Deputy Minister—centered around the reform of economic management systems. It portrays the rectification and reform of the Ministry of Heavy Industry, its affiliated Shuguang Automobile Manufacturing Factory, and grassroots work units from top to bottom. The narrative spans a wide range of issues, from characters' worldviews and methodologies to their political and marital relationships, as well as problems in political, economic, philosophical, ethical, folkloric, and literary-artistic domains. At the same time, it also addresses the burgeoning rural economic reform. In this sweeping artistic depiction, the novel successfully portrays typical figures like the reform-minded Deputy Minister of Heavy Industry Zheng Ziyun, the of Shuguang Automobile Manufacturing Factory Chen Yongming, and their adversaries, such as the Minister of Heavy Industry Tian Shoucheng, within their respective environments. It reveals the philosophical theme of "the pain of shedding a cocoon." Based on the author's perceptions and understanding of life realities and the reform process, the author vividly depicts the heroic struggles of Zheng Ziyun, Chen Yongming, and others in their efforts to rectify and reform, emphasizing their advances and defenses, breakthroughs and setbacks, joys and frustrations. It shows that they not only refuse to compromise with direct adversaries but also dare to raise banners of innovation and defiance amidst the embrace of old habits and outdated ideas, with an unwavering and resolute spirit. Zheng Ziyun, in particular, is an early example in new-era literature of a reformer and politician with a well-developed character, embodying the backbone of contemporary China. As an outstanding high-level leader, Zheng Ziyun possesses both a high level of Marxist theoretical cultivation and extensive practical experience. Despite his age and illness, his strong sense of social responsibility and awareness of impending crises drive him to bravely plunge into the tide of reform, seeking new paths for enterprise management through the reform of political and ideological work. The novel places him in fierce contention with his adversary—Tian Shoucheng—and in the violent clash between old and new ideologies, revealing his "restless" nature and the inner weariness and loneliness he feels, narrating his heroic yet tragic journey. The rivalry between Tian Shoucheng and Zheng Ziyun is deeply tinged with political struggle. Tian Shoucheng, long immersed in official circles, is shrewd, adept at manipulation, and skilled at shifting alliances. He not only watches Zheng Ziyun's reform efforts with indifference but also schemes to find fault and exploit weaknesses, leaving no stone unturned. He meticulously cares for his health while waiting for the ailing Zheng Ziyun to collapse on his own. He uses every means to strip Zheng Ziyun of his credentials as a representative to the 12th National Congress, perceiving Zheng as a "rebel" within the reformist camp. This "clash" between two government ministers before the 12th National Congress is, in essence, a microcosm of the struggle between social forces advocating and obstructing reform at the time. Meanwhile, the novel vividly portrays the severe challenges Zheng Ziyun and Chen Yongming face from traditional consciousness, "Leftist" ideology, petty bourgeois philosophy, inertia, and worldly notions—these "inertial forces"—as they struggle within an "invisible net." The conflicts between Deputy Minister Kong Xiang, Director Song Ke, and Zheng Ziyun's secretary Ji Hengquan and Zheng Ziyun and Chen Yongming typify such clashes between old and new ideologies. Kong Xiang's deeply ingrained "Leftist" mindset, Song Ke's narrow-mindedness and envy, and Ji Hengquan's worldly outlook and subservient mentality inevitably push them to oppose the reformers.