Go with the flow

Author: Wang Zengqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Tracing the footsteps of modern Chinese prose in the 20th century, whether it's the early "Yushi Faction" or "Lunyu Faction," the mother-love praising "Bingxin Style," Xu Zhimo's "Wild Horse Running" prose, or the once revered new classics by Yang Shuo, Qin Mu, and Liu Baiyu, all the way to the other side of the strait where Yu Guangzhong vowed to "" (cut off the of prose), or even the recent "Big Cultural Prose" or "Little Woman Prose," at least in one aspect they are consistent: "I write with my own hands, I speak with my own mouth." No matter what "literary style," whether it's the hard-hitting political critiques leaning toward essays, or the soft and melodramatic, tearful sighs of emotion, or the sorrowful and lamenting prose triggered by scenery and emotions, prose, to some extent, can exist as a sanctuary for the soul or a resting place for the spirit. Art is independent, and prose must be personal. The title "" (Go with the Flow) reveals a leisurely and carefree sentiment. Wang Zengqi turned his suffering from being mistakenly labeled a rightist into "three lifetimes of good fortune," because during his down-to-earth experience, he "gained a firsthand understanding of how labor is a heavy burden," and after having his rightist label removed, he returned to his institute as "the person in the country who has tasted the most potato varieties." That's how he went with the flow! He wanted readers to take a leisurely break in his tranquil literary paradise, only to find a life full of flavors and diverse colors before them. Wang Zengqi blended the aesthetic tendencies of the "Beiping Faction," represented by Shen Congwen and Fei Ming, subtly permeating his novels and prose. Reading his works feels like leisurely savoring a fragrant tea after a busy day.