Reminiscences of Many People and Shadows of Literary Works, Issue 3

Author: Zhu Jian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "How Much Do You Know About the Past?" is a sentence in pure literary language that I learned from my primary school teacher. The teacher said that "how much do you know" actually means "how little do you know." With just one word of enlightenment, he dispelled my confusion and benefited me for life. However, I couldn’t figure out the teacher’s surname back then, and now it’s even harder to trace. Looking back at the scene, the teacher was probably invited by some friends to substitute for a few classes, and he spoke entirely about Li Houzhu. It doesn’t matter, I guess the teacher was a manifestation of Wenqu Xing (the Star of Literary Talent) who came down to the mortal world for a stroll, just to show us young ones the endless vitality and myriad transformations of "a river flows eastward." "How Much Do You Know About the Past?"—two years of primary school, both in and out of the classroom, there were so many things that happened. This doesn’t even mention the continuous anti-imperialist marches and street speeches starting every May. Now, when I think carefully, the most profound accumulation in my heart is probably "encountering Li Houzhu" and "thoroughly reading Jiang Guangci." As cultural symbols or metaphors holding different perspectives, they have waxed and waned in my not-so-short life journey, soaring and striving, yet remaining entangled. In my later years, as my mind gradually becomes clearer, I’m still entangled. Therefore, I’ve decided not to write any memoirs or "oral accounts" to leave behind my own confusion for the wise to laugh at. However, spring flowers and autumn moons, fallen petals are all full of emotion, and a thousand miles of bright moon share the same melody. The teachings of teachers and friends, the traces of companionship—whenever I recall them, my heart trembles and I can’t help myself. I take pen in hand to collect them, and stop when I’ve had enough. Without any disrespect, this is just a small token to express my gratitude and remembrance.