Entering the top ten in the Ancient Literature Competition means gaining recognition in the field of imperial ancient literature, sometimes even transforming from a nobody to a somebody.
Li Chencanâs previous âJoyful Swallow: Farewellâ had already made him famous in the field of ancient literature, but he needed official recognition.
Official recognition could come from the Ancient Literature Competition or by becoming a member of the Ancient Literature Research Association...
Now, this path was laid out before Li Chencan.
The Ancient Literature Research Association was akin to the Writers' Association of his previous life. Being a member meant gaining official recognition, even if you didnât have much money. With such an identity, you would join a community and truly become a recognized person.
The top ten could join the Imperial Ancient Literature Research Association and would be directly appointed as third-level researchers.
"Principal Wu, thank you. Without you, no one would have known about this poem." This time, Li Chencanâs gratitude was sincere.
He wanted to become famous in this world, to showcase the cultural products he brought from his previous world. To become famous, he needed to be recognized in many areas.
From the age of 15 in his previous life, Li Chencanâs heart was filled with cinema. He started striving at 18, and although he died for cinema, it had become an inseparable part of his life. In this space, he got a chance to showcase cinema...
Now was the stage of his initial fame accumulation...
Fame, the earlier, the better!
"No problem," Wu Chuan said. "This is mainly because your poem is good; otherwise, you wouldnât have achieved such a good ranking." He paused and continued, "I called you today because I have another matter to discuss with you."
"Sure, go ahead."
"I have a friend who is a member of the Ancient Poetry Association, Wu Yantian. You might have heard of his name; he is a professor of history at Jiangnan University..." Wu Chuan said.
"Yes, Iâve heard of Professor Wu..." Li Chencan said. "Previously, my 'Ming Dynasty Chronicles' faced a lot of criticism, and it was Professor Wu who spoke up for me."
Previously, 'Ming Dynasty Chronicles' was attacked by Han Fanghao, Lu Gao, and Zhao Zhongyang, who claimed the book would corrupt young students. At that time, Professor Wu Yantian from Jiangnan University spoke up, explaining the positive impact of 'Ming Dynasty Chronicles' on the study of history.
Li Chencan was a person who remembered kindness and grievances. He remembered those who were good to him.
So he also remembered Wu Yantianâs name.
"Thatâs great," Wu Chuan said sincerely. "I see you know his evaluation."
Wu Chuan felt very pleased, hearing the gratitude in Li Chencanâs voice towards Wu Yantian.
Wu Yantian was accomplished in history, literature, and ancient poetry, but he specialized in literature, particularly historical novels. He once wrote a historical novel, 'Zeng Guofan,' which vividly described Zeng Guofanâs rise from nothing, his difficult journey, and his ultimate failure to restore the Han Chinese rule, which influenced the warlord division in later generations. Although it was a historical novel, it wasnât boring. The three volumes of 'Zeng Guofan' sold over 5 million copies, a remarkable achievement.
Wu Yantian had been in the industry for many years, with a wide network of connections, talent, and influence. If Li Chencan could meet him, it would be very beneficial for Li Chencan. It would also be significant for Li Chencan to be accepted by these circles.
"He wants to meet you and discuss something," Wu Chuan explained Wu Yantianâs intentions to Li Chencan.
Li Chencan was a bit surprised. He knew who Wu Yantian was, so why would he suddenly want to meet him?
"Does Professor Wu want to see me for something?"
"About your poetry, itâs a good thing," Wu Chuan said. "Iâm in Zhonghai now, and he has an academic conference here. If you have time, we can meet this afternoon, how about that?"
Li Chencan nodded. Since Wu Chuan said it was a good thing, he didnât want to waste brain cells guessing the truth. He was free in the afternoon anyway.
Li Chencan changed into a Hanfu and arrived at the teahouse ten minutes early. Then, Wu Chuan walked into the teahouse with a man wearing glasses, around fifty years old, but looking very spirited and well-maintained, with a very proper appearance.
Li Chencan quickly stood up and bowed, "Principal Wu..." Then he respectfully said to the man who walked in, "Are you Professor Wu?"
"Yes," Wu Yantian nodded and smiled, looking at Li Chencan. "Indeed, heroes emerge young..." Just by looking at Li Chencan, one could easily form a good impression. Moreover, Wu Yantian had heard from Wu Chuan that Li Chencan remembered him because of the words he said about 'Ming Dynasty Chronicles.'
Wu Yantian appreciated such a grateful person, and now, upon meeting him, he felt even more fondness.
Li Chencan humbly said a few words, and everyone sat down in order. After some polite conversation, Wu Yantian smiled and said, "Li classmate, Iâm actually here today to ask for your help."
"Ask for my help?" Li Chencan was a bit surprised. "Professor Wu, are you joking? Iâm inexperienced and young, I donât think I can help with anything."
Wu Chuan watched the two of them talk with a smile, not interrupting.
Wu Yantian didnât speak either but took a book out of his bag and handed it to Li Chencan, "This is a new book Iâm about to publish... take a look."
Li Chencan took the book, which was actually a manuscript in a notebook. The handwriting was in running script, strong and powerful.
It was a historical novel. Li Chencan quickly glanced through it, and it described the process of the founding emperor starting from Central China, following Xiang Shuai, and gradually establishing his independent thoughts, personality, and the ambition to change the world.
Wu Yantian couldnât wait for him to finish reading and said, "Itâs this book. I want to use your 'Waves Wash Away the Sand: Beidaihe' as the preface."
So thatâs it!
Li Chencan immediately understood his intention.
After explaining his request, Wu Yantian and Wu Chuan waited for Li Chencanâs response, thinking he wouldnât refuse.
However, under their watchful eyes, Li Chencan slowly shook his head, "This... I canât do it..."
PS: Thank you to the generous donations from Ni Zhi Yi Online, Man Qing 1, Tang Xiaosheng, Xiang Dang Bing Le, Xiao Ju Shi, and Situ Siwu.
Thank you to Tobacco Si Xun for the 588 donation, and to Man Qing 1 for multiple donations.