Keywords：专著资料, 全文在线浏览, 即兴五首
Section Index
II
<!-- translated-chunk:21/53 -->The stream clouds first rise as the sun sinks in the pavilion;
Mountain rain is about to come, and the wind fills the tower.
Tang Dynasty · Xu Hun
It has been snowing continuously since the end of winter.
This is a rare heavy snowfall in several years. The whole countryside is covered in silver and white, with buildings looking like ice sculptures. The road from Medical University to Xiaozhai is frozen three feet deep, and there are few people or vehicles on it.
Bai Liping hurried out of the school gate, heading towards Xiaozhai. The road was so slippery that he stumbled and fell. He quickly got up, ignoring the mud all over his body, and continued walking.
Winter vacation had not yet started, but Zhang Yalan had agreed with him to arrive at school early to review her Russian class—something Bai Liping was very good at, and he was more than happy to help her.
Zhang Yalan’s direct express train No. 285 from Guangzhou to Xi’an was scheduled to arrive at 2:30. Normally, Bai Liping wouldn’t have to rush after lunch to pick her up at the station. However, with the heavy snow blocking the roads, he couldn’t help but feel anxious about how the shuttle bus from Xiaozhai to the city would be running.
The snow kept falling, and the biting west wind whipped the snowflakes into a swirling dance across the sky. At the Xiaozhai bus stop, there wasn’t a soul in sight. Bai Liping wrapped himself tightly in his cotton coat, pulled down the ear flaps of his hat, rolled up his sleeves, and stamped his feet back and forth under the bus stop sign.
In the distance, two middle-aged teachers—one tall and one short—walked toward them. They seemed to be talking about something, their breath forming puffs of warm vapor that quickly dissipated in the cold wind. When they reached the bus stop sign, they checked the departure schedule and resumed their conversation.
“The entire ‘Further Discussion on the Historical Experience of Proletarian Dictatorship’ reads just like Chairman Mao’s style.” “This article must be aimed directly at some specific issue,” the two were discussing. Bai Liping recognized from the red school badges on their chests that they were teachers from the Provincial Party School. He respectfully said, “Hello, teachers! Has the Party School already started?” “Originally, today should still be a day off—after all, it’s the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the usual holiday for celebrating the Spring Festival. But since the central government issued an important document, all faculty and students at the Party School have started classes a week early, mainly to study the spirit of the document.” The short man with glasses said, then turned to the tall man and continued their discussion.
The Shaanxi Provincial Party School of the CPC is also located near Xiaozhai. Two years ago, construction began on its campus at the same time as the newly relocated Northwest Medical University. The two schools are not far apart, and both are now taking shape, though supporting facilities are still being built intensively.
The tall man held a newly distributed booklet titled “Further Discussion” under his arm. Bai Liping modestly borrowed it to take a look. He remembered that this lengthy article had previously been published in the People’s Daily, and its main content dealt with properly handling various contradictions among the people.
A bus came in from afar, and everyone prepared to board. Bai Liping returned the booklet to the tall man and smiled, saying thank you. There were few passengers on the bus, and most seats were empty. Bai Liping sat down with the two Party School teachers, and they talked again about “Further Discussion.”
“It’s only been six or seven years since liberation, and we’ve had one campaign after another—suppressing counter-revolutionaries, fighting the Three Antis, Five Antis, Purging Counter-Revolutionaries, land reform, private sector reform… It’s truly meticulous and well-organized,” said the tall man. “The central leadership is truly wise—it took only a few years to transform a poor, dilapidated old China into what it is today. That’s no small feat!” The short man spoke, turning to Bai Liping as if seeking his opinion. Bai Liping leaned forward, speaking cautiously and humbly: “Chairman Mao is truly great, and the Communist Party is truly wise. This is the blessing of the Chinese people. May I ask you one more question: besides this, what other special significance does studying ‘Further Discussion’ hold?” “The significance is truly enormous. This morning we listened to a report by Minister Li from the Provincial Propaganda Department. Before the New Year, the central government convened a meeting of the top leaders of the party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, and now the whole country is launching a wave of studying and implementing the spirit of ‘Further Discussion.’” The tall man spoke eagerly. The short man added: “The main idea is to resolve contradictions among the people. Now is precisely the right time—we must nip problems in the bud. If we don’t address them, they could spiral out of control. The events in Poland and Hungary are painful lessons learned.”
The car had already turned onto Yanta Road and was heading north. Outside the window, snowflakes continued to swirl in the wind, and a chill seeped through the open windows, sending shivers down people’s spines. Bai Liping recalled the shocking events that had occurred in Poland and Hungary last autumn. Both incidents were sparked by workers’ demonstrations. The Hungarian incident was labeled as a counter-revolutionary riot, suppressed by Soviet troops, and ultimately ended with the execution of the ringleader Nagy (the Prime Minister of Hungary). The Polish incident was classified as a contradiction among the people, mediated by the Soviet Union, which made several concessions before the situation was resolved. Bai Liping pondered: these contradictions among the people really do need to be addressed promptly. Before the winter break, he’d heard that due to local bureaucracy, some provinces had experienced serious incidents such as worker strikes and farmers seizing grain. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but mutter to himself, “Chairman Mao is truly great.”
When the car arrived in Dachai City, the two Party School teachers got off, and Bai Liping stood up to see them off. After the car pulled away, he even waved goodbye to them through the glass. Ahead lay the railway station. Bai Liping glanced at his watch—the hour hand pointed to two o’clock.
At that time, the Xi’an Railway Station consisted only of an antique-style hall, with nothing else except long benches along the walls. The hall was bustling with noise and smoke. The ticket counter was packed with people, and a small blackboard hanging nearby displayed the delays for trains arriving that day. Bai Liping hurried through the crowd and found on the board that Train No. 285 (Guangzhou–Xi’an) was delayed until 4:30. He checked his watch and calculated that there was still plenty of time, so he casually walked out of the hall.
On the east side of the hall was the station exit, where a train was just pulling in and letting passengers off. The crowd surged forward, forming long lines through the ticket gates. Just as Bai Liping turned around, he saw Yu Manshan carrying a large bag and looking over in their direction. Bai Liping guessed it must be the train from Guilin to Xi’an, so he hurried forward to greet Yu Manshan and helped him carry the big bag. Only a month had passed since Yu Manshan left school, yet he looked thinner and darker. Bai Liping joked, “You’re different every three days—you’ve changed so much in just a month!” “I’ll tell you about it when we get back!” The two headed toward the public bus station. A bus bound for Xiaozhai was already packed, and Yu Manshan wanted to squeeze aboard, but Bai Liping said, “Wait for the next one. Look how crowded it is—there’s barely enough room to close the doors.” The conductor shouted loudly, urging people at the door to push inside. After a while, with a loud click, the doors finally closed, and the bus slowly started moving south.
The two stood under the bus stop sign waiting for the bus. Yu Manshan said, “You must be waiting for someone, right? You’re waiting for Zhang Yalan, aren’t you?” Bai Liping nodded: “Train 285 is delayed until after four o’clock, so I still have to wait over an hour. There are still more than ten days until school starts—how come you’re here so early?” “But you came earlier than me, didn’t you?” Yu Manshan shivered all over, his teeth chattering from the cold. He was dressed too lightly. “This weather is terrible—once we pass Wuhan, it gets colder, and the further west we go from Zhengzhou, the colder it gets. By the time we reach Luoyang, it’s already snowing heavily. China is just too big—we in Guangxi are already wearing single-layer clothes.” Back then, there was no television, radio wasn’t widespread, and the postal service was too slow. Even though weather forecasts existed, they were practically useless, so it’s no wonder Yu Manshan was still wearing spring clothes. Bai Liping took off his own cotton coat and offered it to Yu Manshan, but Yu Manshan refused, saying, “You’re cold too—how can I take your clothes?” Bai Liping replied, “I still have a cotton jacket, cotton pants, cotton shoes, and a cotton hat. People coming from Lanzhou are well-prepared for the cold.” After some back-and-forth, Yu Manshan finally put on the cotton coat and immediately felt much warmer.
After seeing Yu Manshan off, another train arrived—the Shanghai–Lanzhou express. The exit was once again crowded with people carrying suitcases and backpacks, with children in tow. Bai Liping thought that this year’s Spring Festival travel home was earlier than usual.
Suddenly, he spotted Teacher Gu Zhaoyang from the Foreign Language Teaching Department in the crowd. She was holding her four-year-old daughter in one hand, a huge brown suitcase in the other, and a shoulder bag on her shoulder, struggling to make her way through the exit. Bai Liping hurried over and warmly took the brown suitcase, hoisting it onto his shoulder, then reached for the shoulder bag. Teacher Gu repeatedly thanked him, saying, “No, no! That suitcase is very heavy—enough for you to carry!” As she spoke, they walked toward the public bus station.
The snow had lessened, with only a few scattered snowflakes drifting low in the air. Teacher Gu said that before leaving, she had specifically tuned in to the radio in Shanghai and learned that Xi’an was experiencing heavy snow and dropping temperatures. Bai Liping noticed that she was wearing a thick coat, cotton pants, and a large wool scarf that completely wrapped her child’s head and neck. Bai Liping placed the brown suitcase on the snowy ground under the bus stop sign, but felt it wasn’t quite appropriate, so he turned to Teacher Gu and asked, “Is it okay?” Then he bent down to try to lift the suitcase, but Teacher Gu quickly stopped him, saying, “It’s fine! The suitcase is full of books—no problem at all.” Meanwhile, the little girl standing nearby suddenly tilted her head up and shouted to Bai Liping, “Uncle, you’re so strong! This suitcase is too heavy—just now it made Dad scream because it was so heavy!” Teacher Gu laughed and said, “Uncle, please! Uncle is so strong—much stronger than my dad!” Teacher Gu put the large shoulder bag on top of the bookcase, and everyone stood under the bus stop sign waiting for the bus. In the distance, no bus had arrived yet.
Teacher Gu talked about the supply situation in Shanghai, saying that since the implementation of unified purchasing and sales, the variety of goods available on the market has decreased dramatically. Each person is allocated 27 jin of flour and 5 liang of cooking oil per month, with food ration cards used for distribution. Meat, eggs, and sugar are distributed according to coupons, and powdered milk is given to infants based on birth certificates… Shanghai residents spend all day carrying cloth bags, lining up whenever they see a queue, rushing everywhere to grab whatever they can. It’s said that in the future, all daily necessities will be distributed according to coupons, and even matches and salt will soon be sold out. Bai Liping recalled that similar situations had occurred in the Soviet Union during the 1920s when nationalization was implemented, sparking heated debate among international reactionaries. Mr. Lu Xun even wrote an essay titled “In Memory of Forgetting” to criticize those who opposed it, delivering a sharp rebuke and biting satire.
After seeing Teacher Gu off, it was already past four o’clock, so Bai Liping hurriedly bought a platform ticket and quickly crossed the footbridge down to the platform. The radio was broadcasting news that Train No. 285 was arriving, and everyone waiting for the train was craning their necks toward the east.
The train slowly pulled into the station, and Bai Liping stared intently at each carriage passing by. Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name. He looked up and saw Zhang Yalan leaning out of the window, waving at him. He dashed over. The train had already come to a stop, and Zhang Yalan handed a few pieces of luggage to Bai Liping through the window before stepping off the train. Though they had only been apart for less than a month, she looked even fairer and more energetic. Bai Liping scrutinized her from head to toe, prompting a burst of laughter and teasing. “What are you staring at? It’s just a woolen coat! My mom wore this old piece when she was young. She said it was necessary to wear it before leaving because it was snowing heavily in Xi’an.” Indeed, it was an old coat, but on her it looked especially radiant. Bai Liping carried many bags on his shoulders and in his hands, while Zhang Yalan tried several times to take a couple of small items, but he refused, saying that the long journey was exhausting and she should relax a bit. So Zhang Yalan had to walk alongside him empty-handed. Looking at Bai Liping, whose face was flushed red from the cold, she said, “With such cold weather, where’s your cotton coat?” “I just met Yu Manshan. He was wearing spring clothes in Guangxi and got so cold that I gave him my coat.” Zhang Yalan thought that maybe this was exactly the kind of silly thing he did, and she briefly considered voicing her opinion, but then decided that perhaps this was precisely what made him so endearing—keeping his thoughts to himself. The two hurriedly crossed the footbridge. All around was a silvery-white landscape, with sparse snowflakes still falling. People were hurrying along, each one shivering and huddling their heads and necks against the cold. It was early spring at minus 10 degrees Celsius—a rare occurrence in recent years.
The public bus to Xiaozhai was still packed with passengers, but under Bai Liping’s care, Zhang Yalan managed to find a seat. The ride went relatively smoothly, and when the bus arrived in Xiaozhai, it was just after six o’clock, and night was quietly falling. In the distance, a few lights were already glowing in the twilight. Bai Liping was fully loaded with luggage and had to constantly look after Zhang Yalan. The road was so slippery that the two couldn’t even talk, carefully making their way toward the Medical University.
The school gate was crowded with people, and under the lights, everyone was looking at a newly posted notice. Bai Liping and Zhang Yalan also gathered around and learned that the start date of the semester had been moved up, and that students and staff from outside the area must return to campus within a week. It was said that everyone had already received a notice. Bai Liping suddenly remembered the conversation between the two Party School teachers earlier that day, as well as the events that had happened in Poland and Hungary before the New Year…
Among the crowd, Yu Manshan squeezed out and enthusiastically took the luggage from Bai Liping’s shoulders. The three of them headed toward the girls’ dormitory building. Yu Manshan said that dinner at the school had already been served, so they would just have to make do.
Room 302 of the girls’ dormitory had its light on. Gao Jingwen, a student from Hong Kong, had spent the winter vacation traveling around Suzhou and Hangzhou, and had just broken up with her boyfriend last night. Zhang Yalan’s arrival made her especially happy. Everyone worked together to prepare the bed for Zhang Yalan, and Gao Jingwen boiled some hot water. Zhang Yalan busied herself washing her face, polishing her shoes, and tidying up her belongings. Everyone was relaxed and casually chatting. Gao Jingwen said, “Yu Manshan has gotten so thin—what happened? Look at Zhang Yalan—she’s come home and looks so fair and fresh!” Yu Manshan, though embarrassed, retorted, “How can I compare myself to Miss Zhang Yalan? She’s the daughter of a professor, while I’m just a poor kid from the countryside!” Zhang Yalan was washing her face and turned around to laugh, saying, “Yu Manshan, what nonsense are you talking about? Is it normal for kids from the countryside to be thin?” Bai Liping smirked and said, “Yu Manshan must have had something good happen on his trip home this time—something that made him lose sleep and appetite, feeling lonely and desolate. Don’t you think so?” Yu Manshan still refused to admit defeat and continued to argue. He said, “There is indeed someone here who loses sleep and appetite, but it’s not me.” This made everyone burst into laughter. In the end, Yu Manshan finally admitted that he had indeed lost a lot of weight. Then he told everyone about what had happened back home. Due to last year’s drought, his hometown had experienced a food shortage. During the whole holiday, he let his younger siblings eat as much as possible, while he himself, being stronger, could endure hunger. After the New Year, urged by his father, he hurried back to school. Yu Manshan said, “I heard the government has provided a lot of relief grain.” Gao Jingwen chimed in, “I don’t know how it happened, but this trip of ours was really tough—eating required food coupons and long queues; staying in hotels depended on the attitude of the staff, which was very bad. In Hong Kong, customers are treated like gods, but in mainland China, hotel staff are treated like gods.” Bai Liping said, “The purpose of unified purchasing and sales is good—it’s part of Chairman Mao’s great strategic plan to implement a planned economy, ultimately eliminating the gap between rich and poor and achieving communism.” Zhang Yalan finished washing up and immediately turned to Bai Liping, shouting, “Theory is one thing, but reality is another.” She then added, “Nowadays, employees in restaurants, hotels, and shops are all state officials—they get paid whether they work well or poorly. This is the same in Wuhan—people pay money but can’t buy anything, and the quality of service in all industries has generally declined.” As she spoke, she took bread and candy out of her suitcase and offered them to everyone. Bai Liping grabbed a piece of bread and started munching—it was the first time he’d eaten since noon. Yu Manshan took a piece of fruit candy and popped it into his mouth, saying, “You guys don’t know yet—our cafeteria has already removed all the tables and chairs. In the afternoon, when mealtime comes, there’s a notice posted at the entrance saying that from now on we’ll learn from factories and from our worker brothers, and everyone will have to line up to get their meals.” Gao Jingwen added, “So many cafeteria staff are just sitting around doing nothing, yet they insist on making everyone line up for a long time—this is really hard to understand.” Bai Liping thought that this might be beneficial for the ideological transformation of intellectuals, but he didn’t say it aloud.
Cafeterias at universities have always followed the old tradition—like restaurants, ten people sit at one table, freely choosing their seats, and when the table is full, the meal begins. The servers arrange the dishes in advance, and usually there are at least four dishes, with even more lavish offerings during holidays.
Everyone discussed the cafeteria for a while. It was almost nine o’clock, and Yu Manshan stood up and said, “We’ve all worked hard today—let’s rest now and talk again tomorrow!” With that, he and Bai Liping said goodbye and left.
Back in the boys’ dormitory, Bai Liping made his bed and prepared for sleep. He was exhausted these past two days—two days and one night on a hard bench from Lanzhou to Xi’an, nonstop travel. As soon as he arrived at school at noon, he grabbed a dry bun and rushed straight to the train station.
Yu Manshan knocked on the door and came in. He lived next door and had come to return the cotton coat. He thanked Bai Liping for his help in the snow, saying that the coat had solved his big problem. Bai Liping invited him to sit down and asked about the food shortage in Guangxi. Yu Manshan said, “Officially, it’s said that Guangxi is suffering from a severe drought, but in reality, there isn’t a real drought. The main reason is that the policy of unified purchasing and sales has been carried out too thoroughly—almost all grain production is collected and handed over to the state, leaving the villagers with insufficient food rations.” “Who allowed this to happen? Didn’t they consider the consequences? The Communist Party of China represents the Chinese people, and Chairman Mao has always taught us that the goal of the Chinese revolution is to liberate the broad masses of working people from the miserable conditions under the rule of the Kuomintang reactionaries. Countless revolutionary martyrs sacrificed their lives and shed their blood precisely to give the people a better life!” Bai Liping became increasingly agitated as he spoke. “The main problem lies in the transition from primary cooperatives to advanced cooperatives—this has been a major change in rural Guangxi since last year. The cooperative leaders and secretaries are essentially administrative leaders who combine political and social roles, and they’re very enthusiastic. Fearing falling behind in grain collection, they keep reporting higher amounts, which inevitably leads to starvation among farmers. In fact, the central government’s policy is very clear—it explicitly stipulates that farmers must be guaranteed sufficient food rations.” Yu Manshan had thought deeply about this issue and spoke about it in a well-organized and systematic way. Bai Liping had only stayed in his hometown of Tianshui for two days during this trip home, spending most of the time in Lanzhou with his mother, so he didn’t know much about the rural situation in Gansu. However, he had heard rumors that primary cooperatives were transitioning to advanced cooperatives, and that each person would be allocated half a mu of self-cultivated land, and so on. It was getting late, and Yu Manshan stood up and said, “You should rest now—everyone’s been tired these past two days.” With that, he left.
That night, Bai Liping tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time. His mind soared freely. From the corruption of the Qing dynasty to the Xinhai Revolution led by Sun Yat-sen, from Chiang Kai-shek’s dictatorial tyranny
to the Liberation War led by Chairman Mao. The three great campaigns of Liaoshen, Pingjin, and Huaihai were exhilarating, sweeping away the Chiang family regime like autumn leaves in the wind—this is a masterpiece rarely seen in the history of warfare, both domestic and international, and it’s a brilliant stroke of genius that Chairman Mao himself gifted to the Chinese people. From then on, the Chinese people stood up, shedding their former “sorrowful and worried demeanor” and becoming unprecedentedly independent in the community of nations. Take the Korean War, for example: the U.S., touted as the world’s leading superpower, once acted arrogantly, invading Korea and coveting our Northeast region. Under Chairman Mao’s brilliant strategic and tactical command, in less than two years, after five major battles, the enemy was completely defeated, with over a million casualties, forcing the Americans to sign the armistice agreement at Panmunjom. China had thus washed away a century of humiliation and disgrace. Seven years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the weather was favorable, and the Chinese people truly enjoyed happiness and peace. However, since last year, the cooperative movement and the policy of unified purchasing and sales have caused some mixed reactions in urban and rural areas. How should we view these issues? As a member of the Communist Youth League, I can’t help but think deeply about them. The Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao have shown great foresight and seized the right moment—this early start of the semester is part of a strategic plan, and studying “Further Discussion on the Historical Experience of Proletarian Dictatorship” may serve as the guiding principle for this initiative. Thinking of this, Bai Liping switched on the light and put on his clothes. He remembered a copy of the People’s Daily from before the winter break, which had published the full text of “Further Discussion.” At that time, it was exam season, and the article hadn’t received much attention.
Among a pile of old newspapers, he found the one that published “Further Discussion”—it was the December 29, 1956 edition of the People’s Daily, with a long article on the front page signed by the editorial department titled “Further Discussion on the Historical Experience of Proletarian Dictatorship.” Bai Liping picked up the newspaper, overjoyed, and crawled into bed, reading it intently.
<!-- translated-chunk:22/53 -->The article begins by raising the issue of correctly distinguishing and handling two types of contradictions with different natures, which serves as the basis for the entire argument. It cites various sharp and complex contradictions that have occurred within the socialist camp, guiding readers to recognize the objective fact that contradictions still exist in socialist society and dispelling the idealistic misconception that socialist society is free of contradictions. The article points out that internal contradictions among the people should be resolved through criticism or struggle, starting from the desire for unity, so as to achieve a new unity; however, under certain conditions, these internal contradictions can also transform into contradictions between the enemy and ourselves, and the handling of such contradictions differs from that of internal contradictions among the people. The article shifts its main focus from international issues to domestic ones, emphasizing that the entire Party should concentrate on distinguishing and handling contradictions of different natures. It implies that the autumn of 1956 was a "season of many events," while 1957 would be a crucial year for comprehensively transforming and resolving contradictions. The more Bai Liping read, the more inspired he became; he deeply admired the wise leadership of the Party Central Committee and the greatness of Chairman Mao. The great leader, with his genius wisdom, has always grasped the pulse of the times and society, and with extraordinary genius, has consistently steered the ship of the Chinese revolution, braving wind and waves and forging ahead... As he pondered these thoughts, he gradually drifted off to sleep.
III
One cannot see Lu Mountain's true face because one is standing within the mountain itself.
Su Dongpo
This was the first day of the early start of the semester. Upon receiving an urgent notice, faculty and students returned to campus on time. The auditorium of the Medical University was packed, with over two thousand teachers, students, and staff listening intently to Secretary Yang Tao’s mobilization report.
"Comrades: This study of 'Further Discussion on Contradiction' is part of the great strategic plan of Chairman Mao and the Party Central Committee, and it is a matter of life and death for the Party and the country..." Secretary Yang’s voice was impassioned and inspiring, prompting deep reflection. The audience sat in complete silence, the atmosphere solemn. Senior professors and lecturers sat in the front rows, all deeply engaged and diligently taking notes. Dean Hou Youcheng sat in the first row; he is a world-renowned physiologist and the founder of electrophysiology in China. Seated beside him were Professor Zhang Yi, a renowned surgeon in our country; Professor Zhu Shaotang, a professor of public health; Professor Liu Tiantong, a dermatologist; and Professor Chen Zuoli, a professor of pathophysiology...
"It has been seven years since liberation, and we have gone through numerous campaigns. Although the situation across the country is generally favorable, old contradictions have been resolved, only to give rise to new ones. Chairman Mao already clarified this point in his book 'On Contradiction.' The core of studying 'Further Discussion on Contradiction' now is to resolve these new contradictions and nip them in the bud. The events in Poland and Hungary have sounded the alarm for us. At present, the most important task is for everyone across the country and throughout the Party to take 'Further Discussion on Contradiction' as the leading initiative, rectify their thinking, enhance their awareness, raise contradictions during study and discussion, identify contradictions, distinguish contradictions, and then resolve them." Secretary Yang’s voice echoed throughout the Medical University campus via loudspeakers, drawing crowds along the roadsides and beneath the building windows. The auditorium was too small, and those who arrived late could only listen quietly under the loudspeakers.
The heavy snow at the end of the year had just stopped, leaving snow accumulated on rooftops, roadsides, flowerbeds, and grassy areas, with a biting cold still lingering. Yet every listener was fully focused, and order reigned both inside and outside the hall.
Secretary Yang’s report lasted two hours and concluded amid warm applause. Following him, Dean Hou Youcheng, teacher representative Zhu Shaotang, and student representative Ma Sanxin took the stage to speak. Their common message was heartfelt praise for the greatness of Chairman Mao and the Party Central Committee. They emphasized that launching a nationwide campaign to help the Communist Party prevent problems before they arise and resolve contradictions at their earliest stages was an unprecedentedly wise move. Professor Zhu Shaotang also cited several historical examples of enlightened rulers in China who achieved great success and built great undertakings precisely because they were good at accepting advice. He particularly highlighted the insight of Wei Zheng, a famous chancellor during the early Tang Dynasty: “Listening to all sides makes one wise; listening to only one side makes one blind.”
After the mobilization report, all faculty and students were divided into classes and groups to study and discuss 'Further Discussion on Contradiction.' Since the semester started a week early, this period was designated for suspended classes and intensive study.
Class 208 has been studying for three days. Luo Renyi, the secretary of the Youth League branch, was appointed by the Party committee as the host of the class meeting. He first conveyed the spirit of last night’s meeting of class leaders convened by the Party general branch and read out the ‘Briefing on Studying Further Discussion on Contradiction’ issued by the university Party committee. He said: “The purpose of studying ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ is to help people understand the situation, discover contradictions, raise contradictions, and resolve them. We must ensure that everyone speaks freely and fully, ultimately achieving unity of will and heart to build socialism together.” Some people worry about being held accountable later, but this is completely unnecessary. Communists keep their word and never hold grudges or punish others. In the first two days of discussions, Zhong Xiaopeng from Henan spoke about the dissatisfaction of local farmers with the management of advanced cooperatives, their demand to withdraw from the cooperatives, and their collective appeals to higher authorities. He suggested that the government should improve policies and strengthen the specific management of advanced cooperatives. In short, the goal is to improve the living standards of cooperative members rather than let them decline. Luo Renyi thought this speech was very good, as it touched upon current national affairs, and he hoped that everyone’s remarks would not focus solely on trivial matters.
Over the past three days, Bai Liping has rarely spoken. He has been pondering a question: judging from the entirety of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction,’ the aim is to resolve all current social contradictions. Everyone should actively study the document, enhance their understanding, conduct a self-examination first, align their thinking with the Party Central Committee, thereby achieving unity of will and heart and advancing socialist construction. Suddenly, Luo Renyi called out: “Bai Liping, please speak! Aren’t you well-versed in history and classics?” Caught off guard, Bai Liping replied: “I’ve been thinking about a problem. The major policies of the Party and the state are naturally guided by Chairman Mao and the Party Central Committee. Our young students’ most important task is to study hard, acquire solid skills, and prepare to build our motherland and socialism in the future. Of course, viewed from the overall situation, the current study of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ is a major event, just as Secretary Yang Tao said—it’s a matter of life and death for the Party and the country. I interpret this statement as follows: there are still some people who do not understand the central government’s established policies, who are dissatisfied with certain social phenomena, and even a very small number openly oppose them. According to Chairman Mao’s consistent teaching, everything has two sides, so it’s not surprising that different views emerge. The Party and the government should guide and educate those with differing opinions, helping them return to the right track, minimizing contradictions, and ensuring that the vast majority follow the correct path indicated by Chairman Mao and the Party Central Committee. Through these days of study and discussion, I have enhanced my understanding, clarified my direction, and will resolutely remain aligned with the Party Central Committee in the future—listening to the Party and following the socialist path, becoming a good youth illuminated by the light of Mao Zedong Thought.” Bai Liping’s remarks resonated with the entire class. Everyone spoke up to express agreement. Zhong Xiaopeng spoke again, fully agreeing with Bai Liping’s view and using exaggerated language such as “clearing away the clouds to reveal the sky” and “having one’s eyes opened” to describe his feelings. Finally, he announced that his previous remarks about Henan farmers withdrawing from cooperatives were merely hearsay and withdrew them. Host Luo Renyi listened… his expression grew increasingly grim. Before Zhong Xiaopeng could finish, he loudly interjected: “Zhong Xiaopeng, let me remind you: this is a serious discussion, not a place for idle chatter. What do your ‘clearing away the clouds to reveal the sky’ and ‘having one’s eyes opened’ mean? Are Bai Liping’s words more effective than Secretary Yang’s report, or more insightful than the documents of the Party Central Committee?” Luo Renyi, a native of Weinan in Shaanxi Province, 27 years old, is one of the few cadre students in the class. His criticism of Zhong Xiaopeng immediately drew opposition from many. Shen Mingqiang, an excellent student from Hunan, retorted: “Luo Renyi, didn’t you say we should speak freely and fully, without holding grudges or punishing others? Yet less than half an hour later, you’re already full of hostility, attacking the masses. Do you even qualify to be the class leader?” Luo Renyi had previously served as a village official and was admitted to university through a cadre recommendation program. His academic performance was mediocre, and he lacked authority in the class. Recently, he had actively applied to join the Party and often reported situations to his superiors, earning their trust. Class monitor Huang Jiancheng spoke next, saying that everyone should remain calm and, in accordance with the spirit of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction,’ internal contradictions among the people should be resolved through debate, aiming for a new unity. He also opposed Luo Renyi’s interruption, arguing that as a meeting host, one should be approachable and speak reasonably. Huang Jiancheng is Luo Renyi’s recommender for Party membership, and his words carry considerable weight in Luo Renyi’s eyes.
At first glance, Luo Renyi’s remarks seemed directed at Zhong Xiaopeng, but in reality, he had long harbored prejudice against Bai Liping. Didn’t Bai Liping always rely on his quick wit and excellent studies to command the class? Now that the Party is studying ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction,’ it’s supposed to be Luo Renyi who controls the meeting, yet here’s a “little kid” from an exploitative family, managing to attract attention and once again win everyone’s approval. Luo Renyi is eight years older than Bai Liping, and in his mind, Bai Liping really is just a “little kid.” Zhong Xiaopeng sits right next to Bai Liping, and Luo Renyi’s remarks severely wounded his self-esteem. He was furious and tried several times to respond, but each time Bai Liping grabbed his sleeve to stop him. Only after Huang Jiancheng spoke did Zhong Xiaopeng’s anger subside somewhat, though he still felt resentful. At that moment, he no longer cared about being held by the sleeve and stood up to speak. He tried to lower his tone and adopt a humble attitude, saying: “Secretary Luo’s remarks just now and his criticism of me have also ‘cleared away the clouds to reveal the sky’ and ‘opened my eyes.’ They’ve made me fully realize how much power the meeting host has—scolding people at any moment is simply part of his job. From now on, I’ll be extra careful and adapt to the situation.” This immediately provoked laughter from everyone. Luo Renyi’s face turned pale and then flushed red in an instant.
At lunchtime, Bai Liping was standing in line to get his meal, still mulling over what had just happened. Why was Luo Renyi so angry at Zhong Xiaopeng’s remarks? Zhong Xiaopeng’s comments were indeed somewhat inappropriate, but as the meeting host, Luo Renyi clearly went beyond normal limits…
Zhang Yalan hurried over, holding a magazine, and shouted before she even got close: “Bai Liping, good news! Your poem has been published!” She handed Bai Liping a copy of ‘Yanhe’ magazine. Bai Liping took the magazine, and Zhang Yalan quickly flipped it open for him, pointing to the title: “Look! ‘The Roar of the Nile’ is printed in full, seemingly unchanged. I’ve read it from cover to cover.” Bai Liping read the poem happily and attentively, while Zhang Yalan casually took his lunchbox and helped him get in line.
The tables and chairs in the dining hall had already been removed, and several long lines for getting meals wound their way slowly forward.
After Zhang Yalan finished serving the food, the two found a quiet corner in the dining hall to eat and talk. Bai Liping ate his steamed bun while staring intently at ‘Yanhe’ magazine—a special supplement edited by the ‘Yanhe’ magazine to support the just struggle of the Egyptian people. The magazine had been sent to the school before winter break, but due to the holiday, the mailroom kept it for a month. Zhang Yalan said: “Comrade, be careful not to choke on your bread—let’s see if you can manage it in a bit. I still have something to tell you.” Bai Liping put down the magazine and smiled at her: “I never expected this poem to be published. Remember, it was you who encouraged me to submit it to the magazine—I really should thank you.”
“Don’t be so polite. There’s something important I need to remind you of!”
“What is it?”
“The atmosphere at today’s class meeting was very unusual. Did you notice? Luo Renyi’s overbearing attitude wasn’t just aimed at Zhong Xiaopeng.”
“Zhong Xiaopeng’s remarks were a bit excessive, but why was Luo Renyi so upset? I’ve been thinking about this too. Old Luo and I have always gotten along pretty well—surely he wouldn’t be mad at me, would he?”
At this point, Zhang Yalan exclaimed excitedly: “They’ve even set their sights on you, yet you still treat everyone with sincerity. I think you’re like a block of wood—never harbor ill intentions toward others, but always stay vigilant. Do you know that?” Hearing this, Bai Liping also felt something was amiss. Zhang Yalan continued: “I’ve carefully considered your morning remarks, and they really are a bit inappropriate. Objectively speaking, it seems like you’re trying to set the tone for studying ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ and pouring cold water on it—otherwise, why would Zhong Xiaopeng immediately retract his remarks after you spoke?” Bai Liping fell into thought, admitting that he believed the Party’s major policies were naturally guided by Chairman Mao, and that allowing ordinary people to offer suggestions was merely a political gesture. The two remained silent for a while.
As expected, very few people spoke at the afternoon study session, making the meeting feel quite deserted. Luo Renyi’s repeated attempts to prompt and guide participants were ineffective. Only Gao Jingwen shared her experiences from a winter trip to the south, which was also far from the spirit of the document. Finally, Huang Jiancheng proposed that everyone reread ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ to deepen their understanding. With Old Luo’s approval, the meeting adjourned, and everyone went back to their dorms to study independently.
That evening, the leaders’ meeting was held in the student general branch office. The branch secretary, Yang Wenjian, was a former regimental-level officer who had transitioned to civilian life, in his thirties, and known for his strong principles. Each class leader reported on the day’s discussion, with Luo Renyi focusing on Bai Liping’s remarks and exaggerating: “His remarks had a huge impact on others—Zhong Xiaopeng immediately retracted his own remarks, and the whole afternoon was filled with a gloomy atmosphere, with everyone remaining silent.” Yang Wenjian said: “Bai Liping is a good student. Last year, we elected him as a member of the student union. His remarks, viewed from the overall content, aren’t really a big problem, but objectively they did have some negative effects. If necessary, you can talk to him individually and ask him to be more mindful in future speeches.”
“I admit Bai Liping studies well, but he comes from an exploitative family and has a very strong petty-bourgeois consciousness. Although he’s a member of the Youth League, he’s not interested in organizational activities and often misses meetings under various pretexts. He admires Sun Yat-sen and believes he, like Chairman Mao, is a great figure who changed the course of history…” Luo Renyi kept talking, and Secretary Yang Wenjian seemed reluctant to listen further, waving his hand to signal Luo Renyi to stop. He then turned to look at the other leaders, encouraging them to continue speaking. Each class leader gave a brief report. Yang Wenjian concluded: “Recently, the central government has issued another new document, with the overarching spirit of further liberating thinking and opening up channels for public opinion. Chairman Mao delivered an important speech at the Supreme State Council titled ‘On Correctly Handling Internal Contradictions Among the People.’ Due to the gravity of the issue, the central government recently held an emergency teleconference to convey the spirit to the top Party and government officials of all provinces, cities, and colleges and universities. ‘On Correctly Handling Internal Contradictions Among the People’ addresses twelve key issues, providing incisive analysis and discussion of current domestic problems. The central government has instructed that ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ and ‘Further Handling’ (‘On Correctly Handling Internal Contradictions Among the People’) are the two guiding documents for this study campaign, and everyone must study them thoroughly and grasp their spirit.” Yang Wenjian took out a large stack of printed copies of ‘Further Handling’ and distributed them to the class leaders present. He continued: “Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin studying ‘Further Handling.’ These two documents should be compared and contrasted, combined with the current actual situation, and still follow Secretary Yang’s instructions from the mobilization meeting: first, raise problems, analyze problems, and solve problems; second, speak freely, share everything, and leave nothing unsaid.” After finishing, he announced the adjournment.
After a week of class-based study, the school returned to regular classes, with study sessions scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, continuing the study and discussion of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ and ‘Further Handling.’ The central documents and Secretary Yang Tao’s report were rather principled, and each class under the general branches conducted discussions based on their own understanding of the documents.
Following the previous dispute, Class 208 temporarily fell into paralysis. Luo Renyi reported several times to Yang Wenjian, requesting the branch secretary to come on-site for guidance, but Yang Wenjian was too busy to make the trip. To be honest, Yang Wenjian himself wasn’t sure how to proceed—the central documents were high-minded and forceful, but exactly how to implement them and what goals to achieve remained a mystery. When Luo Renyi mentioned Bai Liping’s remarks at the last briefing, Yang Wenjian not only didn’t feel offended, but actually resonated with him. Yang Wenjian also believed that the key to resolving contradictions lay in leadership, and that involving the masses in discussions was the right approach, but was it really necessary to shut down classes and launch a massive campaign? Bai Liping argued that the primary task of students was to study, and that it was the responsibility of leaders at all levels to resolve contradictions—this was certainly not wrong. Yang Wenjian was a young intellectual who joined the revolutionary ranks during the Liberation War. As a knowledgeable cadre, he stepped down from his post as a battalion instructor when the central government proposed strengthening political and ideological work in universities a year ago and took over as the secretary of the Northwest Medical University’s general branch. Over these days, he repeatedly pondered the two documents and Secretary Yang Tao’s report: Was it really appropriate to encourage the masses to offer opinions to the Party and the government? Once bad actors took advantage of the situation to stir up trouble and things escalated, like the incidents in Poland and Hungary, would it be acceptable to refrain from punishment or holding grudges? Chairman Mao always adhered to the principle of seeking truth from facts and keeping his word. If the “Poland-Hungary incident” really occurred, intervening to suppress it would damage Chairman Mao’s great image and affect how the Chinese people and the international community perceived him… Yang Wenjian was a Marxist who had undergone years of revolutionary baptism and was a staunch admirer of Mao Zedong Thought. At this moment, his heart was filled with contradictions and confusion, caught in a vague sense of bewilderment.
The two-month study of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ and ‘Further Handling’ failed to spark a surge of enthusiasm among faculty and students.
Just after May Day, the situation suddenly changed. First, the CPC Central Committee issued an official red-header document calling on the entire nation to further liberate thinking and assist the Party’s internal rectification campaign, officially launching the Party’s open-door rectification movement. Secretary Yang Tao once again delivered a mobilization report for the internal rectification campaign, urging all teachers and students to take the spirit of ‘Further Discussion on Contradiction’ and ‘Further Handling’ as guidance, to offer opinions to the Party and the government, reiterating that no punishment or holding grudges would be carried out and assuring that there would be no post-event reckoning.
Immediately afterward, news spread from the Beijing-Shanghai area that universities were engaging in extensive public debates, heated discussions, and the posting of large-scale big-character posters.
The campus of the Northwest Medical University also began to boil over. Students were excitedly sharing the news, and their common view was that the Communist Party was indeed great, and that Mao Zedong truly deserved to be hailed as a genius revolutionary leader. He had an unprecedentedly broad-mindedness in accepting the opinions of the people and was determined to get China’s affairs done well. This move would benefit future generations and the people, and would surely be recorded in history in bold letters.
Fourth-year students Che Yining, Ma Sanxin, and Du Weiren were the first to post the university’s first heavyweight big-character poster, containing a few sentences praising the wisdom and greatness of the Communist Party and commending the Party Central Committee for daring to openly accept criticism. They then put forward five suggestions: ① non-experts leading experts; ② the scope of authority of the Party secretary and the president; ③ the role of professors in higher education institutions; ④ politics should not be a subject in exams; ⑤ English and Russian should be given equal importance. Someone copied the full text of the long poem “It’s Time” by Peking University student Shen Zeyi and posted it as a big-character poster; someone else photocopied Lin Xiling, a graduate student in philosophy at Renmin University, “Speech Report,” and Tan Tianrong, a Peking University student, “A Poisonous Weed,” and distributed them as pamphlets on campus. These materials, in different forms and from different angles, declared war on the “three evils”—sectarianism, bureaucracy, and dogmatism. They argued from philosophical and literary perspectives that these three evils were anti-science and anti-nature, implying that the centralized leadership of the Communist Party was sectarian, bureaucratic, and dogmatic. The intellectual trend from Peking University had an immediate impact on the Northwest Medical University: within just a few days, big-character posters covered the entire campus, and smaller posters and leaflets spread rapidly. Public health professor Zhu Shaotang posted a big-character poster calling for expanding the anti-counterrevolutionary campaign, advocating for rehabilitation and vindication of victims; organic chemistry professor Chen Keda posted a big-character poster asserting that everyone is equal before the truth and that during the period of national construction, talent should be valued over background. Different grades had individual written statements, while others formed free groups to issue written statements, and big-character posters were plastered everywhere on campus.
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Input: There is a square beneath the castle, which was expanded in 1841 to commemorate the great musician Mozart and was named Mozart Square. A copper statue of the curly-haired Mozart stands tall in the center of the square. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart; this world-renowned musical envoy is the pride of Austria—and especially the pride of Salzburg. It was precisely due to his influence that Austria became the home of world music since the last century, and Salzburg became the nerve center of Austrian music. Every summer, bands from dozens of countries come to the city to perform and experience the sacred realm of music. We specially visited Mozart’s former residence—a four-story building in a brownish-yellow hue—though it may seem ordinary among Salzburg’s many unique and charming structures. Yet the notes drifting out from its aged windows linger long after the visitors leave, continuing to resonate for centuries, shaping the cultural lives of generations around the world. In the streets and alleys of Salzburg, there are countless statues and portraits of Mozart; the most famous and best-selling items in the shops are musical instruments. Since 1920, the Salzburg Festival has been renowned worldwide, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who come to tour and pay their respects. Back at the hotel, I suddenly remembered Mr. Zang Kejia’s famous saying: “Some people are alive yet already dead, while others are dead yet still alive.” Isn’t that right? Mozart will always live in the hearts of the people.
The Beautiful Rhine River
The Rhine River—the mighty river known as the soul of Europe—has become one of the world’s most developed international shipping routes thanks to its abundant rainfall and ample water volume throughout its basin. Originating at the foot of the Saint Gotthard Pass in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine flows from south to north, passing through Switzerland, Austria, France, and Germany before emptying into the North Sea near Rotterdam, Netherlands. Along its course, majestic snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, dense forests, and crystal-clear lake surfaces—along with ancient castles lining both banks and cascading waterfalls—create an exquisite and captivating landscape. For centuries, countless scholars and poets have repeatedly celebrated its beauty and wonder; painters from all over the world have traveled thousands of miles, enduring harsh weather conditions to capture its grandeur and splendor. Thus, the Rhine Valley has become a tourist destination longed for by people across the globe.
We departed from Orlanden and traveled more than 300 kilometers to Frankfurt, a major city in central Germany. The Rhine’s tributary, the Main River, flows through the city, joining the Rhine about 30 kilometers south of Frankfurt at Mainz. We strolled along the banks of the Main, where the water was deep and wide, the scenery picturesque. Though it was just a tributary, its grandeur was truly extraordinary. Ton-heavy ships surged through the waves, weaving beneath the bridges; towering bridges spanned the river, connecting the two banks. Standing on the Main Bridge, we could see the city’s towering buildings, layered upon layered, stretching endlessly into the distance. Frankfurt, once a world-famous financial hub, welcomes millions of business leaders and factory representatives from all over the globe each year. The interior decoration fair in January, the auto show in September, and the book fair in October—all were global events where new products were showcased, sales were negotiated, and information was shared… As a result, Frankfurt rose to prominence, becoming one of the few metropolises that lead the world’s new product trends. Frankfurt’s fame also lies in its status as the hometown of the world-renowned poet Goethe. Goethe was Germany’s greatest poet in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; his works, such as “The Sorrows of Young Werther” and “Faust,” were translated into Chinese as early as the 1930s, and are now familiar to many in China. With deep respect, we drove to Goethe’s former residence on Kaiserstraße, a narrow alley behind the city’s main street. The building was a five-story structure in a warm brownish yellow, well-preserved and managed by dedicated staff. The state had officially designated it as the Goethe House Museum, listing it among the world’s most famous attractions, and visitors from all over the globe flocked to pay their respects every day.
After spending a night in Frankfurt, we headed to Bonn, the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, and to Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city. These two beautiful and prosperous cities formed part of our journey along the Rhine. The Rhine divides Bonn from east to west, and three bridges connect the two banks. The great musician Beethoven was born here. Beethoven’s former residence stood at the foot of the Rhine’s western bridge—a three-story building, simple yet solemn, surrounded by beautiful surroundings. To the east, the Rhine’s waves crashed against the shore, while the boats sped along the river; to the south, distant mountains rose up, their peaks reaching toward the sky. Standing there, one couldn’t help but feel that the ancient saying “where great men reside, the land is blessed” truly held profound meaning. Beethoven Square was nearby, where lush green grass stretched across the square, golden leaves falling from the trees, and at one end of the square stood a massive bronze statue of Beethoven—a statue that, when viewed from afar, resembled the head of a majestic lion, while up close, it revealed Beethoven’s smiling face. The artist had truly crafted something extraordinary: not only did they create an image of a great musician, but they also captured the spirit of Beethoven’s life—his courage to embrace innovation, his relentless pursuit of renewal, and his unwavering resolve to shake off the remnants of old culture.
Twenty-one kilometers downstream from Bonn, the Rhine reaches Cologne, a historic city. There is a German proverb that says, “Whoever hasn’t been to Cologne has never been to Germany,” highlighting Cologne’s place in people’s hearts. Cologne was once a military stronghold of the ancient Roman Empire; when the Roman emperors sought to please their wives, they named the city after the empress—Cronia—when Cologne was first founded. Later, as the Germanic peoples rose to power, the Romans retreated to Italy, and Cologne was renamed to its present name. Cologne Cathedral is the pride of the people of Cologne; it is one of the world’s three greatest cathedrals, alongside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Notre-Dame de Paris. Its most distinctive feature is its towering height—157.38 meters, ranking first in the world. When we arrived in Cologne, it was Sunday, and we had the privilege of attending a solemn and reverent prayer service at the cathedral. Cologne Cathedral survived World War II without being hit by Allied artillery; some say the Allied commander ordered the protection of this famous site, while others believe pilots flew around and dropped their bombs, destroying surrounding buildings but leaving the cathedral unscathed.
Leaving Cologne, we drove northwest toward Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The beautiful, vast Rhine River lingered in my mind for days to come. The Rhine is the mother river of the German people; it gave rise to a beautiful and fertile land, nurtured the brilliant and flourishing culture of Europe, and raised the German people—and their outstanding sons Goethe, Beethoven, Schiller, Marx… Once again, the ancient saying “where great men reside, the land is blessed” resonated deeply within me.
From Amsterdam to Brussels
Leaving Cologne, we drove northwest, crossing the German-Dutch border and arriving in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, after a three-hour journey. Originally a small fishing village, Amsterdam rapidly grew into the largest deep-water port and commercial center in the Netherlands thanks to the development of maritime trade and international commerce starting in the 17th century. The Netherlands was one of the earliest capitalist nations to develop; by the 17th century, Amsterdam had already become a bustling trading hub where merchants from all over the world competed for opportunities. To adapt to this new reality, local urban planners devised ingenious plans: taking advantage of its proximity to the North Sea, they built dozens of canals throughout the city—some winding around the urban area, others radiating toward the city center—and constructed hundreds of bridges of diverse designs across the canals. Small boats navigated freely beneath the bridges, turning Amsterdam into a breathtakingly beautiful city on water. Like Venice in Italy, Amsterdam served as a counterpart to the North, and Europeans called it the “Venice of the North.” On the very day we arrived, we eagerly took a boat ride through the city’s stunning scenery. The boats were uniquely designed, with glass fiber covers that allowed passengers to observe the city from every angle. Wide streets lined both sides of the canals, adorned with distinctive buildings that created a distinct Amsterdam style unlike Venice’s. While these buildings were influenced by British, French, and Spanish architecture, they also boldly innovated, with clean lines that were neither austere nor lacking in elegance, and vibrant colors that shone brightly. This architectural style became popular in the early 20th century, when architects considered Amsterdam to be the “Mecca of modern architecture.” Although the canals brought beautiful and unique waterfront views to the city, they also posed serious risks: whenever high tides came, the canal waters would rise dangerously, and in 1952 alone, a tsunami flooded the city, claiming the lives of more than 1,800 people. As a result, starting in 1953, the Dutch government invested vast amounts of manpower and resources, spending hundreds of billions of dollars over 34 years to build the largest seawall in modern history. The dam stretches 36 kilometers long and is one of the two largest projects visible from space (the other being China’s Great Wall). Since the completion of the dam, the sea within the dam became an inland lake, no longer affected by tidal surges. Amsterdam’s waters became calm and serene, even more beautiful and enchanting. With great interest, we watched the seawall construction: a rainbow-like embankment rose between the two arms of the Amsterdam harbor, spanning 150–200 meters in width, with highways running along its edges, lined with lawns and wooded areas, adorning the entire embankment in vibrant hues, making it a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Amsterdam’s fame also lies in its role as the birthplace of world-renowned artists Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Rembrandt was born in the 17th century, while Van Gogh was born in the 19th century. Although neither man was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands was their homeland, and Amsterdam was the primary city where they grew up and worked during their lifetimes. Therefore, Amsterdam houses memorial museums and galleries dedicated to both artists’ former homes. Thanks to their outstanding contributions and genius achievements in the history of art, admirers and scholars from all over the world flocked to visit their former residences. We stopped by to pay our respects and take photos in front of their bronze statues. After spending a day in Amsterdam, we drove to The Hague the next morning, heading toward Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
A strong wind swept through the night, and the weather grew colder, with occasional light rain. The once-bustling seaside resort of The Hague seemed particularly quiet, the waves crashing against the shore, while several seagulls circled low above the water. Not far from the resort lay the famous The Hague International Court, which we happened to visit. The court was a European-style five-story building, with spacious lawns and fountains in front, and soldiers stationed at the iron gates, politely refusing entry to visitors.
After having lunch in The Hague, we set off southward, traveling about an hour across the Dutch-Belgian border to reach the suburbs of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. There, we saw the headquarters of NATO. These gray buildings—three or four stories high—were adorned with flags from NATO member states like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, with various national slogans displayed on either side of the entrance. According to Mr. Qu, during NATO’s military intervention in Yugoslavia, the area was heavily guarded, and vehicles passing through were subject to strict inspections. Now, however, the area was much quieter. Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also the location of the European Economic Community’s headquarters, the European Coal and Steel Community’s headquarters, the European Atomic Energy Community’s headquarters, and NATO’s headquarters—so much so that people call it the “Capital of the EEC.” Moreover, its architectural layout closely resembles that of Paris, earning it the nickname “Little Paris.” By the time we arrived in Brussels, it was already around 3 p.m., and we immediately headed to explore the city. The municipal square in the city center wasn’t particularly large, but it was solemn and dignified. Though the buildings around it weren’t very tall, they were simple yet majestic. The municipal hall in the center was especially impressive: its clock tower, standing 90 meters high and composed of multiple floors, rang out a melody to announce the time at exactly noon. On the tower’s lower levels, figures performed songs and dances, and we happened to witness the moment the clock struck, joining the crowd gathered in the square to watch this spectacle. Among the buildings around the square, a gray-white four-story building served as the inn where Marx once lived while he was exiled in Brussels. Leaving the municipal square, we found a secluded alleyway nearby, where, at the corner of the alley, stood the famous statue of Jean Valjean urinating. Its fame was immense, drawing visitors from all over the world—proof that Europeans value practicality, and that people will never forget those who have made contributions to their lives and communities. We traveled through cities across Western Europe, and among the countless statues we encountered, most were of poets, painters, musicians, writers, and scientists; we rarely saw statues of presidents or mayors.
Thirty kilometers south of Brussels lies a small town—the famous Battle of Waterloo. Sixty years ago, in June, 100,000 troops under the command of Napoleon, a tyrant of his time, were utterly defeated here, rewriting the history of France and all of Europe. Our schedule was tight; we only had time to wave to the small village nestled in the flat fields, hidden by autumn trees, on our way to Luxembourg the next day.
The Cultural Capital Paris
Engels said, “Only France has Paris—this city represents the pinnacle of European civilization.” We were fortunate to spend four days in Paris, soaking in its beautiful cityscapes and its magnificent cultural landmarks, truly witnessing this pinnacle of European civilization.
The Seine River enters Paris from the southeast, splitting into two branches in the city center, then merging back into a single river as it flows out of the city toward the southwest. As a result, two picturesque islands remain within the city of Paris. Through generations of continuous development, the people of Paris built 30 bridges of diverse designs across the Seine, where cars and boats alike moved effortlessly across the bridges, linking the islands with the city center and giving the city its unique character and picturesque scenery. We heard that the Seine used to be relatively shallow, allowing navigation only in summer and autumn. The people of Paris built several dams along the river’s lower reaches, raising the city’s water level and enabling navigation throughout all four seasons.
On the evening we arrived in Paris, we boarded a yacht to cruise through the city. The yacht was equipped with headphones that offered commentary in various languages. As the yacht glided through the shimmering waters, towering buildings on both banks were illuminated by colorful lights—Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place de la République, Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris—each adorned with dazzling lights reflecting off the Seine’s surface, casting a magical glow in the night sky. The yacht passed through 20 bridges, covering more than 20 kilometers in just an hour and a half, offering us a breathtaking view of Paris’s radiant, dazzling night scene.
Over the following days, we explored the entire city of Paris, marveling at its beautiful landscapes, majestic architecture, and rich cultural heritage—each sight left us in awe and admiration. Paris truly deserves its reputation as a treasure trove of world culture and art, a beacon of progressive European culture.
Located on the left bank of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower was built by the French government to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At 320.775 meters tall, the tower features a pyramidal shape that narrows toward the top, with 1,710 steps leading to the summit, and four elevators providing access to the top. As one of the tallest structures in the world, the tower boasts a solemn and majestic appearance. Over the past century, nearly 1 million visitors from all over the globe have come to visit it annually; some say it is the symbol and hallmark of Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at one end of the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées, with an elegant, solid, and imposing design—it was built to commemorate the Battle of Jena and Wagram, according to Napoleon’s orders, serving as a monument to the spirit of the French Revolution. Located in the heart of Place de la Concorde, it radiates outward in all directions, with 12 broad avenues, each 40–80 meters wide, forming the Avenue des Champs-Élysées—a street renowned for its commercial significance. As we strolled down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, we saw a variety of luxurious, elegant, and uniquely charming shops, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, concert halls, nightclubs, foreign airlines, cultural centers—everything imaginable, a true feast for the eyes. Some say this street embodies commerce, trade, culture, entertainment, politics, and diplomacy—all of which are indeed true. The street was bustling with activity, with people of all skin colors mingling and flowing continuously. Cars parked along the roadside, making it incredibly difficult to find a parking spot. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées seemed like a ribbon, connecting the Arc de Triomphe to the east, Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre—all the city’s iconic landmarks, forming a central axis that ran through the heart of the city. At the end of this axis stood Paris’s crown jewel—the Louvre.
The Louvre was once the royal palace of French kings, located on the right bank of the Seine. Construction began in 1190, and it is widely regarded as the world’s most famous museum and the greatest repository of artistic treasures. The entire building is U-shaped, spanning 19.8 hectares, with magnificent columns, ornate towers, exquisite sculptures, and grandiose displays—its exterior showcasing the remarkable architectural artistry of the French Renaissance. We received a Chinese-language guidebook in the reception hall, purchased tickets, and then entered to explore. Visitors from all over the world formed long lines, moving in step, including white people, Black people, Yellow people, and Red people—all united by a common goal: to behold this world-renowned treasure trove of art. The museum’s exhibition halls are divided into six sections—Ancient Greek and Roman Art, Ancient Egyptian Art, Ancient Oriental Art, Painting, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts. A total of over 400,000 artworks are on display, among which two original pieces stand out as the most captivating: “Venus de Milo” and “Mona Lisa.” First, in the eastern hall on the first floor, we saw Venus de Milo—a symbol of beauty and love, representing feminine beauty. The statue is over 2 meters tall, carved from a single piece of translucent dolomite, with a full, graceful form, a solemn expression, and an elegant design that exemplifies the highest level of artistic excellence. It was a masterpiece of ancient Greek sculptors from the 2nd century BC, discovered in 1820 by a farmer on the island of Milos in Greece. Soon after, French naval officer Vuitton was captivated by this rare treasure and, seeking to acquire it, spent a fortune to bring it back to Paris via Turkey. When it first appeared at the Louvre in May 1821, it caused an unprecedented sensation. The most renowned artists of the time, such as Victor Hugo and Théophile Gautier, were all enchanted by its beauty. Gautier even deliberately gave up his citizenship in France to go and admire the nude Venus. In American author Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” the protagonist was so moved by the beauty of Venus that he could hardly breathe. German poet Heinrich Heine referred to Venus as “the Virgin Mary of Beauty,” falling in love with her to the point that when the revolutionary movement swept through Paris in 1848, he went to the Louvre to bid farewell to Venus, despite his illness. Next, in the main hall on the second floor, we saw “Mona Lisa,” a masterpiece by the famous Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci chose to depict a young woman’s smile just as she was about to begin painting, capturing her captivating smile and granting her an eternal charm that never fades, leaving viewers wanting to see her again and again. It is said that Da Vinci was a brilliant scientist who studied anatomy, spectroscopy, and color theory—and he was also a psychologist. He understood that facial expressions originate from the corners of the eyes and the mouth, and he knew how to use light and color effectively. As a result, his paintings featured groundbreaking effects that anticipated future developments. To date, no painting featuring a young woman’s smile has surpassed “Mona Lisa.” Because of this, she has become a household name, a priceless treasure cherished by people around the world.
The Louvre’s greatness also lies in its collection of over 15,000 masterpieces spanning every major school of world painting—from medieval religious paintings to Renaissance masterpieces. We saw David’s representative works “The Declaration of the Horatii” and “The Death of Marat,” as well as Delacroix’s “The Raft of the Medusa,” and Courbet’s “The Burial at Ornans” and “The Studio.” These paintings are milestones in the history of world art, marking significant moments in the evolution of art—and some say, “The Louvre is the Mecca of the world’s art scene.” Many of China’s outstanding artists, such as Xu Beihong, Liu Haisu, and Chang Shuhong, studied in France and were inspired by the Louvre’s artistic traditions.
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Input: Located on Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris serves as a witness to major historical events in France: Napoleon I was crowned here, and memorial services for de Gaulle and Mitterrand were held there. Since the 20th century, thanks to the publication of Victor Hugo’s monumental historical masterpiece, “Notre-Dame de Paris,” Notre-Dame de Paris has become world-renowned. The Notre-Dame de Paris we see is a majestic and ancient Gothic church building; its difference from Cologne Cathedral lies in the fact that the spire is situated at the center of the building’s front facade, resembling a crown, which adds to the solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Behind the two bell towers stands a towering 90-meter-tall spire, reaching toward the clouds, topped with a slender cross that, when viewed from afar, appears to touch the heavens. It is said that the cross used in Jesus’ crucifixion was once enshrined within this tower. The entire structure is built entirely of white stone, covering an area of 5,500 square meters, making it the largest Catholic church in the world. Due to time constraints, we only circled around the exterior, unable to ascend to the spire. Fortunately, it was also a Sunday, so we entered the church and witnessed the prayer services of this world’s largest cathedral.
On a windy morning, we drove to the Palace of Versailles, located 18 kilometers southwest of Paris. Completed in 1689, this French royal palace was expanded year after year by King Louis XIV and his eldest grandson Louis XV, transforming it into a world-famous royal garden combining magnificent palaces with beautiful gardens. Spanning 1.1 million square meters, the palace contains more than 700 buildings, along with 1,650 meters of canals that draw water from the Seine River, creating a landscape brimming with forests, lakes, rivers, fountains, waterfalls, and mountains—everything you could possibly imagine. We specifically visited the Palace of Versailles Museum, where sculptures and paintings were displayed in abundance, resembling another Louvre—but most of the works here reflect the court life of France’s successive kings and emperors. The sculptural art in the gardens is another hallmark of the Palace of Versailles: sculptures line the riverbanks, lake shores, and roadways… each sculpture, with its diverse forms and unique stories, is filled with delightful and intriguing narratives. Standing before the statue of Galen, the ancient Roman physician, I took a photo as a memento, wishing to express my respect for this great scholar who had lived long ago.
Paris, the pinnacle of human culture and art, the birthplace of European civilization—just looking at the city’s quaint, ancient architecture, then gazing at the figures scattered beneath the buildings, by the windows, or in the doorways, you can truly appreciate just how deeply rooted the city’s cultural heritage is. This is the hometown of Victor Hugo and Balzac, whose brilliance has made the city even more radiant. I have read Xu Chi’s “Scattered Notes on Paris,” Zeng Zhuo’s “Dreaming of Paris,” and Li Sihua’s “How Beautiful, the City of Flowers”—contemporary Chinese writers all longed for Paris from their teenage years onward. We only stayed here for four days, yet the city’s artistic allure had already captivated me, a lover of literature and art. Otherwise, how could I, having returned to Lanzhou without even fully shaking off the dust of travel, immediately sit down at my desk to write these “Scattered Notes on Western Europe?”
(Extracted from Democracy & Consultation, October 2001)
Chapter Three: Selections from Poetry and Prose
Experiences in America
At the invitation of the Third World Traditional Medicine Awards Conference, a group of two people—myself and Professor Zhao Jianxiong, Vice President of Lanzhou Medical College—left Lanzhou in mid-April 1996, traveling via Beijing to attend the conference and deliver lectures in the United States. Professor Zhao Jianxiong, Vice President of Lanzhou Medical College, had been my student fifteen years ago. Over the past decade and more, he has worked diligently in the field of medicine, becoming a highly accomplished expert—truly a case of “a student surpassing the teacher.” We have always maintained a friendly relationship, and it was a genuine pleasure to be able to travel together this time.
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