British writer

With the original manuscript in hand, Lu Shi's speed was undoubtedly extremely fast.

After "Lord of the Flies" was completed, he invited Natsume Soseki to help with translation and proofreading.

The two of them were so busy that they looked disgraced.

During the week, Lu Shi, apart from occasionally going to Dongda University, spent most of his time on the book, hoping to publish it as soon as possible and then rush back to London.

Finally, the Chinese and Japanese versions are completed,

Versions in other languages ​​can be obtained on the cruise back to London.

"Huh~"

Natsume Soseki took a long breath, rubbed his wrist and complained: "I didn't realize it before, but now I realize that typewriters do have their own unique features. The pain in my fingers is much more comfortable than the pain in my wrist."

When he was writing "I Am a Cat", he wrote less than two thousand words a day, so he was certainly not tired.

But the translation is different, it can be written by hand.

He said helplessly: "It would be great if Japanese could also use a typewriter."

When Lu Shi heard this, he couldn't help but think of Chinese Pinyin.

That is a big killer for popularizing education.

Moreover, after entering the era of smartphones, whether it is a nine-square grid or a full keyboard, the efficiency of inputting Chinese characters in Chinese pinyin has begun to surpass that of the Latin system. It is truly an overtaking.

But he also thinks that promoting pinyin is a bit whimsical.

Literacy and literacy...

What can the current Qing court do?

Lu Shi shook his head, feeling that the timing was not right and he had to figure it out slowly.

He changed the subject,

"Natsume, do you have any thoughts on the publication of "Lord of the Flies"?"

Natsume Soseki was about to answer when there was a knock on the door.

The maid said outside the door: "Sir, Mr. Miyazaki is here and wants to meet with you."

It should be Toten Miyazaki.

Lu Shi pondered for a moment,

"Okay, let him wait in the living room, I'll go see him later."

Natsume Soseki couldn't help but be surprised and asked in a low voice: "Lu, don't you want to get involved with revolutionaries like them?"

Lu Shi pointed to "Lord of the Flies\

,""Publishing."

Natsume Soseki understood clearly,

In fact, Dongda University can definitely help Lu Shi publish it.

But considering that the two sides are secretly competing with each other, it is really not appropriate to have further disputes over publishing.

The two of them arrived in the living room together.

Miyazaki Toten was already waiting,

He sat upright, with his back straight, his hands on his knees, and his fingertips were slightly bent to grasp his knees.

Even though he was trying to breathe calmly, anyone could see that he was nervous.

The pressure on him from the British Minister's house was too great.

What's more, the Lu Shi we are going to meet today is also very human.

Non-British KBE,

Just think about its status in the UK.

Lu Shi went over and sat down.

"Mr. Miyazaki, wipe your sweat."

Miyazaki Toten was a little embarrassed and didn't know whether he should wipe it or not.

"Gu..."

He swallowed,

"Jiao Lu...Sir Lu, thank you."

Used half-baked English.

Lu Shi couldn't compliment the accent of Japanese English. He heard it and said, "It doesn't matter, we can communicate in Japanese."

Miyazaki Toten suddenly felt more at ease.

He said respectfully: "Sir Lu, you are indeed in Tokyo. When I saw you at Liang Jun's place before, I almost thought I had recognized the wrong person. I have heard about your deeds for a long time, especially the drafting and writing of the "IPU Charter". It’s powerful and deep, and it makes me admire it.”

Next, it’s time to be an internationalist and humanitarian.

Lu Shi could guess the purpose of the other party's trip.

He waved his hand,

"Mr. Miyazaki, I heard that you were an assassin in Nanyang?"

"Ah this..."

Mr. Miyazaki was embarrassed. He knew that the other party was talking about being hunted because he was falsely accused of assassination by Kang Youwei, so he explained: "Sir Lu, the rumors are untrue. You can't believe it."

In fact, he knew Kang Youwei before the Huizhou Uprising.

When they returned to Japan in 1898, the two even traveled together.

Who would have thought that Kang Youwei would turn his back on him?

Miyazaki touched his nose.

"Sir Lu, I think I understand."

When Lu Shi said what he just said half-jokingly, he realized that Lu Shi didn't want to get involved with those who had and had not.

If it weren't for the current situation, Miyazaki Toten might have lobbied again.

But the person opposite was Lu Shi,

Moreover, now that he was in Buchanan's official residence, those words were absolutely unutterable.

Ask the British to listen, and they can't explain it at all.

Lu Shi added: "I heard that Mr. Miyazaki once worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"

Miyazaki Toten's face instantly turned red.

"Sir Lu, please listen to my explanation. I must admit that I worked with Mr. Iwamoto and participated in Siam's colonial plan, but the current situation was very complicated and the plan failed; later I also investigated secret societies in China. It is precisely These two experiences have changed my thinking. I no longer...well...no longer..."

I can't seem to find the right words, and I'm a little stumped.

Lu Shi couldn't help but laugh,

"Mr. Miyazaki, you misunderstood me."

As he spoke, he took out the manuscript,

"You used to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and want to come and make friends. I wonder if you know anything about publishing-related matters?"

Miyazaki was stunned.

"Japanese!?"

Lu Shi is the most famous writer in Europe.

His writing in Japanese will inevitably attract great attention.

He even thought of the title of the report——

"On sale in Tangtang!" The greatest and greatest writer in the world is extremely fond of Japan. Sir Lu speaks in his books! 》

Well, it's not "the greatest", it's "the greatest and greatest\

,"This is enough flavor.

Miyazaki Toten no longer cared about etiquette, directly grabbed the manuscript and started reading.

The novel is a long one and cannot be read in one sitting.

But the content is really exciting and makes people want to put it down.

At noon, Lu Shi called him to have a meal.

As a result, he seemed to be nailed to the sofa, his eyes locked on the manuscript, turning a deaf ear to Lu Shi's words, and even stopped eating lunch.

It went on like this for seven hours.

The sun slowly sets in the west,

The sun shines in through the windows, giving everything in the house a golden color.

"Huh~"

Miyazaki let out a breath,

Finished reading.

He suddenly discovered that he had changed his sitting posture at some point.

He was originally sitting upright, but now he was completely sunken into the soft sofa, showing no courtesy or dignity of the Yamato clan.

He quickly sat back down.

Lu Shi came over,

"how?"

Miyazaki's head was full of questions and he was so confused that he didn't know where to start.

He looked around and was startled,

I saw that Alexander Buchanan, the British Ambassador to Japan, had returned at some point and was reading a newspaper and eating in the restaurant.

Lu Shi smiled,

"Let's talk about ours and leave him alone."

Miyazaki was speechless.

Only Sir Lu could say such a big thing.

He said: "I can help you with the publishing matter."

Lu Shi nodded and said, "It seems that you have no other ideas about the novel."

Miyazaki Toten hesitated for a moment.

"Actually, I have a lot of questions. For example, why are there no female characters in this book?"

Lu Shi: "..."

I never expected that the other party would ask this first.

In fact, William Golding, the original author of "Lord of the Flies", answered a similar question.

Lu Shi spread his hands and said: "The boy and girl were imprisoned on the island... um... Mr. Miyazaki, what do you think will happen?"

Isn’t this a movie?

It has to be very dramatic.

I never thought that Miyazaki Toten meant exactly that.

He said: "Sir Lu, letting men and women coexist in this story can introduce a discussion on sex, which is more profound."

This idea is really strange.

Lu Shi shook his head,

"Mr. Miyazaki, those things are insignificant and unworthy of mention compared to what "Lord of the Flies" really wants to show. So, I simply eliminated the unstable factor of the opposite sex from the source."

Miyazaki was very understanding,

"Focus on the essential issues?"

He said sincerely: "Sir Lu's childlike trilogy is indeed profound."

Lu Shi was confused,

A childlike trilogy?

Are you talking about "The Hunt", "Lolita", and "Lord of the Flies"?

Classifying these works as "childlike" would be a bit too naughty.

The Japanese do have something.

Lu Shi changed the topic,

"Which character impressed you the most?"

Miyazaki Toten thought for a while and replied: "Piggy."

Piggy suffers from asthma and is a fat boy who cannot do physical work.

He believed in science and often gave reasonable advice. It was his idea to use conches as assembly numbers and to use glasses to light fires. When other children were frightened by wild beasts, he also firmly believed that wild beasts did not exist.

However, he was eventually mutilated and died clutching the conch.

Miyazaki said: "His death and the shattering of the conch symbolize the replacement of civilization and order by barbarism and primitiveness."

Lu Shi secretly praised,

I must be good at reading comprehension.

He could also understand why the other party was deeply impressed by Piggy.

Piggy has no power or physical ability, but he firmly believes in humanity and civilization and dares to defy autocracy.

This is very similar to today's revolutionaries.

Suddenly, Miyazaki Toten seemed to have thought of something.

He looked at Lu Shi gratefully,

"thank you!"

Lu Shi was puzzled.

"Thank me for what?"

Miyazaki Taotian said: "On the surface, you don't support us or give us guidance, but your book makes it very clear. In the face of brutal autocracy, self-esteem and low self-esteem are not enough, because you will be easily strangled without protecting yourself. Ability."

Lu Shi said "Uh..."

"That's true. But I must remind you that Piggy is not the protagonist."

Miyazaki Toten did not refute,

But he thought to himself,

In terms of length, Piggy is the third most numerous character.

As long as you work hard, becoming the protagonist is not impossible.

Miyazaki Toten looked at the manuscript of "Lord of the Flies" again and saluted again: "Thank you Sir Lu!"

Lu Shi suspected that the other party had misunderstood something.

But he didn't bother to ask,

Anyway, I am always misunderstood, and I am not afraid of being bitten by lice.

He said: "What about the publication of this book?"

Miyazaki Taotian replied: "Don't worry, I will help you contact the publisher."

Lu Shi added: "Lord of the Flies also has a Chinese version."

He told the other party what was serialized in Xinmin Congbao.

After all, Miyazaki Toten had just had a conflict with Liang Qichao over ideological issues, so he couldn't help but frown slightly.

But he quickly relaxed his brows,

"Two languages, one serialized and one published, have little impact. And there is no need to worry about publishing and serializing competing for each other's sales, because they are both your creations, rather than writing one language first and having the other translated by others. For the vast majority of readers, they prefer to read first-hand works."

Lu Shi said, "Then it's up to you."

…

Three days later.

Imperial residence.

Meiji stepped on the lawn and walked slowly under the leadership of the palace servant.

This is a vast green space,

The towering trees are lush and green, adding vitality and vitality to this ancient royal palace.

The architectural style of the palace is quietly changing.

Meiji can feel that in the renovations in recent years, craftsmen have been trying to integrate Japanese traditions and Western elements. The exquisite carvings and delicate decorations make the Imperial Palace more magnificent.

Meiji passed through the courtyard and walked around the main building,

Then, he took off his shoes and continued walking along the corridor eaves.

After turning two more turns, the dry landscape in the back garden of the Imperial Palace came into view.

In an instant, Meiji's state relaxed a lot.

Karesansui is a garden without water features. It uses stones, sand, moss and other elements to create a sense of time standing still, making people feel as if they can transcend the world.

Sitting on the futon under the eaves of the corridor was an old man.

This person's name is Takasaki Masakaze. He has been the director of Japanese songs since the 21st year of Meiji. He has guided Meiji's Japanese songs and is deeply favored.

Meiji also sat down next to him,

"teacher."

Takasaki bowed to the wind,

"His Majesty."

Meiji noticed that there were two books beside the other party, one was called "Notes of Takasaki Masakazu's Speech\

,"The other one is much more interesting,

The cover of the book is actually printed in color, with a picture of a pig's head covered with flies. The festering eyes seem to be staring at the reader, which makes people shudder.

Book title:

"King of Hako".

Meiji couldn't help but feel surprised,

lord of flies,

What an unexpected name.

Takasaki Masafeng asked: "Your Majesty, have you ever heard of the pen name Lu?"

Meiji smiled,

"Of course. He is a Chinese who studied in the UK. His "The Rise of a Great Power: Japan" is quite unique and his analysis is quite thorough. As for "The Nature of Japanese Civilization"..."

The smile on Meiji's face solidified,

How could the Emperor laugh at a writer who could completely analyze the Japanese national character?

He whispered: "The whole article is violent and not worth reading."

Takasaki Masafeng nodded,

"Yes. How could the Yamato nation be 'polite, yet arrogant; extremely stubborn, yet very fickle; loyal and generous, yet rebellious and full of resentment'? These are not people, but hedgehogs."

Meiji glanced at the teacher and said nothing.

Silence fell under the eaves,

"..."

"..."

"..."

Only then did Takasaki Masakawa realize that he had made a mistake.

If you really thought Lu's statement was outrageous, how could you recite it word for word?

So, people still hit the mark!

Takasaki Masakawa looked gloomy and stopped talking about "The Nature of Japanese Civilization" and instead said: "Your Majesty, this "Lord of the Flies" is Lu's new work, a novel written in Japanese."

Meiji was startled.

"So a great writer in Japanese...I mean, how could he write in Japanese? Not a translator?"

As he said this, he eagerly took the book.

Unexpectedly, there is no translation column on the book cover, only the author is written.

The corner of Meiji's mouth curled up,

"Hmph... It seems that our country has a strong cultural appeal."

He was very conflicted in his heart,

On the one hand, he recognized Lu's influence and felt that Lu writing in Japanese was a great thing for the spread of Japanese culture;

On the other hand, he must show his disdain for "The Nature of Japanese Civilization".

As for what you really think?

Anyone with eyesight can see it.

Meiji asked in a low voice: "How is this book?"

Takasaki Masafeng said seriously: "Your Majesty, I should not give my opinion before you read it. Otherwise, it will affect your judgment of this book."

Meiji nodded,

"The teacher is right."

He opened "Lord of the Flies" and began reading with a sideways eye and an extremely critical attitude.

Soon, he discovered Hua Dian,

"There is a saying in China, 'Monks from other places cannot recite the true scriptures.' It seems to be true. This protagonist has organizational skills, charisma, and is an army officer. How could he have such a messy surname as 'Amano'? Last name."

Takasaki Masakawa said: "Lu may be understanding 'Amano' as Chinese."

Meiji asked: "How do you say this?"

Takasaki Masafeng wrote these two words,

——

Tian, ​​Tian refers to the sky, but also refers to nature or nature, and the master of all things;

Wild means vast.

——

He explained: "Chinese people probably think this surname is domineering."

Meiji sneered,

"He can understand Chinese characters, but he doesn't understand Japanese."

After saying that, he continued reading, still with the mentality of being critical and looking for trouble.

But as the plot unfolds, the frequency of his faults gradually becomes less frequent.

Silence fell.

I do not know how long it has been,

When Meiji raised his head again, it was already dark.

In the evening night, the dry landscape, mainly gray, white and brown, presents a unique posture and rhythm, giving people a sense of calmness and restraint.

Meiji's eyes were a little dull,

After reading this book, he felt an inexplicable emptiness in his heart.

Takasaki Masafeng approached and put a large cloak on Meiji.

"His Majesty."

Meiji finally came to his senses and returned the book to the other party.

"Thank you, teacher."

Takasaki Masafeng asked: "Your Majesty, what do you think of this book?"

Meiji pondered,

For a long time, he couldn't help but ask the other party: "What did the Brutalists represented by Masato Goto do wrong? It is true that for children trapped on a desert island, it is important to light a fire and call for help, but isn't hunting and eating meat important? Are the Brutalists really wrong?”

Takasaki Masakawa's lips trembled,

"Lord of the Flies" is just a novel. The author does not comment on who is right or wrong between Amano Keiichi and Goto Masato.

Meiji asked this question, but it shows that he has subconsciously made a value judgment and determined that the Fauvism was the wrong party.

Of course, as a minister, it is impossible for me to point out the problems of His Majesty the Emperor.

Takasaki Masafeng said cautiously: "Your Majesty is right. Because external rescue is unpredictable. It may come tomorrow, or it may never come. To a certain extent, it is an illusory hope. On the contrary, The problem of eating meat is urgent.”

Meiji is very happy,

"Yes, hunger is forced by reality. The desire for meat is not worthless; using Awa dance to get rid of the fear of unknown beasts in the heart may be foolish, but it is not necessarily wrong. Even Victor Rain When Gauteau looked back on the French Revolution, he said, 'No one is innocent and no one is guilty', and that's true."

Takasaki Masakawa thought in his heart,

What His Majesty the Emperor said does make some sense.

What's more, he even brought out the great writer Hugo, so what else is there to refute?

"Yes, yes, yes!" That's it!

Takasaki bowed to the wind,

"Your Majesty, you are right. This book "Lord of the Flies" is not meant to criticize anything, but to show how humans should survive in the ultimate state."

Meiji was very satisfied with the other party’s attitude.

He closed the book,

"Teacher, lend me this book for a few days. I will study it carefully."

Takasaki Masakawa was here to present books today, so naturally he would not object and complimented: "Your Majesty loves to study, but you must also pay attention to your health. You must not forget to sleep and eat while studying!"

Meiji was even happier being flattered,

"The teacher is the one, you should have a good rest."

After saying that, he stood up, weighed the book in his hand, and left along the corridor.

After watching his back disappear, Takasaki Masafeng also got up from the futon and gently beat his knees, and the joints even made a soft "crunching" sound.

He was still recalling His Majesty the Emperor's statement just now.

Is there really nothing wrong with Brutalism?

Well……

Why does the logic feel wrong?

Takasaki Zhengfeng bent down again, picked up the tea next to the futon and put it into his mouth, chewing and thinking,

But in the end, he chose to give up.

With a thousand readers, there are a thousand Hamlets,

What's the problem if we think differently?

Takasaki Masakazu muttered: "We Yamato clan all watch "Hamlet"."