Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 664 Mountain Monster

First, I said goodbye to a few small animals, and then spent half a day hugging three pandas in the panda enclosure.

After calming the little guys down, Chen Fan slung his backpack over his shoulder, picked up a small bag containing the gyrfalcons, and prepared to set off.

Just then, Huang Li suddenly called out, "Master, the New Year is almost here, how much New Year's goods should I prepare for you?"

Chen Fan turned around, frowned and thought for a moment, "Preparing a little is fine, but don't prepare too much."

Huang Li said "Oh," and was about to suggest that when she was preparing her own food, she should also get some.

Then I heard my master say, “We definitely need cured pork, sausage, chicken, duck, spare ribs, and fish. Check what kinds of animals the farm has, and arrange for rabbits, sheep, and beef cattle as well. Then we’ll air-dry half of them and smoke the other half, using fruitwood for smoking.”

Bring a few pounds of all kinds of pastries, including rice candy, peanut candy, sesame candy, sesame brittle, ginger candy slices, cat's ear pastries, fried sweet potato chips, snow dates, old-fashioned candy, sesame fritters, crispy candy, dragon beard candy, peach shortbread, walnut shortbread, and so on…

At this point, Chen Fan suddenly stopped and said to Huang Li, "If you mix up peach shortbread and walnut shortbread again, you'll be making desserts for me from now on!"

Huang Li shrank back and quickly took out her notebook to make notes. "Oh, peach shortbread doesn't have walnuts, but walnut shortbread does. I'll remember that."

Yang Mei and Liu Lu stood aside, feeling a pang of sympathy, and couldn't help but drool.

Glancing at Huang Li still taking notes, Liu Lu cautiously asked, "Master, is there anything else?"

Chen Fan turned his gaze over, "Fish cake, fish balls, fried small fish crisps, fried lotus root sandwiches, pearl meatballs, tofu meatballs, lotus root meatballs, do I even need to ask about these?"

Liu Lu nodded quickly and made a gesture, "I've got it."

Chen Fan thought for a moment, noting that there were still many vats of wine in the cellar, including rice wine, fruit wine, and baijiu, and then said, "Let's leave it at that."

He then turned around, waved, and left with a flourish.

Watching her master's figure disappear into the woods, Yang Mei asked softly, "Did you all remember it?"

Liu Lu and Huang Li exchanged a glance, then simultaneously opened their notebooks, which contained only two words: "We want them both!"

……

Chen Fan had no idea that his three little apprentices were cricketing at him. He traveled by small boat and then by car, heading straight for the provincial capital.

As usual, we first went to the Cultural Palace Guesthouse to stay.

As Chen Fan parked and entered the gate, he smiled and said, "Oh, it's you on duty again?"

After knowing each other for a while, receptionist Xiao Peng lost her idol aura and joked with Chen Fan, "It's quite a coincidence that Director Chen is back and I'm on duty."

Chen Fan's face fell. "Xiao Peng, you've become naughty."

Xiao Peng wrinkled her nose. "Director Chen, you're two years younger than me. Even if you don't call me Sister Peng, you should at least address me as Comrade Peng Ying."

He handed over the key, saying, "Old room, 207, no one has lived here, your things are in there, no one has touched them."

Chen Fan took the keys, smiled and nodded, "Thanks, Xiao Peng."

He turned and walked towards the dormitory building in the backyard, which made Xiao Peng so angry that he bared his teeth and brandished his claws. A few seconds later, he chuckled.

Chen Fan returned to his room, put down his luggage, opened his bag, and released the three birds.

In the countryside, you have to worry about people hunting, but in the city, you don't have to worry at all. Even if you have a gun, whether it's a firearm or an air gun, you can't just fire it casually. If a gunshot is heard, it's no small matter.

Otherwise, Chen Fan would have to put them in a cage and only let them out at night for fresh air.

Ignoring my luggage for now, I turned on the computer to check it, confirmed that it was working properly, inserted the floppy disk, and started typing away.

Zhou Yali sent him several computers. Two of them were taken by Jiangnan University and Jiaotong University, so now he has three at his home in Shanghai, one for each of the three of them. In addition, there is one at his home in Lujiawan, one in his guesthouse room, and the last one, which he gave to Professor Xu.

In terms of personal computers alone, the entire country combined probably doesn't own as many as he does.

I wonder how far Professor Huang and his team have progressed in their research, with just a computer and the Chinese character card they were given later.
If the project approval process goes smoothly, the timeline for the localization of personal computers should be greatly accelerated, right?
Chen Fan shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions. In no time, he finished writing a document, clicked print, and the printer next to him started spitting out paper.

Once the document was printed, Chen Fan took out his luggage from his backpack, stuffed the document inside, turned it into a briefcase, and slung it over his shoulder as he walked out.

……

Twenty minutes later, in the office of the Chinese Department teaching building at Jiangnan University.

When Chen Fan reached the door, he slowed down. Seeing that the door was open, he listened carefully and realized that there was only one breathing sound inside, and it sounded very familiar.

He immediately took two deep breaths, took out the document from his bag, took another deep breath, and strode inside.

Xu Zurui was typing skillfully on the computer when he heard a noise and instinctively turned his head to look.

Then he saw his unworthy disciple rush in, lunge at him, and throw out several pieces of tattered paper.

Chen Fan placed the document on the table and said to Professor Xu, "Professor, I have discovered a new research topic. I have been preparing for it for more than a month and have finally made some progress. Please take a look."

Xu Zurui didn't respond, but just stared at him expectantly, suspecting that he was changing the subject and trying to avoid the punishment of not handing in homework for three months, but he had no evidence.

After staring at each other for several seconds, Xu Zurui finally looked down and picked up the few pieces of tattered paper.

Upon seeing the title, he couldn't help but narrow his gaze and look up at Chen Fan.

Chen Fan immediately forced a smile, his eyes were particularly pure and his smile particularly sincere, just like a cute three-year-old child.

Only when the teacher lowered his head to continue looking did his face fall, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Get it!

Xu Zurui spent a full half hour reading those few pages.

After he finished reading it, he looked up with a satisfied smile on his face. "How did you come up with this topic?"

He glanced at the manuscript again as he spoke, “If National Treasures Could Talk? It combines cultural relics with the social, economic and cultural elements of the time, which not only showcases the social landscape and customs of the time, but also reflects the spirit, aesthetics and values ​​of the time, as well as the cultural level of the time.”

This method of presentation effectively reflects our traditional culture and has significant practical value for those of us engaged in Chinese literature research.

Chen Fan was secretly pleased; he should have gotten away with not handing in his homework for three months.

However, we cannot let our guard down yet; we must continue our efforts to ensure complete safety!

So he said seriously, “Teacher, you are very talented! I also studied for a long time before I thought of interpreting the ancient human society and cultural level from the perspective of antiques and cultural relics.”

I never expected that the teacher could pinpoint the essence of the research with just one glance. I'm truly impressed!

Xu Zurui didn't even bother to look at him. He leaned back in his chair, one hand on the manuscript, and said softly, "From ancient times to the present, all cultural relics can be categorized into two main types and functions: one is for daily use, and the other is for the enjoyment of literati."

This type of item has always been reserved for royalty and nobility. Commoners and even "savages" had no right or means to access valuable items. Therefore, this type of item is characterized by its exquisite craftsmanship and its service to royalty.

Even the weapons used by warriors reflect the aesthetic and technological level of the society at that time, with the weapon's shape and accessories reflecting the hierarchical system.

The category of "literati's interests" refers to items created by scholars and writers out of personal enjoyment. These items are not intended for practicality, but rather for aesthetic appeal and exquisite craftsmanship, emphasizing both ingenuity and spiritual expression.

At this point, he finally looked up at Chen Fan and said seriously, "This topic is very large, so large that it cannot be completed by any one person, and it is also very broad, covering multiple categories in history and literature."

Are you planning to choose one direction, or do you want to start a research group?

Chen Fan blinked, saw the teacher's hopeful gaze, and swallowed back the words he was about to say.

After a while, Xu Zurui saw that he still didn't speak, and he knew exactly what Xu Zurui was thinking.

He could only shake his head helplessly, "He was born intelligent, but he was born with a dislike for academic pursuits. What a pity."

Chen Fan's face twitched twice, and he chuckled awkwardly, "It's not that bad, it's not that bad."

He wanted to use this project as a temporary measure to divert the teacher's attention and show that he hadn't been wasting his time but had been focusing on his studies. Little did he know that the teacher actually wanted him to form his own research group.

Is this something a graduate student like him could do?

Are you sure you don't want him to be a graduate student advisor?!

After a few seconds of pause, a thought flashed through his mind, and he said seriously, "Teacher, this is what I'm thinking. Both national treasures and traditional Chinese culture are very broad topics. As for traditional Chinese culture, I'm still just a primary school student, not even a beginner..."

Xu Zurui waved his hand to interrupt him, "Your words are too modest. After a year of study, you have at least accumulated the most basic knowledge as a scholar of Chinese studies. How can you say you are a primary school student?"
As I said before, in terms of classical Chinese alone, you already possess the foundation of a "top-tier talent." If you can accumulate knowledge and skills, you will surely become a great Confucian scholar.

After he finished speaking, he patted the thin sheets of paper again, "And this project is expected to help you rise to prominence and become a great Confucian scholar."

Chen Fan swallowed hard, stunned. Could it be?!
Xu Zurui picked up his teacup and took a sip of water, as if he hadn't been the one who had just spoken. After putting down the teacup, he looked at Chen Fan and asked, "What else do you want to say?"

Chen Fan blinked, finally managing to get his thoughts back on track. However, he had to cut out the sentimental part and get straight to the point. "What I mean is, this research requires knowledge of traditional Chinese culture, history, and cultural relics. As for myself, I do lack quite a bit."

As for this topic, it's better to start sooner rather than later. On the one hand, we've been delaying our academic research for too long; on the other hand, no one can guarantee that someone else won't think of this topic.

So, how about you personally take the lead and gather all the masters from the Chinese Department and History Department of Jiangnan University to work on this project together?
Otherwise, it would be too wasteful to do it all by myself.

Seeing Xu Zurui deep in thought, he whispered, "I'll join this research group, do a little bit of research, and maybe benefit from it too. What do you think?"

After listening to his words, Xu Zurui fell into deep thought.

He knew, of course, that once this research project was completed, it would not only make him stand out in the field of Chinese classical studies, but also establish a certain influence in the field of history. Becoming the project leader would practically make him a pioneer in this school of thought.

He himself wasn't particularly interested in being the head of the research group; his academic standing was what it was, and he didn't need this extra bit of recognition.

Instead, he hoped that Chen Fan could take the lead, even if Chen Fan's qualifications and abilities were not yet sufficient. With his support, he would eventually be able to start and continue this project.

But Chen Fan's words also make sense. If this academic project is delayed just to train disciples, and someone else might even get there first, it would be too much of a loss.

After thinking for a long time, Xu Zurui looked up at Chen Fan and said softly, "Okay, I'll discuss this with the school first and see how to handle this matter."

As for you, it's been three months and you haven't submitted a single assignment. Forget about the previous ones; I have a new requirement for you. Within the scope of the topic you proposed, write a formal research paper before the end of this semester.

After a pause, Xu Zurui pointed at his student and said, "Remember, your major is Chinese Language and Literature. Your thesis must demonstrate both the historical weight of national treasures and the depth of knowledge in your major. If you don't meet these requirements, be careful you won't graduate!"

Chen Fan's expression stiffened slightly. Were the requirements really that high?

The original version of "If National Treasures Could Talk" only showed the national treasures, without any content on traditional Chinese culture!

What? You proposed the research topic yourself?
Well, then you'll have to suffer the consequences of your own actions.

Chen Fan pursed his lips and nodded resolutely, "Okay."

As we all know, the classic literary genres of Han Fu, Tang poetry, Song Ci, Yuan Qu, and Ming and Qing novels all developed during relatively prosperous periods in history, which is a manifestation of cultural prosperity.

Adding to this the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections, as well as the works of famous scholars throughout history, the so-called "literature as a vehicle for conveying the Way," constitutes the main body of Chinese studies.

Where does culture come from? It comes from history, of course. Thus, history has become an important part of traditional Chinese learning.

National treasures reflect the social, political, economic, and cultural landscape of a certain historical period, and so can traditional Chinese culture.

By using national treasures to demonstrate traditional Chinese culture and using traditional Chinese culture to highlight national treasures, history can be recreated.

This is why many masters of Chinese classical studies are also well-versed in history.

Now, Chen Fan is simply applying a general discussion of history to a specific national treasure.

While this cannot be described as establishing a new school of thought, it has opened another window in the hall of Chinese studies, pointing out a new way of thinking for scholars.

Even so, they can still leave their mark on the history of Chinese studies.

If it were made into a TV documentary later, each expert would have to mention that this research method was proposed by Chen Fan. Perhaps it could become as famous as Chen Yinque, Qian Mu, and Nan Huaijin.

It's no wonder Xu Zurui attaches such importance to this. Besides being the one who proposed the research topic, they also hope he can produce the first research paper so that he can rightfully claim the title of "founder".

Chen Fan naturally understood his teacher's intentions, and no matter how difficult it was, he readily agreed.

As for the difficulty?
Chen Fan stated that traditional Chinese studies are not a problem, and history is not particularly difficult either.

The key point is that ever since he learned about antiques from Master Lu and unlocked his appraisal skills, he hasn't leveled up much and is still a pitiful LV1.

It seems this weakness needs to be addressed.

Without him even asking, Xu Zurui wrote a letter of recommendation and handed it to him, saying, "Take this and go to the provincial museum to find Director Zhang. You can ask him for advice on cultural relics."

Chen Fan took the letter with both hands and nodded, "Okay."

He was then kicked out by the teacher.

Xu Zurui then made a phone call, put away the manuscript Chen Fan had written, and left in a hurry.

……

Chen Fan walked out of the teaching building, checked the time, and saw it was a little past three in the afternoon, a time that was neither too early nor too late.

It's too early for dinner, how about lunch?

Who hasn't had lunch yet at this hour?

He shook his head, put away the letter written by his teacher, and drove to the management department, which was not far away next door.

Many people have seen Chen Fan on the Jiangda campus, and even those who don't know him have heard that he owns a modified GAZ-69 car.

As the deputy director of the provincial writers' association, no one has ever questioned the origin of his car.

So as soon as he arrived, a school worker greeted him with a smile, saying, "What wind blew Director Chen here today?"

If you're in the Chinese Literature Department, then calling him "Student Chen" would be more appropriate. But in the Management Department, it's not appropriate to call him "Student"; using his title would be more respectful.

Chen Fan was also very polite, offering a cigarette and saying with a smile, "I'd like to find Lin Liwen from the associate degree program in Public Administration, or Xia Yuping from the program in Public Management. Either one will do."

The school janitor was very helpful, saying, "No problem, I'll go call it for you."

After saying that, he turned around and walked into the teaching building.

Chen Fan waited outside.

The current Jiangnan University does not have high-rise buildings. Most of the teaching buildings are only three or four stories high, and it is normal for one building to accommodate the students of one department.

Even decades later, Jiangnan University still has the fewest and lowest-rise buildings among the top universities in the country. Most of the buildings are built on the mountainside, and the tallest is no more than nine stories.

At this moment, Chen Fan stood at the edge of the field and looked out. The red roof was hidden among the green trees, which did not look abrupt at all, but instead made him feel very relaxed and happy.

Not long after, he heard a series of hurried footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Lin Liwen and Xia Yuping running over in a hurry.

As the two ran closer, Chen Fan laughed and said, "I just came back from Yunhu. I saw Sister Zhou a few days ago and she asked about you. I didn't know anything about you, how embarrassing!"

"I just got back and came to see you all. Are you free after school? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

Upon hearing this, their joy vanished almost entirely. They exchanged a glance, both seeing the bitterness in each other's eyes.

So it was Sister Zhou who sent him?

However, the next second, the two adjusted their expressions and nodded in unison, smiling, "Okay."

(End of this chapter)