I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 110 Student Leaders and the Immeasurable Power of Unknown Punishment
No one knows Mikhail's writing style better than Belinsky, who has written several articles analyzing and summarizing it. But upon hearing the phrase "simplicity is the sister of genius," Belinsky almost immediately realized that this simple sentence could actually summarize what he had spent so much time analyzing.

This statement is not difficult to understand. In short, it means that being able to present complex content in a concise way when creating or expressing ideas is a very high level of skill.

True geniuses do not use lengthy and cumbersome expressions to cover up the emptiness of their thoughts, but rather use concise language to accurately convey profound meaning, just as excellent works of art often use simple lines to outline rich artistic conception.

Mikhail's short stories undoubtedly exemplify this, often conveying in just a few thousand words what others would need much more space to write and not necessarily do well. Who would have thought that the impressive "The Chameleon" is only two thousand words long?
Undoubtedly, his short stories vividly embody this principle. However, in his recent novels, Mikhail's style has undergone a significant change, shifting from simplicity to a certain degree of complexity. But this complexity is not meaningless writing; rather, it is an attempt to delve deeper into certain areas.

As Belinsky pondered these things, Mikhail added, "Of course, there is no fixed formula for truly excellent works; what suits you best is often the best."

“There is no more accurate statement than this, Mikhail.”

Coming to his senses, Belinsky smiled and replied, "It's just that for many beginners in literature, having a general direction will make their writing much better. I'll put that sentence in a prominent position in our next issue. Do you have anything else to add?"
And then there were the critical essays you mentioned wanting to write. I remember one was about the image of aristocratic youths in Russian literature, which you said would reveal a neglected social archetype. Another one, I recall, was about poetry; you seemed to be trying to establish a new poetic style.

I think this is feasible, and I can vaguely sense it from your recent poems, so you should hurry up and do it! You should also write more poems. I bet that in Russia, there is no other poet who has achieved such fame with such a small body of work! There is no one else but you.

Therefore, you should be even more determined not to stagnate. Remember, it's unethical for a genius to refuse to work hard! And also…

Mikhail listened to Belinsky recount his experiences with great familiarity: "."

When you were bragging before, I think you accidentally said some things, but you remember them all too clearly.
"I'm writing it, I'm writing it, I'm already writing it."

Mikhail couldn't help but wipe away non-existent cold sweat from his forehead.

"Sigh! If I had a genius like you, I would work twenty hours a day! I would be willing to write until my hands are swollen!"

If someone else had said such a thing, Mikhail would have just laughed it off, taking it as bragging. But when Belinsky said it, Mikhail felt he was serious.
After all, besides work, Belinsky's only hobby was playing cards, and because of Mikhail's arrival, Belinsky's interest in playing cards has waned considerably. In his own words:

“God, you know, once you know how anything will end from the very beginning, the process is destined to become boring. Every time Mikhail just sits there, I feel like there’s no point in continuing!”

Incidentally, it was probably due to the influence of Mikhail, coupled with the allure of the prize money from the "Contemporary" magazine, that the young Dostoevsky had recently become so engrossed in writing, single-mindedly focused on producing excellent works.

Of course, this was also related to the fact that his novel "The Poor" which made him famous was met with a cold reception. This not only poured cold water on him, but also made him eager to prove himself, which often plunged him into depression.

Mikhail had already noticed this, but hadn't had a chance to say anything to Old Do. Also, although it was a bit contrary to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, Mikhail still planned to find some time to comfort Old Do, of course, in a very proper way.

While Mikhail was pondering these questions, Belinsky urged, "If you're still writing, when will it be finished? If it's quick, why not publish it in the next issue of 'The Contemporary'? It would be very beneficial for our magazine."

Mikhail: “.”

Thus, under Belinsky's urging, even though Mikhail had already decided to publish a short story in the next issue, he ultimately had to promise to write a review article as well.

As they chatted, Turgenev, who seemed somewhat gloating, greeted everyone cheerfully before officially embarking on his star-chasing journey.

Mikhail and Belinsky had basically finished discussing all the topics they wanted to cover. However, as they were about to part ways, Belinsky briefly inquired about Mikhail's studies.
"By the way, Mikhail, there's something I haven't had a chance to ask you yet. Are you going to continue your studies at university? Although it may not be necessary from an economic point of view, I think it would be very beneficial for your future and your future career."

As you know, in universities, young Russian talent from all walks of life and social strata flowed in, as if into a general reservoir. In the university classrooms, they purged the superstitions and prejudices they had acquired at home, reached a common level, formed brotherly friendships, and then dispersed to all parts of Russia, to all levels of Russian society.

Some of them will join government agencies, some will join the military, and some will return to their hometowns to teach.

I know that, it's the stronghold of the rebels!
Similarly, this period was a key target of Tsar Nicholas I's surveillance and crackdown. Even in later generations, this situation remained to some extent, the only difference being whether the intensity of the crackdown was sufficient and whether precise strikes could be carried out.

At this point, Belinsky showed a nostalgic expression, and after reminiscing, he looked at Mikhail quite earnestly:
"As far as I know, many university students in St. Petersburg enjoy your articles and are aware of your status as a college dropout. Many people are already inquiring about which university you graduated from! It's truly remarkable for a university student to achieve such success. They naturally feel a strong sense of identification with you."

Furthermore, Mikhail, I believe that if it were you, you could definitely unite many people around you. Even if some are forced by reality to return to their original social class to continue living and working, I believe that this university experience will be crucial for them. Perhaps they can provide you with some assistance in the future.

If you truly have many people gathered around you, then you will be able to do even more, both now and in the future! This is the most progressive force in Russia!

Mikhail: “???”

No, buddy! Why did I gather so many people here?
What are your intentions in thinking like that? I'm listening!
Frankly speaking, whether from his mother and sister, Nadya, or for the purpose of adapting certain novels, Mikhail had often thought about completing his law studies, obtaining a diploma, and also seriously studying current Russian law. After all, the novel he wanted to adapt absolutely required an understanding of Russian law.

As for whether it is in line with the times, just as Kafka once said in an article about the issue of law: the law is one of the few "secrets of the aristocracy that rule us," and he firmly believed that "these ancient laws are strictly observed, but it is a painful thing to be ruled by laws that people do not know."

However, to put it another way, the saying in Zuo Zhuan, "If punishments cannot be known, then authority cannot be measured," seems like an old saying from over two thousand years ago, but in reality...
Never mind, I won't say anything more about it.

In short, learning is learning, and writing is writing; this kind of thing really shouldn't be done.

Otherwise, Mikhail might have gone in without even waiting for the Petrashevsky case to come to light.

This is no joke. After all, Nicholas I's oversight of universities and his heavy-handed approach to cracking down on them were extraordinary. As early as ten years ago, many students at Moscow University were sent to Orenburg Province to serve in the army or even exiled for attempting to organize secret groups and engaging in criminal conversations.

But then again, what Belinsky said seems quite plausible.
Before Mikhail could reply, Belinsky became increasingly agitated and grabbed Mikhail's hand, saying:

“Mikhail, perhaps this is something only you can do. Think about it, if one day there really is something that requires the likes of us to do, then there must be someone who can unite everyone who can be united, and then we can all speak out together.”

"What makes me so charming?"

Mikhail's lips twitched, then he quickly calmed Belinsky, who had started coughing from excitement, before continuing, "I will finish my studies. After all, I can graduate from St. Petersburg University in less than a year. As for what you said, I will consider it, but like I said, how could an ordinary person like me possibly do what you described?"

"ordinary?"

Hearing this, Belinsky laughed instead: "I've talked about your writing many times, so I won't go into details. Even your character makes people want to get closer to you. I still remember the day you reached out your hand to me. Anyway, Mikhail, just do what you want to do. There are some things that only you can do."

Mikhail: “.”

If I just focus on studying law at school, nothing should happen, right?

Although that was indeed what he thought, seeing Belinsky's confident expression, Mikhail didn't know what to say for a moment, so he could only nod and then quickly say goodbye to Belinsky and the others.

Mikhail didn't have much to do for the time being, but Belinsky was in a hurry to get to work.

It's clear that he really wanted to do as much as possible for the magazine before going abroad for recuperation, and he insisted on doing so no matter how much others tried to dissuade him.

Fortunately, his physical condition is not as bad as it was in the following years, and he can still hold on.

Even so, let's send him away as soon as possible.

After Belinsky left, Mikhail stood there for a while. To be honest, Mikhail didn't have any great abilities. Perhaps the only thing he could be commended for was trying to be a decent person. But if one day many people were willing to believe in him and follow him, should Mikhail respond or remain indifferent?
After thinking for a while, although Mikhail seemed to still think "we'll see," he also vaguely seemed to have an answer that only he himself knew.

Because the hotel where Mikhail was seeing Turgenev off was in a very good location, the road ahead seemed exceptionally wide as Mikhail walked forward, bustling with people and noise. Mikhail moved through the crowd without any hindrance, while being pushed forward by the tide of people.

Thanks to Mikhail's presence, the young Dostoevsky and Turgenev's relationship is currently fairly good, but not particularly close. After all, as time goes by, the shortcomings of the person who was initially thought to be quite good are gradually being exposed.

Besides the issue of faith, Turgenev's big mouth and boastful habit also made Dostoevsky somewhat uncomfortable, as he wrote in a letter to his brother:
"I have many thoughts, but I can't even say anything to Turgenev, otherwise by the next day every corner of St. Petersburg will know what Dostoevsky is writing. But even such a man would, to some extent, submit to Mikhail, who is much younger than him, and he rarely speaks carelessly about Mikhail."

It's truly an incredible thing, but like I told you before, you'll definitely fall in love with Mikhail once you meet him; he always brings hope and comfort."

Because of this relationship, and also because he had some things to do, he did not go to see Turgenev off. As for what those things were...
Before the young Dostoevsky could even sigh, a knock came at the door.

At the same time, there was a voice that was already very familiar, but still felt like it came from outer space:

"Fyodor, are you there?"

(End of this chapter)