I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 272 Mikhail has arrived, and Paris is about to fall again.
Last week, Friedrich's grades were mediocre. You know, he seems to have behaved a bit better on the surface, but all the severe punishments of the past have clearly failed to instill fear in him and make him completely obedient. Today he worries me again: I found a dirty book in his drawer, a novel about 13th-century chivalrous tales borrowed from the library…

May God bless him. Generally speaking, he is a good boy, but I always worry about him, fearing he might go astray. He certainly has all the good qualities, but so far I have also discovered that he has some weakness of will and some superficiality of thought, which makes me deeply uneasy.

—A letter Engels wrote to his mother when he was 15 years old.
Regarding Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1846, they were in the prime of their lives.

Marx was only 28 years old that year. After obtaining his doctorate at the age of 23, he directly became the editor-in-chief of the Rheinische Zeitung and immediately criticized the Prussian government on the infamous "timber theft problem".

Upon seeing such opposing views, the Prussian government naturally chose the easiest method: shutting down the Rheinische Zeitung and forcing it to cease printing. In a fit of anger, Marx resigned as editor-in-chief and turned to more clandestine activities.

When he was 25, an article he published criticizing the Russian Tsar displeased Nicholas I, and Marx lost his job, thus beginning his turbulent life and another, more magnificent career.

More on that later. Returning to Engels's words, this young man, only twenty-six years old this year, was a true member of the old German Plain Black Banner. His father was a factory owner, a devout Christian, and a tyrannical ruler in the family, with Prussian aristocratic blood. His mother was kind-hearted, adhered to traditional values, and loved literature and history.

In general, Engels was a man of wide-ranging interests in his youth. He showed an exceptionally strong interest in literature, art, music, and foreign languages ​​while in school. He wrote poetry and drew cartoons, and quite successfully at that. He was passionate about horseback riding and fencing, and was also an excellent swimmer; this love of sports and physical exercise lasted a lifetime.

In the final years of his academic career, Engels decided to dedicate his life to literature. Unfortunately, Engels' father was only interested in making Engels successful in business, so he insisted that Engels go to the Hanseatic League port of Bremen as a business apprentice.

However, after arriving here, Engels, as an unpaid clerk, was not under strict supervision. He had plenty of time to drink beer and read while working. Thus, Engels' nature was fully developed in this relatively free environment. While reading extensively and voraciously, he also felt the pulse of the times.

Just as he wrote in a letter to his friend:

"The tide of time will surely engulf your peaceful kingdom, and then you will be at a loss. Work, life, the courage of youth—that is what truly matters!"

Here he declared himself a follower of the Young German Movement, a literary movement, but he soon found that his chosen literary career did not satisfy him, so he turned to philosophy.

When he went to Berlin to serve in the military in 1841, he naturally joined the Young Hegelians and gradually came into contact with communist ideas, which led to his subsequent actions.
As for why Engels came to France in 1846 to lobby various workers' organizations, simply put, the communist ideology at that time was a mixed bag, mixed with various elements such as religion, humanity, and compassion. Engels came here to promote truly scientific communism in order to pursue the greatest possible consensus and eliminate some of the overly vague impurities.

Mikhail would definitely like to hear it, but as for Bakunin...
Thinking this through, Mikhail glanced at the tall, handsome man before him again, then quickly and politely extended his hand to shake his, saying:
"I've heard of that name, but I'll probably have to wait and see. I have a lot of things to take care of in Paris."

To put it simply, Bakunin is the epitome of a contrarian.

If indiscriminately rebelling against authority is a necessary stage in the growth of every normal person, and often occurs at a relatively young age, then Bakunin can be said to be eternally youthful, even like a child.

For him, determining the target of his rebellion sometimes seemed secondary; it was often decided based on the circumstances or motives of the moment. The arguments his reason provided to justify this rebellion were even less tenable. Bakunin clearly demonstrated that, regardless of the purpose or reason for his rebellion, it was purely an instinctive act of resistance.

In short, it's rebellion for the sake of rebellion.

Just as Bakunin's father was a rare example of a doting and kind-hearted patriarch among feudal patriarchs, this did not prevent Bakunin from writing to his sister:

"Where there is love, there is no obligation; obligation excludes love. And anything that excludes love is base and despicable. For me, parents do not exist; I do not acknowledge that I have parents, and I do not need their love."

Of course, this abstraction does not prevent Bakunin from being a quick-witted, intelligent, and highly motivated person with strong personal charisma. Just like his friendship with Turgenev, Bakunin was a typical person who loved to teach and mentor others and was developing in that direction, while Turgenev, due to his gentle nature, preferred to be a student.

So when they first met in 1842, the two hit it off immediately, talking night after night about their beliefs, ideals and ambitions. What pleased Bakunin even more was that Turgenev's wallet at that time was like a widow's jar, inexhaustible, and could be used as a source of loans. He could borrow as much or as little as he wanted, as long as he vaguely promised to repay the debt in the distant future.

Long ago, Bakunin was a notorious debtor. He could willingly endure poverty, but once he had money, he liked to go out to eat, treat his friends to the most luxurious restaurants, and buy all kinds of fine wines to eat and drink extravagantly. He didn't care about money, nor did he care about paying off his debts. As a result, he naturally ruined his reputation.

The reason for mentioning this is that Mikhail does not intend to have too deep a relationship with Bakunin. Although Mikhail is indeed broad-minded and relatively understanding of others, getting involved with someone like Bakunin, who lives too much in his own way and likes to cause trouble, would undoubtedly be a very troublesome thing.

Just as Mikhail could easily help Turgenev settle his debts and living expenses, and would certainly be able to eat and drink for free from Turgenev after inheriting his estate, it was a different story with Bakunin. Being ripped off financially was a minor matter, and Mikhail didn't care much about that. But if the other party used Mikhail's name to cause trouble, that would be a real problem.

After Mikhail politely greeted Bakunin, although Bakunin was encouraged by the revolutionary inclination revealed in Mikhail's reply, he was still slightly puzzled when he heard Mikhail's seemingly dismissive remark that there were still many things to be done.

He's been away from Paris for so long, and he's been mostly active in London, so why would he have so many things to deal with?
Since Bakunin had only recently returned to Paris, he was not entirely clear on many things. Just as he was about to instruct the young man to focus his energy on more important matters, he heard Turgenev say rather passionately:

“Yes, Mikhail, you have so much to do! As you said, I haven't hidden the fact that you'll be continuing your activities in Paris for some time. And after this news got out, the first to notice were Madame du Châtelet, Countess Claire, Madame Montespan, Marquise de Rambouillet, and Madame Élian.”

Bakunin: "?"

Is this a list of dishes?
Or should we introduce this young man to the female noblewomen of Paris?
Just as Bakunin was somewhat stunned, Turgenev finally finished reciting the long list of names, and then continued:

"They all want to invite you to their place; they all want to meet the man who conquered England with literature!" Mikhail: "???"

When did this kind of talk start again? Old Tu, are you bragging again?
"It's not over yet, Mikhail. Then it's people in the literary world!"

Turgenev chuckled and continued, "Although you haven't expressed any interest in participating in Parisian cultural circles before or now, the top cultural circles in Paris have now extended an invitation to you! They hope to see you at their upcoming gatherings, and many of them have close ties to the French royal family."

It doesn't seem like a big deal, after all, in two years King Louis Philippe I of France will have to flee to England with his tail between his legs.

"Then there's Mr. Hugo, who invites you to visit him when you have time. Mr. Dumas also warmly welcomes you, saying that since you left, he has rarely found anyone in France who understands both writing and food, and he is eager to sit down with you and enjoy a meal."

And then there's Mr. Balzac, hahaha, he seems to have heard from someone else that you're about to succeed in starting your business in England, and for a while he was practically insanely jealous! He kept shouting that it was impossible! But he still wanted to sit down and talk to you.

And what about Ms. George Sand and Mr. Chopin? Have I told you about them? It's regrettable that their love seems to have developed some cracks. But they both want to sit down and talk with you again.

And then there are the young poets, writers, and artists in Paris! So much time has passed, and the literary ideas you put forward in Paris are being embraced by more and more young people! Many of them want to visit you and hear your own explanations of those literary ideas.”

Bakunin, increasingly confused, thought: "???"

Why are there so many people?!

And it seems there's more than that!
And indeed, just as Bakunin had thought, after speaking of these people, Turgenev showed no sign of stopping, took a breath, and continued:
"Many newspaper and magazine owners in Paris want to meet with you and have a talk. The owner of Le Soir was already itching to go to London to find you, and several other magazine owners said you still owe them articles."
Then there are some new things regarding the theater.

Mikhail, growing increasingly weary as he listened, simply said, "."

Why is there so much to do?!

Can I return to London now?
Well, London has a lot of problems to deal with too.

It can only be said that, to this day, Mikhail has found it difficult to lie down normally most of the time.
Fortunately, his memory was indeed excellent; otherwise, Mikhail would have had very little time left for reading and thinking.

After recounting all this, Turgenev then brought up the most recent hot news related to Mikhail:
"I won't even mention the reactions your novels, still being serialized in Paris, have caused. But the most frequent news in the newspapers over the past six months has undoubtedly been your legendary exploits in London! Your success in London always surprises and even delights the French high society and the general public. And when they think of your success in England, those gentlemen and ladies who already look down on English literature puff out their chests with even more pride."

Mikhail: “?”

Why are you French people getting so arrogant?
"The newspapers are all saying that you were able to achieve such easy success in England only after you had studied and trained hard in France."

"That's utter nonsense."

Upon hearing this, Mikhail, who was somewhat unable to contain himself, couldn't help but purse his lips, and then clarified, "There is no connection between the two."

understood!

Mikhail achieved success without any learning or experience!
It has absolutely nothing to do with France!
After secretly noting this down, Turgenev, as if struck by a thought, asked with some curiosity, "But Mikhail, as far as I know, you're not one to like being in the limelight. Why are you planning such a big commotion this time you've returned to Paris? Even though you haven't done anything but spread the news of your return, it's enough to cause a stir in Paris."

"It's nothing, it's just that my friends and elders in Russia are coming to Paris soon, and I should stay here to entertain them."

Even if Mikhail dislikes being high-profile, with the general's family about to arrive, wouldn't it be foolish to keep a low profile at this point?

Upon hearing Mikhail's explanation, Turgenev immediately understood:
"It's General Danilevsky and his family, right? No wonder you even told me you were prepared to be interviewed by reporters, which is so unlike you. But for now, let's think about when to have those reporters come to our door!"
Do you think it's better to do it today, or wait a couple of days? But in any case, you need to seriously consider whether you want to attend some parties and dinners. They're being very pushy; they'll probably be coming to your door in a while.”

Just as Turgenev was passionately planning Mikhail's next move, Bakunin, sitting on the other side, was already dumbfounded.

He had initially thought Mikhail's claim of having much to do was an excuse, but now it seemed the young man might collapse from exhaustion in Paris.
Although this news was enough to make most young people jump up from their seats with excitement, Bakunin glanced at the young man and saw that he did not show much emotional fluctuation, but rather a sense of helplessness.

Seeing this, even though Bakunin was eager to teach, he suddenly had no intention of instructing the young man. Or rather, Bakunin suddenly began to worry about something else: what should he do if the young man wanted to teach him?
Rebut him?
To mock his arrogance?

Although Bakunin would most likely react this way, he still felt a little uneasy inside.
(End of this chapter)