My "Four Hao of Shangshan" – Lei Da, Zeng Zhennan, Gao Song, and Chen Xiaoying

 

 My "Four Hao of Shangshan" – Lei Da, Zeng Zhennan, Gao Song, and Chen Xiaoying 

Nantai

Everyone is familiar with the story of the "Four Hao of Shangshan" (Four Eminent Scholars of Shangshan). When Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty intended to depose the crown prince, Empress Lü sought advice from Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang instructed her to invite the Four Hao of Shangshan to assist the crown prince. When Emperor Gaozu saw that these four eminent scholars—whom even he himself had failed to recruit—were now supporting the crown prince, he no longer dared to depose him. 

 

My journey to specializing in comic novels also owes a great deal to four eminent figures in the literary world: Lei Da, Zeng Zhennan, Gao Song, and Chen Xiaoying. The first three are like "immortals who showed me the way" toward comic novels, while the last is the "founding father of comic theory." 

 

 

## The First: Lei Da 

Lei Da is regarded as the preeminent contemporary literary critic in China, known in critical circles as the "Horizon"—always ahead, visible yet unattainable. It was after reading my first full-length novel *A County Magistrate’s Tenure* that Lei Da noticed my unique strengths. He commented: 

“What surprises me even more is the author’s inherent talent for satire and humor—a talent infused with folk wisdom. Reading this book reminds me of works by comic masters like Gogol’s *The Government Inspector* and *Dead Souls*. These are my honest words, with no exaggeration whatsoever.” 

 

 

## The Second: Zeng Zhennan 

Zeng Zhennan is the second-most prominent figure in contemporary Chinese literary criticism, second only to Lei Da. He also recognized my uniqueness after reading *A County Magistrate’s Tenure*, stating: 

“This book is filled with vivid characters, authentic life experiences, and elements that are at once poignant, humorous, and touching. Reading it brings to mind works by masters of satire and humor, such as *The Scholars* (Wu Jingzi), Gogol’s *Dead Souls*, and some novels by Mark Twain.” 

“He portrays characters with a comic or absurd temperament, yet without resorting to cartoonish techniques. Everything is executed through precise realistic artistic methods—this is a testament to a writer’s skill. I believe Nantai (the author) has demonstrated extraordinary mastery in this aspect in this book.” 

 

 

## The Third: Gao Song 

Gao Song is the leading literary critic in Ningxia’s critical circle. He commented that *A County Magistrate’s Tenure* is a comic novel rarely seen anywhere in the world, adding: 

“It can take its rightful place alongside works like *The History of an Enterprise*, *Ordinary World*, and *White Deer Plain* without the slightest sense of inadequacy.” 

 

These three were my guides into the field of comic novels—and their support was a case of “mentors seeking out a disciple.” When a disciple seeks a mentor, they look for fame; when a mentor seeks a disciple, they look for talent. A stone may not know its own value, but a sculptor can tell whether it will be carved into a royal crown or a cabbage. 

 

 

## The Fourth: Chen Xiaoying 

While the first three were “guides,” Teacher Chen Xiaoying is truly my “mentor who imparted skills.” Over 90% of my knowledge of comic aesthetics comes from Teacher Chen’s works. Without these four teachers, I, Nantai, might just be a ordinary stone—whether carved into a stepping stone or built into the wall of a pigsty, only heaven would know. 

 

 

One of the guiding principles in my creative process is the “ethic of gratitude and repaying kindness.” My way of repaying these four teachers and the other mentors at the “China Comic Aesthetics Research Association” is this: Comedy is the “royalty” of literature and art, the pinnacle of artistic achievement. As a disciple, I must live up to this “royal” status—my works must reach the pinnacle of world literature; if they fail to do so, I will have let down this “pinnacle art.” A writer must strive to become a global leader in their field; if I fail to become one, I will have let down the mentors of the “China Comic Aesthetics Research Association.” 

 

 

Included in #MyViewsOnLiterature (Personal opinions, for reference only) 

184, Ningxia, March 17, 2025 06:17