The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 685 - 654: Huo Dadao, ’A Brief Talk’_1

Chapter 685: Chapter 654: Huo Dadao, ’A Brief Talk’_1

After musing for a moment, Huo Zhekun voiced his own reasons.

"I have three considerations," Huo Zhekun said. "First, the manuscript I hold has a solid theoretical foundation. Anyone with a bit of scholarship and insight can see that, and it cannot be denied. It’s just that my previous work ran contrary to this correct theory, which is why many people avoid speaking of it." Huo Zhekun continued, "Second, I am the second son of the Huo Family and have always held local posts. One could say that these are the experiences I have distilled from my work. Even if someone attacks me, there’s still you and my elder brother above me. They can’t do much to me, after all, since I don’t work in Yanjing, the impact isn’t that great."

Upon hearing this, both Old Master Huo and Huo Zheqian’s eyes lit up.

Indeed, based on these first two points alone, it would be best for Huo Zhekun to come forward and publish the article.

Even if somebody targeted Huo Zhekun, a local official could not be directly punished, and with him and his eldest son also in the Huo Family, they could surely protect the second son.

On the contrary, if the manuscript were successfully published, it would undoubtedly bring a leap forward for the Huo Family.

"And the third reason?" Old Master Huo asked.

Huo Zhekun solemnly replied, "This is the essence of Yingjie’s hard work; I don’t want his efforts wasted. At the same time, I believe the era of being punished for one’s words is over. Now is the time for the nation to discuss major issues together. Whether right or wrong, we can discuss it collectively rather than simply critique, criticize, or struggle against each other."

Old Master Huo listened and nodded, "Good, I understand you. How will this manuscript be published? Which newspaper? Have you figured it all out yet?"

Huo Zhekun thought for a moment and said, "I want to publish it under my real name. Also, I don’t want you to submit it to the higher-ups before publishing. Instead, I’d like to send it directly to a more authoritative newspaper. That way, it can be said that these are my own ideas and not related to the Huo Family. If something happens, the Huo Family can distance themselves, and I won’t have to worry about lacking a retreat."

"Hmm, very well," Old Master Huo said. "You handle this matter on your own."

"All right, I have a classmate who works at the newspaper. Tomorrow I’ll give him the manuscript to see if he can help publish it," Huo Zhekun said, no longer feeling the initial apprehension he had upon seeing the manuscript. Good.

"Hmm!" Old Master Huo nodded in agreement.

The next morning, after having breakfast, Huo Zhekun went out, heading directly to his classmate’s workplace.

Huo Zhekun’s classmate was Song Ming, and the two had previously had a good relationship.

Seeing Huo Zhekun looking for him, Song Ming brought him straight to his office and asked, "Old classmate, what brings you here?"

"Heh, I need your help," Huo Zhekun said. "Help me get this manuscript published."

Song Ming smiled, understanding the situation.

Some local officials, to show off their achievements, would also write articles.

"Sure!" Since it wasn’t an unusual request and Song Ming was readily agreeable, he asked, "Let’s see what kind of manuscript it is first?"

Huo Zhekun took the manuscript out of his bag and said, "This one. Please make sure to get it published for me."

Song Ming opened it and was also taken aback; he checked that the door was closed, then whispered, "Are you sure you want to publish an article like this? Are you doing this on your own behalf or representing the Huo Family?"

Being the editor-in-chief of a national government newspaper, Song Ming had a high political awareness.

"It’s me," Huo Zhekun said. "Please get it published for me."

"Are you out of your mind with the desire to get promoted?" Song Ming asked. "Do you realize the kind of impact this article could have if it’s published under your real name?"

Huo Zhekun thought for a moment, then said, "Everyone wants to get promoted, but I’m certain I haven’t gone mad. Being punished for one’s words isn’t as severe now as it used to be."

"Not as severe doesn’t mean it’s non-existent," Song Ming said. "Old classmate, you really need to think this through."

"I know. I’ve learned from my father’s example, and some of his actions make a lot of sense," Huo Zhekun said. "My argument is well-founded, all distilled from Marxist philosophy. Even if someone criticizes me, I have the grounds to rebut them."

"Heh!" Song Ming laughed. "I see now, more than twenty years have passed, and you still are the ’Bold Huo’ of our class."

"Old classmate, do me a favor and get this published," Huo Zhekun said. "After all, it’s just an article. Your newspaper publishes many every day."

Song Ming gave a wry smile, thinking that with the Huo Family in its prime and Huo Zhekun being capable, even if anything happened, the Huo Family could handle it.

"All right, I’ll get it published as soon as possible," Song Ming said. "Are you using your real name or a pen name?"

"My real name," Huo Zhekun replied. "This is just some minor comments from a local official!"

Minor comments?

Song Ming really wanted to give Huo Zhekun a piece of his mind; not even a philosophy professor could necessarily write an article like this.

It was genuinely brilliant!

Well, he was going all in!

Who knew, this article might even stir up widespread discussion.

"Alright then, I respect your wishes," Song Ming said, curious to see what sort of waves his classmate would create.

"Thank you, I’ll be in your care," Huo Zhekun said. "I’m catching the train back tonight; there’s still a big stack of work waiting for me in Nan City!"

"Sure, I’ll send you a telegram if there’s any news," Song Ming said. "Let’s have lunch together at noon."

"No thanks, not this time. When I’m back in the capital, I’ll treat you to a meal at my house," Huo Zhekun declined, knowing Song Ming was busy and not wanting to impose any further.

Song Ming indeed had important matters to attend to and did not insist on keeping Huo Zhekun.

Huo Zhekun returned home for lunch and bought some things his wife liked to eat, preparing to head back to Nan City.

Huo Zhekun’s manuscript sparked widespread discussion in the editorial department, not about whether to publish it, but about how insightful the author must be to have produced it!

In the news business, everyone present was experienced, and they knew the kind of impact the article could have on the newspaper.

So the manuscript was featured in the national newspaper the very next day.

As Huo Zhekun slept soundly in his train bunk, he had no idea of the stir his dropped bomb had caused back in Yanjing.

Those in politics almost always had the habit of reading newspapers, and this particular publication was indispensable.