In the days following Zhongshi's passing, overwhelmed with grief and the pressure of his funeral arrangements, I was writing a memorial couplet when someone published the accompanying annotations—the short essay you see here. In that essay, I quoted two ancient sayings: "Water flows to the sea, the moon sets but never leaves the sky." Zhongshi truly embodies this; great souls are like that, like the moon, falling but still remaining in the heavens. On his 100th day memorial, a group of friends commemorated him with a poetry recitation, which I participated in. Today, we gather again, in the name of friends, in the name of readers, and in the name of literature, to remember him.
We should commemorate all those who have made great contributions to the country, the nation, and the people, and we should build a temple in their honor. Although Zhongshi's temple, though not yet fully constructed, is already built in our hearts.
In modern Chinese history, Guanzhong produced many sages, such as Li Yizhi, Yu Youren, Yang Hucheng, Shi Lu, and Liu Qing—all pillars of the nation and elites of the people. Zhongshi's emergence ensured the continuation of this pure stream; his seventy-four years were glorious and honorable.
Zhongshi was a quintessential traditional Chinese intellectual, emphasizing both moral integrity and literary achievement. His moral integrity lay in his profound political aspirations: patriotism, love for the people, a global perspective, unwavering faith, dedication to poverty alleviation and public service, resolute conduct, critical thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. Whenever I read Zhang Zai's words, "To establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of the past sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations," I think of Zhongshi. This wasn't said after Zhongshi's death; I said it while he was alive. Both Zhang Zai and Zhongshi were from Guanzhong, and they deserve the title of upright figures. His literary achievement lay in his lifelong dedication to promoting and disseminating Chinese culture; his novel *White Deer Plain* is a magnificent cultural masterpiece. It will undoubtedly leave a significant mark on the history of contemporary Chinese literature. It is precisely because of his moral integrity and literary achievement that the times will not forget him, society will not forget him, and the charm of his personality and writing will endure.
How was his faithful moral character established? How was his faithful writing realized? These are questions we should ask ourselves and ponder deeply as we remember him, hoping they will offer us enlightenment. Reflecting on the decades we spent with him, he possessed "a steadfast and resolute character, and a bright and outstanding talent." On all major issues concerning the Party and the country, he was always clear-headed, conscious, and outspoken, taking a clear stand. I deeply admired his political acumen, his broad perspective, and his courage to take responsibility. In social welfare activities and in supporting amateur writers, he was a kind and patient elder, always tireless and warm-hearted—a quality that made me feel inferior. From the time we co-founded the Qunshu Literary Society to the later Shaanxi Army's Eastern Expedition, working together in the Writers' Association, I personally witnessed his esteemed view of literature and his diligent and earnest approach to writing. Reading his creative notes for *White Deer Plain*, I was deeply moved by the immense effort he poured into literature, the hardships and loneliness he endured, and the sheer amount of hard work he put in. It made me realize my own shortcomings. There is so much we can learn from his character and writing; he was a friend, an elder, and our eternal role model.
He has passed away, leaving behind a tremendous legacy. Our remembrance and commemoration of him means carrying on and expanding this immense legacy of character and writing, promoting the development of literature in Shaanxi, and enhancing our own creative endeavors.
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