Lionel's oral examination undoubtedly received the "highest grade."
The "oral exam controversy" at the Sorbonne, with its dramatic process and heroic epic ending, quickly swept across Paris.
The pages of major newspapers were almost entirely dominated by the name Lionel Sorel.
Particularly surprising was Le Figaro's report with the prominent headline, "'The Conscience of the Sorbonne' Lionel Sorel Debates Baroness's Daughter, Defending Academic Dignity."
The article described in detail the challenging questions of the additional examination, praising Lionel's answers for "displaying a rare philosophical depth and moral courage in the younger generation of France," and calling it "a profoundly enlightening interpretation of the essence of literature."
Pierre, the journalist who wrote the report, wrote even more acerbically:
"Miss Durova-Shcherbatova attempted to hijack the Sorbonne's examination standards with rubles, only to reveal the superficiality of her own thoughts and the shallow arrogance of the Russian nobility.
Mr. Sorel proved with his wisdom that true conscience cannot be bought with money, and true dignity stems from fearless courage."
Le Petit Journal's report focused more on the dramatic scenes during the oral examination, with an exceptionally "alluring" title—"Exam Room Scandal! Sorbonne Genius Attracts Two Noblewomen's Contention."
The report vividly described Sophia's arrogance upon intrusion, Madame de Rothschild's chief lady's maid Lia's noble demeanor, and Lionel's sharpness in his counterattack.
At the end of the article, it gossiped about Madame de Rothschild's "special attention" to Lionel, accompanied by an exaggerated caricature:
Lionel, holding a quill transformed into a sharp sword, shatters Sophia's waving money bag, while Madame de Rothschild casts an approving gaze from the clouds.
La République's editorial adopted a higher political and ideological stance—"Truth, Morality, and Freedom – The Triumph of the Republican Spirit from the Sorbonne Exam Room."
The article elevated Lionel's discourse to the level of republican values, praising it for embodying the republican spirit of "not fearing power, pursuing truth, and independent thinking," and calling it a resounding slap in the face to attempts to interfere with academic freedom through money and privilege.
The article also implicitly criticized some shortsighted individuals at the Sorbonne who feared losing their "Russian money prospects."
Even the relatively conservative Le Journal des Débats had to admit:
"Mr. Lionel Sorel's performance in the oral examination was exemplary.
His discourse on literary truth and morality was thought-provoking, showcasing solid scholarship and clear analytical ability.
The controversy in the examination room ultimately concluded with the triumph of academia itself."
Lionel's reputation, along with these reports, soared, incidentally boosting the sales of the two newspapers serializing The Misadventures of Benjamin Boudon.
Especially La Vie Moderne; Georges Charpentier, this scion of wealth, seemed to have truly been enlightened by the clever methods Lionel taught him, having learned to extrapolate.
He launched a booklet containing 20 thick copperplate-printed pages, each leaving a large blank area, with only a few sentences at the bottom summarizing a certain plot point from The Misadventures of Benjamin Boudon.
The blank parts were perfectly suited for attaching illustrations drawn by Renoir.
The booklet was exquisitely produced, with even gilded edges on the cover, and each copy sold for as much as two francs, surprisingly triggering a scramble among high society.
Noblewomen who bought the booklet stated that it not only allowed them to better store their collected illustrations but also served as a children's book, becoming a literary enlightenment for their children at home.
Lionel was stunned after receiving the booklet—Mr. Charpentier had independently invented the modern sense of a comic strip or serialized comic!
What would Pierre Renoir be called in the future? An Impressionist pioneer, or the father of comics?
However, Mr. Charpentier was always a man of principle; along with the booklet, he also sent a new contract—
For every booklet sold, he would give Lionel, the original author, a 5-sou commission.
Lionel naturally had no objection, as this was unexpected wealth; however, after signing the contract, he also took the opportunity to give Mr. Charpentier a suggestion—
Why not publish the illustrations as a collection in the format of the booklet, using black and white printing, with each copy priced at 15 sous.
After all this, Lionel's summer vacation officially began, lasting nearly three full months from early July to the end of September.
Lionel, at the center of the storm, could also temporarily escape the hustle and bustle, his strained nerves finally able to relax a little.
As he was enjoying the peace and quiet, an invitation smelling of country soil arrived at 64 Rue Laffitte.
The invitation came from Émile Zola.
The great writer's country villa in Médan was finally entering its liveliest time of the year.
Every week, he would invite a few like-minded friends for a gathering, enjoying the tranquility away from Paris.
The list of invitees included Guy de Maupassant, Paul Alexis, Henri Céard, Léon Hennique…
And, of course, Lionel Sorel.
In the letter, Zola enthusiastically wrote:
[…My dear Lionel, the grapevines of Médan and the breezes of the Seine can soothe all worries.
Here, there are the finest wines, the freshest bread, the freest air, and the unreserved close exchanges of the most sincere friends.
We eagerly await your joining…]
————
The Médan villa in summer was full of pastoral charm.
Lush trees surrounded the spacious residence, flowers bloomed in the meticulously maintained garden, and the sparkling Seine flowed slowly nearby.
By the time Lionel arrived, it was evening, and the golden glow of the setting sun cast a warm luster on the villa's white walls and red tiles.
Maupassant, soaking wet and wearing only shorts, was the first to spot him:
"Ha! Our 'conscience' has finally arrived! The Paris newspapers are almost hailing you as Socrates reborn!
Come in, Mr. Zola's treasured Bordeaux has been decanted!"
Zola also came out upon hearing the commotion, put his hunting rifle aside, and enthusiastically embraced Lionel.
He appeared exceptionally relaxed in this world that was entirely his own:
"Welcome to Médan, Lionel. Here, there are no examiners, no baronesses and their unruly daughters, only friends and freedom."
Paul Alexis and Henri Céard, among other young men, also eagerly greeted Lionel, welcoming the friend who had given them a chance at fame.
Dinner was served in the villa's spacious dining room.
The long table was covered with a crisp white linen tablecloth, laden with food: freshly baked bread, vegetable salad, beef stew, and various kinds of cheese, as well as an assortment of wines from Zola's proud cellar.
After dinner, everyone moved to the small pier in the yard, where there was a small boat named "Nana," which could be rowed to a small island in the river not far away.
Lionel followed Zola and a few others as they rowed the small boat, while Maupassant and Paul simply stripped and jumped into the river to swim across.
A few minutes later, they reunited on the island.
Zola suddenly remembered something, speaking with a rare, almost heavy power:
"Friends, we are enjoying fine wine, friendship, and the tranquility of this summer night.
But do you remember that less than a decade ago, this land, this Seine River, and even the air we breathe right now, were filled with a different sound—
It was the roar of Prussian cannons, the dying wails of French soldiers, the desperate moans of Paris under siege…"
Lionel suddenly looked up—today marks the beginning of the "Médan Soirées"?
He then turned to Maupassant—"Boule de Suif"?
(End of this chapter)
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