Phan Khoi receives a critical letter from a Catholic priest living in Hue who objects to the upcoming publication of the serial novel Lam Di in the newspaper Song Huong. The priest argues that publishing such a work will pollute the newspaper and corrupt public morals. Writing back from Hue on August 13, 1936, the editor expresses initial appreciation that a member of the clergy takes such an active interest in secular matters. However, he counters the priest's objections by pointing out that the priest is thinking like a conventional Confucian scholar rather than looking at truth, which is inherently harmless.
To defend the publication, the editor invokes the teachings of Jesus Christ and passages from the Bible. He recalls the teaching that nothing in the world is truly dirty except the evil thoughts and arrogance that originate within the human heart. He also notes that Jesus permitted a prostitute to approach him, acting as a physician who comes to help the sick rather than shunning those he deems foul. The editor gently questions whether the priest is attempting to be holier than Christ himself, warning that focusing solely on external purity while maintaining internal corruption resembles the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
The editor explains that the newspaper is publishing the novel with a sincere desire to help and save society, rather than viewing the subject matter as unclean. He adds that even the Old Testament records various bodily functions and marital relations without treating them as inherently filthy. Furthermore, he assures the reader that the novel will be written in a decent manner without any intent to arouse improper desires. Concluding his letter, he thanks the priest for his concern but asks him to allow the newspaper staff to continue their work freely, noting that this open response will also be published in the newspaper.