I think, the first standard to achieve the Mao Dun Literature Prize is the high quality. We have to admit these awarded books are outstanding, whatever the story or the characters in it, learning a lot from them. These books give its readers a chance to have a look at the unfamiliar period, witness some common people's ups and downs, even rethink themselves.

Also, in temporary society, the bookshelves are crowded with books. But most of books are toolbooks, novels that draw your attention and emotion but are far to be considered as a excellent work. There are some short, good works, but the length do not up to the prize's request.

A book, especially a good book, takes the authors incredible time and energy.

The process of writing also needs in-depth thinking of the whole society rather than inspiration from individual or common things. The value of a work needs to be tested by time. So many awarded books are from decades ago.

This is my opinion about this question, hoping it can help you.

I don't know bro. May be old period is similar to today in some deal. We never forget past and we can't forget past.

My knowledge did not support me to answer this question, but I would like to recommend an awarded novel called "A Muslim Funeral".

Everyday is history, maybe we can't evaluate nowadays works independent of the future. So we always conclude experience that has pros or cons for now from past days to conduct our activities. Whatever literature or others.

Literature is more than a series of stories. In fact, it  takes a vital palce of describing people's psychological change in an unstable and changable society. Literature is larger than story and more vivid than history. That's why literature written for old periods is some kinds of excellent historical stories. 
As of its important, MaoDun Lierature Award probably focusd on the historical situations that most Chinese people have experienced, which can be regarded as a common memory of the nation. It can be occurred after an effective policy, can be occurred after some natural disasters. But the major roles in the awarded literature should reflect humanity and how we make choice as a Chinese.

In my opinion, the old times had different moments and meaningful behaviors. People who write these old stories may want readers to think and gain something.

Because they described the transition of Chinese society, the transition in such a huge group of human being always bring us many stories.

The old stories are history, the author who wrote some classical and immortal  works to show the past life and success the conventional culture. Take  the  instance for Mo Yan, he wrote a sense of excellent books, when interviewed, why he wrote many novels about his hometown, 'Life is material, and my hometown is my spirit.' So the most excllent  works is returning the first step.

Nowadays, many novels online have been absorbed in teenagers ageing 9 to 16, but did they really increase our knowledge or enrich our spiritual world? As a zealot who once spended lots of time on online book, I usually feel empty after reading these books. Most of them just cater for a rapid pace of life. You hardly find anything in depth of thought.

I don't know.