Chapter Five
1
The next morning, a theft of explosives from the ammunition depot shook the entire base, and an emergency meeting was being convened in the conference hall.
Chen Danghe was the first to launch an attack, saying: “I believe that this batch of stolen explosives was very likely taken by an insider. We should first search every corner of the base, including inspecting each comrade’s dormitory, to confirm whether the explosives have been taken out of the base.”
The meeting chairman, Chen Benjiang, thought for a moment and said: “It is indeed possible that this batch of explosives was stolen by our own comrades, and as Comrade Chen Danghe said, it is very likely that the explosives are still within the base. The stolen mining explosives, unless the thief takes them to sell to coal mine owners, would be very difficult to dispose of.”
Chen Danghe continued: “Chairman, I propose that we first conduct an internal search. If no clues are found, then we can send people to inquire at coal mines both near and far to determine the possible whereabouts of the explosives.”
Chen Benjiang said: “We will proceed according to Chen Danghe’s suggestion. Comrade Xu Xikuan from the Security Department will divide his personnel into several groups and dispatch them to search the dormitory areas and offices of each department within the base.”
Xu Xikuan responded: “Yes, Chairman.”
Liao Xueli instinctively felt that “something was amiss,” and gave Chen Chunqing, beside him, a meaningful glance. The two stepped outside and spoke in low voices. As Chen Chunqing listened, his expression grew increasingly grim.
Furrowing his brows, Chen Chunqing said: “Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian—I've long known they are not decent men. They’re capable of such venomous schemes, like releasing a poisonous snake to harm others.”
Liao Xueli said: “I have a feeling that this explosives theft case is very likely designed to target Director Wang. If my guess is correct, during the upcoming search, the explosives will certainly appear in Director Wang’s dormitory. What they are using is a scheme of framing and shifting blame, killing with a borrowed knife—the purpose is to convict Director Wang and hand him over to a party members’ public trial.”
Chen Chunqing said anxiously: “Then what should we do? Is it still in time to move the explosives away?”
Liao Xueli said: “I think it’s too late. You go back to the meeting and delay them as much as possible. I will rush to the village chief’s house to warn Director Wang and tell him to leave this place of trouble immediately. We cannot just stand by and watch Director Wang be wronged and handed over to a party members’ public trial.”
Chen Chunqing said: “For now, this is the only way. Let’s split up and act.”
2
In Chen Qiwang’s living room, Lü Heruo, He Yunxuan, Chen Qiwang, and Liao Musheng were making tea when Liao Xueli hurried in, panting, and said: “Director Wang, something has happened at the base!”
Everyone present was startled. Lü Heruo asked: “What happened?”
Liao Xueli briefly explained the situation: “A batch of mining explosives has been stolen from the base. Chen Danghe and his group have requested Chairman Chen to conduct a full search of the base. Chunqing and I instinctively feel this is a framing scheme planned by Chen Danghe, aimed at setting up Director Wang. After discussing it, we believe you should leave this place of trouble immediately.”
Lü Heruo said firmly: “I cannot leave the base at this time. Doing so would give others grounds to say that I am implicitly admitting involvement in the theft.”
Liao Xueli said anxiously: “But if you go back, it will still be impossible to explain clearly. Director Wang, you don’t need to throw yourself into the fire!”
Lü Heruo said: “Xueli, I am not the kind of person who avoids reality. My mind is made up. I will go back to the base with you and let them investigate the case thoroughly. Even if I have to face a public trial, I will live with a clear conscience.”
Li Haiqing said emotionally: “Our director has weathered great storms. How could he possibly do such petty and sneaky things? This case is clearly a frame-up!”
Liao Musheng said: “Director Wang, I believe you are innocent. I will accompany you back to the base and speak to Chairman Chen in person.”
Chen Qiwang also said: “Chairman Chen is a reasonable man. Since this matter has nothing to do with you, I believe he will investigate it thoroughly and restore your innocence. I will go with you as well.”
3
Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian led several security personnel, conducting a house-to-house search, and arrived at Lü Heruo’s dormitory.
Dong Zhiqian said: “Reporting, Director, this is the dormitory of Director Wang of the Political Department.”
Chen Danghe said: “The chairman has ordered that every department office and every comrade’s dormitory must be searched.”
Dong Zhiqian quickly found explosives under Lü Heruo’s bed.
Feigning surprise, Dong Zhiqian said: “Director, the explosives have been found.”
Chen Danghe said: “Guards, take out the evidence. We will return to report to the chairman.”
Security Guard A: “Yes, Director.”
Chen Danghe said: “Catching an adulterer in bed and catching a thief with the stolen goods—this time Director Wang will have to face a party members’ public trial! I would like to see how he can justify himself.”
4
As soon as Lü Heruo and Liao Xueli’s group returned to the base, several members of the security team surrounded Lü Heruo.
Lü Heruo shouted loudly: “Do not tie me up. I am not a criminal.”
Dozens of people were seated in the conference hall. Two boxes of explosives were piled in front of the chairman’s platform. Everyone’s eyes were sharp and focused, as if they were already prepared to carry out a “public trial meeting.” All eyes, without prior agreement, were fixed on Lü Heruo. He raised his head, straightened his posture, and walked to the “defendant’s chair” beside the chairman’s platform, then turned around.
With righteous dignity, Lü Heruo said: “Comrades, I deeply regret that this incident has occurred! With a great enemy before us, not only have we failed to unite as one against the outside, but some people are even creating internal conflicts among us.”
Lü Heruo turned his gaze to the faces of Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian, staring at them.
He continued: “I did not leave this place because I want to personally face this case. My conscience is clear, so I can stand here and face all of you and accept the investigation.”
Chen Benjiang nodded with approval and said: “Before the truth of this case is clarified, I hope that none of you will form preconceived judgments. After all, no one wishes to be wronged.”
At this moment, Chen Danghe raised his hand and requested to speak: “Chairman, I speak strictly based on facts and never deliberately wrong comrades. Director Wang has recently made some remarks that violate the party’s line, and his loyalty to the party has made me suspicious. In addition, considering last night’s incident, since the stolen explosives were found under his bed in his dormitory, the facts are right before us, and Director Wang cannot escape suspicion. I hope Director Wang will honestly confess the whereabouts of the other boxes of explosives, and I request that the chairman and comrades deal with his actions leniently, giving him a chance to reform.”
After hearing Chen Danghe’s “crocodile tears” speech, Secretary Chen Chunqing felt deep disdain and dissatisfaction, and immediately raised his hand to speak.
In an impassioned tone, Chen Chunqing said: “Comrades, based on Director Wang’s usual conduct, whether he truly has the motive to do such a thing is something you may wish to consider. And if he really did it, why would he hide the stolen goods under his own bed, leaving behind evidence of the crime? This is clearly someone framing him in secret, using the tactic of planting evidence and shifting blame, isn’t it?”
After hearing this, the people in the hall began whispering among themselves.
Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Dong Zhiqian raised his hand to speak: “As the old saying goes, ‘Catch the adulterer in bed, catch the thief with stolen goods.’ Since the two boxes of explosives were found under Director Wang’s bed, it cannot be said that everyone is framing him. I believe all comrades should make a resolution on how to handle this matter. If one has done something against the party, it is only right to accept the party’s punishment.”
Liao Xueli could no longer restrain himself. Without waiting for the chairman’s permission, he stood up and spoke: “First of all, I must confess to the party that it was I who informed Director Wang of this matter earlier. At that time, I suggested that he temporarily leave before the truth was clarified, but he said his conscience was clear and that he was willing to return to face the investigation. Think about it—if Director Wang had committed the theft, when I notified him, he could have simply fled. But that was not his decision. This shows that there must be an injustice here. I ask all comrades to think carefully—does my analysis make sense?”
Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian, standing nearby, were both quite surprised by Liao Xueli’s sudden move. They glanced sideways at him. Chen Danghe thought to himself: “This man usually seems easygoing—how could he also be one of Lü Heruo’s people?”
Chen Benjiang asked: “Does anyone else have anything to say?”
At this moment, Liao Musheng in the audience raised his hand. Chen Benjiang said: “Secretary-General Liao has something to say. Let us invite him to speak.”
“I am your friend, Liao Musheng. Regarding this explosives theft case, I have been an outsider from beginning to end. Originally, I had no standing to speak. However, just now at Village Chief Chen’s house, when Director Wang received Liao Xueli’s notification, his instinctive reaction was to face it calmly. Based on this alone, I believe Director Wang has been framed. Those boxes of mining explosives—even if transported outside, without the right connections, they would likely be impossible to sell. Even if they were sold, the amount would not be significant. Moreover, even if Director Wang obtained this illicit money, he would have nowhere to spend it, because as far as I know, he has never left this place. This shows he has no motive to steal and sell the explosives.”
Chen Qiwang then said: “Secretary-General Liao’s analysis is very reasonable. Although this case is an internal matter of your base, it concerns the innocence of our good friend Director Wang. From the standpoint of friendship, Secretary-General Liao and I must speak a few words of fairness.”
Chen Benjiang also felt that something was suspicious about the matter, so he mediated: “How about this? Since both sides have reasonable arguments, before the truth is fully investigated, Director Wang will be temporarily relieved of his duties and his freedom of movement restricted. Once the truth is clarified, we will collectively deliberate on how to handle the matter.”
5
In the afternoon, Chen Chunqing, Liao Xueli, and Zhang Haiqing (He Yunxuan) went together to Village Chief Chen Qiwang’s house, and discussed with Liao Musheng and his sister Liao Qingyun how to help “Director Wang” (Lü Heruo) clear his unjust accusation in the explosives theft case.
Chen Chunqing said: “Director Wang has run into vile people. Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian, those two, are always looking for opportunities and loopholes to make trouble for Director Wang. I noticed it long ago.”
Liao Xueli said something shocking: “Earlier, Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian took advantage of the late night to carry a sack of ‘grass snakes’ and poured them into Director Wang’s dormitory, trying to have him killed. Director Wang has always not allowed me to speak of this matter.”
Chen Chunqing asked in surprise: “Is there really such a thing?”
Liao Xueli said: “If this matter had no basis, would I bring it up?”
He Yunxuan said: “Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian—one a ritual master, one a table head—having gotten together, I had long suspected that there might be some kind of conspiracy. I didn’t expect that Director Wang would be the one they intended to deal with.”
Chen Chunqing said angrily: “These two are truly vicious at heart. They even dare to use such cruel methods against their own comrades. It is truly immoral and inhumane!”
Chen Qiwang said: “Chunqing, regarding your Director Wang’s conduct and way of doing things, after spending this period together, I have some understanding of him. However, Liao, what you said about Danghe and that Dong Zhiqian releasing grass snakes to bite Director Wang—if there is no solid evidence, this cannot be casually used to accuse them.”
Liao Xueli swore: “If I, Liao, am lying, may I die a miserable death!”
Zhang Haiqing said: “Village Chief, when you speak in front of Chairman Chen, your words have always carried great weight. Could I ask you to come forward on behalf of Director Wang and plead with our chairman, so that Wang is not confined in the dormitory?”
Liao Qingyun also asked her elder brother Liao Musheng for help: “Brother, please come forward and plead with their Chairman Chen on behalf of Director Wang. He will listen to you. Besides, how can we just stand by and watch Director Wang being framed?”
Liao Musheng comforted her and said: “Little sister, this matter cannot be handled forcefully. It happened inside the base and is considered their internal affair. We have no standing to intervene.”
Liao Musheng said to Chen Chunqing: “Chunqing, as people say, ‘Even a fair official finds it hard to settle family disputes.’ I am not one of your comrades, so it is not convenient for me to interfere in matters within your base. Moreover, from what I have heard, your Chairman Chen has not yet convicted Director Wang. The current measures taken against him are considered fair. But what my younger sister is worried about is whether Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian might take advantage of Director Wang’s confinement to harm him again.”
Chen Chunqing said: “I will do my best to protect Director Wang and not allow Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian to have another opportunity to harm him.”
Liao Xueli said: “I am still very worried about Director Wang’s current situation…”
Chen Qiwang lightly patted Xueli on the shoulder and said: “You don’t need to worry about that for now. What is most important at present is to quickly find the remaining boxes of explosives. Since the theft was not committed by Director Wang, they should still be hidden somewhere in our village. Later, I will ask the village clerk Bida to bring a few strong men to accompany you in searching around the village.”
Liao Xueli rested his chin on one hand, thinking, and said: “What the village chief said makes a lot of sense. At present, we must quickly find out the whereabouts of those explosives in order to clear Director Wang’s name.”
Qingyun protested: “I don’t care! Brother, you must quickly find a way to save him!”
Liao Musheng said: “Little sister, calm down and listen to me. Like you, I also believe that the explosives were not taken by Director Wang. But right now, we have no evidence to prove his innocence. If I go to Chairman Chen immediately, the people in the base will think that Director Wang is relying on me as his backing, and that is why he dared to do such a thing. If we intervene rashly without distinguishing right from wrong, it will instead arouse their suspicion and make Director Wang’s situation even more difficult. Do you understand the twists and turns of what I’m explaining to you?”
Chen Ruyu held Qingyun’s hand and comforted her: “Sister Yun, don’t worry for now. Brother Wang is a good person. Everyone is trying to help him.”
6
Chen Ruyu sat alone on a stone bench under a camphor tree, staring blankly in the direction of the base, completely unaware that a figure was quietly approaching from behind. The person had a black mask covering his head, revealing only his eyes, and extended both hands to suddenly grab Ruyu from behind.
Chen Ruyu screamed in fright: “Who are you? What do you want?”
The masked man said: “Don’t shout loudly.” He then revealed a sharp knife and held it against Ruyu’s neck.
Chen Ruyu cried out loudly: “Help! Help!”
The masked man covered Ruyu’s mouth with one hand and said softly: “I told you not to shout, and you still shout!”
At that moment, Yu Lianfu and his son Wenyen were herding cattle past the nearby area, Lianfu carrying a shoulder pole with a load of tea leaves.
Yu Lianfu said: “It seems like someone is calling for help over there?”
Yu Wenyen said: “That voice sounds like Teacher Chen Ruyu!”
Lianfu said: “Yes! Ruyu might be in danger. Let’s hurry over and take a look.”
The limping Lianfu set down his load, grabbed his carrying pole, and the father and son rushed over one after the other, followed by their black native dog named “Kule.”
When they arrived at the Earth God temple, they saw the masked man binding Chen Ruyu’s hands, and her mouth had already been stuffed with a rag, preventing her from calling out.
Lianfu sternly shouted: “Who are you? Damn you, you really have the nerve—daring to bully a woman in front of the gods!”
Lianfu immediately set the dog on the masked man: “Kule, go bite him! Bite him!” and at the same time wielded his pole and charged forward.
The masked man released Chen Ruyu and, while waving his blade to fend off the attacking black dog, also had to guard against Lianfu’s sweeping pole, appearing flustered and struggling to cope.
“Ah-Yen, quickly untie the rope on Teacher Chen!” Although Lianfu limped, the strength of a farmer was not to be underestimated. With the pole in hand, he struck and swept fiercely. The masked man could protect his upper body but not his lower body, and was bitten hard on one calf by the black dog. Enraged, he grabbed the dog’s neck and stabbed it fiercely. The dog howled in pain and released its grip. At that moment, the masked man took two solid blows from the pole to his chest and arm, and the knife in his hand fell to the ground. Ignoring the pain, he immediately turned and fled. The poor dog was already on the verge of death. Lianfu chased for a short distance but, seeing he could not catch up, turned back.
Yu Wenyen held the dog in his arms, his chest stained with blood, crying loudly: “Kule, Kule, don’t scare me! Don’t scare me!”
Chen Ruyu, still shaken, asked: “Wenyen, is your Kule going to be alright?”
Wenyen cried: “He’s bleeding… he’s going to die!”
Lianfu asked with concern: “Teacher Chen, are you alright?”
Ruyu straightened her clothes and said: “I’m fine. Your Kule is bleeding.”
Lianfu let out a sigh of relief, then frowned: “This dog is truly loyal. It has not been in vain that I raised him all these years.”
Ruyu said: “Brother Lianfu, thank you for you and your son coming to rescue me. Since your Kule is injured, I will cover the medical expenses and your losses.”
With reddened eyes, Lianfu said: “No need for medical expenses. The dog is so badly injured—I don’t think he can be saved.”
Ruyu said apologetically: “I’m really sorry, Brother Lianfu. It’s because of me that he was harmed.”
Lianfu said: “Life and death are fated. You don’t need to blame yourself. Who was the one who attacked you just now? Could you recognize him?”
Ruyu said: “That person was masked, so I couldn’t see clearly. But his voice seems familiar, like I’ve heard it somewhere before. If he appears again, I should be able to recognize him.”
Lianfu said: “I saw that person flee toward the base. Could he be someone from inside the base?”
Ruyu said: “I don’t know if he is from the base, but I recognize the voice, and the person was tall and thin. If I see him again, I should be able to identify him.”
Lianfu leaned on his pole and said: “That person took two heavy blows from my pole, so he must be badly injured. Let’s not discuss this further now. I’ll take you back first. Ah-Yen, go home and call your mother and Uncle Maotong from next door to come here and carry Kule back.”
Wenyen rubbed his eyes, nodding while sobbing.
7
Chen Qiwang saw that his younger sister’s face was pale, clearly frightened, while the limping Lianfu followed in behind.
Qiwang asked with concern: “Little sister, what happened? Why is your face so pale?”
Lianfu said: “Fortunately, my son and I passed by the Earth God temple in time and discovered it, so Teacher Chen was not harmed by the masked man.” Yu Lianfu briefly explained what had happened.
Chen Qiwang’s face darkened, and he said: “You said the other party had a knife? This is outrageous—daring to bully my younger sister in the village. If I find out who it is, I will skin him alive!”
Chen Huolu and Liao Meijiao came out into the living room upon hearing the commotion.
Huolu asked: “What happened? Why is there so much noise?”
Qiwang said irritably: “My younger sister was almost assaulted by a masked man.”
Huolu asked: “Ruyu? Isn’t she standing here just fine?”
Qiwang said: “If Brother Fu and his son hadn’t arrived in time, our Ruyu would have been violated by the masked man.”
Huolu said with concern: “How could such a thing happen? Who would be so bold as to behave like this in our village?”
Qiwang said: “Brother Fu just said that the masked man was struck twice by his pole and then fled toward the base.”
Huolu said: “This matter should be reported to Jialiang. He is the local police officer. Let him investigate it clearly.”
Lianfu also said: “Yes! Let my brother-in-law handle the investigation. He should be able to find this criminal.”
Qiwang waved his hand and said: “No need to trouble Jialiang. I will investigate it myself. If it really was someone from the base, I will demand an explanation from Benjiang.”
Liao Meijiao came forward and asked with concern: “Sister-in-law, are you alright?”
Ruyu shook her head without speaking.
Lianfu said: “She’s fine—just frightened.”
Huolu said: “Ah-Yu, from now on, don’t wander around at night. Do you understand?”
Ruyu nodded and said: “I understand, Father.”
Qiwang clasped his hands in thanks and said: “Brother Fu, for your dog Kule, I will compensate you. Thank you for stepping forward bravely and rescuing my younger sister from danger.”
Lianfu said modestly: “Don’t say that. We are neighbors; it is only right to look out for one another.”
Qiwang said: “No, I cannot let you lose a dog like this. How about this—I will host a banquet and invite your whole family as a token of thanks. Also, I will choose a dog and give it to you.”
Lianfu declined: “There’s no need to be so polite.”
Chen Huolu said: “Lianfu, you are our Ah-Yu’s benefactor. It is only proper that we show some token of gratitude. You must not refuse.”
Lianfu scratched his head and smiled foolishly: “You are really too polite.”
8
Zhang Haiqing and Liao Xueli came to Chen Qiwang’s house.
Zhang Haiqing said: “Brother Qiwang, at the school I heard Yu Wenyen say that last night Ruyu was attacked by a criminal and nearly humiliated. I came especially to visit her.”
Chen Qiwang reproached him: “Haiqing! My younger sister was with you, yet you failed to take good care of her. I am still angry with you!”
Haiqing quickly apologized: “I’m sorry, Brother Qiwang. Last night, because the meeting ran late, when I came out, I heard from Wenyen that Ruyu had been attacked, and Brother Lianfu had already taken her home.”
Chen Qiwang said: “In the future, if you want to meet my younger sister, do it at my house. It is always unsafe outside.”
Liao Xueli eased the situation and said with a smile: “Brother Qiwang, how can one arrange a date at the woman’s home? They will surely want to say sweet words—do you intend to monitor them from beginning to end?”
Chen Qiwang thought for a moment and felt his request seemed somewhat unreasonable, so he said: “Otherwise, meet at the entrance of my house. I will have Bida accompany and protect her.”
Liao Xueli added: “That won’t do either! If you have Bida act like a bright electric light, how can they whisper sweet words?”
Chen Qiwang said: “Then it’s settled. I will instruct Bida not to follow too closely. That should be acceptable, right?”
Chen Ruyu came out from inside to the living room and said displeasedly: “Brother, don’t be so meddlesome, okay?”
Chen Qiwang said: “I am doing this for your own good, and you still call me meddlesome? You really don’t appreciate kindness!”
Liao Xueli, standing nearby, said: “Ruyu, your brother is joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
Chen Qiwang said: “I am not joking. I think this way because I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Chen Ruyu said: “Brother, I appreciate your good intentions. From now on, I will be more careful.”
Zhang Haiqing asked: “Ruyu, are you alright?”
Chen Ruyu replied with a question: “If I had really been harmed at that time, what would you have done?”
Zhang Haiqing did not expect such a response and was momentarily stunned before saying: “I would feel extremely sorry toward you, even to the point of being too ashamed to face you again.”
Chen Ruyu asked dissatisfied: “Is apologizing all you would do? Wouldn’t you want to find the criminal who attacked me?”
Zhang Haiqing hurriedly explained: “Of course I would not let that criminal go!”
Chen Qiwang mediated: “Alright, that’s enough. My sister, Xiao Zhang came all this way to visit you. Don’t be temperamental. The two of you go to the backyard, hold hands and have a good talk. Liao and I will make tea and play a couple of rounds of chess.”
9
In the evening, at the school, Chen Ruyu listened to the village children reciting the Thousand Character Classic while absentmindedly gazing out the window, her thoughts in turmoil. During the break, several children gathered around her and asked why Teacher Wang had not come to the school recently to teach them singing. Yu Wenyen was among them.
Chen Ruyu briefly explained that Teacher Wang had been falsely accused of stealing explosives and was being detained: “Teacher Wang’s friends at the base suspect that he stole a batch of explosives from the storage depot, so they are treating him as a thief and not allowing him to leave the base. Teacher Wang must undergo investigation.”
Chen Baofeng said: “Then Teacher Wang can’t come teach us singing anymore, and can’t tell us fairy tales either.”
Ruyu said: “Yes, Baofeng. Auntie believes that Teacher Wang has been wronged by bad people.”
Apao (Liao Enbao) said: “I heard my father say that someone in the base might be trying to frame Teacher Wang.”
Ruyu asked: “Oh? And who did your father hear that from?”
Apao said: “My father heard it from the village chief. My father said this matter must be someone secretly causing trouble.”
Yu Wenyen said: “Teacher, I know who is causing trouble.”
Ruyu asked curiously: “Oh? A-Yen, you know?”
Wenyen said: “Yes. One night, I saw two people using a tricycle to move several large wooden boxes into an old house. I secretly followed them and heard them talking about explosives. At that time, I thought maybe the two of them were thieves.”
As Ruyu listened, she instinctively felt this was an important clue and could not help but feel a glimmer of hope.
Ruyu placed both hands on Wenyen’s shoulders and looked at him intently: “Can you recognize what those two people looked like?”
Yu Wenyen said: “I didn’t see their faces clearly, but one was tall and thin, and the other was short and fat.”
Ruyu felt relieved, thinking to herself: “Sure enough, someone is trying to frame Lü Heruo.”
Ruyu asked again: “Wenyen, can you take me to that old house?”
Wenyen said: “Of course!”
Ruyu immediately decided to end class early and inform her elder brother of the matter.
Ruyu said: “Children, tonight the teacher has an important matter to handle, so we will dismiss class early. Go pack your schoolbags. Wenyen, later you come with the teacher to my house. I need you to help lead the way.”
10
Chen Qiwang was in the living room listening to the radio, while Chen Huolu sat on a long bench playing the erhu and humming. Chen Ruyu entered with Yu Wenyen.
Ruyu said: “Brother, Director Wang really has been wronged.”
Qiwang asked: “Oh? Have you found a clue?”
Ruyu said: “Yes. Yu Wenyen said that that night he saw two people secretly transporting that batch of explosives and hiding them in an abandoned old house in the village.”
At this moment, Chen Huolu stopped playing and listened to their conversation.
Qiwang beckoned to Wenyen and said: “Oh? Come here, Wenyen. Let uncle ask you—did you personally see those two people?”
Wenyen said: “One was short and fat like a pig, the other tall and thin like a bamboo pole. They used a tricycle to carry several wooden boxes along the mountain road. I secretly followed them all the way to an old house.”
Qiwang muttered to himself: “One short and fat, one tall and thin? Isn’t that Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian?”
Qiwang asked again: “Did you clearly see their faces?”
Wenyen said: “I didn’t see their faces clearly, but the shorter one wore a flat cap.”
Qiwang said: “Then that’s certain—it’s the two of them, Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian.”
Huolu said: “So they were hiding their true nature—who would have thought!”
Qiwang said: “Yes, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. A-Da, A-Da, come out here.”
Huang Bida came out from the inner room into the living room: “What is it, Village Chief?”
Qiwang said: “Go find a few villagers to help. We’re going to retrieve a batch of explosives.”
Bida said: “I’ll go right now.”
11
Led by Yu Wenyen, Village Chief Chen Qiwang, Chen Ruyu, village clerk Huang Bida, and several villagers, along with a tricycle, quickly arrived at an abandoned old house.
Wenyen pointed at the house and said: “Those wooden boxes are hidden inside, in the woodshed.”
Qiwang said: “A-Da, let’s go in and search.”
The group entered the woodshed. Qiwang said: “Come on, everyone work together and move away this pile of firewood.”
Bida said: “The wooden boxes have been found, Village Chief.”
Qiwang said: “Move them out into the courtyard. Be careful.”
Huang Bida opened the seven wooden boxes one by one. Sure enough, they were filled with mining explosives and detonators.
Bida said: “These seven boxes are all mining explosives.”
Qiwang, satisfied, instructed: “That confirms it. A-Da, go to the base and find Chairman Chen. Tell him I invite him to my house, then bring him here. Be sure to invite only him alone, and make sure no one follows you.”
Bida said: “Yes, I’ll go right away.”
Huang Bida left, and the group waited in the courtyard. After a while, Huang Bida brought Chen Benjiang. Village Chief Chen Qiwang let him see everything for himself.
Qiwang pointed at Wenyen: “A child from my village discovered this. You can ask him personally.”
Chen Benjiang squatted down and placed one hand on Wenyen’s shoulder.
Chen Benjiang asked: “What is your name?”
Wenyen said: “My name is Yu Wenyen.”
Chen Benjiang asked again: “Wenyen, did you personally see those two people who stole the explosives?”
Wenyen pointed toward the old house: “Yes, I followed them here.”
Benjiang asked again: “What did they look like? Do you remember?”
Wenyen gestured with his hands: “One was short and fat like a pig, the other tall and thin like a bamboo pole. They used a tricycle to carry several wooden boxes here, and I followed behind them.”
After questioning Wenyen, Chen Benjiang stood up, his face extremely embarrassed. He already understood in his heart.
Chen Qiwang said: “Chairman Chen, those two the child described—you probably have an idea, don’t you?”
Benjiang said awkwardly: “Village Chief, such an incident happening in our base shows my failure in leadership. It is truly embarrassing.”
Chen Qiwang said: “There is another matter I would like you to investigate in detail after you return to the base.”
Benjiang asked: “What matter? Please instruct me.”
Qiwang said: “Last night, my younger sister Ruyu was attacked by a masked man with a knife under the big tree by the Earth God temple. She was nearly violated. Fortunately, the limping Lianfu appeared and drove the criminal away. Lianfu’s dog was stabbed to death by the criminal. Lianfu said the man was injured in the arm and chest by his pole, and his calf was bitten by the dog. The criminal then fled toward your base.”
Benjiang asked in shock: “Is this really true?”
Qiwang said: “Yes. Would I speak carelessly about such a matter?”
Benjiang said: “Alright. I will investigate this matter as well and give you an answer. Sigh! If it was done by someone from the base, that would truly be a disgrace.”
Qiwang said: “If it was done by someone under your command, I hope you will hand the person over to me for handling.”
Benjiang said: “That is possible, but I hope the village chief will show mercy and spare his life.”
Qiwang said: “Rest assured. Out of respect for you, I will only take one of his legs and will not take his life. Also, Lü Heruo can be released now, right?”
Benjiang said awkwardly: “Of course.”
Qiwang said: “Also, recently I have invested in my brother-in-law’s tea processing factory, so my funds will be tight. I may reduce the assistance I provide to you.”
Benjiang said: “Oh, I understand. Village Chief, you have taken care of us outsiders for so long—I am deeply grateful.”
12
As the saying goes, “Walk the night road too often and you will meet ghosts.” The schemes and conspiracies of Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian were exposed. The two had not even enjoyed their success for two days before being arrested that very night. Their upper bodies were bound by the security team and they were escorted into the main conference hall. Chen Benjiang stood at the podium and spoke in his capacity as chairman.
Chen Benjiang said: “Comrades, the explosives theft case has been solved. Tonight we are convening an emergency party members’ meeting.”
The party members below stared at the bound Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian, whispering among themselves.
Chen Benjiang raised his hand to signal silence: “Everyone, just now Village Chief Chen Qiwang informed me that the stolen explosives have been found. The ones responsible for this case are Director of the Organization Department Chen Danghe and Instructor Dong Zhiqian. It is truly regrettable that such a thing has happened.”
Dong Zhiqian struggled and said: “Chairman, I protest! You only listened to Chen Qiwang’s one-sided statement and arrested the two of us. It was Chen Qiwang who deliberately framed us.”
Chen Benjiang rebuked him: “Village Chief Chen has no grievances against you. Why would he frame you? Moreover, there are eyewitnesses to your theft of explosives from the depot. Do you want me to bring them out to testify?”
Chen Benjiang looked at Dong Zhiqian and noticed that his right hand hung down while he gestured with his left. He could not help but connect this to the incident of Chen Ruyu being attacked by a masked man, and suspicion arose in his mind.
Dong Zhiqian still refused to admit it: “Fine! Chairman, bring out the eyewitness to confront us.”
Chen Benjiang said: “At this point, you still want to argue. Your right hand is injured, isn’t it?”
Dong Zhiqian said: “I accidentally fell last night and hurt my hand.”
Chen Benjiang asked in a suspicious tone: “Is that so? Are you still not going to tell the truth? Last night, were you the one who went masked to the Earth God temple and attempted to violate Village Chief Chen’s younger sister, Chen Ruyu?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room was in an uproar.
Dong Zhiqian shouted: “Chairman, don’t wrong me!”
Chen Benjiang said sternly: “Whether you are being wronged or not, we will know after searching you. Guards, remove his shirt and roll up his pant legs.”
Three guards untied the ropes, removed Dong Zhiqian’s shirt, and rolled up his pant legs. Sure enough, there were several medicinal plasters on his right arm and chest, and his calf was wrapped in bandages.
Chen Benjiang asked: “If you are not injured, why are there plasters on your chest and arm? You were clearly injured by being struck with a stick last night when you tried to violate Chen Ruyu, and you still say it wasn’t you, Comrade Dong Zhiqian?”
Dong Zhiqian argued: “Chairman, you are biased. You are deliberately framing me.”
Chen Benjiang sneered: “I am framing you? Very well. Even now, you are still stubborn. I will hand you over to Village Chief Chen to deal with. Whether you live or die will depend on your own fate. Last night, you wore a mask and carried a knife to the Earth God temple, attempting to violate his younger sister Chen Ruyu. You were discovered by the villager Lianfu and his son. Lianfu struck you with a pole, and his dog bit your calf. In your panic, you killed that dog and fled the scene.”
Dong Zhiqian shouted: “Comrades, did you all hear that? Chen Qiwang suspects me of harming his younger sister and bears a grudge, so he deliberately set me up and accused me of stealing explosives.”
At this moment, someone in the audience spoke: “Chairman, for these two matters, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to have the relevant parties come forward and confront each other face to face?”
Chen Benjiang said: “There is no need for a confrontation—it would only be more embarrassing. Village Chief Chen did not previously identify Dong Zhiqian as the one who harmed his younger sister; he only suspected that the culprit might be someone from our base. It was I who deduced it from the injuries on his body.”
Chen Benjiang turned to Chen Danghe and asked: “Comrade Chen Danghe, what about you? Do you have anything to say?”
Chen Danghe raised his head: “A man takes responsibility for his actions. The explosives were stolen by Dong Zhiqian and me.”
Chen Benjiang said: “Very well, that shows courage. Confession earns leniency. I hereby announce that you are removed from your position as Director of the Organization Department and sentenced to two years of hard labor. Dong Zhiqian, I will hand you over to Village Chief Chen. As for your future fate, you will face it yourself. Director Wang will be reinstated. Meeting adjourned.”
The security team took Chen Danghe back into custody, while Dong Zhiqian was taken away.
13
That night, Chen Chunqing and the security team escorted Dong Zhiqian to Village Chief Chen Qiwang’s house, with a rag stuffed in Dong Zhiqian’s mouth.
Chen Qiwang said: “Your Chairman Chen handles matters efficiently. In no time, he has already delivered the criminal here.”
Chen Chunqing said: “Qiwang, our Chairman Chen said that such a disgraceful incident has caused you great embarrassment. According to your prior agreement, he has brought the criminal who harmed your younger sister for you to deal with.”
Chen Qiwang clasped his hands in thanks and said: “Your Chairman Chen is a man of his word. Please convey my respect to him.”
Chen Chunqing said: “I will pass it on. Qiwang, we leave the man to you. We will return to the base.”
Chen Qiwang immediately instructed Huang Bida: “Lift this fellow up. I have something to ask him.”
Chen Qiwang said: “Please take care on your way.”
Chen Chunqing and the others left.
Chen Qiwang removed the rag from Dong Zhiqian’s mouth and asked: “So it was you. You are truly despicable. First you released snakes to bite Director Wang, then you framed him with explosives, and then you even set your sights on my younger sister. I will not let you off easily.”
Only then did Dong Zhiqian realize that he would not escape misfortune, and fear arose in his heart.
With a pained expression, Dong Zhiqian begged: “Village Chief, I was foolish for a moment and did something stupid. Please be magnanimous and do not hold it against me.”
Chen Qiwang sneered: “You didn’t expect you would have this day, did you? Since you have admitted your fault and begged for mercy, I will cut off your limbs and leave you an intact corpse.”
Dong Zhiqian pleaded: “Elder brother, I still have parents at home. I am willing to serve you like an ox or a horse—please don’t kill me.”
Chen Qiwang said: “Fine. I cannot just kill you like this and leave your parents waiting in vain for your return. Bida, first sever one of his leg tendons and lock him in the woodshed.”
Huang Bida said: “Yes, sir.”
Huang Bida and two villagers escorted Dong Zhiqian away.
14
Toward the end of the year, the provincial councilor election was in full swing, bringing a bit of liveliness to the entire mountain village. However, this was also the eve of an approaching storm. Taking advantage of Chen Qiwang’s lapse in attention, Liao Qingwen secretly rescued Dong Zhiqian in the middle of the night. Liao Qingwen led Dong Zhiqian along the mountain path in concealment.
Dong Zhiqian limped, walking with an uneven gait.
Dong Zhiqian asked: “Why are you saving me?”
Liao Qingwen said: “It is an order from the higher-ups.”
Dong Zhiqian was suspicious: “Higher-ups?”
Liao Qingwen said: “Yes. Colonel Gu of the Investigation and Defense Unit instructed me to find a way to rescue you, because you possess important intelligence about the base.”
Dong Zhiqian asked: “Oh? You know my identity?”
Liao Qingwen said: “Yes. About half a year ago, I already knew. But on one hand, there was no order from above; on the other hand, my brother-in-law had extremely strict security during your detention. It was not easy to find an opportunity during this election period to rescue you.”
Dong Zhiqian asked again: “Oh? Chen Qiwang is your brother-in-law?”
Liao Qingwen said: “Yes. I know you must be full of hatred toward him right now.”
Dong Zhiqian said: “Hmph! Chen Qiwang crippled one of my legs and left me disabled. This enormous hatred—if I ever have the chance, I will definitely repay him a hundredfold.”
Liao Qingwen said: “You’d better escape first before talking about revenge. I have here a blacklist of villagers who participated in base activities. Along with your list of base members, once you escape, hand these two lists to Colonel Gu. The intelligence bureau will soon take action and arrest these people.”
Dong Zhiqian said: “The list of base members is already in my mind. I am only waiting for the opportunity to take revenge.”
15
Life inside the base was extremely harsh. Members not only participated in collective farming labor but also had to attend regular meetings to discuss current affairs and study Communist theory. Food rations were extremely limited and low in calories, leaving them in a state of semi-starvation for long periods. Some members, unable to endure the difficult mountain life, began to think of escaping the base.
In the evening, after the study session ended, the kitchen bell rang, and food distribution began. Each member was given two sweet potatoes and one taro.
Member A complained: “Sigh! Sweet potatoes and taro again. We work in the fields every day, with such heavy labor, and we only get this little food—how can we possibly be full?”
Member B said: “Stop complaining. We even got an extra sweet potato today. That’s already pretty good.”
Member C said: “We’ve been living like this—never full, never dying—always in hardship. I really don’t know why we came here in the first place.”
Member A echoed: “Exactly! If I had known earlier, I would never have come. If I could leave here, that would be wonderful.”
Member B said: “Leave? As if it’s that easy. If you get caught, the consequences will be terrible.”
Member A said: “If I get a chance, I will definitely find a way to leave.”
Member B said: “Stop thinking nonsense. Just stay here properly. Going downhill isn’t necessarily better. If you’re caught by the Kuomintang authorities, it will only be a dead end.”
Member A said: “Staying here, we’ll eventually starve to death anyway, won’t we?”
Member B said: “Alright, alright, stop talking. If the superiors hear this, it won’t be good.”
Nearby, Zhou Shengfa thought to himself: “So I’m not the only one who wants to leave. I must find a way to escape.”
