[Chapter 12]
1
After school, Wen-Yan and his group arrive at the entrance of Keelung Fish Market.
Wen Yan says: “Ah Pao and Ah Cai told me they sell fish here.”
At this moment, a group of mainland gangsters blocks their way.
Gangster A says: “Yo! You Taiwanese country mutts’ little girlfriends are actually quite pretty!”
Gangster B says: “You little kids haven’t even grown all your hair yet, and you already know how to chase girls?”
Ming Dao stands in front of everyone and says: “Hey! Can you speak with a bit more decency?”
Gangster C says: “You mainlander, why are you hanging out with Taiwanese country mutts?”
Xiao Qiao snaps back: “Who we hang out with is our business, what does it have to do with you!”
Gangster A says: “I like your spicy attitude. Be my little girlfriend?”
Ming Dao says: “Why don’t you pee on yourself and look in the mirror to see what you look like? Pointed mouth, monkey face, uglier than Sun Wukong!”
Yu Tang says: “Exactly, you dead mainland pig.”
Ming Dao and Xiao Qiao both turn and glare at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang says: “I’m not talking about you two!”
Wen Yan says: “Don’t bother with them, let’s go!”
Gangster A says: “Trying to leave? After insulting us you still want to walk away?”
Bao Feng says: “Then what do you want?”
Gangster B says: “Nothing much. Just leave these two girls here to accompany us.”
The gangsters burst into obscene laughter.
Xiao Qiao says: “It’s exactly people like you unruly gangsters who bring shame to mainlanders!”
Gangster A says: “What did you say, little girl?”
Gangster B says: “Looks like you’ve never been taught a lesson!”
The gangsters roll up their sleeves, preparing to fight.
Ming Dao says: “If you keep this up, I won’t be polite!”
Gangster C pokes Ming Dao’s chest with his finger: “Kid, your tone is pretty arrogant. In this world you rely on strength, not your mouth!”
Gangster D says: “Why be polite with them? Brothers, beat them!”
Several gangsters rush forward. Ming Dao, Wen Yan, and Yu Tang stand in front of the two girls and take several punches. At this moment, Ah Cai arrives in time and sees Wen Yan and the others in danger and immediately rushes in.
“Damn! You dare bully my sworn brothers! You don’t know how close you are to death!” Ah Cai joins the fight and starts brawling with them.
Ah Cai says: “Little girl, go into the market and find Ah Pao. Tell him to bring the weapons out!”
“I’ll go call him.” Bao Feng turns and runs into the fish market.
Inside the market, Ah Pao is killing fish. Bao Feng runs over out of breath.
Bao Feng says: “Something happened! Something happened! Wen Yan and the others are being beaten at the market entrance!”
Ah Pao says: “What did you say? Who dares to hit them!”
Bao Feng says: “A group of mainland thugs are causing trouble for us.”
Ah Pao grabs two fish-cutting knives: “Damn it! Let’s go!”
Ah Pao runs to the market entrance holding two fish knives and shouts loudly:
“I’m here! You mainland pigs, you don’t know how close you are to death! If you’ve got guts, don’t run! Damn!”
The gangsters see Ah Pao waving two long fish-cutting knives. They look at each other.
Gangster A says: “This guy is serious. A wise man doesn’t fight when he’s at a disadvantage. Let’s go!”
The gangsters quickly flee.
2
Ah Pao brings Wen Yan and the group to the stall area.
Ah Pao says: “Come! I’ll cook a big pot of fresh fish soup to calm you down. Ah Cai, help me.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Great! Great! I love eating fish.”
Yu Tang says: “If you become Ah Pao’s girlfriend, you’ll get fish soup every day.”
Bao Feng says dismissively: “If liking fish means marrying a fish seller, then I like pork, so should I marry a butcher?”
Yu Tang jokes: “Then I’ll go learn butchering pigs right now.”
Wen Yan says: “Stop messing around. You can’t even finish your homework and you still want to learn butchering pigs?”
Ah Pao brings a pot of fish soup: “Come, drink it while it’s hot.”
Yu Tang kindly says: “Bao Feng, I’ll scoop a bowl for you.”
Bao Feng says: “No need, I’ll do it myself.”
Ah Cai complains: “Why is nobody scooping soup for me?”
Bao Feng says: “You? If you want to eat flies, catch them yourself!”
Xiao Qiao curiously asks: “What are flies?”
Yu Tang smiles and says: “Flies are ‘rain gods’.”
Xiao Qiao sticks out her tongue: “Ew, disgusting! Why would anyone eat flies at a time like this?”
Everyone bursts into laughter at Xiao Qiao’s expression.
3
Chinese class. Homeroom teacher Chen Wu-xiong is speaking at the podium.
Chen Wu-xiong says: “Students, the school will soon hold an essay competition. Each class will select a representative to participate, so I will choose the best essay from the ones you wrote last time.”
A student raises his hand: “Teacher, is there any benefit in joining this competition?”
Chen Wu-xiong says: “No real benefit. At most you get a certificate if you win. However, the winner in school can go on to participate in the national junior high essay competition.”
Students below discuss noisily.
Student B asks: “I wonder who will be chosen?”
Student C says: “If I had known this essay would be chosen, I would have written more seriously.”
Chen Wu-xiong says: “Please be quiet, I still have something to announce.”
The students quiet down.
Chen Wu-xiong says: “I have already finished grading the essays and decided who will represent the class. Yu Wenyan, please stand up.”
Yu Wenyan stands up surprised: “Yes!” thinking: “How is it me?”
Chen Wu-xiong says: “Your essay has already been submitted to the competition. Do your best.”
Yu Wenyan shyly says: “Yes, thank you teacher.”
Chen Wu-xiong says: “Alright, sit down. Now put your textbooks away, we will have a surprise quiz.”
Students groan loudly. Wenyan sits quietly and smiles.
After class, Yu Tang and Ming Dao approach Wenyan.
Ming Dao complains: “Teacher Chen is unbelievable. Always giving surprise quizzes. My score is going to be terrible this time!”
Wenyan says: “The teacher is actually trying to help us build the habit of studying consistently, so we don’t cram before exams.”
Yu Tang says: “Hey Wenyan, congratulations on representing the class. Your performance has improved a lot since second year. Really impressive!”
Wenyan says: “Not really. You play guitar very well too. I want to learn, but I don’t have time.”
Yu Tang says bitterly: “I have no choice. I stay in dorms and have no one to hang out with, so I play guitar to pass time. If you want to learn, I can teach you. But I hope you can teach me math and physics.”
Wenyan says: “Sure, no problem.”
4
Teachers sit around a conference table, commenting on submitted essays.
Teacher A says: “This essay ‘Military Dependents Village’ is well written, but the style feels too old-fashioned and forced, not natural. It is over-polished.”
Teacher B says: “What about ‘Spring Tea’? It vividly depicts the life of tea farmers. The sentences are fresh and smooth. Although the tone is slightly childish, considering the student is only fourteen, I believe he will write even better in the future.”
Chen Wu-xiong says: “I would like to add something about ‘Spring Tea’. It uses the background of a mountain tea-farming family, depicting how family members care for each other despite their busy lives. It is simple and plain, yet powerful. At first it may seem childish, but after reflection it reveals a natural and sincere emotion between the lines. I think among all submissions in the second-year group, this is the best one.”
Teacher C asks: “Any other opinions? If not, we will proceed with ranking.”
Everyone agrees.
5
After class, Chen Wu-xiong meets Wenyan in the corridor. He waves him over, whispers a few words, pats his shoulder, and leaves.
Wenyan returns to the classroom. Yu Tang and Ming Dao approach him.
Yu Tang asks: “Wow, what’s making you so happy?”
Wenyan says: “Nothing.”
Ming Dao says: “Still saying nothing? You’re grinning like an idiot.”
Wenyan just smiles without explaining.
Yu Tang asks: “What good thing? Tell us, brothers.”
Wenyan says: “The teacher told me not to say. You’ll find out tomorrow.”
Ming Dao says: “Why so mysterious?”
6
The essay results are posted on the bulletin board in the corridor. Yu Tang and Ming Dao see the honor list and congratulate Wenyan.
Yu Tang says: “Wenyan, your essay got second place in the school. That’s amazing.”
Ming Dao says: “Yeah, you’re really strong. So yesterday’s secrecy was about this.”
But Wenyan does not look happy; instead he looks disappointed.
Yu Tang asks puzzled: “What’s wrong? You got second place and still unhappy?”
Ming Dao also asks: “Yes, you don’t seem happy.”
Wenyan finally says: “The teacher told me earlier I got first place, but now it is second place…”
Yu Tang says: “Maybe the teacher made a mistake, or you misunderstood.”
Ming Dao says: “You should ask the teacher directly and find out what went wrong.”
Wenyan hesitates: “Is that okay?”
7
After class, Teacher Chen Wuxiong took the initiative to find Wenyan and go to the office.
Chen Wuxiong comforted him: “Don’t lose heart first. The teacher already knows about this matter. It may be that the person handling it made a mistake. I will go understand the situation and then tell you again.”
Yu Wenyan said: “Thank you, teacher.”
Chen Wuxiong immediately went to the Academic Affairs Office to find the Academic Affairs Director.
Chen Wuxiong said: “Director, may I ask, in the second-year part of the essay competition, is there any error in the announced rankings?”
The Academic Affairs Director spoke evasively and did not want to answer directly: “The competition rankings have been announced correctly.”
The Academic Affairs Director’s reaction and answer caused Wuxiong to feel displeased. Wuxiong raised his voice: “The rankings of this competition have clearly been tampered with. Please give me an explanation, Director?”
The Academic Affairs Director said: “This is the principal’s instruction.”
Chen Wuxiong said: “The principal’s instruction? Fine, I will go ask the principal clearly.”
The Academic Affairs Director said: “I advise you not to interfere too much.”
Chen Wuxiong said with an unhappy expression: “This matter concerns the rights and interests of my student. Of course I must ask it clearly.”
8
Chen Wuxiong took Wenyan and walked toward Principal Shiji’s office. The two arrived at the corridor.
Wenyan said: “Teacher, is this okay? I do not want to cause trouble for you because of this matter.”
Wuxiong said: “What trouble? If it is ours, we should fight for reason.”
The teacher and student entered the principal’s office together.
Wuxiong said: “Principal, I have something I want to ask you.”
Shiji waved his hand and said: “No need to say it, Teacher Chen. I know what you came to find me for.”
Wuxiong said unhappily: “Principal, I have not even said what it is yet.”
Shiji said: “If it is about the essay contestant in your class, then do not mention it anymore.”
Wuxiong asked: “Why?”
Shiji said: “I have my difficulties. Do not ask anymore.”
Wuxiong pressed on: “Principal, what difficulties could you have? You instructed the Academic Affairs Office to change the competition results without authorization. This is clearly disrespecting us judging teachers.”
“I also do not want this, but…” the principal stopped speaking midway.
Wuxiong asked: “But what?”
Shiji pointed at Wuxiong’s face and said: “Do not be ungrateful. Stop asking further, alright?”
Wenyan beside him pulled Wuxiong’s sleeve and whispered: “Teacher, forget it…”
Wuxiong remained very firm: “If I do not get a clear answer today, I absolutely will not leave!”
Shiji said: “Fine! Then I will tell you. Someone secretly reported to me that this child comes from Lukou Village. His identity is very sensitive, and they told me it is best not to send him to participate in the national essay competition!”
Wuxiong said: “Lukou Village? What does that have to do with the essay competition?”
Shiji said: “Of course it has to do with it. That place is a bandit-spy village!”
Wenyan turned and ran out of the principal’s office. Seeing this, Wuxiong hurriedly chased after him: “Wenyan, wait for me!”
In the corridor, Wuxiong grabbed Wenyan’s hand. At that moment, Yutang happened to pass by and stopped when he saw this.
Yutang asked: “Wenyan, what happened?”
Wuxiong said: “Wenyan, tell the teacher. What happened in your village? Why did the principal say it is a bandit-spy village?”
Wenyan’s eyes turned red, and there was a trace of tears at the corner of his eyes.
Yutang said: “Teacher, do not ask about this!”
“Why not ask? Both of you come with me to the office. I want to know the whole process.” The two followed Wuxiong into the office.
Wuxiong asked: “Yutang, tell the teacher, what exactly happened in your village?”
Yutang said: “I am not very clear about the process, but I know Wenyan’s father was arrested, and then…”
Wenyan said sharply: “Yutang! Do not continue speaking!”
Wuxiong said: “And then he was executed by shooting?”
Yutang nodded and said: “Mm! Many elders in our village just died or disappeared like that.”
Wuxiong asked in shock: “So tragic? Is there really such a thing?”
Yutang nodded and said: “Really, really.”
9
Teacher Chen Wuxiong, wearing a Zhongshan suit, rode a bicycle into Lukou Village, attracting the attention of villagers along the way. Chen Wuxiong arrived at the entrance of Yu Wenyan’s house and stopped the bicycle. Laichun and Wenyan came out to greet him upon hearing the sound.
Yu Wenyan said: “Mother, this is my teacher.”
Laichun said: “Hello teacher, please come inside and sit.”
The three entered the living room. Laichun poured a cup of herbal tea.
Laichun said: “Teacher, drink some herbal tea. We boiled it ourselves.”
Chen Wuxiong said: “Mrs. Yu, thank you. Regarding the school-wide essay competition this time, the principal changed the rankings without authorization. I am very dissatisfied about this matter. The principal said it was because Wenyan comes from Lukou Village and his identity is sensitive, which is why this happened. So I want to understand the full background of this matter.”
Beside them, Zhou Tian reacted strongly: “It is those mainland soldiers who came into the village arresting people randomly, causing our village to be broken apart and families destroyed!”
Laichun said: “My husband and neighbor Dumu Mao Tongzi, just because they often went to the village head’s house for tea, were implicated and said to be accomplices of spies, then were arrested and executed by shooting. It was truly unjust.”
After hearing this, Wuxiong cursed: “This is really too outrageous. I am also a retired military officer. How can the army behave like this, arrest innocent villagers, and casually label them?”
Laichun sighed helplessly and said: “Sigh! What can be done? They are officials, we are common people.”
Wuxiong said angrily: “One reason why the mainland was lost back then was partly because of poor military discipline. I did not expect the government still has not learned from that painful lesson and reflected.”
Laichun said: “Teacher, these righteous words of yours are fine to say here, but do not say them outside.”
Wuxiong said: “Do not worry, I will not cause you trouble.”
10
In the teachers’ dormitory, Chen Wuxiong leaned over the desk, writing a reader’s letter.
“I am also a wanderer from another place, who came to Taiwan with the government. Since everyone lives on this land, we should coexist peacefully. However, it is regrettable that the relationship between local Taiwanese and mainlanders is not harmonious. Recently I visited Lukou Village. During household visits, I heard from students’ parents about the tragedy that occurred in Lukou Village. As far as I know, most of the villagers who suffered at that time were not actually involved in Communist rebel organizations, yet they were affected. I deeply sympathize with them. Here I sincerely hope that our government agencies can reopen an investigation into this tragedy in Lukou. If there is indeed injustice, the villagers should be vindicated, so that local compatriots can believe that we mainlanders sincerely wish to coexist peacefully with them.”
Wuxiong folded the letter and put it into an envelope, writing the newspaper address on it.
11
When the Academic Affairs Director Longhua was reading a newspaper, he saw Chen Wuxiong’s letter and was shocked. He hurriedly took the newspaper and ran to Principal Shiji’s office to report.
The Academic Affairs Director said breathlessly: “Reporting to Principal, something is wrong. Please look at today’s newspaper.”
After seeing the article, Shiji’s face turned ashen: “This Chen Wuxiong is simply tired of living. Immediately go and find him.”
Longhua said: “Principal, I will go immediately.” Longhua turned and left the principal’s office.
Shortly after, Chen Wuxiong entered the principal’s office. Principal Shiji slammed the newspaper heavily onto the desk.
“Little brother, what are you doing with nothing better to do, writing this treasonous letter? Are you tired of living? Do you know this article will implicate school colleagues?” the principal angrily questioned, his tone rising higher and higher.
Although Wuxiong disapproved, he remained calm: “Will it? I am only telling the truth.”
Shiji almost roared: “It is precisely because it is the truth that it cannot be said! You have stayed in Taiwan for so long, don’t you understand yet?”
Wuxiong said coldly: “Principal, I do not understand what you are afraid of.”
Shiji pointed at Wuxiong’s nose and said: “If you really understood, you would be like me, not daring to say anything!”
Wuxiong sneered and said: “I, Chen Wuxiong, have traveled across rivers and mountains, north and south. I have spent half my life in the military. What scenes of gunfire and battlefield have I not seen? I have never heard that the truth cannot be spoken.”
Shiji said: “Please, little brother, you have a strong sense of justice, but do not implicate everyone. You are alone with no dependents, but we all have wives and children.”
Wuxiong said: “Principal, to put it plainly, you are just spineless and afraid of trouble.”
Wuxiong turned away and left with disdain. The principal Shiji flew into a rage, slammed the desk, and even kicked a chair: “You son of a bitch! Truly reckless and ignorant of life and death!”
12
Chen Wuxiong called Yu Wenyan to the office: “You’re here. Wenyan, look.”
Chen Wuxiong handed the newspaper carrying his published article to Wenyan: “I can be considered as having spoken some words for the villagers of Lukou Village.”
After Yu Wenyan read the article, his expression was moved.
“This newspaper is given to you as a keepsake. I know the grievances you have suffered. You must not give up hope. Keep working hard. One day you will definitely be able to clear the injustice of Lukou Village.”
“Teacher, I…” Wenyan bit his lip, hesitating to speak.
“What you want to say, I already know.” Wuxiong gently patted Wenyan’s shoulder: “The philosopher Nietzsche said: those who suffer have no right to pessimism. Compared to other children, you are very strong.”
13
During class time, Chen Wuxiong was teaching. Several plainclothes men wearing Zhongshan suits, accompanied by Academic Affairs Director Du Jincheng, entered the classroom.
“Teacher Chen, sorry to interrupt your class.” Director Du signaled to Wuxiong with his eyes.
Wuxiong put down the textbook and said: “The director has something to find me about. Students, please study on your own. Look up the new vocabulary words in the dictionary.”
Mingdao could not help asking: “Teacher, where are they taking you?”
A faint bitter smile appeared on Wuxiong’s face: “They are inviting me to go drink tea.”
Under the students’ shocked gaze, the plainclothes men took Chen Wuxiong away. Wenyan, Yutang, Mingdao and several children chased after them. Chen Wuxiong turned back and said: “Go back to class quickly. Do not worry about the teacher.”
14
Inside the interrogation room of the XinDian Security Bureau, Team Leader Xing Aihua walked in and saw Chen Wuxiong’s hands handcuffed. He immediately ordered: “Soldiers, why are you not quickly removing Teacher Chen’s handcuffs!”
Soldier A said: “Yes, Team Leader.”
Xing Aihua said with a smiling face: “Teacher Chen, sorry, my subordinates are ignorant.”
Chen Wuxiong said unhappily: “Hmph! Cut this act.”
Xing Aihua said: “Brother, do not get angry first. Please sit.”
Chen Wuxiong sat down with an unhappy expression.
“I have checked your loyalty records. I know you, brother, are a combat hero of the National Army who has received the Blue Sky and White Sun Medal. You know it well—people like us who serve in the military, we go through water and fire and fear nothing, except ideological problems.”
Chen Wuxiong asked: “Then what do you think I, Chen Wuxiong, could possibly be accused of?”
Xing Aihua said: “Brother, your problem can be either big or small.”
Chen Wuxiong said: “Then how big is your ‘big’? At most, twenty years later I would still be a man.”
Xing Aihua was momentarily speechless from Wuxiong’s words: “Uh… brother, we do not want to make this big either. We called you here today just to invite you for tea, and to persuade you that what you should not know, do not know; what you should not say, do not say.”
Chen Wuxiong asked impatiently: “Do you take me for a blind man or a mute?”
Xing Aihua smiled bitterly: “Brother, why are you twisting my words? We also have no intention to make things difficult for you.”
Chen Wuxiong sneered: “Make things difficult for me? I, Chen Wuxiong, was not frightened into existence! Back when I was fighting the Japanese, you were still wearing split-crotch pants with snot hanging from your nose!”
Xing Aihua said humbly: “Yes, yes, brother, your criticism is correct. It’s just that, brother, your situation makes it hard for us to report to our superiors.”
Chen Wuxiong said boldly: “What is there to make difficult? I have only this old life. At worst, just shoot me. I have already lived enough!”
Xing Aihua said: “Brother, you really are joking!”
“Do you think I am joking?” Wuxiong immediately lifted his shirt and exposed his chest: “Look here. Every bullet hole on this body has a story. Do you want to hear them?”
Xing Aihua said: “That is not necessary. I know very well that brother has outstanding military merits. I have already said everything I can say. Just do me a favor and let me have something to report to my superiors.”
Chen Wuxiong asked: “Then nothing else? Can I leave now?”
Xing Aihua stood up after a moment of silence: “Brother, there is nothing else. Please take care.”
Chen Wuxiong snorted, raised his head and chest, and walked out of the interrogation room. Xing Aihua slumped into his seat, with an expression of being unable to laugh or cry.
Subordinate A said: “Chief, this old guy is very arrogant. Neither soft nor hard methods work.”
Xing Aihua scolded: “What do you know! This man has a very strong background. We cannot touch him.”
Subordinate B asked: “Then do we still let him teach at the school?”
Xing Aihua smiled bitterly and tapped the table: “Of course not. If we keep him at the school, sooner or later something will go wrong. We must find a way to transfer him to another job.”
15
Wenyan returned home and quickly told his mother: “Mother, today Teacher Wuxiong was taken away by plainclothes men.”
Laichun, who was picking tea branches, was shocked upon hearing this and stopped her work: “How could this happen? What exactly happened?”
Wenyan took out the newspaper: “Teacher Wuxiong published this article in the newspaper to clear the name of our Lukou Village. He was taken away because he spoke up for us.”
After learning the reason, Laichun was deeply moved: “I did not expect that a mainland teacher would also speak for the villagers. Is your teacher alright?”
Wenyan shook his head, looking confused: “I do not know either.”
Laichun said anxiously: “What should we do? Wenyan, come with mother.”
Wenyan said: “Okay.”
Mother and son went to the main hall and lit incense.
Laichun said: “Let us pray to the Heavenly God and the deities, hoping they will protect Teacher Chen Wuxiong and keep him safe.”
Wenyan said: “Okay.”
Mother and son held incense at the doorway. Laichun muttered prayers, and Wenyan also prayed earnestly: “Heavenly God, if you have eyes, please protect Teacher Chen Wuxiong so he is safe and unharmed. Do not let him be framed by bad people.”
After praying at the doorway, Laichun turned and went to the altar, continuing to chant. Wenyan also prayed: “Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva, please show great mercy and save all suffering beings. Protect Teacher Chen Wuxiong from disaster and harm.”
After worshipping Guanyin Bodhisattva, Laichun then turned to the ancestral tablet and prayed: “Ancestors of the Yu family, grandfather and grandmother, father, Lianfu, Wenyan’s teacher Chen Wuxiong, although he is a mainlander, he takes very good care of Wenyan. This time, because he spoke up to clear the name of Lukou Village, he has brought trouble upon himself and was taken away by plainclothes officers. Please protect Teacher Wuxiong so that he is safe and unharmed.”
Wenyan also prayed to the ancestors, silently in his heart: “Father, Teacher Chen Wuxiong is a good person. He treats us very well. I hope you can protect him so he is safe and unharmed. I beg you, Father.”
