〈Fireflies, Fly On:The Nanzhuang Ri A-Guai Anti-Japanese Uprising〉8
by Chen Ching-Yang

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Government’s Suppression Campaign

Lianxing Village’s armed surprise attack instantly shocked the entire Hsinchu Prefecture. The Prefectural Governor, the Chief Superintendent of Police, the commander of the Third Brigade stationed in Hsinchu, and the district magistrates convened an emergency meeting at the prefectural government hall. They resolved to immediately dispatch military and police forces to the Nanzhuang area to quell the rebellion.

Prefectural Governor Munesawa Takeo opened the meeting:
“You have all received my urgent summons. A major act of rebellion has occurred at the Nanzhuang Suboffice of Zhunan District. Ri A’guai, the ringleader of Lianxing Village, has shown utter contempt for the law, leading his followers to kill more than a hundred members of the Nanzhuang police garrison, including its captain. I hereby order the Third Brigade and all police units to formulate a pacification plan at once and proceed immediately to suppress the insurgents.”

General Nakajō Hideo, commander of the Third Brigade, said:
“Governor Munesawa, colleagues—according to intelligence at my disposal, Ri A’guai’s band is no rabble. The assassination of Captain Sanbon and the assault on the Nanzhuang police post were clearly premeditated. That is why the garrison, caught completely off guard, was almost annihilated.”

Staff Officer Shimura Teruo added:
“The general’s assessment is sound. Ri A’guai and the Lianxing Village he founded have operated in the Nanzhuang region for over thirty years, with deep roots. Moreover, in recent years he has become in-laws and business partners with the Saku family of the Mitsubishi Group, making him even more audacious.”

Operations Officer Onizuka Jiichirō continued:
“He has now mobilized five communities of Lianxing Village in open rebellion. This is no small force. Coupled with Nanzhuang’s hilly and mountainous terrain—easy to defend and hard to attack—the suppression will be extremely difficult.”

Nakajō said:
“I plan to deploy the Third Brigade within the prefecture, together with police units, totaling seven thousand troops, to conduct a suppression campaign. The objective is to pacify the insurgents within one month and bring the entire Nanzhuang region under control.”
He clapped his hands, and the staff officers rolled out a large operational map.

Standing before the map, Onizuka reported:
“Governor, General, gentlemen—allow me to explain the suppression plan in detail.

Phase One: Colonel Kishinobu Michio, commander of the Third Battalion stationed in Zhunan District, will lead his unit as the vanguard. Within three days, they will complete personnel and equipment preparations and advance to Sanwan, sealing off roads connecting to Nanzhuang. Once the First Battalion and police units arrive, they will jointly attack Longmen Pass. Longmen Pass controls the midstream traffic of the Zhonggang River and is the gateway to Nanzhuang. Any large force entering Nanzhuang must pass through here. Ri A’guai is likely to deploy heavy forces at this choke point, making it a critical objective. Simultaneously, Major Taniki Shunsuke of the Sixth Battalion in Miaoli District will lead his troops north from Tai’an, crossing Baguali Mountain via mountain hunting trails to pin down the Penglai Fourteen Villages along the upper Penglai River and the Baguali tribal community at Dawulu, preventing any movement.

Phase Two: The Second Battalion in Zhubei District, the Fourth Battalion in Zhudong District, and the Fifth Battalion in Xinpu and Guanxi will complete preparations within one week and advance toward Nanzhuang in a fan-shaped formation. Within three days of departure, they will converge at Shilihsing Village at the confluence of the Donghe and Nanhe rivers. Shilihsing is Lianxing Village’s headquarters and Ri A’guai’s stronghold. We expect Ri A’guai to deploy the bulk of his forces on the surrounding high ground for a decisive battle. During this phase, we will request the Taichung Prefectural Government to dispatch military and police units stationed in Miaoli District to cross Hushan from the upper Wenshui River, reach the foothills of Jiali Mountain, and attack the Atayal Longshan settlement there, cutting off the tribesmen’s retreat from Luchang. This will lead into the next phase.

Phase Three: Ri A’guai’s remaining forces may retreat along the Donghe Valley to Donghe Village, then fall back to Luchang Village for a last stand. Luchang lies at the confluence of the upper Donghe’s Luhu River and Luchang Creek, a natural fortress of high mountains and narrow valleys. This will be the most difficult battlefield of the campaign. If they retreat further into the mountain regions of Jiali Mountain, Malabang Mountain, and Luchang Dashan, pursuing them deep into the mountains may yield little at great cost.”

Nakajō asked, “Do all unit commanders understand?”

The commanders replied in unison, “Yes!”

Nakajō cautioned:
“Once operations begin, each unit will advance independently while supporting one another’s flanks. Remember—never underestimate the enemy. Ri A’guai’s organization is no ordinary bandit group. Nanzhuang’s terrain is complex and rugged, and mountain weather changes rapidly. Advance step by step, avoid being lured into ambushes where the insurgents exploit terrain to concentrate superior forces locally. Proceed with utmost caution.”

The commanders again answered, “Yes!”

Upon receiving orders, Kishinobu led the Third Battalion—1,200 infantry, artillery, and cavalry—advancing along the Sanwan Suboffice route toward Nanzhuang on the third day.

On Lianxing Village’s side, Old Instructor Lin orchestrated the defense. Five militia units were formed from the Saisiyat Danan community, Shilihsing, Donghe, the Hakka Erping community, and the Atayal Luchang community, composed of adult men and young women. Shilihsing and Donghe each fielded six to seven hundred fighters; the other three communities had only three to four hundred each.

The vanguard of Kishinobu’s forces advanced along the Zhonggang River valley, approaching Longmen Pass at dusk. This was the narrowest and most perilous stretch of the river’s midstream, with sheer cliffs on both sides. Lianxing Village deployed nearly a thousand fighters from Shilihsing and Danan on the heights, holding the terrain.

Kishinobu judged that the enemy must be heavily entrenched and dared not rush in. Scouts confirmed that the tribesmen had emplaced artillery and stood ready. Kishinobu deployed his guns, aimed at enemy positions on both banks, and ordered a full barrage.

In terms of firepower, the Shilihsing and Danan militias held the high ground with only three short-range, small-caliber guns each, several dozen shells, and about a hundred rifles—captured from the Nanzhuang garrison—along with two hundred hunting rifles, bows, sabers, spears, and hundreds of explosive charges.

The two sides faced off at Longmen Pass.

Though outgunned, the Lianxing defenders exploited terrain and tactics. Archers tied explosive charges to arrowheads, ignited them, and fired into Japanese positions to compensate for inferior artillery. The initial exchange ended roughly even, with casualties on both sides.

Next came close-range rifle fire. The Japanese suffered attacking uphill, while the defenders lacked sufficient range. Several waves of Japanese assaults were repelled, again resulting in a stalemate. Night fell, and both sides ceased fire, remaining on guard.

The smell of gunpowder lingered in the valley. Fireflies drifted in swarms over the water and grass, oblivious to the fierce battle that had just ended and the hundreds of still-warm human corpses lying in the reeds.

At dawn, Kishinobu launched another assault. Under artillery cover, infantry and cavalry forced their way into the gorge. The defenders returned fire while rolling logs and boulders down from above. Anticipating obstacles, the Japanese advanced in small units, and brutal close combat erupted in the valley.

In hand-to-hand fighting, the Japanese were no match for the Lianxing militia. They were beaten back, slashed and clubbed, fleeing in disarray. With the gorge blocked by logs and rocks, artillery could not pass. Kishinobu was forced to withdraw and camp at Longmen Pass by evening, holding position and awaiting reinforcements. Over half his force was casualties—a humiliating setback.

Operations Officer Okada Katsutoshi said,
“Commander, with our remaining strength, capturing Longmen Pass is impossible. We should follow General Nakajō’s instructions—hold here and await reinforcements.”

Kishinobu snapped angrily,
“I rushed in too greedily. I thought these tribesmen only knew bows and spears. I never imagined they were so skilled, so accurate with firearms—and even capable of operating our modern rifles and artillery.”

Staff Officer Nagai Kojiro said,
“The weapons must have been seized from the Nanzhuang garrison. As for their ability with our mountain guns, I suspect Major Maruo Taizan, formerly under Saku Nobuo, trained them. He once served as an artillery company commander and was highly capable. Later, he resigned after a disobedience case and entered business.”

Kishinobu exclaimed,
“So there’s a traitor among us—no wonder they learned so quickly.”

That night, with the wind shifting, Old Instructor Lin decided on a night attack, borrowing the stratagem of “borrowing the east wind.”

“Tonight,” he said, stroking his beard, “we’ll catch them completely off guard.”

What followed was a devastating encirclement. As Japanese forces withdrew, they fell into ambushes at the foot of Shitoushan. Arrows and explosives rained down. Formations collapsed. Amid explosions, smoke, and screams, the Third Battalion was routed.

Okada Katsutoshi was cut down and killed. Kishinobu escaped wounded with a handful of survivors, fleeing toward Sanwan in disgrace.

The first battle was a resounding victory for Lianxing Village. Despite superior equipment, the Japanese vanguard was utterly defeated by Lianxing’s unconventional tactics and resolve.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Bonds of Family That Cannot Be Severed

In the main hall of Ri A’guai’s residence, Ri A’guai, Meilan, and Zhan Qinglian were conversing with Saku Nobuo, along with Xiaoxue, Keiko, Oyama, and nearly twenty Japanese staff members.

“Friends from Japan,” Ri A’guai said, “Lianxing Village has now openly broken with the Japanese authorities. The two sides are officially at war. We know full well that with only a few thousand people, Lianxing Village cannot ultimately withstand the might of the Japanese government. But for the sake of our dignity, we have chosen resistance. I am a man who clearly distinguishes gratitude from grievance. You are all friends of Lianxing Village—we have lived and worked together—so I will not make things difficult for you.”

He exhaled a plume of smoke and continued, “I will arrange for all of you to leave here safely, as a gesture of friendship and good faith.”

Nobuo immediately conveyed Ri A’guai’s words to his colleagues in Japanese.

Nobuo then said, “Father-in-law, I am willing to stay and remain with you and Mother.”

Ri A’guai waved his hand firmly. “Nobuo, take Meilan and leave! Get away from this place of turmoil. I am old—death is nothing to me. But your lives are only just beginning.”

Nobuo persisted, “Father-in-law, how can we, as the younger generation, abandon you when you are in danger?”

Ri A’guai replied resolutely, “There is no need for further discussion. Nobuo, treating Meilan well is the greatest act of filial piety toward the two of us.” He waved his hand again. “My decision is final. Pack your belongings quickly. Tomorrow morning, I will send people to escort you safely out of Nanzhuang.”

Zhan Qinglian embraced Meilan tenderly and said, “Meilan, follow Nobuo and leave this place. Go live your own life.”

Meilan said tearfully, “Mother, how can I bear to leave you…?”

Zhan Qinglian patted Meilan’s back and said, “Silly child, you must live on with strength. As long as we are alive, we will meet again someday.”

Nearby, Nobuo and Oyama were trying to persuade Nakamori Xiaoxue.

Xiaoxue said stubbornly, “I’m not leaving. I’m going to the Luchang community to be with Belin. He needs my support now more than ever.”

Nobuo said anxiously, “Xiaoxue, don’t act on impulse. Belin entrusted me with getting you out safely. If you stay, he won’t be able to rest easy.”

Xiaoxue shook her head. “Brother Nobuo, there’s no need to persuade me. My mind is made up. Even if it means death, I will die together with Belin.”

Nobuo sighed. “Why must you suffer like this, Xiaoxue?”

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Battle of Longmen Pass

The First Reinforcement Battalion of the Japanese forces and the provincial gendarmerie, personally led by General Nakajō Hideo, commander of the Third Brigade, advanced from Sanwan at dawn with two thousand troops and nearly a hundred artillery vehicles. Before long, they encountered dozens of stragglers—crippled soldiers and lame horses—who had just retreated from Longmen Pass.

Seeing the shattered remnants of the Kishinobu force, the reinforcements were stunned. The soldiers’ uniforms barely covered their bodies—torn, tattered, some reduced to mere strips of cloth. Faces drained of color, all were struck with shock and alarm.

General Nakajō ordered his aides to bring forward Battalion Commander Kishinobu and his staff officer. Kishinobu was supported to Nakajō’s front, his body bearing burns, sword wounds, and arrow injuries. From excessive blood loss, his face was deathly pale and he appeared extremely weak. Seeing his condition, Nakajō refrained from harsh rebuke and asked only a few questions.

Nakajō asked in shock, “Kishinobu, how did you end up in such a miserable state?”

Kishinobu replied weakly, “Reporting to the general, we were attacked in a night assault. The enemy used fire attacks and explosives, ambushing us from both front and rear. My unit suffered heavy casualties.”

Nakajō frowned. “Approximately how many insurgents were there?”

Kishinobu answered feebly, “The first group encountered us yesterday morning—estimated close to a thousand. We killed around a hundred. As for the forces ambushing us from the rear, they threw explosives at us, and we had to respond hastily without being able to see clearly—likely several hundred as well.”

Nakajō sighed. “You fell into the enemy’s trap. Before your departure, I specifically warned you that Nanzhuang’s terrain is complex, easy to defend and hard to attack, full of danger. Ri A’guai is a man of great cunning—utmost caution was required. Your unit should have camped in Sanwan the night before and waited to advance with me this morning to attack Longmen Pass. Yet you underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, falling into their ‘lure the enemy deep’ strategy.”

Despite his disappointment, Nakajō showed restraint.

Kishinobu said gloomily, “I have failed you, General.”

Nakajō waved his hand. “Enough. You’re badly wounded—go and recuperate.”

Supported by aides, Kishinobu struggled to salute. “Thank you, General.”

Nakajō turned to his staff officers. “It seems that Lianxing Village’s rebellion was long premeditated. They are clearly well prepared, intending to conserve their strength and engage us in a prolonged struggle. They are certainly no rabble.”

Staff Officer Shimura Teruo immediately agreed. “Your analysis is sound, General. Along the way, we found several villages of the Danan community completely deserted. Every house and field had been burned. The enemy has adopted a scorched-earth strategy to prolong the conflict.”

Nakajō summoned a messenger. “Messenger, relay my order—leave a squad of twenty men here to garrison the area and care for the wounded.”

“Yes, sir!”

Nakajō then consulted Shimura. “Staff officer, what do you propose for passing through this narrow valley toward Shilihsing?”

Shimura analyzed, “Judging from the situation, the insurgents previously deployed their main force on the high ground flanking Longmen Pass. They blocked Kishinobu’s advance by holding the terrain. We must not continue frontal assaults. We should divide into three routes: the center feigns an attack on Longmen Pass; the left detours around Lion Head Mountain; the right advances via the Baiyun Temple route, encircling the enemy from the rear with a pincer maneuver.”

Nakajō stroked his beard and nodded. “Your strategy aligns perfectly with my intent.” Turning to Operations Officer Onizuka Jiichirō, he ordered, “You and the staff officer will each lead two companies—six hundred infantry in total—advancing respectively from the left via Lion Head Mountain and from the right via the Baiyun Temple mountain path. You must reach the enemy’s rear within two hours and launch a surprise attack. I will concentrate all artillery to pin down the enemy from the front.”

“Yes, sir!” Onizuka and Shimura accepted the orders and departed.

On the heights overlooking Longmen Pass, Instructor Lin Yongnian gathered several unit leaders and issued direct instructions:

“The enemy’s reinforcements have reached Sanwan and are advancing toward us. With the pass blocked, their frontal infantry and cavalry cannot break through. They will certainly attempt flanking maneuvers through the high ground on both sides. Therefore, we must redeploy half of our artillery to Baiyun Temple and Lion Head Mountain to reinforce infantry firepower. The front needs only half the artillery and two hundred infantry.”

Ali Kuma asked, “Instructor, you mean they will attempt a flanking encirclement?”

The old instructor replied solemnly, “Exactly. Ali and Daragu—you will hold Lion Head Mountain. Changsheng, Changfu, and Baisheng—you will defend Baiyun Temple. After deploying, pile up stone traps and rolling logs, dig spiderweb-pattern skirmish pits along the mid-slopes to extend defensive depth, and make use of temples and buildings for cover. The main battlefield will be on the flanks. Without my retreat signal, no one is to withdraw. If either flank falls, the entire Longmen Pass position will be compromised, resulting in heavy losses.”

“The strategist truly sees far ahead—this time we’ll smash them head-on!” Daragu Rumi said, clapping hands with the others to boost morale.

The old instructor gazed into the distance. “Once this battle at Longmen Pass is over, our main force will shift to Luchang to prepare for a decisive battle with their infantry. Walanai, I’m sending you with Belin to Swasige at the foothills of Jiali Mountain to help Walris Goya organize and train militia and secure the southern defenses.”

“Yes, Master,” Walanai replied.

“Return to Luchang immediately,” the instructor continued. “Have Belin notify Goya. Belin will select twenty seed instructors from the Luchang militia. You’ll bring them, along with weapons and ammunition.”

“Yes, Master.”

With a stern expression, the instructor added, “You and that instructor unit will remain at Swasige and defend the Henglong Mountain crossing at all costs. The Japanese must not enter Swasige. Belin will stay two days, then return to Luchang for the decisive battle.”

Walanai asked, “Master, you want me to deploy the Swasige militia between Henglong Mountain and Tiger Mountain for long-term defense?”

The instructor nodded. “Correct. Without my written orders, do not withdraw. Otherwise, after our decisive battle at Luchang, our main force may be attacked from both front and rear, cutting off our retreat.”

“I understand,” Walanai said. “If we cannot hold, my brothers and I will die on the Henglong crossing.”

Coldly, the instructor replied, “Walanai, your responsibility is great. You have followed me for many years. I have taught you the art of war—now it is time for you to stand on your own. Remember: there are only decapitated commanders, never defeated commanders.”

“Yes, Master! I will not disappoint you.”

Instructor Lin gazed toward the hazy dusk over Sanwan. Memories of his youth—fighting the French Navy at Mawei in Fuzhou—rose unbidden. Reflecting on a lifetime spent amid warfare, he felt that in an age of national calamity, his life seemed destined solely for these battles.

Japanese infantry advancing on the slopes of Lion Head Mountain and Baiyun Temple encountered fierce resistance from the militia. Heavy fighting erupted. The Japanese had not expected the militia to deploy their main force on the flanks. As soon as they approached the foothills, they were met with artillery fire—ironically, the sound of the guns was all too familiar. They were weapons captured from Kishinobu’s forces.

With stone traps, rolling logs, terrain familiarity, and artillery support from over a dozen guns, the militia repelled wave after wave of assaults, leaving more than two hundred Japanese dead.

Seeing artillery and infantry concentrated on the flanks, General Nakajō decisively redeployed two-thirds of his artillery to bombard the slopes. Japanese firepower was intense—explosions ignited massive fires. The militia gradually withdrew toward the peaks. Fire separated the two sides, and the Japanese still could not advance.

Within half an hour, the Japanese had lost one-third of their force. Furious, Nakajō ordered a withdrawal to the flanks, waiting for the fires to burn out and reinforcements to arrive. But the weather turned against him—rain fell suddenly, extinguishing the fires. By evening, the Fourth Battalion from Zhudong arrived. Nakajō decided to launch a second full-scale assault at dawn, regardless of cost.

Seeing further reinforcements approaching, Instructor Lin decided on an early withdrawal. The Japanese were fighting a war of attrition; if the militia continued, annihilation was inevitable.

“Changsheng,” he ordered, “relay my command. Carry only light weapons. After nightfall, disperse and withdraw to Shilihsing. Prepare for the second phase.”

“Instructor, are we abandoning this position? What about the captured artillery?” Changsheng asked, confused.

“If we don’t leave now, we won’t be able to leave tomorrow,” the instructor replied. “As for the artillery—fire off all remaining shells before nightfall, then destroy them during withdrawal.”

“But we’ve just won,” Changsheng protested.

The instructor urged, “Enough. Preserve our strength for the decisive battle ahead.”

“Understood. I’ll notify the flanks,” Changsheng said, finally convinced.

Chapter 26: Shirilixing—Thunder from Heaven, Fire from Earth

“Luring the enemy deep” became the strategic method adopted by the Volunteer Forces in all subsequent phases.

The four volunteer units withdrew overnight to Shirilixing Settlement and immediately set about planting large quantities of explosives and detonators inside and outside the village. In the main hall of Ri A-guai’s residence, the venerable Instructor Lin was personally briefing several young unit leaders on operational details.

“Changfu, send word to Dawulu Settlement and the Fourteen Allied Villages of Penglai. Once the fighting at Baguali Mountain subsides, have them detour to Xiangtian Lake south of Donghe Settlement and assemble there on standby.”

Ri Changfu replied, “Orders received!”

“Beilin, you and Walanai will lead a team of seed instructors with two hundred rifles to Longshan Village to meet Chief Walis Goya. Ask him to muster warriors from the three Atayal tribes—Dabilas, Swasige, and Shapulu—and deploy the main force along the Henglong Mountain pass between Jiali Mountain and Tiger Mountain, cutting off Japanese troops advancing from the Miaoli direction.”

Beilin replied, “Orders received!”

“Be sure to remind Goya that before our decisive engagement with the Japanese main force, he must hold the Henglong pass at all costs, so the enemy cannot cut off our retreat. I plan to stage the decisive battle at Luchang Settlement—its terrain favors us most.”

Beilin said, “Strategist, I understand your thinking.”

“After the main battle, we will withdraw into Luchang Mountain and rendezvous with Goya, continuing to maneuver against the Japanese.”

Beilin said, “Strategist, your plan is very thorough.”

“Tomorrow night we’ll send out a detachment to feign defeat and lure them into attacking. Once the enemy filters into the village entrance, we’ll withdraw through the rear tunnels to Donghe Village. When they rush into the settlement, we detonate the explosives—thunder from heaven and fire from earth will send them straight to hell.”
Turning to the chiefs, the old instructor added, “Tomorrow morning, let the soldiers eat their fill and get a good rest. After they wake, leave only the Shirilixing force behind; the other three volunteer units will move first toward Donghe Village.”

He continued, “When the enemy advances to Donghe Village, our main force stationed at Luchang Settlement will hold fast for the time being, dispatching only small units to conduct harassing attacks and draw the Japanese toward Luchang. Once the Japanese enter the narrow valley leading to Luchang, personnel from Dawulu Settlement and the Fourteen Allied Villages will strike their baggage train from the rear, cutting off their retreat.”

Ri Changfu clapped his hands and laughed. “I get it! We’ll have complete control of the initiative.”

The old instructor analyzed, “If my judgment is correct, the Japanese reinforcements advancing from the west will converge outside Shirilixing and lay siege to our main force at Lianxing Village. Therefore, we set traps only at Shirilixing and keep our main force at Luchang, relying on natural defenses to fight their infantry in a decisive battle.”

Ri Changfu exclaimed admiringly, “Brilliant! Just like Zhuge Liang’s Empty City Stratagem in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”

The next morning, Japanese scouts reported that overnight all the insurgents at the Longmen Pass position had vanished without a trace. Brigadier General Nakajo Hideo judged that the insurgents lacked strength and, seeing our reinforcements arrive in succession, had withdrawn early—likely seeking another position to regroup and deploy for the next phase of battle.

The Japanese removed the obstacles at Longmen Pass and advanced toward Shirilixing along the Zhonggang River valley.

Shirilixing Settlement was the administrative hub of Lianxing Village, located at the confluence of the Donghe River’s northern and southern branches, and also Ri A-guai’s stronghold. General Nakajo concluded that Ri A-guai would not abandon his lair lightly and would likely deploy his main force on several surrounding heights to fight a decisive battle.

In truth, Nakajo had no clear grasp of the situation. He mistook the small Shirilixing detachments conducting harassing raids for insurgent scouts. He decided to split his forces into two columns, advancing slowly along the hillside paths on both sides of the Zhonggang valley, sweeping every high ground they passed—an effort that proved futile.

Mounted on horseback, General Nakajo ordered the messenger below him, “Transmit my command: the Fourth Battalion’s Dongshan Unit will advance on the right wing, headquarters on the left. Move slowly along the hillside paths above the valley—infantry in front, artillery in the center, cavalry guarding the rear. If large bands of tribesmen are encountered, disperse formations and engage. If only small bands appear, dispatch small units while the main force takes cover in place.”

“Orders received,” replied the messenger.

Staff Officer Shimura Teruo, riding alongside, said, “General, having fought our way from Longmen Pass, I can’t shake the feeling that the tribesmen are trying to lure us deep into their territory. We should remember the disastrous defeat of the Kishi Unit and proceed with greater caution, step by step.”

Nakajo replied, “Staff Officer, I understand your concern. Since we are here, as the Qing Chinese say, ‘One cannot catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger’s den.’ In warfare, casualties are inevitable; excessive timidity accomplishes nothing.”

Teruo said, “Perhaps you’re right, General—I may be overthinking and worrying too much. Let us muster our courage and firm our resolve, as the Chinese say: ‘Knowing the mountain has a tiger, yet still heading toward it.’ Let us face whatever challenges await.”

Nakajo laughed. “You’re quite familiar with those Chinese proverbs.”

The Japanese pursued a small enemy detachment to about one li outside Shirilixing. Nakajo observed the tribesmen retreat into the settlement, where several hundred defenders seemed to be stationed. To maintain the ruse, the Shirilixing volunteers had some twenty warriors move along the walls, firing intermittently from loopholes.

Nakajo decided to act at once, determined to level the entire settlement if necessary.

He ordered, “Messenger, transmit my command: have the operations officer concentrate artillery fire on the village first—blast several breaches in the defenses. The cavalry will then charge and storm the village. Infantry will follow closely; three platoons will enter to conduct a sweep, while three others secure the perimeter. I want to wipe out this band of insurgents hiding in the village.”

The ever-cautious Staff Officer Shimura Teruo warned, “Wait, General. There may be an ambush inside the village. We should proceed more carefully.”

Nakajo replied, “Caution has its place, but now we must press our advantage and give the enemy no time to recover.”

The artillery bombarded the settlement for half an hour. Then the attack bugles sounded. Two hundred cavalrymen charged into Shirilixing, followed closely by six hundred infantry. Only then did the Japanese realize that what hung along the village walls were merely hundreds of straw dummies holding bamboo mock rifles. A house-to-house search revealed empty dwellings—no sign of the enemy. Sensing the trap, Operations Officer Onizuka was about to order a withdrawal, but it was already too late.

From horseback, Onizuka shouted, “Ambush! All personnel withdraw outside the settlement immediately!”

In an instant, explosives detonated in succession. Thunder from heaven and fire from earth erupted; thick smoke billowed everywhere. Stones, bamboo, timber, and roof tiles flew through the air. Many soldiers could not escape in time and were blown apart, bodies mangled, limbs scattered.

At the same moment, infantry stationed outside the settlement were blasted by explosives hidden at the base of the walls, sending them scrambling in panic. Brigadier General Nakajo turned pale with shock and hurried to order the bugler to signal an immediate retreat of cavalry and infantry back to the artillery positions—but more than half of the troops were already casualties.

Grinding his teeth, his face ashen, General Nakajo nearly fainted on the spot.

Slumping onto a rock in despair, he muttered, “I, Nakajo, have campaigned across battlefields for more than twenty years, yet today I have fallen to these rough brigands. Over a thousand of my men perished here. Is it not as the Art of War says—‘An arrogant army is bound to be defeated’?”

Shimura Teruo consoled him, “General, please do not be disheartened. Victory and defeat are the common lot of soldiers. These insurgents are elusive and cunning. With our morale low at present, it is unwise to launch another head-on assault. We should hold our ground and await reinforcements.”

As if realizing something, Nakajo said, “Ri A-guai’s band has long since grown formidable. Had the Nanzhuang Garrison not mishandled the protests by the families of victims of the Jiali coal disaster—driving his beloved youngest son to death—we would not have fallen out with Lianxing Village and come to blows. If an opportunity arises, I intend to offer him terms of surrender. Such a formidable opponent—unless we are certain of annihilating them, inducing surrender is the more feasible option.”

Teruo asked in puzzlement, “General, but I’ve heard that earlier the Hsinchu Prefecture revoked his Qing-era land reclamation permit, pushing Lianxing Village to the brink. Would he be willing to accept our offer?”

Nakajo gave a wry smile. “That poses no real difficulty. If Ri A-guai accepts our summons to surrender and investiture, we can relocate his family and several chiefs to Hsinchu City for close supervision. Once he dies and the group is leaderless, the Nanzhuang region will naturally return to calm.”

Teruo asked skeptically, “That is precisely what troubles me—would Ri A-guai truly accept our offer?”

Nakajo analyzed, “If he continues his rebellion, we will have to expend even more lives and resources to contend with him. Weighing the lesser of two evils, we must combine firmness with leniency—both carrot and stick.”

Teruo nodded in agreement. “Your analysis is incisive, General. I understand.”