You Must Come Back Alive  4

 by Chen Ching-Yang

Episode Two

1

Koizumi and Musashi entered Inspector Fukuda’s office and stood at attention before his desk.

Koizumi raised his hand in salute.
“Reporting, sir! We have arrived.”

Fukuda asked,
“How long have the two of you been stationed in Taiwan?”

Koizumi replied,
“Sir, I’ve been here for three years.”

Musashi said,
“I’ve been here just over a year.”

Fukuda said,
“This is my eleventh year in Taiwan. How well do you think you understand this place? How much do you know about the thinking and temperament of the Taiwanese people? I’d like to hear your views.”

Koizumi asked,
“Sir, forgive me, but I don’t quite understand the purpose of these questions.”

Fukuda replied,
“You don’t understand, do you? Then let me explain. Because you have never made a genuine effort to understand Taiwan—nor to grasp the mindset and character of its people—you repeatedly commit mistakes you should not. Take this recent incident: your unfair enforcement of the law provoked public outrage and resulted in you being beaten by market vendors.”

Koizumi said,
“Sir, we truly felt wronged. The Tanaka couple filed a complaint with us on their own initiative, and we handled the matter immediately according to the law.”

Fukuda said,
“That is precisely the problem—the Tanaka couple. They habitually pay only half the price when shopping. Their despicable conduct is well known throughout the market. There’s no way you didn’t know that. And Koizumi, I’ve also heard that when you’re on duty at the market, you frequently abuse your authority to extort fish, meat, and vegetables from shopkeepers and vendors. They dare not speak out against you. Don’t deny it!”

Koizumi defended himself,
“Sir, those were voluntary gifts. I never once asked for them.”

Fukuda snorted and countered,
“Oh? Shall I summon witnesses and have them confront you face to face?”

Koizumi immediately faltered.
“Sir, I…”

Fukuda said sternly,
“Koizumi, I know you have a wife and children and heavy financial burdens. But exploiting shopkeepers under the guise of authority is illegal—and it could cost you your job.”

Koizumi pleaded,
“Sir, please give me a chance to reform…”

Fukuda said,
“Very well. Koizumi, you will be reassigned to desk duty at the precinct. Musashi, you will be transferred to the Street Substation for guard duty, to prevent further conflicts with local merchants. That’s all. You may leave.”

The two saluted and exited the inspector’s office.

Musashi muttered angrily,
“It’s that fish vendor called Fire Dragon who got us beaten. I’m going to settle accounts with him.”

Koizumi warned,
“Jiro, don’t be stupid. The inspector already has his eye on us.”

Musashi replied,
“If you don’t dare go, I’ll go alone. I won’t drag you into it.”

Koizumi said,
“Jiro, I advise you not to do anything foolish.”

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2

Lin Hsien-tang (35) and Chiang Wei-shui (30) visited Tsai Hui-ju (32) at his residence in Aofeng Town, Qingshui Street. The three conversed in Tsai’s study.

Tsai clasped his hands and said,
“Brother Hsien-tang, what brings you here today?”

Lin smiled.
“I came specifically to see you. This is Dr. Chiang Wei-shui—you should get to know him.”

Tsai extended his hand warmly.
“Brother Wei-shui, I’ve long admired your reputation! Hsien-tang often speaks of you, saying you’re a doctor of vision and ideals.”

Chiang replied modestly,
“You flatter me. Brother Hsien-tang’s praise leaves me feeling humbled.”

Lin said,
“Hui-ju, here’s the matter: Wei-shui has an idea—to establish a civic association centered on Taiwanese people. It would organize cultural activities and eventually publish a Chinese-language newspaper.”

Tsai praised him.
“Brother Wei-shui, it’s an excellent idea! But why not form a political party directly?”

Lin said,
“With the Six-Three Law acting like a golden headband around us, do you really think the Governor-General’s Office would permit a political party?”

Tsai nodded.
“That’s true. The authorities would be extremely sensitive to Taiwanese forming a party.”

Chiang said,
“If we establish a formal civic association, we can organize intellectuals. In substance it functions as a political party—only in name does it appear as a civic group.”

Tsai asked,
“Have you decided on a name?”

Chiang replied,
“We’re considering Taiwan Cultural Association.”

Tsai smiled.
“Taiwan Cultural Association—it sounds excellent. Very rallying.”

Lin asked,
“You’re acquainted with Street Chief Yang Zhao-jia, aren’t you?”

Tsai laughed.
“More than acquainted—we’re like brothers. We drink tea and chat all the time.”

Lin said,
“That’s perfect. I’d like you to introduce him and invite him to join.”

Tsai replied,
“No problem. Why don’t I take you to visit him?”

Lin agreed.
“Good. An in-person invitation would be more proper.”

Tsai said,
“I’ll call Zhao-jia and arrange for tonight.”

---

3

Secretary Kawai and Chief Inspector Sato visited Yang Zhao-jia at the Qingshui Street Office.

Kawai said,
“Street Chief Yang, we’ve just returned from the precinct to convey Governor Hashimoto’s instructions.”

Sato added,
“The dozen or so detained vendors should have their fines determined by tonight. Their families may then post bail.”

Yang replied,
“My thanks to Secretary Kawai and Chief Inspector Sato for your efforts.”

Kawai said,
“The Governor instructed that you must clearly explain to your subordinates and local gentry that this police–civilian conflict will be handled impartially. Officer Hashimoto’s subordinates acted improperly, and the Governor will not shield them. He hopes the market can reopen tomorrow and restore order.”

Yang bowed respectfully.
“Yes, I will convey the Governor’s intent.”

Sato said,
“If Hashimoto offended you in any way, please do not take it personally. As a local administrator, you deserve respect. I’ve already reminded him of this.”

Yang replied,
“Yes, thank you, Chief Inspector.”

Kawai said,
“With the matter resolved, the Chief Inspector and I must return to report.”

Yang said,
“I’ll see you out.”

Sato replied,
“No need, Street Chief.”

After they left, Yang said to Tsai Ji-cheng,
“We should go to the precinct and bail the vendors out first.”

Tsai asked,
“What about the fines?”

Yang replied,
“I’ll cover them for now.”

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4

The detained vendors gathered in the precinct hall as Inspector Fukuda addressed them:

“…In the future, regardless of disputes, if you believe an officer has acted improperly, you may file a complaint directly with me. You must not gather crowds, assault officers, or disrupt market order…”

Precinct Chief Hashimoto Eizo approached Yang Zhao-jia and shook his hand courteously.

Hashimoto said,
“Street Chief Yang, I mishandled this incident. Please accept my apology. Let’s communicate more to prevent misunderstandings.”

Yang replied,
“My door is always open. I welcome your guidance, Chief Hashimoto.”

Each vendor was fined fifty yen. Yang paid the fines on their behalf and, together with Tsai Ji-cheng, escorted the group away.

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5

In the main hall of Yang Zhao-jia’s ancestral home, neighborhood chiefs, headmen, and local gentry gathered.

Tsai Ji-cheng announced,
“The dozen temporary vendors detained earlier have been bailed out. The Street Chief advanced the fines for them.”

Headman Yang Tien-tsai (45) said,
“We’re deeply grateful to Street Chief Yang and Chief Tsai for resolving this conflict.”

Yang said,
“The swift resolution was due to our strike drawing the Governor’s attention. But such drastic action should be used sparingly—it can easily spiral out of control. Therefore, I propose establishing a mediation body to handle trade disputes.”

Chief Lin Mao-te (36) agreed.
“Trade disputes need proper handling. Police involvement often fails to resolve matters satisfactorily.”

Chief Cheng Da-fu added,
“I suggest housing the mediation office at the Street Office—close to the market.”

Yang said,
“I’ll propose this to the county: a dedicated office with salaried staff.”

Gentry Liao Wu-hsiung (35) said,
“If funding is an issue, it could be voluntary.”

Yang replied,
“No need to worry. We can collect modest handling fees from disputing parties.”

Tsai Ji-cheng said,
“Since there’s consensus, shall the Street Chief plan it?”

Cheng Da-fu suggested,
“Until procedures are familiar, I propose Street Chief Yang serve concurrently as the first chair.”

The proposal received unanimous support.

---

6

Shortly after the meeting dispersed, Tsai Hui-ju arrived with Lin Hsien-tang and Chiang Wei-shui. Yang Zhao-jia and his elder brother Zhao-hua greeted them.

Yang shook hands.
“Brother Hsien-tang, Brother Hui-ju—honored guests. This is my elder brother Zhao-hua, a practicing physician.”

Chiang smiled.
“Then we’re colleagues! I’ve heard both brothers are exceptional—indeed deservedly so.”

Yang Zhao-hua replied warmly,
“You flatter me, Brother Wei-shui.”

Yang invited them in for tea. The five sat according to seniority.

Yang said,
“When Hui-ju told me you were coming, I was thrilled. Your reputations precede you.”

Chiang said,
“We’ve come to invite you both to join the Taiwan Cultural Association.”

Yang asked,
“Is it newly formed?”

Lin replied,
“It’s in preparation—a Taiwanese-centered civic association.”

Yang Zhao-hua said,
“It sounds promising—like a medical guild.”

Chiang nodded.
“That was exactly my inspiration.”

Yang hesitated.
“But I hold office—would joining be appropriate?”

Zhao-hua replied,
“Why not? You should contribute.”

Yang smiled.
“Very well—count me in.”

Tsai said,
“I’ll bring the membership forms soon.”

Lin smiled with relief.
“With your participation, I see the first light of dawn…”

---

7

Days later, Patrolman Musashi Jiro sought revenge against Fire Dragon, the fish vendor. After work, he went to the market armed with a baton.

He pointed and shouted,
“Fire Dragon! I suspect your scale is noncompliant. I’m inspecting it!”

Fire Dragon protested,
“My scale was purchased from an official vendor. It can’t be faulty.”

Musashi barked,
“How do I know you didn’t tamper with it? Hand it over!”

Fire Dragon nervously complied.

Musashi sneered,
“The markings are worn—this violates regulations!”

He snapped the scale in two. Fire Dragon gasped in shock.

Musashi continued,
“I’ll inspect your fish. Lift the lotus leaves!”

Fire Dragon trembled as he did.

Musashi shouted,
“Smell this! It’s rotten—and you dare sell it?”

Fire Dragon cried,
“Wronged, sir! I bought these directly from the Wuchi fishing port this morning!”

Musashi roared,
“Enough! Carry your goods and come with me!”

Onlookers whispered but dared not intervene. Musashi waved his baton and dragged both man and fish to the substation.

---

8

Fire Dragon’s family—elderly and young alike—arrived at the Street Office with Headman Yang Tien-tsai.

The wife and parents knelt crying, but Yang and Tsai helped them up.

Tsai said gently,
“Tell us slowly—no need for this.”

The wife sobbed,
“The same officer who beat my husband last time arrested him again—took both him and the fish.”

Tsai asked,
“Was the officer young?”

“Yes.”

Tsai snapped,
“Then it was Musashi—bullying again! Street Chief, this is clearly revenge!”

Yang said firmly,
“We’re going to the substation immediately.”

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9

Yang, Tsai, Yang Tien-tsai, and Fire Dragon’s family went to the substation. Dozens gathered in support.

Fire Dragon sat handcuffed on a bench, fish baskets scattered nearby.

Yang demanded,
“Chief Yahata, I request the interrogation record. What law has Fire Dragon violated?”

Chief Yahata Yuki (32) replied,
“He used a nonstandard scale and sold unfresh fish. He’s fined twenty yen under the Weights and Measures Act and detained three days under the Food Hygiene Act. Fish confiscated.”

Yang retorted,
“Without records or inspection, this penalty reeks of abuse of authority.”

Yahata replied coolly,
“This is my administrative discretion. He may appeal.”

Yang said resolutely,
“We will. And I volunteer to serve his three-day detention.”

Yahata panicked internally—another strike would doom him.

He said,
“I could never detain the Street Chief. Let’s commute it to three days of street cleaning.”

Yang declared,
“Agreed. I’ll begin tomorrow.”

After paying the fine, Fire Dragon was released. The group departed in force.

Musashi muttered,
“Thank you, Chief, for standing up for me.”

Yahata replied darkly,
“Don’t thank me yet. Yang Zhao-jia will appeal to Inspector Fukuda—and he’s not easily fooled.”

---

10

Back at the Street Office, mediators, chiefs, and gentry gathered in support.

Tsai said angrily,
“The change to street cleaning was clearly meant to humiliate the Street Chief.”

Yang Tien-tsai fumed,
“You should’ve seen Yahata’s smug face!”

Liao Wu-hsiung said,
“Inspector Fukuda is known for integrity. He’ll judge fairly.”

Tsai Hui-ju proposed,
“Let all mediators, chiefs, officials, and gentry gather for three mornings with brooms at the market entrance to support the Street Chief.”

The proposal passed unanimously.

Tsai concluded,
“Let’s see how Yahata explains this to Inspector Fukuda.”