by Chen Ching-Yang
Episode Two
1
Koizumi and Musashi entered Inspector Fukuda’s office and stood stiffly at attention before the desk.
Koizumi raised his hand in salute.
“Reporting, sir! We have arrived!”
Fukuda asked,
“How long have you two been in Taiwan?”
Koizumi replied,
“Sir, I have been here for three years.”
Musashi said,
“I’ve only been here a little over a year.”
Fukuda said,
“This year marks my eleventh year in Taiwan. How much do you understand about Taiwan? How much do you understand about the thinking and character of the Taiwanese people? I want to hear what you have to say.”
Koizumi asked,
“Sir, I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the purpose of these two questions.”
Fukuda said,
“You don’t understand, do you? Let me tell you. It is because you have not made any effort to understand Taiwan, to grasp the thoughts and temperament of the Taiwanese people, that you so often make mistakes you should not make. For example, this time, due to your unfair enforcement of the law, you aroused public outrage and were beaten by the street vendors.”
Koizumi said,
“Sir, but we were truly wronged. That Tanaka couple took the initiative to lodge a complaint with us, and we immediately handled the matter according to the law.”
Fukuda said,
“The problem lies precisely with that Tanaka couple. They habitually paid only half the price when buying goods. Their vile conduct has long been common knowledge in the marketplace. It is impossible that you didn’t know this. And furthermore, Koizumi — I have heard that when you are on duty at the market, you often abuse your authority to extort fish, meat, and vegetables from shopkeepers and vendors. They dare not speak out despite their anger. Don’t deny it to me!”
Koizumi defended himself,
“Sir, they offered those things to me voluntarily. I never asked them for anything.”
Fukuda snorted dismissively and countered,
“Is that so? Shall I summon witnesses to confront you face to face?”
Koizumi immediately lost his nerve.
“Sir, I…”
Fukuda said,
“Koizumi, I know you have a wife and children and heavy financial burdens. But abusing your authority to skim from shop owners and vendors is illegal — and it could cost you your job.”
Koizumi said,
“Sir, please give me a chance to reform…”
Fukuda said,
“Very well. Koizumi, I will transfer you back to the precinct to handle internal desk duties. Musashi, you will be assigned to the Street Corner Police Substation front desk. This is to prevent further conflicts with local merchants and vendors. That will be all. You may leave.”
After saluting, the two men left the inspector’s office.
Musashi said angrily,
“It’s all that fish vendor called Fire Dragon’s fault! I’m going to settle accounts with him!”
Koizumi said,
“Jiro, don’t be foolish. The inspector already has his eyes on us.”
Musashi said,
“If you’re afraid to go, I’ll go myself. I won’t drag you down with me.”
Koizumi said,
“Jiro, I advise you not to do anything stupid.”
2
Lin Hsien-tang (35) and Chiang Wei-shui (30) went together to visit Tsai Hui-ru (32), who lived in Aofeng Town, Qingshui Street. The three of them chatted in Tsai Hui-ru’s study.
Tsai Hui-ru clasped his hands respectfully and said,
“Brother Hsien-tang, what wind has blown you here today?”
Lin Hsien-tang smiled.
“I came especially to see you. This is Dr. Chiang Wei-shui — you should get to know him.”
Tsai Hui-ru proactively extended his hand.
“Brother Wei-shui, I’ve long admired your reputation! Hsien-tang often mentions you, saying you are a doctor with vision and ideals.”
Chiang Wei-shui said modestly,
“I wouldn’t dare deserve such praise. Brother Hsien-tang flatters me too much — it makes me feel unworthy.”
Lin Hsien-tang said,
“Hui-ru, it’s like this: Wei-shui has an idea — to establish a civilian association primarily composed of Taiwanese people. Besides organizing cultural activities, we also plan in the future to publish a Chinese-language newspaper.”
Tsai Hui-ru praised him,
“Brother Wei-shui, that’s an excellent idea! But why not directly organize a political party?”
Lin Hsien-tang said,
“With the Six-Three Law acting like a tightening golden headband, do you think the Governor-General’s Office would ever allow us to form a political party?”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“That’s a valid concern. The Governor-General’s Office would indeed be extremely sensitive about Taiwanese organizing political parties.”
Chiang Wei-shui said,
“If there is a formal civilian association on the island, we can organize the intellectuals. In reality, the association would possess the substance of a political party — it would merely appear in the form of a civilian organization.”
Tsai Hui-ru asked,
“Have you decided on a name for this association?”
Chiang Wei-shui said,
“Hsien-tang and I propose the provisional name: the Taiwan Cultural Association.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
‘The Taiwan Cultural Association — that sounds quite good. It feels very rallying and inspiring.”
Lin Hsien-tang asked,
“You know Street Chief Yang Chao-chia, don’t you?”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“More than just know him — he’s like a brother to me. We often drink tea and chat together.”
Lin Hsien-tang said,
“That’s excellent. I hope, through you, to invite Street Chief Yang to join the association.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“No problem! Why don’t I take you to visit him?”
Lin Hsien-tang said,
“That would be good. Inviting him in person would be more courteous.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“I’ll call Chao-chia first and arrange to meet him this evening.”
3
Secretary Kawai and Chief Inspector Sato arrived at the Qingshui Street Office to pay a visit to Yang Chao-chia.
Kawai said,
“Street Chief Yang, we have just been to the police precinct to convey County Governor Hashimoto’s instructions.”
Sato said,
“Those dozen or so vendors who were detained — Governor Hashimoto should complete the fine rulings by this evening. Their families may then pay the fines and secure their release.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Thank you, Secretary Kawai and Chief Inspector Sato, for going to such trouble over this matter.”
Kawai said,
“The Governor has specifically instructed that you must fully explain to your subordinates and the local gentry that regarding this police-civilian conflict, the Governor will handle the matter impartially. If Hashimoto’s subordinates enforced the law improperly, the Governor will not shield or cover for them. He hopes you will reopen the market tomorrow and restore local order.”
Yang Chao-chia replied respectfully,
“Yes, sir. I will convey the Governor’s intentions.”
Sato said,
“Street Chief Yang, if Hashimoto offended you in any way, please do not hold it against him. As a local administrative leader, he should have respected you in terms of administrative ethics — I have already reminded him of this in person.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Yes. Thank you, Chief Inspector.”
Kawai said,
“Since the incident has concluded satisfactorily, the Chief Inspector and I should return to report to the Governor.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“I will see you both out.”
Sato said,
“Please stay, Street Chief Yang.”
After the two left, Yang Chao-chia said to Tsai Chi-cheng,
“We should make a trip to the precinct and bail out those vendors first.”
Tsai Chi-cheng asked,
“What about the fines they need to pay?”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“I’ll advance the money for them for now.”
4
The detained vendors were gathered in the main hall of the Qingshui Police Precinct as Inspector Fukuda delivered a reprimanding lecture:
“…From now on, no matter what kind of dispute arises, if you believe the handling by on-duty officers is improper, you may report directly to me. You must not again gather crowds to assault law enforcement officers and disrupt market order…”
Precinct Chief Hashimoto Eizō took the initiative to walk over to Yang Chao-chia and shook his hand graciously.
Hashimoto said,
“Street Chief Yang, my handling of this police-civilian dispute was excessive this time. Please forgive me. In the future, let us communicate more to avoid similar misunderstandings.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“The door to communication is always open. I welcome your guidance, Chief Hashimoto.”
Each of the troublemaking vendors was fined fifty yen. Street Chief Yang immediately advanced the fines on their behalf and, together with Tsai Chi-cheng, led the group away.
5
In the main hall of Yang Chao-chia’s large traditional courtyard residence on Qingshui Street, the town heads, neighborhood chiefs, and local gentry were gathered.
Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Respected elders and fellow townspeople, the dozen temporary vendors who were taken to the precinct have all been released after the Street Chief advanced their fines.”
Neighborhood Chief Yang Tien-tsai (45) said,
“This police-civilian conflict was resolved thanks entirely to Street Chief Yang and Chief Tsai’s tireless efforts. The neighbors and I are deeply grateful.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“In truth, the reason this incident concluded so quickly was that our market strike drew the Governor’s attention. But such extraordinary resistance should only be used occasionally — because it can easily escalate out of control. Therefore, I believe it is necessary for us to establish a mediation body within our street to specifically handle disputes arising from trade.”
Town Head Lin Mao-te (36) said,
“Disputes arising from commerce indeed require an organization to handle them. Otherwise, every matter ends up involving the police, and that does not always lead to satisfactory resolutions.”
Town Head Cheng Ta-fu said,
“I agree as well. It would be best to set this mediation body inside the Street Office. It’s right next to the market — much more convenient operationally.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Then I will report to the county to establish a dedicated unit, hire personnel specifically for this task, and have their salaries paid by the Street Office.”
Local gentry Liao Wu-hsiung (35) said,
“If higher authorities are unwilling to fund salaries, then let it be voluntary unpaid service instead.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“There’s no need to worry about that. We can collect a small handling fee from both parties in each mediated dispute.”
Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Since everyone is in agreement, shall we ask the Street Chief to plan it for us?”
Cheng Ta-fu said,
“Because everyone is still unfamiliar with mediation procedures, I suggest that the first Director of the Mediation Committee be Street Chief Yang himself, serving concurrently, so the system can be established quickly.”
This proposal immediately received unanimous support from all present.
6
Not long after the grassroots officials had just left the Yang residence, Tsai Hui-ru led Lin Hsien-tang and Chiang Wei-shui to the entrance hall of the Yang family’s traditional courtyard home. At that moment, Yang Chao-chia and his elder brother Chao-hua came out to greet them.
Yang Chao-chia took the initiative to shake hands.
“Brother Hsien-tang, Brother Hui-ru — you are truly honored guests. This is my elder brother, Chao-hua, a practicing physician.”
Chiang Wei-shui said,
“Then we are colleagues in the same profession? Brother Hui-ru told me that both of you brothers are outstanding indeed — your reputation is well deserved!”
Yang Chao-hua said,
“You flatter me, Brother Wei-shui.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Esteemed guests, please come into the hall for tea.”
The five entered the hall and took their seats according to age and seniority.
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Hui-ru told me on the phone that he would accompany Brother Hsien-tang and Brother Wei-shui here. I was excited for quite a while — both of your names are thunderous in reputation, and today I finally meet you in person.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“Chao-chia, Hsien-tang asked about you. Both brothers felt they should come personally to pay you a visit.”
Chiang Wei-shui said,
“Actually, Hsien-tang and I came today to invite both of you to join the Taiwan Cultural Association.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“The Taiwan Cultural Association? Is it a newly established organization?”
Lin Hsien-tang said,
“It is currently in preparation — a civilian association with Taiwanese as its main body.”
Yang Chao-hua said,
“That sounds quite good — just like we physicians have our medical guild.”
Chiang Wei-shui said,
“Brother Chao-hua is absolutely right. That was precisely the source of my inspiration.”
Yang Chao-chia hesitated briefly and said,
“But I currently hold an official post. Is it appropriate for me to join such an association?”
Yang Chao-hua said,
“Second Brother, what does that matter? You should join and contribute your efforts.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Well then — since Elder Brother believes I should not remain aloof, count me in as well.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“In a little while, I’ll bring the membership application forms for both of you.”
Lin Hsien-tang smiled with relief.
“With Brother Chao-chia’s participation, I see the first ray of dawn…”
7
A few days later, Patrol Officer Musashi Jirō, seeking revenge against the fish vendor Fire Dragon for causing him to be beaten, went to the marketplace after work carrying his baton to look for trouble.
Musashi pointed and said,
“Fire Dragon, I suspect your weighing rod does not meet regulations and that you are cheating customers by short-weighting them. I’m going to inspect it!”
Fire Dragon said in surprise,
“Officer, I bought this weighing rod from an officially designated monopoly shop. There can’t possibly be any problem with the measurements.”
Musashi said,
“How do I know you haven’t tampered with it yourself? Hand it over for inspection!”
Fire Dragon nervously passed the rod to Musashi.
Musashi pointed at its surface and said,
“This rod’s markings are all blurred. That violates regulations!”
Musashi snapped the weighing rod in half in front of everyone.
Fire Dragon cried out, “Ah!” — his face turning pale in panic.
Musashi continued,
“I’m also going to inspect your fish. Lift the lotus leaves.”
Fire Dragon trembled as he lifted the lotus leaves.
Musashi shouted loudly,
“Smell it yourself! These fish are already rotten, and you still dare sell them in the market?”
Fire Dragon said,
“I’ve been wronged, Officer! These fish were bought in bulk this morning directly from the boat owners at Wuci Fishing Harbor.”
Musashi barked angrily,
“Enough nonsense! Hoist up your load and come back to the substation with me!”
Nearby vendors and passersby whispered among themselves, but no one dared step forward to interfere. Waving his baton, Musashi forcibly escorted both man and goods back to the Street Corner Police Substation.
8
Fire Dragon’s entire family — elders supported and children in tow — arrived at Yang Chao-chia’s Street Office under the accompaniment of Neighborhood Chief Yang Tien-tsai.
Fire Dragon’s wife and elderly parents were crying and were about to kneel before Yang Chao-chia, but Chao-chia and Tsai Chi-cheng hurried forward to lift them up.
Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Tell us your grievances slowly — don’t do this!”
Fire Dragon’s wife said tearfully,
“That policeman who injured my husband last time came again to trouble him. Now I hear he dragged both my husband and the fish to the substation.”
Tsai Chi-cheng asked,
“Was the officer young or older?”
Fire Dragon’s wife said,
“He was young.”
Tsai Chi-cheng said angrily,
“Then it must be Musashi! He really knows how to bully people! Street Chief, this is clearly revenge out of personal resentment!”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Let’s go to the substation at once to negotiate.”
9
Yang Chao-chia immediately led Tsai Chi-cheng and Yang Tien-tsai, together with Fire Dragon’s wife, children, and elderly parents, to the Street Corner Police Substation to negotiate. Concerned townspeople followed them, and dozens gathered at the entrance in support.
Fire Dragon sat handcuffed on a long bench along the hallway of the substation hall, while two baskets of fish were scattered along the corridor.
Yang Chao-chia, Tsai Chi-cheng, and Yang Tien-tsai entered to negotiate.
Yang Chao-chia said,
“Chief Yawata, Vendor Fire Dragon was brought here by your patrolman Musashi. I request that your station present the interrogation record so we may understand precisely which regulation or law Fire Dragon has violated.”
Station Chief Yawata Yuki (32) said,
“Vendor Fire Dragon used nonstandard weighing equipment and sold fish that was not fresh. For violating the Weights and Measures Regulations, he is fined twenty yen. Additionally, for violating the Food Hygiene Administration Regulations, the fish are confiscated, and he is sentenced to three days of detention.”
Yang Chao-chia pointedly said,
“Before seeing the interrogation record, before the fish have been inspected, and before the truth is clarified, such administrative penalties carry the suspicion of abuse of authority and illegality.”
Yawata said,
“This is a decision made under my administrative discretion. If the punished party is dissatisfied, he may file a complaint with the precinct.”
Yang Chao-chia said,
“The complaint will certainly be filed immediately. As for Fire Dragon’s three days of detention, I voluntarily offer to serve them in his place. When the appeal results come out, right and wrong can be settled with you together, Chief Yawata.”
Yawata thought to himself:
“If I allow Street Chief Yang to go to jail in Fire Dragon’s place, it will surely trigger another market strike. If the Governor blames me directly, I wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences.”
Yawata said,
“Even if the Street Chief is willing to accept the punishment, how would I dare send the Street Chief to the detention cell? Let us instead substitute it with three days of street sweeping — cleaning the market and surrounding streets.”
Yang Chao-chia said boldly,
“Very well. Starting tomorrow, I will sweep the streets for three days.”
After Fire Dragon’s wife paid the fine, she reclaimed Fire Dragon, leaving behind the two loads of fish. Accompanied by Yang Chao-chia and others — along with dozens of supporting townspeople — they departed in a grand procession.
Musashi said,
“Chief, thank you for helping me vent my anger!”
Yawata said,
“Don’t thank me yet. That Yang Chao-chia is no easy opponent. They will certainly lodge a complaint with Inspector Fukuda afterward. You and I had better prepare a set of responses in advance. Inspector Fukuda is always sharp — he is not someone who can be fooled with a few words.”
10
Street Chief Yang Chao-chia, Neighborhood Chief Tsai Chi-cheng, and Yang Tien-tsai returned to the Street Office. Upon hearing the news, all the mediation committee members, several town heads, and many local gentry including Liao Wu-hsiung and Tsai Hui-ru arrived to express concern and support.
Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Before Chief Yawata, the Street Chief openly declared his willingness to go to jail for Fire Dragon for three days. Yawata immediately changed the detention to street sweeping — the intention was obvious: to seize the chance to humiliate Street Chief Yang.”
Yang Tien-tsai said,
“Exactly! You weren’t there to see that little fox’s smug expression! I truly wanted to give him a few punches!”
Liao Wu-hsiung said,
“Fukuda is an upright official and has long enjoyed a clean reputation in our region. He should handle this matter impartially.”
Yang Tien-tsai said,
“Brother Wu-hsiung is right. We will lodge a complaint with Inspector Fukuda.”
Tsai Hui-ru said,
“I propose that all mediation committee members take the lead in contacting every town head, neighborhood chief, all Street Office staff, and local gentry of Qingshui Street. Starting tomorrow morning for three consecutive days, everyone should bring brooms and dustpans and gather at the market entrance to support Street Chief Yang in sweeping the streets.”
This proposal was immediately approved unanimously by everyone present.
Tsai Hui-ru said firmly,
“In that case, I’d like to see how Yawata will explain himself to Inspector Fukuda!”
