You Must Come Back Alive  5

 by Chen Ching-Yang

11

Neighbor Auntie A-mian (35) ran into Street Chief’s wife Miyoko, who had just picked up their son Yang Jiantai (8) from school, and informed her about Street Chief Yang taking punishment in place of the fish vendor.

Auntie A-mian said,
“Madam Street Chief, I just came back from the market. The vendors there say that starting tomorrow, the Street Chief will be sweeping the marketplace streets for three days.”

Miyoko asked curiously,
“Isn’t the Street Chief supposed to go to the Street Office to work? How would he have time to clean the marketplace? Besides, that isn’t even part of his official duties.”

Auntie A-mian said,
“The vegetable sellers said the Street Chief is taking the punishment on behalf of a fish vendor named Fire Dragon. All the shop owners and vendors in the market say they’ll accompany the Street Chief in sweeping the streets starting tomorrow.”

Miyoko smiled and said,
“So that’s what it’s about.”

Jiantai asked,
“Mother, can I go sweep the streets with Father too?”

Miyoko said,
“No. Those are matters for adults. You must go to school.”

12

Tsai Chi-cheng and Yang Tien-tsai brought Fire Dragon to the Inspector’s Office at the precinct.

Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Inspector Fukuda, fish vendor Fire Dragon has received administrative penalties from the Street Corner Substation — a fine of twenty yen and three days of detention. The party concerned refuses to accept the punishment and hereby submits a formal complaint.”

Fire Dragon handed the complaint petition to Inspector Fukuda, who read through it once.

Fukuda said,
“Blurred scale markings and a weighing rod that fails to meet official standards are not the same matter. Chief Yawata’s punishment appears to involve excessive interpretation. This portion of the twenty-yen fine should be revoked.

“As for blurred markings, the enforcement officer should first order the holder to correct the defect within a time limit. Only after failure to comply following formal notice may confiscation be carried out. In this case, the officer failed to perform the notification procedure — a clear procedural defect.

“Since the weighing rod was already destroyed by Officer Musashi, that officer shall compensate the party with a new weighing rod.

“Regarding these two matters, I will summon Chief Yawata and Officer Musashi for investigation and issue a formal ruling within one week to be delivered to the complainant.”

Yang Tien-tsai asked,
“Inspector, the core of Fire Dragon’s complaint is not the first two items, but whether an officer may determine the freshness of fish and produce merely by visual inspection, and then immediately impose confiscation and three days’ detention.”

Fukuda said,
“Under the Food Hygiene Administration Regulations, inspectors may use sensory judgment to determine freshness, and may impose immediate penalties on obviously spoiled food.

“However, if a dispute arises, the punished party may submit documentation of production and storage processes to prove that the goods met public sale freshness standards.”

Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“Fire Dragon, give the Inspector the purchase certificate the Fishermen’s Association issued to you.”

Fire Dragon handed it over.
“Here is the purchase certificate.”

Fukuda said,
“Very well. This document issued by the Fishermen’s Association carries official evidentiary force. I accept it. Tomorrow I will summon Chief Yawata and Patrol Officer Musashi.”

Tsai Chi-cheng said,
“It’s already too late, Inspector. Starting tomorrow, Street Chief Yang will sweep the marketplace streets in Fire Dragon’s place for three days.”

Fukuda asked in astonishment,
“Street Chief Yang volunteered to sweep the streets for three days?”

Yang Tien-tsai said,
“Yes, Inspector. That was the agreement between Street Chief Yang and Chief Yawata. The Street Chief said he would settle matters with Yawata after the appeal ruling is issued.”

Fukuda gave a bitter smile and said,
“From the looks of it, Yawata Yuki may end up sweeping streets too — to fulfill that agreement.”

13

Yang Chao-chia returned home to the large courtyard residence after work.

Miyoko helped him remove his coat.
“I heard from Neighbor Auntie A-mian that starting tomorrow you’re going to sweep the marketplace streets for three days?”

Yang Chao-chia smiled.
“I didn’t expect the news to spread so quickly.”

Miyoko said,
“These local police officers normally live off the people’s offerings of food and supplies. They throw their weight around like licensed little emperors. Compared to the mainland police, their quality is truly far inferior.”

Yang Chao-chia said,
“It’s a good thing that the townspeople’s awareness of their rights is gradually rising. When something is unreasonable, everyone should stand up, voice their opinions, and demand improvement from the authorities.”

Miyoko said,
“You’re fighting for the people’s rights — that’s what you should do as Street Chief. Of course I fully support you.

“However, I have household duties every day, so I won’t be able to accompany you in sweeping the streets.”

Yang Chao-chia laughed.
“There’s no need to trouble Madam. The officials, gentry, and the market shopkeepers and vendors all said they’ll come sweep with me starting tomorrow.”

Miyoko smiled.
“Oh? That’s because you’re deeply loved by the townspeople — that’s why everyone responds so enthusiastically!”

14

Early in the morning, local officials led teams carrying brooms, dustpans, and garbage bins, arriving one after another at the Street Corner Market and gathering at its entrance.

Town Head Tsai Chi-cheng began assigning tasks, dividing everyone into several groups to begin a large-scale cleanup.

Chief Yawata and Patrol Officer Musashi stood some distance away, not daring to come over to supervise the sweeping.

Musashi asked,
“Why are so many people here?”

Yawata said,
“This is troublesome. Street Chief Yang is clearly trying to escalate the situation.”

When nearby townspeople saw Street Chief Yang, all the town heads, neighborhood chiefs, local gentry, and Street Office staff mobilized to sweep, they spread the news rapidly and voluntarily brought their own tools to join in. In no time at all, every street was filled with small groups of people sweeping.

Yang Chao-chia said,
“Actually, activities like street sweeping are very meaningful. They help maintain environmental cleanliness.”

Tsai Chi-cheng laughed and said,
“Street Chief, you’re truly magnanimous — always looking on the bright side. If it were me, I wouldn’t let Chief Yawata sleep comfortably!”

Liao Wu-hsiung said,
“Why don’t we officially designate one day each week as a district cleaning day, with every household sending one person to clean the surrounding area? What do you think, Street Chief?”

Yang Chao-chia nodded.
“Yes — Brother Wu-hsiung, that’s an excellent idea. After these three days of sweeping are finished, I’ll have the Street Office plan a regular sanitation day.”

15

Precinct Chief Hashimoto received Chief Yawata’s report. Accompanied by Inspector Fukuda Ei, he came out into the streets to assess the situation.

Yawata said,
“Reporting, Sir — sweeping crowds have appeared on every street in all of Qingshui.”

Hashimoto asked in disbelief,
“How could such a thing happen?”

Yawata said,
“Reporting, Chief, the cause of this matter is…”

The more Hashimoto listened, the deeper his frown became.

Fukuda said,
“Chief Yawata, I was just about to summon you and Musashi. Do you two realize you’ve caused serious trouble?”

Yawata said,
“Reporting, Inspector, I do not understand the origin of what you call ‘causing trouble’…”

Fukuda said,
“Town Heads Tsai Chi-cheng and Yang Tien-tsai brought Fire Dragon to file a complaint with me yesterday afternoon. In a moment, you are to bring the written ruling on that case and report to me together with Officer Musashi.”

Hashimoto exploded in anger,
“Yawata, you worthless fool! Haven’t I had enough trouble lately already? You clean up this mess yourself!”

Seeing Hashimoto’s face darken in rage, Yawata was so frightened he didn’t know what to do, and could only keep answering,
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

The townspeople, seeing the group of police officials, completely ignored them — treating them as if they were invisible.

After inspecting several streets, Hashimoto’s expression grew extremely grave.

Hashimoto asked,
“Inspector Fukuda, have I really performed that badly as precinct chief? Why do the townspeople listen only to Street Chief Yang?”

Fukuda said,
“That’s because you and Street Chief Yang stand on opposite sides. You chose to stand against the people — so naturally they listen only to him.”

Hashimoto asked again,
“Then what do you suggest I do?”

Fukuda advised,
“If you’re willing to lower yourself, make peace with Street Chief Yang, and listen more to the people’s opinions, your days ahead will be much easier.”

Hashimoto said,
“Very well. I’ll follow your advice. You’ve been here over a decade and understand the situation far better than I do. Arrange it for me — I want to speak with Street Chief Yang face to face.”

Fukuda said,
“No problem. I’ll invite Street Chief Yang in your name. As for Yawata’s three-day street-sweeping punishment…”

Hashimoto said,
“I understand what you mean.”

Hashimoto turned sharply and glared.
“Yawata — handle it yourself!”

Yawata’s face turned deathly pale. At last, he realized just how badly he had blundered.

16

In the inspector’s office of the Qingshui Street Police Substation,
Chief Yawata and Jiro Musashi were undergoing Inspector Fukuda’s investigation.

After reading the written ruling regarding Fire Dragon’s case, Fukuda angrily flung it onto the desk.

Fukuda shouted in rebuke:

“What kind of ruling is this? It’s full of holes! No wonder Fire Dragon came to file an appeal with me!”

Yawata asked nervously,

“Are there really that many problems with this ruling?”

Fukuda pointed at Yawata’s nose and scolded:

“You’re a station chief, yet you don’t even seem to have a brain!
Not one of the three punishments in this ruling stands up legally!”

Yawata said in panic,

“Inspector, please make it clear for me.”

Fukuda snapped:

**“First of all, regarding Fire Dragon’s scale beam with blurred markings — according to administrative procedure, you must first notify the owner and give him a deadline to make corrections.
Only if he fails to improve within that period can the item be confiscated by law.

And you committed an even bigger mistake.

That scale beam was purchased from a government-designated monopoly shop.
Unless there is clear evidence of deliberate alteration — which you do not have — how dare you fine him twenty yen merely because the markings were unclear?”**

Yawata argued:

“But in the past, whenever I handled cases of blurred scale markings, I made the same rulings and nothing ever went wrong.”

Fukuda replied coldly:

**“That’s because you misunderstood the law and abused your authority through over-interpretation.
I’m telling you now precisely to correct those past errors.

Secondly, Musashi claimed Fire Dragon’s fish were not fresh, and the reason written here says the judgment was made by visual inspection alone.

Look at the proof Fire Dragon provided — issued by the Wuci Fishermen’s Association — clearly stating that the fish were freshly unloaded at the dock that very day.

What does this document prove?”**

Suddenly Fukuda stood up, grabbed Musashi by the collar, and slammed him onto the desk:

“It proves that you, Jiro Musashi, were lying through your teeth!
And your motive was revenge — abusing your power because you still held a grudge from being beaten by the vendors!”

Musashi begged:

“Inspector, please spare me — I can’t breathe…”

Fukuda yanked him up and shoved him violently to the floor, then pointed his finger at Yawata’s face.

Musashi fell flat on his back, scrambled up, and knelt prostrate on the ground.

Fukuda roared in fury:

**“And then there’s you, Yawata — you’ve gone completely too far!
When Street Chief Yang said he would serve the three days in jail for Fire Dragon, you panicked about public outrage and changed it into forcing him to sweep the streets for three days!

Who do you think you are?

Even Director Hashimoto wouldn’t dare order Street Chief Yang to sweep streets — and you dared to humiliate him like this?

Now look what you’ve done!

The entire Qingshui Street population has responded to Yang’s call — every household is out sweeping — and all the anger is now aimed at Director Hashimoto and me!

You’re really talented at causing disasters!

Do you idiots even understand that the street chief is the people’s local magistrate?

You dared make him sweep streets?

All Yang has to do is make one phone call to the county governor or provincial governor — and both Hashimoto and I would be packing our bags!

Do you understand or not, you fools?!

I’ve never seen police officers as stupid as you two!”**

Yawata kept his head down in silence, not daring to reply.

Still furious, Fukuda continued:

**“In a moment, I’m going to see Street Chief Yang.
Both of you will come with me to apologize.

Yawata, you’d better pray that Yang lets you off.
Otherwise I will charge you with insulting a superior officer and transfer you to the disciplinary committee for punishment.
Prepare yourself.”**

Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Yawata pleaded:

“Inspector, please help me beg Street Chief Yang for mercy!”

Fukuda turned to Musashi:

**“You’re not just bad — you’re downright poisonous.

Earlier, your unfair enforcement caused a police–civilian conflict.
When the director didn’t know the truth and tried to protect you and Koizumi, it triggered the Qingshui Street market strike — and the county officials scolded him mercilessly.

Now you used personal resentment for revenge again, creating this street-sweeping farce.

Keeping you in Qingshui is a disaster!

Listen carefully — I’m giving you two options:

First, get lost back to the mainland or request a transfer elsewhere and leave my jurisdiction.

Second, transfer under me as a summons officer.

Choose. Which one?”**

Kneeling on the floor, Musashi wept:

“Inspector… please take me in.”

17

That evening, Inspector Fukuda brought Chief Yawata and Jiro Musashi to the Yang family’s traditional courtyard residence.

Fukuda bowed deeply:

“Street Chief Yang, I have specially brought Yawata and Musashi to personally apologize and ask for forgiveness.”

Yawata bowed profoundly:

“Street Chief, I offended you earlier. I beg your pardon.”

Yang Zhaojia replied:

“I wouldn’t dare — please, all three of you, have a seat.”

Miyoko personally carried a tea tray and poured tea for them.

Fukuda said:

“Madam, this tea has an excellent flavor.”

Miyoko smiled:

“It comes from the deep mountains of Puli. If you like it, I’ll pack some for you to take home later.”

Fukuda replied:

“Thank you for your kindness, Madam.”

Miyoko said warmly:

“Why be so polite? We’re all from the same hometown.”

Fukuda turned to Yang:

“Street Chief, these two juniors acted rashly and offended you. I hope you won’t hold it against them.”

Yang said:

**“Since you’ve personally come forward, Fukuda, I will not pursue the matter further.

However, I sincerely hope that the police will serve the people with a compassionate attitude, enforce the law with balance, and consider public perception in both speech and conduct.”**

Fukuda said awkwardly:

“Your instruction is well taken. From now on, I will strictly reform police discipline, improve service attitudes, and strengthen communication with residents to prevent further conflicts.”

He added:

“Director Hashimoto has asked me to arrange a meeting with you regarding public and security affairs. Would you be willing to attend?”

Yang replied:

“Meeting or not isn’t the main point.
The other day I met with local leaders and elders and we reached three consensuses. Please pass them along.”

Fukuda said:

“Please instruct me.”

Yang took out a document and handed it over.

“The three agreements are all written here.”

After reading it, Fukuda placed it back in the envelope:

“Very well — I will deliver this.”

Yang and Miyoko escorted them to the gate.
Miyoko handed Fukuda a packet of tea leaves, and the three departed.

Outside, Fukuda said:

“You two are lucky. Street Chief Yang is letting it go.”

Yawata sighed with relief:

“A narrow escape. Now I finally understand why Yang is so beloved by the people — his political skill is remarkable.”

Fukuda said meaningfully:

“You still have much to learn about human affairs.”

18

Inspector Fukuda delivered Yang’s document to Director Hashimoto.

“Director, this is the document Street Chief Yang asked me to give you.”

Hashimoto asked:

“He doesn’t want to meet me?”

Fukuda replied:

“He said whether you meet isn’t important — what matters is that you read this first.”

Hashimoto said curiously:

“Oh? Let’s see what he wrote.”

Joint Resolutions of Qingshui Street Community Representatives — Requests for Police Cooperation

1. Private civil and commercial disputes in Qingshui Street shall first be handled by the Mediation Committee. Only unresolved cases shall be referred to the police or courts.
2. Police officers shall serve with a people-oriented attitude and must not abuse authority to harass residents or extort benefits from businesses, in order to prevent police–civilian conflicts.
3. In cases of police–civilian disputes, both sides shall appoint representatives to negotiate.
   Before an agreement is reached, police shall not employ extrajudicial punishment, abuse authority, or carry out retaliatory actions.

Hashimoto forced a bitter smile:

“If we accept all this, we’ll have nothing left to do.”

Fukuda replied calmly:

“Isn’t that good? They’re asking for local self-governance. Why shouldn’t we welcome it?”

Hashimoto said:

“You’re quite optimistic, Inspector.”

Fukuda replied:

“This is what we should hope for — letting the people manage themselves makes our jobs easier too.”

Hashimoto sighed:

“Fine. Better than working ourselves to death and still being cursed by the residents.”

Fukuda laughed:

“‘Cursed to death’? Director, you even know local slang now?”

Hashimoto replied:

“I heard the people say it once — at first I didn’t even understand what it meant.”

19

Resident Li Zixian (35) was brought by his wife Wang Meihao (33) to Yang General Hospital.

Doctor Zhang Wenming (30) asked:

“Boss, where do you feel unwell?”

Wang Meihao said:

“He smokes opium all day at home and leaves all the shop work to me.
Please help him quit his addiction.”

Zhang replied:

“Quitting opium is very painful — you must prepare yourself mentally.”

Wang said:

“I don’t know what bad companions he made who lured him into smoking opium.”

Zhang said:

“Opium harms people deeply — many families are torn apart because of it.”

Wang asked:

“Director Yang, can’t the opium dens on the street be shut down?”

Hospital Director Yang Zhaohua looked up from the medical chart:

**“Of course I want that too.
Just this month alone, more than a dozen cases were brought in — several died from overdosing.

I’ve reported it to the police before, saying the opium dens should be closed, but the police said they are legally registered and cannot be banned.”**

Wang said:

“Then what should I do, Director?”

Yang replied:

“You’ll have to watch your husband closely and keep him from going to the dens.”

20

At Lin Xiantang’s grand courtyard residence in Wufeng, members of the New People’s Society were gathered.

Lin Xiantang said:

**“Comrades, earlier this year we asked Representatives Ebara and Tagawa to submit our ‘Petition for the Establishment of a Taiwan Assembly’ to the Imperial Diet.

Representative Ebara said Governor-General Den Ken has already addressed it in session, and the parliamentary committee has decided not to adopt it.”**

Lin Chenglu (35) said:

“Comrades, don’t lose heart.
The road toward establishing an assembly and achieving self-governance for the Taiwanese people is still long.”

Cai Huiru said:

“I’m worried that Governor-General Den Ken, being a military man, has always opposed our movement and may suppress us in the future.”

Cai Peihuo said boldly:

“Since we dare to stand up for the people’s rights, we’re not afraid of repression.
I’m always ready to go to prison — if they want to chop off my head, let them!”

Jiang Weishui said:

“Petitioning for a Taiwan Assembly is a peaceful reform within the system.
The governor-general should not act so recklessly.”

Cai Huiru said:

“The preparations for the Taiwan Cultural Association are almost complete.
Before the end of the year, we can hold the founding assembly.”

Cai Peihuo asked:

“Where will it be held?”

Cai Huiru replied:

“At Taipei’s Dadaocheng Jingxiu Girls’ School.
First, Brother Xiantang will apply for official permission from the Governor-General’s Office.”

Lin Xiantang concluded warmly:

“Since everyone has come such a long way, please stay several days and allow me to fulfill my duties as host.”