Episode Four
1
Li Zixian’s wife, Wang Meihao, together with more than twenty relatives, arrived at the entrance of Fangming Hall carrying a coffin. They scattered funeral paper money and shouted curses in protest. Seeing the aggressive crowd, a shop clerk hurried upstairs to inform the owner, You Fangming.
“Boss, there are people carrying a coffin outside the shop, throwing funeral paper and yelling.”
You Fangming frowned. “It must be Li Zixian’s family. That bastard Black Dog really knows how to cause trouble.”
Yoshinaga Taro said, “Fangming, don’t complain now. Go out and calm them down. We’re at fault here. Say something conciliatory—don’t let the situation escalate.”
“Yes, I’ll handle it carefully,” You replied.
You Fangming and the clerk went downstairs. Just then, Officer Koizumi and Policeman Maruyama arrived in response to the disturbance.
You Fangming spoke politely, “Madam Li, everyone—I’m the owner of this establishment.”
A family member shouted angrily, “Owner? Our Li Zixian was beaten to death by your men! How are you going to take responsibility for this life?”
You Fangming said cautiously, “Black Dog and his men, who carried out the beating, were arrested yesterday. I deeply regret what happened and sincerely apologize to the family. I am willing to offer financial compensation to Madam Li and personally pay respects at the memorial hall. Please believe in my sincerity…”
Another relative said, “If you truly mean to resolve this, then let’s set a time to go to the street office for mediation, with Street Chief Yang as the arbitrator.”
“I will,” You Fangming replied. “Please carry the coffin back first and don’t affect my business.”
Officer Koizumi warned, “Boss You, the dead deserve respect. You’d better keep your word.”
“Yes, Officer,” You answered.
2
Chief Hashimoto and Inspector Fukuda visited the Yang family compound together, where Yang Zhaohua and Yang Zhaojia warmly received them with their wives.
Fukuda bowed. “Street Chief Yang, Director Yang, and ladies—Director Hashimoto and I have come to express our apologies and concern regarding the kidnapping of Director Yang’s son.”
Yang Zhaojia replied, “This street has always been peaceful, with few serious crimes. If not for your swift action, my nephew Xintai might still be in danger.”
Hashimoto said, “Recently, two major criminal cases in this district were linked to Fangming Hall, an opium den that has repeatedly bred trouble. It is a tumor on public security. We intend to eliminate it. However, since over a hundred registered addicts remain, they must have somewhere to go. We hope Director Yang can help establish a rehabilitation center.”
Yang Zhaohua answered, “Opium addiction severely distorts human nature. I fully support eliminating this scourge. But most addicts have used for over a decade. Treatment must be gradual, not abrupt.”
Fukuda said, “The police will supply the opium substitutes and medicine. The addicts will bear the costs—could the street office advance payment for those who cannot afford it?”
Yang Zhaojia said, “I am willing to cover those expenses, in hopes they may begin new lives.”
“Excellent,” Fukuda said warmly.
Hashimoto added, “I once treated you disrespectfully, Street Chief Yang. Your magnanimity is admirable.”
Yang Zhaojia replied calmly, “If the police serve the people and enforce the law justly, that is what all citizens hope for.”
“Yes, I will remember,” Hashimoto said.
3
Inside the inspector’s office at Qingshui Street Police Station, Koizumi and several officers stood around Fukuda’s desk.
“You each will work in pairs,” Fukuda ordered. “Set up three shifts at Fangming Hall. Check every person entering and leaving. Anyone without an opium-user permit is forbidden entry. Those caught exiting without permits are to be registered, detained, and fined.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Remain incorruptible,” Fukuda warned. “Do not accept bribes.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Our goal is to drive Fangming Hall out of Qingshui Street,” Fukuda concluded.
“Yes, sir!”
4
Early the next morning, as Fangming Hall opened its doors, Officer Koizumi and Policeman Maruyama stood outside.
“Boss! There are officers outside!” the clerk whispered urgently.
You Fangming hurried out with a forced smile. “Officers, what brings you here so early?”
“We are conducting inspections,” Koizumi replied.
“Inspections?”
“Yes. Reports say unlicensed addicts frequently enter your establishment.”
You laughed nervously. “Someone must be trying to cause trouble.”
Inside, You whispered to Yoshinaga, “They’re guarding the entrance.”
“They’re serious this time,” Yoshinaga muttered.
Customers were stopped one by one.
“No permit, no entry,” Maruyama declared.
Those without documents quietly left.
5
At the Dajia County Magistrate’s Office, Yoshinaga complained to Magistrate Abe Moriyoshi.
“Chief Hashimoto has officers stationed at my shop every day. Customers are afraid to come. Please uphold justice.”
Abe summoned Police Superintendent Sato.
Sato explained the fatal beating and long-standing violations involving unlicensed addicts.
Abe turned to Yoshinaga. “This is your fault.”
“But I’ll improve!” Yoshinaga protested.
“The police have the authority to inspect licensed businesses at any time,” Sato added.
“Follow the law and there will be no trouble,” Abe concluded.
Defeated, Yoshinaga left.
6
At the Yang General Hospital Rehabilitation Ward, Director Yang toured the rooms.
“Do we have enough beds?” he asked.
“Yes, Director.”
“Enough medication?”
“Yes—supplies are arriving in batches. Dosages are being gradually reduced.”
“Long-term follow-up and counseling are crucial,” Yang said. “I’ll seek community support.”
“You’ve planned thoroughly,” the doctor replied.
7
Officers continued inspections outside Fangming Hall. Inside, You Fangming paced anxiously.
“They want to shut us down,” he snapped.
“Even the magistrate won’t help,” Yoshinaga sighed. “If this continues, we’ll have to leave.”
“Other districts won’t accept us,” You replied bitterly.
“And switching to a restaurant would anger rivals,” Yoshinaga added.
“They’re sending addicts to Yang’s rehab center—with Yang paying for them,” You said grimly. “The police and street chief are working together against us.”
“That means we’re finished,” Yoshinaga muttered.
8
At Lin Xiantang’s grand residence in Wufeng, leaders of the Taiwan Cultural Association gathered.
“Our petitions have drawn attention,” Lin said.
Chiang Wei-shui proposed forming an official organization.
They agreed on the name Taiwan Parliament League.
Yang Zhaojia would draft the charter; signatures would be collected.
“We are writing a new chapter in Taiwan’s history,” Lin declared.
Hands joined in unity.
9
On January 16, 1923, Shi Huanzhang submitted registration documents at the Taipei Police Bureau.
Director Sato reviewed them. “This is beyond my authority—it’s political.”
“The former director supported such movements,” Shi argued.
“This league has clear political intent. It will not be approved,” Sato warned.
“Even so, please submit it formally,” Shi insisted.
“I will—but prepare for rejection.”
10
On February 2, the government banned the Taiwan Parliament League under the Public Order Police Act.
Activists launched a third petition, traveling to Tokyo to rally Taiwanese students.
Support poured in.
“The governor doesn’t want oversight,” Chiang said, “but history is on our side.”
“Since political groups aren’t allowed in Taiwan,” Cai Peihuo proposed, “let’s register in Tokyo instead.”
“An excellent alternative,” others agreed.
Lin Chenglu volunteered to apply the next day.
- 〈Romance of An-ping: Miss Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉4
- 〈Romance of An-ping: Miss Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉3
- Part Two, Chapter Four On the Craft of Detective Fiction
- Part Two, Chapter Three On the Creation of Science Fiction
- 〈Romance of An-ping: Miss Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉2
- You Must Come Back Alive 6
