Episode Four
1
Li Zixian’s wife Wang Meihao, together with some twenty relatives from both sides of the family, carried a coffin to the entrance of Fangming Hall, scattering spirit money and shouting curses in protest.
Seeing the aggressive crowd, a shop assistant hurried upstairs to notify the owner You Fangming:
“Boss, there are people carrying a coffin to our storefront and throwing spirit money while yelling insults.”
You Fangming said, “That bunch must be Li Zixian’s family. That Black Dog really knows how to bring me trouble.”
Yoshinaga Taro said, “Fangming, don’t rush to complain first—go out and calm them down. We are in the wrong to begin with. Say something nice. At a moment like this, don’t let the situation escalate.”
You Fangming replied, “Yes. I’ll handle it carefully.”
You Fangming and the shop assistant went downstairs and arrived at the storefront. At this moment, Officer Koizumi and Patrolman Maruyama rushed over after receiving the report.
You Fangming said, “Madam Li, uncles and aunties, I am the shop owner.”
A family member shouted loudly, “Boss, our Li Zixian was beaten to death by your men—how do you intend to account for this human life?”
You Fangming said cautiously, “The one who struck him, Black Dog, and his subordinates were already arrested by the police yesterday. I feel deeply sorry about what happened, and I apologize sincerely to all the family members. I am willing to compensate Madam Li financially and personally go to the mourning hall to offer incense. Please believe in my sincerity…”
Another family member said, “Since you are sincere about resolving this, then let’s set a time to go together to the township office mediation meeting and ask Township Head Yang to act as mediator.”
You Fangming said, “I will do so. I ask everyone to first carry the coffin back and not affect my business.”
Koizumi reminded him, “Boss You, the dead deserve the utmost respect—you’d better keep your word.”
You Fangming replied, “Yes, Officer.”
2
Chief Hashimoto and Inspector Fukuda came together to the Yang family’s traditional courtyard residence to visit brothers Yang Zhaohua and Yang Zhaojia. The two brothers and their wives personally received them.
Fukuda bowed deeply and said, “Township Head Yang, Director Yang, and the two madams—Director Hashimoto and I have come especially to disturb you in order to express our apologies and condolences regarding the kidnapping of Director Yang’s son by criminals.”
Yang Zhaojia said, “Chief Hashimoto and Inspector Fukuda, Qingshui Township has always had simple folk customs, with few serious criminal cases. Recently my nephew Xintai was abducted by villains. Had it not been for your bureau’s swift response, the criminals might still be at large today.”
Hashimoto said, “Township Head Yang, Director Yang—recently two major criminal cases have occurred in this district, and investigations show that both are connected to the Fangming opium den. This den repeatedly breeds trouble and is truly a malignant tumor of local public security. After discussing it with Inspector Fukuda, we have decided to seize this opportunity to eliminate it.
“However, considering that there are still over a hundred registered opium addicts in the township, once Fangming Hall is removed, these people must have somewhere to go. Therefore, we hope to ask Director Yang to assist in establishing a rehabilitation facility to house these addicts.”
Yang Zhaohua said, “Chief Hashimoto, objectively speaking, the harm of opium is both deep and immense. Once addiction takes hold, human nature is often distorted; in order to raise money to buy opium paste, addicts will stop at nothing. Since you are determined to eradicate this poison and return a clean life to the people, I am naturally willing to contribute my efforts.
“However, most of these addicts have been addicted for over ten years, so only gradual reduction treatment is appropriate; they cannot be cut off abruptly.”
Fukuda said, “Director Yang is absolutely right. The opium paste and related medicines required for treatment will be fully provided by the police substation. As for treatment expenses, they shall be borne by the patients themselves. For those without financial means, could the township office advance the funds?”
Yang Zhaojia said, “For addicts without financial means, I am willing to advance the treatment costs, hoping that under the hospital’s careful care they may regain new lives.”
Fukuda said, “Excellent indeed. The Yang brothers’ enthusiasm for public welfare is truly a blessing for the townspeople. Let us work together so that Qingshui Township may henceforth stay far away from毒害.”
Hashimoto said, “Previously I was disrespectful to Township Head Yang. That you bear no grudges and wholeheartedly assist local affairs truly earns my admiration!”
Yang Zhaojia replied, “Chief, you flatter me. If police officers are close to the people, care for the people, and enforce the law impartially, that will be the shared hope of all townsfolk.”
Hashimoto said, “Yes! Hashimoto will remember your reminder and strive toward this goal together with all officers.”
3
Inside the inspector’s office of the Qingshui Police Substation, Koizumi and several patrolmen stood around Inspector Fukuda’s desk.
Fukuda said, “I’ve called you here to assign a task.”
Koizumi said, “Inspector, please give your orders.”
Fukuda said, “Form pairs and divide into three shifts to stand guard at Fangming Hall. Check every customer entering or leaving. Anyone without an opium addict permit is not allowed inside. If any unlicensed addict comes out of the den, register them and escort them to the substation for detention and fines.”
All replied in unison, “Yes!”
Fukuda warned, “As law enforcement officers, I require you to keep your integrity and not be bribed or bought off with money. You all know my style—maintain personal cleanliness.”
All replied, “Yes!”
Fukuda said, “The tacit understanding between the chief and me is to force Fangming Hall out of Qingshui Township. Keep this firmly in mind and carry it out thoroughly.”
All replied, “Yes!”
4
Early in the morning, just as Fangming Hall opened its doors, Assistant Inspector Koizumi and Patrolman Maruyama appeared at the entrance.
The shop assistant was startled and hurried to report, “Boss! Boss! Two officers are standing at our door!”
You Fangming asked in surprise, “What’s going on today?” and rushed to the entrance.
Forcing a smile, he asked, “Officers, what wind has blown you here so early?”
Koizumi said, “Boss You, we are ordered to inspect people entering and leaving.”
You Fangming said, “Ordered to inspect?”
Koizumi said, “That’s right. We’ve received reports from the public that your den often allows people without opium permits to come and go.”
You Fangming laughed awkwardly and said, “This must be someone trying to cause trouble for us.”
He turned back inside to consult his partner Yoshinaga Jiro.
“Jiro, there are officers standing guard at the entrance, saying they’re checking everyone.”
Yoshinaga said, “Those old foxes Hashimoto and Fukuda are getting serious with us.”
You Fangming asked, “They’re clearly trying to drive us away—what should we do?”
Yoshinaga said, “Let’s observe for a few days first. If necessary, I’ll go complain to District Governor Abe.”
Three customers approached and were stopped by Koizumi.
“Do you have opium permits? I need to check.”
Addict A said, “Officer, I didn’t bring mine.”
Maruyama said, “No permit, no entry.”
Koizumi asked, “What about you two?”
Addict B produced his permit: “Officer, here is mine.”
Koizumi said, “You may go in.”
Addict C said, “Officer, mine is still being processed.”
Koizumi said, “Wait until it’s approved. If we catch you entering without one, you’ll be fined and detained.”
Addict C replied, “Yes.”
Addict B entered; A and C left quietly.
5
Inside the district governor’s office of the Dajia District Government, Yoshinaga Jiro lodged a complaint with Governor Abe Moriyoshi.
Yoshinaga said, “Sir, Chief Hashimoto has recently been sending officers every day to stand guard at my Fangming Hall. Customers dare not come, severely affecting my livelihood. Please seek justice for me.”
Abe asked, “Oh? How could such a thing happen? Kitaro, go bring Chief Inspector Sato here—I want to question him.”
Kawai replied, “Yes.”
Kawai Kitaro left and soon returned with Sato Morio.
Abe asked, “Chief Inspector, are you aware of Chief Hashimoto dispatching officers to Fangming Hall?”
Sato said, “Reporting, sir—Inspector Fukuda has already briefed me by phone. This incident originated from a major criminal case at Fangming Hall. The den’s enforcer Black Dog incited his men to beat addict Li Zixian, who later died of his injuries. Black Dog and his subordinates were immediately arrested.”
Abe said, “Yoshinaga, your establishment caused a death—no wonder Chief Hashimoto sent officers there.”
Sato continued, “Moreover, Fukuda said Fangming Hall has long allowed customers without permits to enter and has recruited new customers by taking commissions, clearly violating opium control regulations. Therefore, the substation stationed officers for inspections.”
Abe turned to Yoshinaga and said, “Yoshinaga, this is where you are in the wrong.”
Yoshinaga said, “Sir, I’m willing to improve and comply with regulations, but the police can’t destroy my business.”
Sato added, “For licensed establishments such as opium dens and taverns, police have the authority to conduct inspections at any time.”
Abe said, “Yoshinaga, as long as you obey the law, Hashimoto won’t trouble you. You may leave.”
Yoshinaga left in embarrassment.
6
Inside the Opium Rehabilitation Ward of Yang General Hospital in Qingshui Township, Director Yang Zhaohua was inspecting the rooms, accompanied by on-duty physician Zhang Wenming and a nurse.
Yang asked, “Wenming, do we still have enough beds?”
Zhang replied, “Director, for now we do.”
Yang asked again, “Is the supply of detoxification medicine sufficient?”
Zhang said, “The procurement department has arranged phased purchases from the provincial hospital. They are being delivered gradually. The medicines are administered according to a progressive reduction schedule.”
Yang said, “These addicts have suffered long-term poisoning. The most important part is long-term follow-up and psychological counseling after detoxification. I will ask the Ziyun Temple management committee to provide social workers for assistance.”
Zhang said, “Director, you are truly farsighted and thorough.”
7
Officer Nakagawa and Patrolman Musashi stood guard at Fangming Hall, inspecting customers. Unlicensed addicts dared not approach and watched from a distance.
In a second-floor room of Fangming Hall, You Fangming paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.
Yoshinaga said, “Can you sit down first? Don’t be so restless…”
You Fangming said, “How can I not be restless? Jiro, Chief Hashimoto is clearly trying to shut us down.”
Yoshinaga said, “Even Governor Abe won’t intervene—what can I do? And Hashimoto and Fukuda aren’t greedy, so this route is blocked. If we can’t hold on, maybe we should move elsewhere and start over.”
You Fangming said, “Start over? You’re too naïve. Other towns already have opium dens and local gangs—why would they allow us in?”
Yoshinaga said, “Then we could switch to running a tavern, but that would put us against Yihong Hall. Boss Suzuki and I have some friendship, but if we change businesses he might turn hostile. This won’t work, that won’t work—thinking about it makes my head ache!”
You Fangming said, “I’ve heard from addicts that some have gone to the rehabilitation ward at Yang General Hospital, and that Township Head Yang is advancing the fees for those who can’t pay. This is clearly the police and township head joining forces against us. If this continues and we lose our customers, we won’t last long.”
Yoshinaga frowned and said, “If that’s the case, then we really won’t survive.”
8
In the grand courtyard mansion of Lin Xiantang in Wufeng, the main members of the Taiwan Cultural Association gathered in the living hall.
Lin Xiantang said, “Everyone, although our previous two petition campaigns suffered setbacks, we have successfully attracted the attention of the Japanese parliament, and more people on the island are now aware of this issue.”
Jiang Weishui said, “I believe that to promote this cause, we should establish a formal organization, uniting like-minded people across the island and executing plans systematically.”
Cai Huiru said, “Brother Weishui, your proposal is excellent—there is indeed such a need.”
Lin Xiantang asked, “Does anyone have opinions regarding Weishui’s proposal?”
Cai Peihuo said, “How about naming it the Taiwan Parliament League for Establishment?”
Yang Zhaojia said, “That name works. Once the organization is established, we’ll officially register it with the authorities.”
Lin Chenglu said, “Brother Huanzhang, you’re acquainted with Chief Sato of the Taipei Police Department. The registration task should be left to you.”
Shi Huanzhang (30 years old) said, “No problem—I’ll handle the registration.”
Lin Xiantang said, “Then Zhaojia, please help draft the organization’s charter. You studied in Japan and are an expert in this area.”
Yang Zhaojia said, “All right—I’ll draft the charter, but we’ll need membership signature forms.”
Cai Huiru said, “Leave that to me. Once the charter is ready, I’ll send it along with the signature forms to everyone.”
Lin Xiantang said, “Friends, our efforts now are writing a new page in Taiwan’s history. Let us join hands and strive together for Taiwan’s future!”
Everyone extended their hands, stacking them together, faces glowing with enthusiasm.
9
On January 16, 1923, Shi Huanzhang submitted the political association filing to the Taipei North Police Station and came to the Taipei Police Department, where Director Sato Senki (45 years old) personally received him.
After reviewing the documents, Sato said, “Mr. Shi, we are old friends, so I’ll speak frankly. This application is not at my level to approve.”
Shi asked in confusion, “It’s just a civilian association application—does it really require such elaborate procedures?”
Sato said, “Its nature involves politics. There has been an official directive that political organizations must be personally reviewed by the director-general.”
Shi said, “The former chief administrator Shimomura Hiroshi was an open-minded official who strongly supported the Cultural Association. Could it be that the current chief, Kaku, will apply different standards?”
Sato said, “The Cultural Association is a civilian group—that is undisputed. But your newly proposed Taiwan Parliament League clearly has political intentions. Director Kaku will never approve it. I advise you not to hit a wall—withdraw it.”
Shi said, “Even if it may be rejected, I am carrying out the Association’s resolution and cannot decide unilaterally. Mr. Sato, please submit it according to procedure.”
Sato said, “As a friend, I’ve said all I should. I will forward it upward, but be mentally prepared.”
10
On February 2, the first general assembly of the Taiwan Parliament League for Establishment was immediately banned by the government on the grounds of violating the Public Security Police Law.
After the league was banned, activists still launched the third petition for the establishment of a Taiwanese parliament. Cai Peihuo, Jiang Weishui, Lin Chenglu (35 years old), and Chen Fengyuan (32 years old) carried the petition to Tokyo and met Taiwanese students at the Taiwan Youth Hall.
More than twenty Taiwanese students present read the petition and expressed their support.
Student A said, “The seniors’ efforts let me see Taiwan’s hope and future.”
Student B said, “Taiwan truly needs a parliament so that the Governor-General’s Office governs according to public opinion.”
Jiang Weishui said, “Of course the Governor-General’s Office doesn’t want us to succeed—having a parliament would supervise its administration—but this is the trend of the world. We will not give up simply because of obstruction.”
Cai Peihuo said, “Exactly. For the future of the Taiwanese people, we must have this courageous forward spirit. Since the Governor-General’s Office will never allow political organizations on the island, we might as well move the league headquarters to Tokyo and apply for registration here directly.”
Chen Fengyuan agreed, “When the mountain won’t turn, the road turns—this is a feasible workaround!”
Student A said, “I also think it’s worth trying.”
Cai Peihuo said, “Brother Chenglu, you’re familiar with Tokyo—please handle the registration.”
Lin Chenglu said, “No problem. Tomorrow I’ll go specifically to the Waseda Police Station.”
