Episode Nine
Episode 9: Xintai and Meixiu’s Engagement, Embarking on the South Seas Journey
1
Village patrol officer Murano walked together with Liao Yingjun, Yingjun accompanying Murano on his street rounds.
Murano asked, “I heard your younger sister is about to marry into the Yang family?”
Yingjun said, “Yes! I feel a bit embarrassed in front of you. You know, my sister’s marriage is not something I have the right to give advice on.”
Murano said, “Actually, I sincerely wish Meixiu a happy and fulfilling union.”
Yingjun said, “Patrol officer, when you say that, it makes me feel like I’m not really your good buddy…”
Murano said, “You don’t have to think that way. In matters of the heart, I was never a match for Dr. Yang. From now on, if Meixiu is willing to consider me as a friend she can talk to, I would already feel completely satisfied. In the past, Meixiu would occasionally take the initiative to call me and invite me out to chat about trivial things, which made me feel that in life, there is someone with whom I can share joy and sorrow, so I wouldn’t feel so lonely…”
Yingjun said, “I’ve already asked a few friends to help you look for a match. As soon as there’s news, I’ll bring you photographs so you can choose.”
Murano said, “Yingjun, you still don’t really understand me. I just want someone to talk to, not someone to marry out of fear of loneliness.”
Yingjun listened, half understanding, half confused: “Then what about the time you said you liked my sister—what was that about?”
Murano said, “Your sister is graceful and kind; she can be a lover or a good friend.”
2
When Tianfu and Lizi informed Xintai that they were preparing to propose to the Liao family, Xintai’s reaction surprised both of them.
Xintai said, “Dad, Mom, can our marriage wait until after the war?”
Tianfu asked, “Why? Meixiu has been waiting for you all these years…”
Xintai said, “I understand Meixiu’s feelings for me, of course, but the Governor-General’s office has already begun full conscription on the island. I may be drafted and sent overseas. Whether I return alive is unknown. I don’t want Meixiu to be burdened because of me.”
Tianfu and Lizi exchanged a glance. Lizi cautiously asked, “Is this because of Yasuko?”
Xintai said, “Yes! At that time I did not know what unknown fate I might face, and I made the wrong decision. Later, Yasuko and her child could be affected by my wrong decision, so I don’t want to burden Meixiu anymore.”
Tianfu said, “We understand your concerns, but your decision makes it very difficult for me to explain to Liao Wuxiong.”
Xintai said, “I will explain it clearly to Meixiu myself. I believe she can understand my difficulties.”
Lizi said, “Then why don’t you get engaged with Meixiu first? I don’t think it’s right to make her wait forever without giving her a sense of security.”
Xintai made a concession: “Alright, Mom, I will get engaged to Meixiu first.”
Xintai’s parents, Tianfu and Lizi, all genuinely liked Meixiu, but Xintai had his reservations. Yasuko had already staked her future on him, and he did not want Liao Meixiu to follow the same path, gambling her lifelong happiness on a game with fate. He preferred to wait until he returned from the South Seas because, among his relatives and friends, there were already vivid examples: those who volunteered as “special recruits” to the South Seas, months later, their families received notices from the street office to collect a single urn of ashes. The luckier ones, like Pan Tieqiu’s older brother, returned dragging a crippled body.
3
While Liao Meixiu briefly indulged in the joy of soon uniting with Xintai in marriage, Xintai decided to honestly share his concerns with her:
“Meixiu, I know your feelings for me. I do not wish to betray you, but if I am drafted and sent to the battlefield, I may not return alive. Even if I survive, I could be permanently disabled, like Pan Tieren…”
Meixiu said, “I understand that you don’t want to go to the battlefield with worries. I can accept your decision.”
Xintai said, “Facing this war with an unpredictable future, it seems hard for anyone to determine their own fate. Thank you for your understanding, Meixiu…”
Meixiu looked at Xintai with deep affection: “No matter how the situation develops in the future, I am willing to pray and wait for you, until you return safely.”
Xintai said, “If I don’t come back, you should find a good match and marry.”
Meixiu smiled bitterly: “Xintai, I have never thought about that. If you are gone, perhaps there is nothing left in this world worth clinging to…”
Xintai said, “No. If I knew in the afterlife, I would want you to live well.”
Meixiu said, “Stop saying such unlucky words. After work, will you go with me to choose the engagement ring?”
Xintai said, “Alright.”
4
When Liao Meixiu just returned to the cloth shop, her family expressed concern about her marriage with Xintai.
Wuxiong asked, “Meixiu, how are the preparations for your marriage with Xintai going?”
Chuntao also said, “Yes! You don’t seem worried at all…”
Meixiu said, “Just now, Xintai accompanied me to the jewelry store on the street to pick out the engagement ring.”
Wuxiong asked again, “Then when will Xintai and his parents come to our house to propose?”
Meixiu said, “Xintai said he might soon be drafted and is worried about being sent to the front lines. If he doesn’t return alive… So we agreed to get engaged first and will marry after the war ends, when he comes back safely.”
Wuxiong scoffed: “What kind of nonsense is that? Clearly, Xintai is making an excuse. If the war doesn’t end, are you just going to wait foolishly? Planning to live as a widow for him?”
Chuntao said, “Actually, Xintai’s concerns aren’t without reason. He’s leaving a backup plan for Meixiu. I don’t want my daughter, having just married into the Yang family, to live her life as a widow.”
Wuxiong said, “What do you know? During this war, anyone who marries takes the risk of widowhood. After Meixiu marries in, as long as she gives birth to a son early, she secures her position in the Yang family. Even if she does become a widow, the Yang family will take care of her as an orphaned mother.”
Yingjun interjected, “If my little sister chose Officer Murano, there would be no such concerns.”
Wuxiong scolded him: “Why are you constantly scheming with your little sister? What’s your intention?”
Yingjun said, “I’m thinking about my little sister’s welfare!”
Wuxiong angrily said, “Don’t even think about it! I will never let Meixiu marry a Japanese man.”
Yingjun wisely said, “Forget I said anything! Forget I said anything!”
Wuxiong said, “I will immediately send someone to the Yang family to inquire with the old director.”
“Don’t bother, Dad. I’ve already agreed with Xintai.” Although Meixiu did not approve of her father’s actions, she understood his temper and knew she could not persuade him at this critical moment.
Chuntao said, “You both hear me clearly. I’ll say it straight: if Xintai doesn’t return alive, or returns missing a hand or a leg, this marriage will be null and void!”
Wuxiong said, “We’ll see then. How their future unfolds, no one knows…”
5
Liao Wuxiong specially went to the residence of street chief Cai Dengke, and the two talked in the living room over tea.
Wuxiong said, “Street Chief, there is a matter I specifically came to ask you to handle.”
Dengke said, “Brother Wuxiong, please have some tea. Whatever the matter is, just tell me.”
“Regarding Meixiu and Xintai’s marriage…” Wuxiong briefly explained the agreement between Meixiu and Xintai.
Dengke thought for a moment and said, “No wonder Xintai has those concerns. He is thinking on behalf of your daughter.”
Wuxiong said, “If Xintai really doesn’t come back, that will be Meixiu’s fate as well.”
Dengke said, “Since you are so insistent, I’ll make a special trip. But do you want to come with me? After all, you are the concerned party; meeting in person matters.”
Wuxiong said, “Alright, we’ll go together.”
6
At night, Liao Wuxiong, accompanied by Cai Dengke, went to the old three-section courtyard residence of Yang Tianfu. Tianfu and Li Zi, husband and wife, personally received them.
“Director Yang, according to what my daughter Meixiu said, her engagement with Xintai…” Wuxiong explained the background.
“I see!” Tianfu said. “Xintai did mention this matter to us. We feel that since Meixiu has been waiting for him all these years, at least he should get engaged to her first, so that Meixiu can be at ease.”
Li Zi said, “Yes! We were actually planning to go to your house in the next couple of days to formally propose…”
Dengke said, “Director Yang, it is natural for your son to have concerns. But now is wartime, and there will naturally be such concerns in marriage. Since Meixiu has already waited for Xintai for many years, shouldn’t we let them get married sooner?”
Tianfu quickly explained, “Li Zi and I share this view! But the young people have their own considerations…”
Upon hearing this, Wuxiong said helplessly, “Everything is governed by fate. If Meixiu is destined to spend the latter half of her life as a widow in your Yang family, then that is her choice!”
Li Zi said, “We, as a couple, also want Xintai to marry Meixiu soon. When Xintai comes home from work, I will ask him again, to give you an answer.”
Although Wuxiong was not satisfied, he reluctantly accepted, and said, “Director, you are a reasonable person; we will take our leave for now.”
Tianfu said, “Would you not sit a little longer?”
Wuxiong said, “No! I have to go back to take care of the shop business.”
Tianfu and Li Zi, husband and wife, accompanied them to the door.
7
When Xintai returned home, Tianfu and Li Zi were concerned about his engagement with Meixiu.
Tianfu said, “Just now, Meixiu’s father Wuxiong came to the house and mentioned your engagement with Meixiu. From Wuxiong’s expression, I could tell he was not very pleased. He might think you are making excuses and do not intend to marry Meixiu.”
Li Zi advised, “I think you should follow the wishes of Meixiu’s father and first bring Meixiu into your home through marriage.”
Xintai said, “Kasan, my decision is made after careful consideration, and Meixiu has also agreed.”
Li Zi said, “We understand your concerns, but you can’t let Meixiu wait for you forever…”
Xintai said, “Kasan, without my knowledge, I have already implicated Yasuko. If I go to the battlefield and do not return alive, wouldn’t that also drag Meixiu down?”
Tianfu said, “Therein lies the problem. You consider Meixiu’s well-being, but Meixiu’s father does not think the same way.”
Xintai said, “Let me make this decision myself, okay? Dosan.”
Li Zi pleaded, “Husband, our son has already spoken. Let’s respect his decision, shall we?”
Tianfu said helplessly, “We have no choice but to do so. I need to communicate directly with Wuxiong to prevent him from truly misunderstanding us and turning relatives into enemies.”
8
Yang Tianfu and Li Zi, husband and wife, went together to Liao Wuxiong’s cloth store.
Tianfu said, “Brother Wuxiong, Sister Chuntao, our son Xintai has returned after completing his studies. He and your daughter Meixiu have mutual affection. Meixiu has waited for him seven years. Today, Li Zi and I came to your residence specifically to propose on behalf of my son Xintai…”
Tianfu and Li Zi exchanged glances.
Wuxiong, thinking the matter might take a turn for the better, happily said, “My wife and I have been waiting for this day. Meixiu can finally see the clouds part and the moon shine.”
Li Zi said, “However, due to the unstable situation, Xintai and Meixiu’s intention is to get engaged first, and after Xintai returns safely, they will marry…”
Yang Tianfu showed a troubled expression and said, “I asked Xintai in person once again, and he said this is a joint decision with Meixiu. Xintai’s stance is very firm. We sincerely apologize to you.”
Wuxiong, understanding Director Yang’s meaning, sighed helplessly, “Ah! The ideas of these young lads truly leave us elders speechless…”
Li Zi said, “Regarding the engagement gifts and wedding pastries, let the relatives discuss and set the amounts…”
Wuxiong said, “Although I am not satisfied with this outcome, we can only accept it for now.”
Chuntao said, “Our family’s intention is that the engagement gifts and dowry be left for the young couple to use after marriage for purchasing a house or property.”
Li Zi said, “But the wedding pastries must still be made and distributed to relatives and friends, so they can share some joy.”
Chuntao said, “Of course, we cannot neglect this part, dear mother-in-law.”
Tianfu said, “Alright, let the relatives decide the number of wedding pastries. Whatever you say, we will prepare that amount.”
Wuxiong said, “Likewise, the future engagement gifts from your side and the dowry from our house will match in amount. There will be no discourtesy.”
9
On a weekend afternoon, Meixiu arranged to meet both Xintai and Murano at the entrance of Aofeng Mountain Park. Prior to this, Xintai and Murano had met several times, but only exchanged polite greetings. Xintai wanted to get to know the Japanese assistant inspector Murano, whom Meixiu described as “like an elder brother and also like a friend,” while Murano wanted to make friends with Xintai and understand what charm Xintai possessed to make Meixiu so devoted.
Xintai and Meixiu climbed the long stairs from Qingshui Street and arrived at the park entrance. Murano, dressed in casual clothes, was already waiting there.
A passerby asked, “Assistant Inspector, taking a walk in the park?”
Murano said, “I arranged to meet a friend here.”
Because Murano was on duty outside every day, he knew many people. Most of the visitors entering the park recognized Murano and greeted him proactively. In contrast, fewer visitors recognized Xintai and Meixiu.
The summer park was shaded by lush trees, and many neighbors came in the evening to enjoy the cool. The three entered a small teahouse in the park and ordered a pot of chilled herbal tea. Xintai and Murano immediately felt at ease with each other.
Xintai spoke about his student days at Tokyo Imperial University in Japan. Because Murano’s hometown was near Ueno Park, and Xintai’s maternal family was also in Ueno, the two young men talked about Tokyo and Ueno Park as if they were old friends. Meixiu could only listen quietly, completely unable to interject.
Xintai said, “After school, I often went to the Shinobazu Pond in the park to sit quietly. In the center of the pond stands the Bentendo, a shrine for the goddess of eloquence, Benzaiten, where many birds, including ducks and cormorants, reside. The pond has large patches of lotus, which bloom in summer, covering the entire surface of the pond…”
Murano said, “Nishikawa, you are a refined scholar! When I was on leave, I often spent time with three or five friends at the billiard hall in the old Iwasaki estate garden.”
Murano asked, “When will you return to Ueno?”
Xintai said, “Probably after the war ends. From my observation, the war will not last long; the Empire is already exhausted, and signs of defeat are emerging.”
Murano said, “The Empire of Japan is expanding its territory in our century. Although the situation seems increasingly unfavorable, I believe this giant will not fall.”
Xintai said, “The Empire is already on the brink! We both know it. In any case, let’s promise to meet in Ueno in the future, Murano.”
Murano said, “Then you must survive!”
Xintai smiled bitterly, “Life and death are fated; so are you!”
Their conversation covered a wide range, from current events on Qingshui Street to national affairs. Despite clear differences in political viewpoints—Xintai, born half-Japanese, was anti-war, opposing the authorities from exporting military aggression to neighboring Asian and Southeast Asian regions, while Murano supported expansionist policies to broaden opportunities for the Yamato people—they agreed that Japan’s imperial situation was precarious. In front of half-Japanese Xintai, Murano tolerated all of Xintai’s more extreme remarks. Even when Xintai criticized how, after Director Miyata’s appointment, officials maintained distance from citizens, causing local police to mimic this attitude and treat the public arrogantly, Murano acknowledged that this was indeed the case and agreed that police conduct needed thorough review and improvement.
Xintai and Murano had already become close friends who could talk about anything.
Xintai said, “You are the most unpretentious inspector I have ever met.”
Murano said, “What is the use of pretension? Police maintain public order and protect citizens; they should make friends with the people, not intimidate them.”
Xintai said, “If every police officer were like you, they would be loved by the people, and friction between police and citizens would not occur. The position of district chief should truly be yours.”
10
In March of the 45th year, the Yang family received a conscription notice transferred from the street office (town office). Yang Tianfu hoped Xintai could remain on the island and discussed it with his wife and child.
Tianfu said, “I didn’t expect Xintai’s conscription notice to arrive so soon. I hope Xintai can stay on the island. Madam, this matter requires your father’s involvement, to utilize his connections in the Tokyo medical community.”
Li Zi said, “Alright, I will write to my father for help and see if he can find a way for our son to remain on the island.”
Tianfu said, “Staying on the island is relatively safer than being sent overseas or to the front lines.”
Li Zi said, “I understand that, but father’s ability is limited, and he may not be able to help.”
Xintai said, “Grandfather once sought the help of Uncle Matsushita Daisuke, since Matsushita holds a military position.”
Tianfu asked, “Then what did Matsushita say?”
Xintai said, “Before returning to Taiwan, Uncle took me to meet the military medical director, a Major General named Nagaya Jiro. I heard he was once my grandfather’s student.”
Tianfu said, “Nagaya is three years ahead of me; I still remember him somewhat. What did Nagaya say?”
Xintai said, “Originally, Uncle Matsushita wanted to keep me by his side, but Nagaya said that since I am not from the mainland, I cannot stay directly in the military medical office in Japan. Only after enlisting could Uncle Matsushita transfer me there.”
Tianfu said, “According to this, if Matsushita is sent overseas, you would have to go with him, right?”
Xintai said, “That is indeed what the director intended.”
Tianfu said, “That will not do; the best option is for you to stay on the island.”
