Episode Ten: Xintai Meets Disaster and Suffers Amnesia; Zhiling Rescues Him and Love Begins
1
Liao Meixiu prepared fresh flowers and vegetarian offerings, carried an incense basket, and went to Ziyun Temple to burn incense. She devoutly prayed to Guanyin Bodhisattva to grant her a divination stick and reveal whether Yang Xintai was alive or dead. If Xintai could return alive, she vowed to remain vegetarian and worship the Buddha for many years. Meixiu tossed the divination blocks several times and obtained a divination stick. She then took it to the temple interpreter to have it explained.
Meixiu said, “I want to ask whether my fiancé is still alive.”
The temple interpreter asked, “Where did your fiancé go?”
Meixiu said, “He was conscripted to the South Seas. On the way, the military ship was sunk, and he fell into the sea and went missing.”
The interpreter said, “I see. Judging from the divination stick, your fiancé is likely in great danger, with slim chances of survival. The calamity is severe—you must be mentally prepared.”
Hearing this, Meixiu burst into tears on the spot and murmured to herself, “What should I do?”
Unable to bear seeing this, the interpreter said, “Go to the rear hall and make a vow to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Ask Ksitigarbha to pull Xintai’s soul out of the netherworld. Within one shichen (two hours), you must continuously burn incense and pray to Ksitigarbha, tossing the divination blocks until you achieve ten consecutive ‘holy cups.’ That will mean Ksitigarbha has agreed to help you. If you exceed one shichen, it will be useless…”
After listening carefully, Meixiu lit three large incense sticks and went upstairs. Before Ksitigarbha, she first knelt three times and kowtowed nine times, then began to pray silently. She picked up an old pair of divination blocks, plain in appearance with peeling paint, and, her heart pounding, began to toss them.
Time passed second by second. Each failure required starting over. Meixiu kowtowed three times again and again in repetition. Her forehead became bruised and swollen, yet she remained anxious, occasionally glancing at the women’s wristwatch placed before the altar. Passing worshippers, seeing her devotion, stayed to watch. Eventually, a crowd formed a human wall. Those familiar with the custom began whispering among themselves.
As one shichen was about to pass, Meixiu finally achieved ten consecutive holy cups. The onlookers behind her erupted into thunderous cheers. Only then did Meixiu rise, insert the incense into the burner, and turn around. The crowd saw that her face was already covered in tears, and everyone present was deeply moved… At that moment, Meixiu felt her entire body’s muscles and bones aching to numbness.
Meixiu went downstairs to the main hall, gathered the offerings, picked up her incense basket, and left Ziyun Temple. She walked the street in a dazed state, tear stains still on her face. Patrol officer Murano was on duty when he saw Meixiu approaching and greeted her, “Meixiu, going to Ziyun Temple to burn incense?”
Meixiu seemed not to hear him. When Murano came closer and saw the tears on her face, he asked with concern, “Who bullied you? Tell me—I’ll deal with him.”
Meixiu finally broke down, crying loudly. Murano was at a loss: “What’s wrong? What happened?”
Meixiu sobbed, “Xintai… the ship he was on was sunk. He may already be dead…”
Murano comforted her, “There should… still be hope.”
Meixiu choked and said, “Guanyin said Xintai is likely in grave danger, so I went to pray to Ksitigarbha. I kept praying and praying…”
Murano said, “According to the information I received, the military has temporarily listed Xintai as missing. They may not have found his body.”
Hearing this, Meixiu felt slightly relieved and asked, “Then when will there be news about Xintai?”
Murano said, “If missing for three years, he will be listed as killed in action. If Xintai is still alive, there should be good news soon.”
Meixiu said, “I believe Xintai is still alive. He is still alive. Ksitigarbha promised me he would let Xintai live…”
Murano handed her a handkerchief and held her shoulder, saying, “Wipe your tears. Let me take you home.”
Seeing Meixiu so distraught, Murano felt a faint pain in his own heart…
2
Officer Murano accompanied Meixiu back to Wu Xiong’s fabric shop, where Yingjun was tending the store.
Yingjun bowed and said, “Thank you, officer, for bringing my sister back.”
Murano reminded him, “Your sister’s emotions may be unstable recently. You and your family should keep an eye on her.”
Yingjun said, “I know Meixiu is upset because Xintai fell into the sea and went missing.”
Murano said, “Losing a beloved partner is an extremely painful blow.”
Taking the opportunity, Yingjun hinted, “Officer, if you have time, you could take her out more often to relax.”
Murano said, “As long as Meixiu is willing, I certainly have time.”
Yingjun said, “Good, I’ll arrange it.”
Wu Xiong came out from the inner room and, hearing the end of their conversation, immediately showed displeasure. After Murano left, Wu Xiong said, “Yingjun, you’re about to leave, so stop making plans about your younger sister.”
Yingjun said, “Father, why won’t you face reality? I’m also sad about Yang Xintai’s disappearance, but you can’t expect my sister to remain a widow for the Yang family and sacrifice her happiness.”
Wu Xiong said, “Your sister’s matters are under my control. You just take care of yourself.”
Yingjun said, “You’re really stubborn! In terms of appearance and character, what part of Murano is unworthy of my sister?”
Wu Xiong said, “Your sister has just gone through this kind of thing—don’t use this to provoke her.”
Wu Xiong turned and asked, “Meixiu, are you still going to the hospital later?”
Meixiu nodded, “Yes.”
Only then did Wu Xiong notice the bruises on her forehead and the bloodshot eyes: “Meixiu, what’s wrong? Did that Murano treat you improperly? If so, tell me—I’ll go settle it at the station.”
“Father, no… I just went to Ziyun Temple to pray and ask about Xintai’s whereabouts…” Meixiu briefly explained what had happened.
Wu Xiong said, “Go wash your face, then boil a green-shelled duck egg and roll it on your forehead. Wait until the swelling subsides before going out.”
Meixiu asked in a daze, “Father, will Ksitigarbha go back on his promise to me?”
Wu Xiong said with deep tenderness, “Silly girl, Ksitigarbha governs souls and spirits. Since he has promised you, he will not go back on it. Otherwise, would people still believe in him?”
Only then did Meixiu feel somewhat relieved and turned to go into the inner room.
3
The Sixth Army Field Hospital at Johor Bahru in Malaya requisitioned a local Chinese Mazu temple. Because American military aircraft deliberately avoided temples, markets, and hospitals during bombing to reduce civilian casualties, even though local guerrillas had provided intelligence confirming the hospital’s existence, it was never listed as a target out of respect for international law and local beliefs.
Matsushita Daisuke had just assumed the post of director of the Sixth Army Hospital and was troubled by the news that Nishikawa Tetsuhiko had gone missing at sea while en route.
Matsushita asked, “Adjutant Saito, I told you to inquire with the corps intelligence department about Nishikawa’s disappearance. What did you find?”
Saito said, “Director, the intelligence department says Nishikawa’s body has not yet been found. They questioned a fellow soldier surnamed Pan who was on the same transport ship. Pan stated that he and Nishikawa jumped into the sea together, both wearing life rings. Based on this, if Nishikawa had died, his body should have been found quickly by our coastal defense units…”
Matsushita waved his hand, “Understood. Draft two telegrams for me—I must report the current situation to Nishikawa’s family.”
Saito said, “Yes, Director.”
Matsushita said, “After work, drive me around nearby villages and streets. We will post missing-person notices.”
Saito asked in confusion, “Post notices? Director, isn’t that inappropriate? If the military finds out, they won’t be pleased.”
Matsushita dismissed it, “So what if they’re displeased? Asking them to find a missing officer who fell into the sea only gets me bureaucratic responses. I’d rather find him myself. With a heavy reward, there will be brave men!”
4
Nishikawa Qiao and Yang Tianfu each received telegrams from Matsushita Daisuke in Johor Bahru, Malaya.
Yang Tianfu immediately showed the telegram to Liao Meixiu.
Tianfu said, “From Matsushita’s telegram, we can confirm Xintai did not die when the ship sank. He says he is actively searching and that there should be news soon.”
Meixiu said, “Father, thank you for telling me this. It rekindles my hope.”
Tianfu said, “Pull yourself together. Xintai wouldn’t want to see you like this. I noticed you were spacing out just now.”
Meixiu said, “Father, I will pull myself together. I cannot let Xintai see me like this.”
Tianfu said, “Yes. There are more and more patients coming in. With Xintai gone, I have to perform many major surgeries myself. With him by my side, it felt like having an extra pair of hands. Honestly, I regret calling him back from Tokyo.”
Meixiu said, “Father, Xintai is your son. He should come back to help run the hospital.”
Tianfu said, “Hearing you say that makes me even more distressed. You are such a sensible and considerate daughter-in-law, yet I failed to take good care of my own son, causing you such worry…”
Meixiu said with a bitter smile, “Father, don’t blame yourself. In times of war, so many people suffer separation and death. I’m luckier than most—I still have a bit of hope to hold on to.”
At the Nishikawa household in Ueno, Tokyo, the family received the telegram but felt no joy, as Nishikawa Tetsuhiko’s whereabouts were still unknown.
Nishikawa Qiao said, “Daisuke says he is actively searching. If Tetsuhiko didn’t die in the sinking, there should be good news soon.”
Yazi said, “Grandfather, I believe Tetsuhiko would not abandon us. If he has truly left this world, I must see his body—alive or dead—otherwise I will never accept it.”
Michiko comforted her, “We understand how you feel. Matsushita is trying very hard to find him—we must give him time. Instead of worrying endlessly, it is better to return to a normal life.”
Hongren also said, “Yazi, Mother is right. Everyone hopes Tetsuhiko is still alive. You should relax a little. Seeing you so sorrowful every day is painful for the family.”
Lingzi said, “Yazi, look at your two children. Whether Tetsuhiko returns or not, you must live strongly for Niantai and Juko.”
The family took turns encouraging Yazi, allowing her to feel the warmth of family affection and gradually emerge from her grief.
5
Matsushita Daisuke, accompanied by his adjutant and dressed in civilian clothes, posted missing-person notices throughout the streets. This crude method quickly proved effective.
Zhang Zhiling took Awen to the market to buy food and saw the notices posted on the walls. The notice contained both text and images. After examining it, Zhiling immediately realized that the amnesiac Japanese soldier was the very person the notice sought.
Awen also saw it and said, “This person looks like…”
Zhiling quickly tapped Awen’s head lightly and said, “Shh…” She tore down the notice and slipped it into her pocket.
Feigning nonchalance, Zhiling said, “Let’s go buy supplies, Awen.”
She pushed her bicycle, and together with Awen, headed toward the bustling marketplace.
6
Zhang Zhilin and Awen returned from shopping, and Yang Xintai came over to help unload the food and flour.
Zhilin said: "I have figured out your identity!"
Xintai asked: "My identity?"
Zhilin said: "You must not run away! You are very valuable now."
Xintai, confused, asked: "What? I am very valuable?"
Zhilin took out the missing person notice from the pocket of her long skirt, handed it to Xintai, and said: "Look at it yourself. It is posted all over the streets."
Xintai looked at the missing person notice, but felt unfamiliar with the names on it.
Xintai said: "Nishikawa Tetsuhiko? Yang Xintai? Are these really my names? Why do I have no recollection at all? And I even have two names?"
Zhilin smiled and said: "It should be correct. You have only temporarily lost your memory. You are called Yang Xintai, your Japanese name is Nishikawa Tetsuhiko, from Qingshui Street, Taichung Prefecture, Taiwan Island, which is why you speak the same Hokkien as I do. You are actually Taiwanese. Here in Johor Bahru Port, there are many Japanese soldiers like you who come from Taiwan."
Xintai asked: "I am Taiwanese? Where is Taiwan?"
Zhilin said: "Come back with me to the classroom, I will find a map to show you."
Xintai said: "Okay."
Xintai followed Zhilin into the classroom. Zhilin found a map, and the two sat down.
Zhilin said: "Taiwan is north of the Malay Peninsula, above the Philippine archipelago. This is the island, and a line of the Tropic of Cancer passes through its middle."
Looking at the map, Xintai seemed to recall something: "Japan is north of Taiwan. There, the winters and springs are very cold and long, and it often snows."
Zhilin said: "Hey! You seem to have been in Japan, otherwise how would you know about Japan’s climate?"
Xintai said: "Seems like I have…."
Zhilin said: "Qingshui Street…let me check. Yes, it is in central Taiwan near the coast. Next to it is Wuqi Port, and opposite is my hometown, Fujian Province, Xiamen."
Xintai’s gaze followed Zhilin’s finger moving on the map: "Qingshui Street? There is Ao Feng Mountain there, on which a large area of cherry blossoms is planted."
Zhilin said: "That’s right. Have you already recalled it?"
Xintai held his head, frustrated, and said: "I only remember these…"
Zhilin said: "Take your time, you will remember more. But I want to ask, do you really not want to return to the Japanese military camp?"
Xintai nodded and said: "Yes! I hate war. I don’t like being a soldier."
Zhilin said: "Okay, I won’t force you. But you have to help me teach the children to read and write, and do some miscellaneous work."
Xintai said: "Okay."
7
Keiko accompanied her older sister, Yasuko, to Ueno Park for relaxation. They came to Shinobazu Pond.
Yasuko looked at the geese and ducks preening on the water and, touched by the scene, said: "These geese and ducks, even if they leave every year, they will fly back again. But Xintai…"
Keiko said: "Sister, I know you miss your brother-in-law very much. He is only missing; Uncle Matsushita will find him as soon as possible."
Yasuko said: "Little sister, will you accompany me to Guanyin Temple to draw a divination lot?"
Keiko said: "Okay. No matter what the lot predicts, elder sister, I hope you live well for the children."
The two sisters then went to Qingshui Guanyin Temple. Yasuko drew a lot and carefully read the illustration on it.
Yasuko asked: "Sister, can you understand this picture?"
Keiko looked for a while and said: "The meaning of this picture seems to be that your husband did not encounter disaster. See, there is a bird flying up from a sinking ship… How about we ask the abbot for an explanation?"
The two went to the presiding monk and showed him the lot picture. Keiko asked: "Excuse me, what does this picture mean?"
The temple attendant asked: "What do the two devotees wish to ask?"
Yasuko said: "I want to ask if my husband is still alive. Recently, he was sent to the South Seas, and halfway through, the ship was sunk, and he fell into the sea and disappeared."
The temple attendant asked again: "Is your husband a soldier sent to war?"
Yasuko said: "He is a military doctor."
The temple attendant said: "From the lot picture, your husband should not have encountered disaster."
Keiko said: "Just as I thought, sister."
Yasuko’s hope was rekindled. She murmured to herself: "Tetsuhiko, if you are still alive, hurry and contact your family!"
8
Yang Zhaojia returned from Osaka, Japan, and heard from his wife, Miyoko, about the news of Yang Xintai’s disappearance.
Zhaojia said: "I didn’t expect Xintai’s luck to be so bad!"
Miyoko said: "You, as the eldest brother, should take the initiative to be concerned, even though we can’t help."
Tianfu said: "I will."
Later, Zhaojia and his wife came to see Tianfu and Riko.
Tianfu said: "Second brother, the hospital was busy, so I did not go to the station to pick you up."
Zhaojia asked: "Tianfu, that’s alright. Is there any news about Xintai?"
Riko shook her head and said: "He has not been found yet."
Tianfu said: "I have asked our old friend Matsushita in Malaya to assist in the search."
Zhaojia said: "I believe Xintai will turn misfortune into blessing. He is kind-hearted; Guanyin Bodhisattva will protect him."
9
Through a deliberate arrangement by Liao Yingjun, Village Officer Murano and Liao Meixiu went to Ao Feng Mountain Park to view the cherry blossoms.
Yingjun said: "Lord Murano, today is suitable for going out to enjoy the cherry blossoms."
Murano said: "Although the Yoshino cherry trees here are not as good as those in my hometown, Ueno, they are enough to soothe my homesickness."
Beside them, Meixiu was gloomy, staring blankly at the just-blooming cherry blossoms. Murano noticed and felt distressed but could not find a way to comfort her.
"Meixiu’s feelings are all written on her face," Murano said. "It shows how much Yang Xintai means to her."
Yingjun said: "In such circumstances, it is inevitable to be sad for a while. During this period, Meixiu is emotionally low. Sir, you might spend some time accompanying my sister."
Murano said: "I understand your intention, but I’m afraid the falling flowers are willing, while the flowing water is heartless!"
Yingjun said optimistically: "No! As long as you are sincere, my sister will accept you sooner or later."
Murano smiled wryly and said: "I hope so…"
10
Late at night, Liao Wuxiong saw Yingjun off to Wuqi Port to board a ship.
At the pier, Wuxiong reminded his son, Yingjun: "When you get to Xiamen, follow Uncle Mingtang in learning business. He will be glad to teach you."
"I just don’t have interest in doing business or calculating accounts…" Yingjun thought, but said aloud: "Okay, Dad, don’t worry!"
Wuxiong instructed the two attendants: "Hongtong, Wugui, take good care of the young master. Do not let him enter bad places or mix with those underworld brothers."
Hongtong said: "We will, boss."
Wuxiong said: "If he does not listen, then telegraph me immediately."
Hongtong said: "Understood, boss."
Wuxiong turned and left, though he remained very uneasy about Yingjun.
