The Spring of Lukou25
【Episode Twenty-Four】
1
In the bedroom, seated at the desk, Wenyan opens and reads the letter written by Yanling.
“Wenyan, ever since you were admitted into the Department of Law at National Taiwan University, several times I wanted to go find you on Xuzhou Road, but I always took your Xiao Qiao into consideration. Later, emotion overcame reason, and it made me decide to write this letter to you…”
As Wenyan reads the letter paper, memories surface in his mind of the time during their second year of high school, when he and Yanling spent time together at Heping Island…
Wenyan thinks to himself: “I wonder how Senior Yanling has been doing? Perhaps I should go visit her?”
2
On the weekend afternoon, Xiao Qiao returns home and encounters Wang Jun along with his father Wang Daming and mother Chen Meilin.
Xiao Qiao asks in surprise: “Senior, why are you here?”
Wang Jun says spiritedly: “Of course it’s me! I heard from my dad that he and your father are good business friends and that they were coming to your house this weekend. I immediately turned down all my other invitations without hesitation.”
Xiao Qiao asks suspiciously: “Really? Then how could you bear to leave those senior girls like Xiangxin and Yulian behind?”
Chen Meilin says with a smile: “Our Wang Jun, the moment he heard your name, immediately became like a completely different person. So it turns out you two already know each other so well…”
Xiao Qiao wears a disdainful expression and thinks to herself: “Who’s familiar with him? This butterfly!”
Chen Meilin continues: “Mr. Xia, to tell you the truth, Jun’er told me that ever since he met your daughter Xiao Qiao, he has been utterly lovesick over her. When he learned that Xiao Qiao was your precious daughter, he begged the two of us, insisting that we must propose marriage to you on his behalf.”
Xia Yitiao is delighted upon hearing this and says: “Brother Wang, sister-in-law, for my daughter to receive such affection from your son is her good fortune. If my daughter should one day have the honor of becoming your family’s daughter-in-law, it would also be the shared wish of my wife and me.”
At the side, Zixuan sizes up Wang Jun before him, whose hair is slicked with pomade and who is wearing a floral shirt. Deep in his heart, Zixuan dislikes this type of “greasy and overly polished” rich young master. Zixuan says: “Dad, shouldn’t you at least ask Sister whether she agrees to this marriage arrangement?”
Xia Yitiao glares at Zixuan, signaling him not to say more, but Zixuan wears a completely unconvinced expression.
Zhai Jialing says: “Brother Wang, sister-in-law, Xiao Qiao is still young and is still studying. To discuss a marriage between the two families now is still too early. Besides, with Xiao Qiao’s personality, her lifelong marriage matters would not be for us as parents to decide. Let the children’s marriage matters develop naturally on their own, shall we? That way they won’t have complaints in the future…”
Xia Yitiao interrupts his wife: “You spoil the children too much. ‘The commands of parents and the words of the matchmaker’—wasn’t that how our generation came through life? Could it be that parents are not allowed to have opinions regarding their children’s marriages?”
Zixuan says: “Dad, of course you can express your opinions, but not make decisions for Sister. Whoever Sister likes and whoever she wants to be with in the future should all be choices that deserve respect from her own decision.”
Seeing that the Xia family members hold differing opinions, Wang Daming and his wife understand in their hearts that the marriage between their son and Xiao Qiao cannot be rushed. Wang Daming smooths things over and says: “If things are handled slowly, they will naturally work out smoothly. Since my son has fallen in love with your daughter at first sight, there is still a long road ahead. Let them have more opportunities to spend time together.”
Xia Yitiao gladly follows along and says: “Boss Wang is right. They should indeed have more chances to spend time together. After dinner later, let your son accompany my daughter to watch a movie together.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiao becomes so anxious that she stomps her feet and says: “Daddy, how can you do this! You agreed for me without even asking me first…”
Xia Yitiao comforts her and says: “Just consider it that Daddy owes you this one time. Be good and listen, okay…”
Jialing timely gives Xiao Qiao a look to calm her down, but Xiao Qiao feels extremely depressed inside.
3
In the afternoon, Baofeng and Mingdao stroll through the movie district in Ximending. The two of them see Xiao Qiao standing at the entrance of the movie theater waiting for someone, so they walk over to greet her.
Baofeng says: “Hi, Xiao Qiao, did you and Wenyan also come to watch a movie?”
Xiao Qiao says with difficulty written on her face: “Y-yes, but…”
Wang Jun walks spiritedly to Xiao Qiao’s side holding two tickets: “I already bought the tickets. Let’s go.”
When Mingdao and Baofeng see that the man beside Xiao Qiao is not Wenyan, both of them feel surprised and displeased.
Baofeng asks: “Xiao Qiao, who is he?”
Wang Jun counters: “And who are you people?”
Xiao Qiao says: “They are my old classmates, Ouyang Mingdao and Chen Baofeng. Let me introduce you. This is Wang Jun, a senior from my English department…”
Mingdao asks: “Your senior? Then where’s Wenyan?”
Xiao Qiao says: “Listen to me…”
“The movie’s about to start. Let’s hurry inside!” Wang Jun forcefully pulls Xiao Qiao’s hand, wanting to enter the theater.
Baofeng shouts: “Xiao Qiao, how can you do this to Wenyan?”
Xiao Qiao turns back and says: “I’m sorry. I’ll explain it to Wenyan another day!”
Baofeng says unhappily: “How can Xiao Qiao do something like this!”
Mingdao says: “Perhaps she has some unavoidable difficulties?”
Baofeng asks: “Should we tell Wenyan about this?”
Mingdao says: “Wenyan really should know about this matter.”
4
Mingdao and Baofeng then head toward the student dormitory of the NTU College of Law on Xuzhou Road. At the dormitory entrance, they run into Wenyan carrying a boxed dinner.
Wenyan asks: “Mingdao, Baofeng, when did you arrive?”
Mingdao says: “We just got here. We were about to go into the visitors’ room to wait for you.”
Baofeng deliberately probes: “You didn’t ask Xiao Qiao out to go shopping?”
Wenyan says: “Today is the weekend. Xiao Qiao is at home.”
Mingdao says: “Just now, we ran into Xiao Qiao at the entrance of a movie theater in Ximending.”
Baofeng immediately adds: “Xiao Qiao went to watch a movie with her senior.”
A look of astonishment flashes across Wenyan’s face as he says: “It was that senior named Wang Jun, right?”
Mingdao asks in surprise: “That’s right, exactly him. What? You already knew?”
A trace of bitter smile flashes across Wenyan’s face as he says: “Xiao Qiao mentioned this person to me before.”
Baofeng speaks up for Wenyan resentfully: “It really was inappropriate for Xiao Qiao to accompany her senior to the movies.”
Wenyan says: “Perhaps Xiao Qiao has some unavoidable difficulties?”
Mingdao says: “Possibly. At the time, Xiao Qiao said she would explain things clearly to you another day.”
“Oh? She said that?” Wenyan says, while thinking to himself: “Perhaps Xiao Qiao truly has unavoidable difficulties?”
Mingdao says: “Mm. What exactly happened between you and her? Was there some misunderstanding?”
Wenyan says: “No. I think she probably has some unavoidable difficulties.”
Baofeng says: “Wenyan, you’d better keep a tighter hold on Xiao Qiao, otherwise she might…”
Wenyan says helplessly: “If she truly wants to change her feelings, her feet are attached to her own body. What can I possibly do?”
5
In the afternoon, Wenyan decides to go to National Taiwan Normal University for the appointment.
When Shao Yanling sees Wenyan, she says happily: “Wenyan, I never expected you would return my call. I thought…”
The two walk toward a café inside the alley and sit down inside the café.
Wenyan says: “Yanling, to be honest, I also wanted to understand how you’ve been doing lately.”
Yanling says: “How I’ve been doing? Heh! Up until now, I’m still single.”
Wenyan says: “That’s not what I meant. I wanted to know whether you’ve been doing well.”
Yanling says: “Isn’t it just the life of a single woman? Occasionally I go shopping or watch movies together with girls from my class or classmates from the club.”
Wenyan asks: “Are you happy living such a life?”
Yanling stares into Wenyan’s eyes and asks in return: “What do you think?”
Wenyan asks: “Surely there haven’t been no boys actively expressing interest in you?”
“Of course there have been! It’s just that every single one of them was rejected by me.” Yanling smiles and asks: “Do you know why?”
Wenyan shakes his head with a smile, though in truth he has already guessed the possible reason.
“Because of you!” Yanling says: “Every boy who took the initiative to show affection toward me would be compared against you by me. As a result, not a single one passed.”
Wenyan asks with a bitter smile: “Why compare them to me?”
Yanling stirs her iced coffee and says: “I study in the Chinese Literature Department. Any boy who wants to pursue me must have your writing talent and temperament. Unfortunately, up until now, I still haven’t encountered one in our department.”
Wenyan lets out an “Oh” and scratches his forehead while grinning foolishly.
“I just like this trademark smile of yours that carries the scent of the soil!” Yanling continues: “It’s just a pity that my junior schoolmate Xiao Qiao beat me to it.”
Wenyan lets out another “Oh,” but his eyes stare absentmindedly out the window.
“What’s wrong with you? You seem to have something on your mind?” The thoughtful and perceptive Yanling seems to have noticed something.
Wenyan says: “It’s nothing really.”
Yanling says: “You promised me that if I were your sister, you wouldn’t hide anything from me.”
Wenyan says: “All right. Perhaps you can tell me what I should do.”
Yanling says: “Go ahead. Did something happen between you and Xiao Qiao?”
Wenyan smiles bitterly: “Right now, Xiao Qiao is accompanying her senior at a movie theater in Ximending.”
Yanling asks in astonishment: “How could she treat you like this? Did some misunderstanding happen between the two of you?”
Wenyan shakes his head and says: “I believe Xiao Qiao probably has some unavoidable difficulties.”
Yanling says: “Then you should give Xiao Qiao a chance to explain things clearly to you.”
Wenyan says: “Actually, I don’t mind her accompanying her senior to watch a movie. What truly troubles me instead are the conditions set by her father.”
Yanling asks: “What conditions did Xiao Qiao’s father set for you?”
Wenyan briefly describes the things Xiao Qiao’s father said at the birthday banquet that day, as well as Xiao Qiao and her family’s reactions.
“Using qualification as a lawyer as the condition for recognizing you as his son-in-law really does match Xiao Qiao’s father’s identity as a businessman!” Yanling calmly analyzes: “But this is obviously hinting to you that you should know your place and retreat in the face of difficulty! The passing rate for becoming a lawyer is so low. Some people have taken the exam for more than ten years and still haven’t passed.”
Wenyan says: “That’s exactly what I thought too! It’s just…”
Yanling says: “What are you trying to say?”
Wenyan says: “I’m just unwilling to accept defeat so easily…”
Yanling reaches out and holds Wenyan’s hand, saying: “Sigh! I understand you. You are my brother.”
Wenyan says: “I care about this relationship. I care about how Xiao Qiao treats me.”
Yanling says: “So you’ve sunk into the mire of self-torment?”
Wenyan says: “Mm.”
Yanling says: “Actually, the key lies with Xiao Qiao herself. If she insists on being with you, then no matter how much her father obstructs things, it will all be useless.”
Wenyan lets out an “Oh?” as though he has seen a ray of dawn in the darkness of night.
“But then again, if Xiao Qiao herself lacks determination, then her father will become the shield she uses to leave you.” Yanling continues: “If that’s the case, then I will not yield the opportunity to anyone else and will strive to become your wife.”
Wenyan says with a bitter smile: “That wouldn’t be good! I would lose a sister with whom I can pour out my thoughts.”
Yanling says confidently: “If I became your wife, I would definitely be more considerate than being your sister.”
Wenyan asks: “You’re that confident?”
Yanling says: “Mm, because I understand you.”
6
After Xiao Qiao and Wang Jun come out of the movie theater, Wang Jun hails a taxi, intending to take Xiao Qiao home. Xiao Qiao’s heart is preoccupied with Wenyan, and she worries that Baofeng and Mingdao may already have gone to Wenyan’s dormitory. Xiao Qiao gets into the taxi, immediately locks the door from inside, rolls down the window, and says: “Senior, sorry! I suddenly have something urgent to do. You can go home by yourself. Bye!”
Xiao Qiao rolls the window back up and says to the driver: “Xuzhou Road, entrance of the NTU College of Law.”
Wang Jun chases after the taxi for a short distance, watching helplessly as it disappears into the crowded traffic-filled streets.
The taxi arrives at the entrance of the NTU College of Law. Xiao Qiao pays the fare and heads toward the men’s dormitory, waiting in the visitors’ room.
Seeing Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou walk in, Xiao Qiao stands up and walks forward to greet them: “Have either of you seen Wenyan?”
Li Qiwen says: “Nope! We haven’t seen him the entire afternoon.”
Xiao Qiao asks again: “Did Wenyan say where he was going?”
Chen Liangmou says: “Big Brother didn’t leave any instructions at all!”
Qiwen says: “It’s already evening. If he went back to his home up in the mountains, he should probably be returning soon by now.”
Xiao Qiao mutters to herself: “All right! Then I’ll call Baofeng first. She probably came to see Wenyan this afternoon.”
Liangmou says: “I think you should go back and rest first. Whatever it is, you can come find him tomorrow.”
Xiao Qiao says: “I have to first confirm where he is.”
Qiwen says: “All right then! Liangmou, I’ll go upstairs first to check whether he’s in the dorm room. You stay here and keep Sister-in-law company.”
Liangmou says: “Go ahead!”
Inside the dormitory, Xiao Qiao uses the public telephone to make a call. Chen Huolu answers: “Baofeng and that mainlander boy Mingdao went out shopping and still haven’t come back.”
Xiao Qiao hangs up the phone, and uneasiness begins to rise in her heart: “Wenyan, you’re not angry with me, are you?”
Liangmou asks: “Well? Did you find any clues?”
Xiao Qiao shakes her head, her face full of worry.
Liangmou comforts her and says: “Wenyan will be fine! Sister-in-law, you should go back first. We’ll let him know that you came looking for him.”
Xiao Qiao insists: “No! I’ll wait a little longer. There are some things I need to explain to him face to face.”
Liangmou says: “All right then! Qiwen and I will stay and keep you company.”
Xiao Qiao says: “No need! You two go take care of your own matters. I’ll wait for him by myself.”
Liangmou says: “That won’t do! We’re Wenyan’s good brothers. How could we disregard loyalty?”
At this moment, Qiwen comes downstairs and says: “Wenyan left a note saying that he had other matters to attend to and told us not to wait for him for dinner.”
Liangmou says: “See, Sister-in-law? Wenyan already left instructions, so you should go back first.”
Only then does Xiao Qiao change her mind and say: “Please help me tell Wenyan that if there are any misunderstandings, tomorrow I’ll explain everything clearly to him face to face.”
Qiwen asks curiously: “Sister-in-law, what happened between you and Wenyan?”
Xiao Qiao says: “I don’t even know where to begin. Please just pass along my message.”
Liangmou says: “All right, Sister-in-law.”
The two men watch Xiao Qiao’s departing figure, each carrying a huge question mark in their hearts.
7
At about eight fifteen, Wenyan returns to the men’s dormitory.
Qiwen says: “You’re back? Big Brother, Sister-in-law came looking for you.”
Wenyan lets out an “Oh” and asks: “When did Xiao Qiao come?”
Liangmou says: “Around six o’clock. She stayed for half an hour. We told her you had left a note, and only then did she leave.”
Qiwen says: “Sister-in-law looked like she had something on her mind. She also asked us to pass a message to you.”
Wenyan says: “What message?”
Liangmou says: “Sister-in-law said that if there are any misunderstandings, tomorrow she will come find you and explain things clearly face to face.”
Wenyan says: “What misunderstandings could there still be, sigh…”
Qiwen cannot help asking: “Big Brother, what exactly happened between you and Sister-in-law?”
Wenyan says: “Xiao Qiao accompanied her senior Wang Jun to watch a movie in Ximending, and my two childhood friends happened to run into them.”
Qiwen says: “So that’s how it is! No wonder Sister-in-law was in such a hurry to find you and explain things face to face. Sister-in-law doesn’t want you to misunderstand her.”
Wenyan says: “I didn’t misunderstand her at all. I figured she probably has some unavoidable difficulties.”
Liangmou says: “Since Big Brother can think about it from the positive side, we feel more relieved.”
Wenyan says: “It’s not like I’m some mentally immature little boy, right?”
Qiwen and Liangmou say in unison: “Of course not!”
8
Xiao Qiao comes to the library and sees Wenyan napping with his head resting on the desk. On the tabletop lies a newly written modern poem titled “Tea Worm.” Xiao Qiao picks it up and reads it, feeling heartache over Wenyan’s inferiority complex caused by his farming family background: “Wenyan, why do you belittle yourself? I have never despised you.”
Wenyan wakes up and sees Xiao Qiao sitting across from him, gazing at him affectionately.
Xiao Qiao says: “I just finished reading this poem ‘Tea Worm,’ Wenyan.”
Wenyan lets out an “Oh” and rubs his sleepy eyes.
Xiao Qiao says: “Don’t become discouraged just because my daddy has class-conscious views. Wenyan, these past years, the way I’ve treated you—you should know it very clearly.”
Wenyan nods once and says “Mm.”
With a serious expression, Xiao Qiao says: “You must have confidence in me, Wenyan.”
Wenyan says: “I have never doubted you, Xiao Qiao.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Last night, I spoke with Baofeng on the phone. She said she and Mingdao had gone to the dormitory to look for you.”
Wenyan says: “Mm. They came to the dormitory a little after one in the afternoon and told me you went to Ximending to watch a movie.”
Xiao Qiao says: “So you got angry at me and stormed out?”
“Not at all?” Wenyan calmly asks: “Do you think there is any trace of unhappiness in the way I’m speaking to you right now?”
Xiao Qiao says: “It doesn’t feel like there is. Then regarding the matter of me accompanying Wang Jun to watch a movie, are you willing to listen to my explanation?”
Wenyan says: “That was your dad’s idea, right?”
Xiao Qiao nods, then roughly explains the matter of Wang Jun’s family visiting her house.
Wenyan’s expression becomes somewhat serious as he says: “No wonder your father is trying so hard to bring you and Wang Jun together. Your two families are well matched in social status.”
Xiao Qiao says: “My mommy understands very clearly what kind of calculations my daddy is making. Mommy once promised me that regarding my marriage, she would respect my wishes.”
Wenyan says: “Your mommy truly loves you very much. You have a wonderful mommy.”
Xiao Qiao says: “My younger brother is also on my side. He has a very bad impression of Wang Jun.”
Wenyan smiles and says: “Impressions can change, as long as Wang Jun is willing to put in some effort.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Perhaps Wang Jun can change my younger brother’s opinion of him, but he cannot change me.”
Wenyan says: “All right! I believe what you say.”
Xiao Qiao says: “If you believe me, then kiss me once to show that we’ve reconciled and returned to how we were before.”
Wenyan says: “I truly never got angry at you over this matter.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Mm, Wenyan, last night I made a wish upon a shooting star. I wished that in the future we would never quarrel and never have any misunderstandings.”
Wenyan says: “Now, may I kiss you, miss?”
Xiao Qiao says shyly: “You may.”
9
The National Taiwan University Literary Awards are announced, and both Wenyan’s modern poem and novel win awards.
Li Qiwen raises a thumbs-up and says: “A double winner! Boss, you really outshined all the students from the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Foreign Languages. That’s seriously impressive.”
Chen Liangmou says: “Just now, when we passed by the department office, we saw the teaching assistant post the announcement list. We were all shocked. Turns out Boss was hiding his talents all along. We really were blind!”
Li Qiwen takes out a mimeographed flyer and says: “We specially asked the teaching assistant for a copy of the bulletin. Take a look.”
Liangmou says: “This time, a whole bunch of people ended up humiliated. A freshman from the law department actually took first prize in fiction and second prize in modern poetry.”
As Wenyan looks at the winners list, he notices that the first prize in the modern poetry category belongs to Zhang Meihua. Wenyan then recalls their earlier chance encounter in the library and decides to pay a visit to the Aurora Modern Poetry Society.
Qiwen says: “Boss, you’re usually stingy as hell. This time, after winning prize money, you’ve got to treat us to something!”
Wenyan smiles and says: “I will. I’ll treat you guys to Lao Gao Beef Noodles.”
Chen Liangmou says: “What? I thought we were going to a Sichuan restaurant for some good food!”
Wenyan says: “Take this bulletin and show it to Xiao Qiao. Naturally there’ll be Sichuan food to eat.”
Qiwen says: “That’s true. Sister-in-law is more generous than Big Brother.”
Liangmou says: “Heh heh! Then let’s go tell Sister-in-law the good news?”
10
Wenyan arrives at the Aurora Modern Poetry Society. When Zhang Meihua sees him, she stands up smiling brightly: “Our NTU’s newly crowned literary talent has arrived. Everyone, this is Yu Wenyan.”
Instantly, everyone’s gaze focuses on Wenyan.
Meihua says: “Wenyan, this is our club president, Lu Zhiqiang.”
Lu Zhiqiang says: “I’m Lu Zhiqiang from third-year Chinese Literature. Nice to meet you!”
Club member A asks: “Meihua said that you often publish works in literary supplement magazines. That’s really impressive.”
Wenyan says: “I just earn some manuscript fees. You all can submit manuscripts too. As long as you’re not afraid of rejection.”
Club member B asks: “How long have you been writing modern poetry?”
Wenyan says: “I started writing in my second year of junior high.”
Wenyan chats very happily with the members of the modern poetry society.
Lu Zhiqiang says: “Wenyan, Meihua’s father is the famous novelist Zhang Wenhuan!”
Wenyan does not know Zhang Wenhuan. Meihua says: “My father and Lü Heruo used to be extremely close friends.”
When Wenyan hears the name Lü Heruo, his heart jolts, and he says: “I come from Lukeng Village in the mountainous area of Xizhi. Lü Heruo once stayed for a period of time at the Lukeng base.”
Zhang Meihua says: “Wenyan, my father has always been trying to find out Lü Heruo’s whereabouts. I think I should introduce my father to you.”
Wenyan says: “Sure! I should also get to know this senior literary figure.”
11
Zhang Meihua brings Wenyan back to Taichung to meet her father Zhang Wenhuan. Upon seeing Wenyan, Zhang Wenhuan calls Meihua and sits together with Wenyan in the study, having a long intimate conversation.
Wenyan slowly recounts: “At the time, Lü Heruo was using the alias Wang Wenbo and lived in a grass hut at the base. Normally he and Brother Zhang Haiqing taught us reading and writing together at the schoolhouse in the village. Strictly speaking, Wang Wenbo was my enlightenment teacher.”
Zhang Wenhuan says: “Before the incident at the base occurred, a cadre named Chen Chunqing came to see me and said that Lü Heruo was hiding at the Lukeng base. At the time, Su Yulan and her daughter were staying at my house, so Su Yulan wrote a letter and entrusted Chen to bring it back to the base for Lü Heruo. Not long afterward, the base was exposed, and many Taiwan Communist cadres were arrested by the authorities. Only there was no news of Lü Heruo.”
Wenyan says: “To be honest with you, Senior, Teacher Lü Heruo has long since passed away!”
A very shocked expression appears on Zhang Wenhuan’s face as he says: “What? When did that happen?”
Wenyan says: “According to Teacher Zhang Haiqing, when Lü Heruo was escaping Lukeng together with them, he was accidentally bitten by a venomous snake and died from the poison.”
“Sigh!” Zhang Wenhuan lets out a long sigh and says: “These past more than ten years, I have asked people everywhere to inquire about his whereabouts. I originally thought he had successfully escaped to Japan or gone into hiding under another identity. I never expected…”
Zhang Meihua says: “Father, should we notify his family about the news of Uncle Lü’s death?”
“We should indeed notify his family.” Zhang Wenhuan continues: “Wenyan, Lü Heruo and I were very close. When he was wanted by the Bureau of Secrecy, he once came to me and entrusted a manuscript scroll to me. Wait a moment. I’ll go fetch it and let you take a look.”
After speaking, Zhang Wenhuan stands up and heads toward the bedroom. Not long afterward, he returns holding a bamboo tube.
Pulling off the lid, Zhang Wenhuan takes out a stack of yellowed manuscript papers and spreads them out on the desk.
Zhang Wenhuan says: “These are Lü Heruo’s novel manuscripts. Look, at the end of the manuscript there is even his handwritten signature.”
Seeing the manuscripts, Wenyan believes that Zhang Wenhuan and Lü Heruo truly were close friends with deep ties. Wenyan carefully flips through the manuscript pages, while in his mind emerges the graceful and distinguished figure of Teacher Wang Wenbo…
Meihua asks curiously: “Wenyan, you said Lü Heruo hid at the Lukeng base and was once your enlightenment teacher. Later, what happened at the base?”
Wenyan says: “At the time, I was only seven or eight years old and knew very little. I’m unable to explain this topic clearly either. However, the elderly people in our village are still around. Asking them would probably make things clearer.”
Meihua says: “I’m very interested in the events that happened in Lukeng Village. Wenyan, can you take me to visit the local villagers?”
Wenyan says: “Sure!”
Meihua asks: “Father, may I go to Lukeng together with Wenyan?”
Zhang Wenhuan says: “If you want to go, then go.”
12
Wenyan returns to the school dormitory. Xiao Qiao comes to the dormitory to look for him, and the two meet in the visitors’ room.
Xiao Qiao asks: “You went to Taichung these past two days?”
Wenyan says: “Mm! I went to meet a senior figure in Taiwanese literature, the novelist Zhang Wenhuan.”
Xiao Qiao complains: “You only left a note. I thought something had suddenly happened to you.”
Wenyan says: “At the time I was rushing out the door. I really should have called you first to explain clearly. That was my oversight. I apologize to you!”
Xiao Qiao says: “Don’t do this again in the future. If things aren’t explained clearly, I’ll worry.”
“It won’t happen again!” Wenyan continues: “Senior Zhang Wenhuan’s daughter Zhang Meihua is from our school’s Chinese Literature Department. She also writes modern poetry. I’ll introduce you to her another day.”
Xiao Qiao asks: “Zhang Meihua? Isn’t she the first-prize winner in modern poetry?”
Wenyan says: “Exactly.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Then this Zhang Meihua is also a talented woman?”
Wenyan says: “I suppose so. Why?”
Xiao Qiao says: “You and Zhang Meihua get along very well?”
Wenyan says: “I suppose so. What now?”
Xiao Qiao says: “Nothing!”
Wenyan says: “Don’t let your imagination run wild!”
Xiao Qiao says: “I’m not letting my imagination run wild! You’re so talented. If you have several female confidantes around you, I should be happy for you…”
Wenyan says: “What’s this? Why do you sound so sour? You’re not jealous, are you?”
Xiao Qiao lowers her head and says: “I’m not jealous. I know you’ve always had a sense of propriety.”
Wenyan says: “Please! Nothing is going on between Zhang Meihua and me!”
Xiao Qiao says: “If something really were going on, would you honestly tell me?”
Wenyan reassures her and says: “Don’t worry! Other than you, I won’t like any other girl.”
Xiao Qiao says: “All right, I believe you.”
Wenyan says: “This weekend, Meihua asked me to take her to Lukeng Village.”
Xiao Qiao asks: “What? You’re taking Zhang Meihua back home?”
Wenyan says: “Don’t think crooked thoughts! Meihua is going there to conduct field research and interview the elderly people in the village to understand the tragic incident that happened in our village.”
Xiao Qiao asks: “But Zhang Meihua isn’t a newspaper reporter, so why investigate that tragedy? Besides, isn’t that case very sensitive?”
Wenyan says: “It’s still very sensitive. I’m not sure what her motive is. Perhaps she wants to report on the case or use it as material for a novel.”
Xiao Qiao asks: “Then would you mind if I accompanied her and went back with you?”
Wenyan smiles and asks in return: “If you want to come along, how could I mind?”
13
Wenyan brings Xiao Qiao to the “Aurora Modern Poetry Society,” where they meet Zhang Meihua and club president Lu Zhiqiang.
Wenyan generously introduces: “President Lu, Meihua, this is Xia Xiao Qiao, my girlfriend. She’s from the English Department.”
Zhang Meihua freezes for a moment, then immediately walks forward smiling: “Hello! I’m Meihua. You’re so beautiful! Wenyan really has good taste.”
Lu Zhiqiang says with a smile: “Wenyan, did you bring your beautiful girlfriend here to show off to me?”
Wenyan says: “Xiao Qiao said she wanted to come over to broaden her horizons and meet everyone.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Meihua, Wenyan said you’re a talented woman. It’s very rare for him to praise other people.”
Meihua says: “Oh? A talented woman?”
The boys and girls in the club simultaneously focus their gazes on Xiao Qiao.
Meihua says meaningfully: “By ‘talented woman,’ you mean my looks are acceptable.”
Xiao Qiao says: “Meihua, you’re the kind of talented woman who possesses both beauty and talent.”
14
Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, and Zhang Meihua rode Ah-Yuan’s ox cart up the mountain together. Wenying was also on the ox cart, and the group chatted and laughed along the way.
Meihua said, “When I was little, back in the countryside of Taichung, my younger brother and I rode our relatives’ ox cart before. Riding an ox cart still feels very novel.”
Wenyan said, “The scenery along this road is very beautiful, Meihua.”
Xiaoqiao and Wenying leaned closely against each other.
Wenying said, “Sister Xiaoqiao, you haven’t come to my house for several months already. I really missed you!”
Xiaoqiao said, “I missed you too!”
Wenying asked, “Next month, our village will begin harvesting winter tea. Will you come up here?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Of course! If it happens to be the weekend, I’ll come back up the mountain with your brother.”
The ox cart slowly wound along the mountain road.
Wenyan said, “The people here are all farmers who grow mountain tea. Look at those gentler slopes—most of them have been opened into terraced fields following the contour lines, and tea trees are planted there. The steeper slopes are planted with bamboo groves or preserved as virgin forest.”
Xiaoqiao said, “When the tea-picking season arrives, almost every family mobilizes together, busy from early morning until deep into the night. After the fresh tea leaves are picked, they still have to go through several processing procedures before becoming tea. Ten jin of fresh tea leaves only make one jin of tea.”
Meihua said, “Is it really that hard?”
Wenying said, “Once you get used to it, it doesn’t feel hard anymore.”
15
The ox cart returned to the courtyard in front of the Yu family’s sanheyuan house. Wenyan helped Xiaoqiao and Meihua down from the ox cart, while Wenying moved lightly and jumped down by herself.
Laichun and Zhou Tian were waiting at the entrance to greet them.
Laichun said, “Baofeng came over and told us that you and Xiaoqiao were bringing a classmate over. I specially went to the vegetable garden to pick some vegetables and prepare some ingredients.”
“Mom, this is my poetry club classmate, Zhang Meihua. Her hometown is in Taichung.” Wenyan then introduced them further: “Meihua, this is my mother and my grandmother.”
Meihua politely nodded and greeted them: “Auntie, Grandma, hello.”
Wenying helped carry Meihua’s luggage into the house.
Xiaoqiao said, “Wenyan’s family is very kind, so you don’t need to feel too restrained. Tonight we’ll squeeze together with Wenying.”
16
Wenyan brought Zhang Meihua and Xiaoqiao to Chen Huolu’s home. Baofeng brewed a pot of tea and brought over several plates of tea snacks, warmly entertaining Xiaoqiao and Meihua.
Baofeng said, “Wenyan called from school and said friends were coming over. I didn’t specially prepare anything, so I’m only treating you with these few things.”
Xiaoqiao said, “We’re all familiar people, so there’s no need to make a fuss. Didn’t Mingdao come to accompany you?”
Baofeng said, “He didn’t have leave this week.”
Chen Huolu and Liao Meijiao came out from the room. Baofeng introduced Meihua to her family: “This is Wenyan’s classmate Zhang Meihua. This is my grandfather and my mother.”
Meihua stood up and bowed: “Uncle, Auntie, sorry for disturbing your home.”
“Welcome. Although this place of ours is a mountain village, it truly has human warmth.” Chen Huolu pointed at the teacups on the table. “Come drink tea. This tea was produced by our own family. It goes down very smoothly.”
Meihua and Xiaoqiao lifted the teacups and drank tea.
Baofeng said, “Grandpa, Meihua says she wants to ask you about that tragic incident that happened in our village more than ten years ago.”
Chen Huolu pondered for a while and said, “Young lady, more than a hundred villagers were implicated in that tragic massacre that happened in our village, and even now there are still people being wanted by the Bureau of Investigation. This topic is still very sensitive even today. I must first understand your identity and motives.”
Wenyan helped explain, “Uncle Baozheng, Meihua’s father is the novelist Zhang Wenhuan. Zhang Wenhuan and Lü Heruo used to be truly very close friends. Meihua only wants to understand the course of events that happened back then. She will not cause you trouble.”
Chen Huolu said, “Since that is the case, then I’m relieved.”
Meijiao said, “My father has never spoken of this tragic incident to outsiders before, so he is naturally more cautious.”
Meihua said, “I can understand this situation.”
Chen Huolu said, “This village massacre tragedy must be told beginning from September of 1949. At that time, Taiwan Communist Party cadres Chen Benjiang, Xu Xikuan, Chen Yinong, He Yunxuan, and others entered our Lukeng Village. They first used a villager they already knew, Chen Chunqing, to gradually contact local influential figures such as our Xiaosheng Chen Qiwang and the Farmers’ Association secretary-general Liao Musheng, attracting villagers to join and establishing an armed base. Then they secretly called upon Taiwanese people from near and far to join their ranks.”
Meihua asked, “Chen Benjiang was a member of the Taiwan Communist Party. I once heard my father say that Chen Benjiang was one of the top generals under Taiwan Communist leader Cai Xiaoqian.”
Chen Huolu said, “That’s right! Actually, at that time, most villagers did not understand Communist ideology at all. They were merely extremely dissatisfied with Chen Yi and those corrupt takeover personnel. Especially after the ‘228 Incident’ occurred, the Kuomintang authorities carried out the ‘Village Clearance Campaign.’ Many Taiwanese people were innocently arrested and killed, including my younger son Xiaosheng Qinen. At that time he was studying at National Taiwan University, and together with one or two hundred classmates, he was shot to death by Kuomintang troops with machine guns at Yuanshan.”
Meihua asked, “These military methods were so cruel?”
Chen Huolu said, “Yes! The villagers sympathized with the Taiwan Communist Party and believed that the Communists would lead Taiwanese people to overthrow Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government. Therefore, they allowed them to develop a base in our village and secretly provided them with supplies and support…”
In her notebook, Meihua used shorthand to record the important points.
The sky gradually darkened, and Chen Huolu had almost reached the end of his narration: “If you need more detailed circumstances, you may go interview other villagers.” Huolu turned to instruct Baofeng: “Baofeng, tomorrow you accompany her to conduct interviews in our village.”
Baofeng said, “Grandpa, I will accompany Meihua.”
Meihua stood up and bowed: “Uncle, Auntie, thank you very much for accepting my interview.”
Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, and Meihua stood up to say goodbye, while Aijiao and Baofeng’s mother and daughter escorted the three of them out to the courtyard entrance.
