The afternoon sunlight slanted into the front hall of Lukou Villages Chen family residence. Outside, the air was filled with the rich scent of fresh grass, while a light mist hovered over the distant mountains.

Liao Qingwen held his wife Wu Zu by the hand as they walked step by step into the old Chen family home, with its red-tiled roof and brick walls. A faint aroma of tea lingered inside. Sunlight filtered through the wooden windows, casting mottled shadows across the room. A yellowed family photograph still hung on the wall.

As soon as they entered, Chen Qiwang looked up and stood in surprise, his eyebrows drawing together.

"Qingwen!"

He hurried forward and slapped Liao Qingwen on the shoulder.

"All these years, your elder sister has been so worried that she hasnt had a moments peace. Shes asked people everywhere to help find out what happened to you. Last time, I heard you were doing business in tea in Xiamen. How come youve suddenly returned to Taiwan?"

Nearby, Chen Qiwangs wife, Liao Meijiao, who was wearing a blue cotton long gown, already had tears welling in her eyes. Her voice choked with emotion as she said, "Little brother, I thought you were stranded over there on the mainland, and that Id never have the chance to see you again in this lifetime..."

Wu Zu lowered her head and greeted them.

"Older sister, brother-in-law."

Her voice was gentle but carried a slight tremor.

Liao Qingwen gently held his brother-in-laws hand, then turned and nodded respectfully to his elder sister. His voice was low and steady, though a trace of complicated emotion lay beneath his words.

"I was still fairly lucky. In the thirty-eighth year of the Republic, my wife and I, along with Zu, escaped from Xiamen to Hong Kong. Along the way, we used up nearly all our gold. To make a living, I first took a clerical job at a British-owned trading company. Gradually, I managed to save some capital, and only then did I decide to return to my hometown and develop my business here."

At that moment, four children were laughing and playing together at the other end of the hall.

The siblings Liao Yutang and Liao Yuhui looked with bright, curious eyes at their cousins, Chen Tiancai and Chen Baofeng, whom they had never met before.

Tiancai was holding a hand puppet he had made himself. He handed it to Yutang.

"Here, this ones for you. Its called the Golden-Faced Warrior!"

Yutang immediately reached into his pocket and took out several shiny glass marbles.

"Lets trade! You can have these. I found them by the seaside in Hong Kong. Look, they reflect the light!"

The childrens laughter gradually warmed the atmosphere.

Chen Qiwang turned around and asked, "What kind of business are you planning to start now that youve come back?"

Qingwen smiled and replied, "Lukou is a tea-growing village, so naturally I want to continue in the tea business. But this time, I dont just want to buy tea leaves. I want to process them and export them overseas."

At that moment, Chen Huolu, who was sitting nearby smoking a pipe, tapped the bowl of his pipe and spoke.

"Qingwen, these past few years, the prices of tea in northern Taiwan have been controlled by the big wholesalers in Taipei. Our village tea farmers work hard all year long, but they barely make a penny. If youre truly serious about becoming a tea merchant here, I can rally everyone to support you. But... can you offer them better prices than those wholesalers?"

Liao Qingwen slightly cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and replied sincerely.

"Thank you, Father-in-law, for being willing to support me. I dont just intend to trade tea. I also want to establish a processing plant and export our Pouchong and Oolong teas overseas. When I was in Xiamen, I exported tea to Japan and the United States, so I have experience in this business. However... Im still short of capital."

Chen Qiwang poured a cup of tea and handed it to Qingwen. With a determined look, he said, "I can invest in your business. If youre willing to work hard and take this seriously, Ill take you around the village to visit the tea farmers and buy their fresh tea leaves. Well work together to build this business."

Liao Meijiao stood nearby, her eyes filled with both relief and expectation.

"Your brother-in-law has always cared so much about you. Little brother, you must seize this opportunity this time."

As they were speaking, heavy footsteps and the sound of a wooden cane striking the ground came from outside.

Lian Fu, who had a limp and walked with a cane, entered the house. Behind him was Maotong, who had only one eye.

The moment Lian Fu saw Qingwen, he stopped in surprise.

"Well, well! Isnt that Qingwen? I heard youd already fled to Hong Kong. I never expected you to come back."

Chen Qiwang warmly stood up.

"Your timing couldnt be better! Ive got some good news to share with you. My brother-in-law is planning to open a tea processing plant in the village. Not only will he pay better prices for tea than the outside wholesalers, but hell also export it overseas so our tea can reach markets beyond Taiwan!"

Lian Fu exclaimed loudly, "If thats really such a good deal, Ill let you handle even tomorrows fresh tea leaves! Weve been squeezed so hard by the Taipei wholesalers all these years that we can barely breathe. If theres a chance to take a different path, why wouldnt we?"

Maotong nodded.

"Exactly! My family has two jia of tea plantations, and Ill give you all the tea they produce. If I can earn even a little more, that money could save my family!"

Liao Qingwen looked around at everyone, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He smiled and cupped his hands in gratitude.

"Thank you all for trusting me. If I, Liao Qingwen, am going to make a fresh start, I want to begin right here in my hometown. Ill give this everything Ive got, and I wont let any of you down."

Outside, the breeze gently rustled through the air, while sunlight fell across the room filled with the fragrance of tea.

This gathering, built on welcome and trust, marked the beginning of an even deeper contest of wits.

Night descended over Lukou Village. Mountain winds swept through the treetops, making the bamboo leaves rustle. Moonlight filtered through the gaps between the branches, scattering across the ground like broken pieces of silver.

The village paths were silent. Only the occasional chirping of insects broke the stillness, adding an eerie atmosphere to the conspiracy about to unfold.

Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian crouched low as they hurried along a narrow path behind the military barracks, walking on tiptoe. Both men wore black clothing and had strips of black cloth wrapped around their heads, concealing most of their faces.

They arrived outside the ammunition depot and looked around for a moment. After confirming that no one was watching, they quietly pressed themselves against the wall and slipped inside.

As soon as they entered, they saw Li Huoyan dozing with his head resting on the desk.

Chen Danghe circled around behind him and moved to his side, exchanging a glance with Dong Zhiqian.

Bang!

With a dull thud, Chen Danghe swung an iron rod down onto the back of Li Huoyans head. Li Huoyan let out a muffled groan, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

Dong Zhiqian quickly closed the door and whispered, "Hurry up. Ill keep watch at the entrance."

As Chen Danghe began carrying out ten wooden crates labeled "Mining Explosives," he whispered, "Help me lift the lid of this crate. Ill take two of them to Heruos room first."

"Be careful not to knock them against the doorframe," Dong Zhiqian warned through clenched teeth, helping push the door open a little wider.

Working quickly, they concealed two crates of explosives beneath the bed in Lü Heruos dormitory.

A literary poster from the May Fourth era still hung on the wall. An open copy of Selected Works of Lu Xun lay on the desk. The room retained its usual scholarly atmosphere, completely unaware of the storm into which it was about to be drawn.

"Leave the door open. Move quickly!" Chen Danghe said, a trace of uneasiness in his voice.

A cold smile appeared at the corner of Dong Zhiqians mouth.

"This time, well make sure Lü Heruo has no way to defend himself. He wont be able to talk his way out of it, no matter what he says."

After leaving the dormitory, the two men headed toward an abandoned house outside the village.

The house stood beside a nearly deserted path. Its broken door panels swayed in the wind, the paper covering its windows had long since torn apart, and weeds had grown all around it.

In the corner of the woodshed lay piles of moldy firewood and dried rice straw. It was the perfect place to hide something.

They loaded several of the remaining crates of explosives onto a three-wheeled cart and silently pushed it all the way to the abandoned house. Panting heavily, they carried the explosives inside.

"Quick! Cover the top of these crates with dry straw," Chen Danghe ordered, gesturing with his hand, sweat pouring down his forehead.

Dong Zhiqian dragged out several bundles of dried grass and spread them over the crates. Satisfied, he nodded.

"This place is so well hidden. The explosives should be perfectly safe here."

Just as the two men were preparing to leave, a pair of small eyes glimmered outside the crack in the door.

It was Yu Wenyan, a boy only twelve years old. He was still holding the schoolbag he had picked up on his way home from school.

Standing at a distance behind an old banyan tree, his face had turned deathly pale, and his heart was pounding like a drum.

He had witnessed the two adults secretly moving several wooden crates. From beginning to end, he had not made a sound, barely even allowing himself to breathe.

Especially when he heard the words "these explosives," it felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck his heart.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and cautiously backed away several steps, careful not to alert the two men inside.

Then, like an alert mountain cat, he turned and disappeared into the darkness.

He knew he had to find a way to tell an adult he could trust what he had witnessed.

The following morning, dark clouds gathered overhead, and heavy humidity hung over the Lukou base, as though foretelling an approaching storm.

Sentries hurried back and forth. The entire base had been thrown into turmoil by the theft of explosives from the ammunition depot. An atmosphere of anxiety and suspicion filled the air.

Inside the conference hall, the atmosphere was grim. The Party emblem on the wall glimmered faintly under the dim yellow lights. The Party members sat around a long table, their faces grave and solemn.

Chen Danghe stood up. His voice was steady, yet his words carried a calculated, inflammatory rhythm.

"I believe the explosives stolen from the depot were most likely taken by an inside accomplice. We cannot allow the suspects to remain at large. We should immediately search every corner of the base, including the dormitories of every comrade. We must establish whether the explosives are still somewhere within our compound or have already been taken outside!"

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the room. When his eyes passed over Lü Heruos seat, they became particularly sharp, as though silently accusing him.

Chairman Chen Benjiang sat at the head of the table, his brows slightly furrowed. He tapped the tabletop twice with his fingers and pondered for a moment before speaking.

"These explosives are indeed valuable and would not be easy to sell. Apart from the possibility that they might be resold to nearby coal mine owners, I also agree with Comrade Chen Danghes assessment. We cannot rule out the possibility that one of our own people is responsible."

"Chairman, I recommend that we immediately launch an internal investigation," Chen Danghe added, pressing his hands against the table and leaning forward slightly. His tone was firm.

"If we find nothing, we can then investigate outside the base and send people to inquire about the movement of explosives at coal mines in the surrounding areas. We cannot afford to waste any more time."

Chen Benjiang slowly nodded and said in a deep voice, "Proceed as proposed. Comrade Xu Xikuan of the Security Department will take charge. Organize a team immediately and divide into groups to search the dormitories and offices. No one is to be treated differently."

"Yes, Chairman!"

Xu Xikuan stood upright, placed his right hand against his thigh, and gave a crisp military salute. His voice rang out firmly. He then turned and quickly left the conference hall.

Just then, Liao Xueli, who was sitting in a corner of the conference room, suddenly changed his expression. A flash of alertness crossed his face.

He exchanged a meaningful glance with Chen Chunqing beside him. The two understood each other without a word. They stood up and quietly left the conference room, one following the other, and made their way to the bamboo grove beside the stone steps outside.

The wind blew through the bamboo leaves, making them rustle.

Chen Chunqings expression darkened.

"Ive suspected Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian for a long time. They were even capable of using venomous snakes to harm someone... They must be framing Director Wang!"

"Thats not all," Liao Xueli replied in an extremely low voice, his words sharp as a knife. "I have a feeling that during this so-called search, the explosives will conveniently be discovered hidden in Lü Heruos room. What they want is to leave him with no way to defend himself and force him before a Party members assembly to stand trial."

"My God..." Chen Chunqing furrowed his brows and clenched both fists.

"Should we go and move the explosives? Is there still time to save him?"

Liao Xueli shook his head, his expression grave.

"Its too late. If we try to move the explosives now, well only alert them and possibly implicate even more people. Heres what I suggest: Go back to the conference room and keep them occupied. Do whatever you can to delay the search."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to leave. Chen Chunqing grabbed his arm.

"Where are you going?"

"Im going to the village chiefs house to warn Director Wang. Right now, only he can protect himself. We cant just stand by and watch an innocent man get falsely accused and sent before a public Party trial!"

As he spoke, Liao Xueli freed his arm and hurried toward the mountain path. His figure gradually disappeared into the thick mist.

Chen Chunqing took a deep breath and looked up at the gloomy eaves of the conference hall, as though a bloody storm were drawing ever closer...

The afternoon sunlight slanted into the living room of Chen Qiwangs home. Beneath the gently swaying curtains, wisps of tea steam rose into the air. Four blue-and-white porcelain cups sat on the tea table, releasing the fragrant aroma of high-mountain Oolong tea.

The wall clock ticked steadily, its hands pointing to two oclock.

Lü Heruo leaned back slightly in a traditional wooden armchair, gently swirling his teacup in his left hand, his expression composed.

He Yunxuan lowered his head over a yellowed copy of Capital, occasionally nodding as he read.

Chen Qiwang was using a tea scoop to adjust the teapot lid, skillfully preparing to brew another pot of hot tea.

Liao Musheng sat by the window, his gaze wandering somewhat uneasily.

Suddenly, the front door was thrown open with a loud bang.

Liao Xueli rushed inside, gasping for breath. Sweat covered his forehead, his shirt was half soaked, and his face was filled with alarm.

"Director Wang! Something has happened at the base!"

Everyone was startled by his sudden arrival. Chen Qiwangs hand trembled, nearly overturning the teapot.

Lü Heruo immediately straightened up, his brows drawing together.

"What happened?"

Liao Xueli took several deep breaths, pulled the towel from his shoulder, and wiped away his sweat. Speaking hurriedly, he said:

"A shipment of mining explosives has been stolen from the ammunition depot at the base. A special meeting was held this morning, and Chen Danghe proposed a comprehensive search of the entire base. Chunqing and I both believe this is nothing more than a trap he has set. His purpose is to frame you. The explosives will most likely turn up in your dormitory!"

He Yunxuan frowned and put down his book.

"Frame him? Such a sinister tactic..."

"Chunqing and I have already discussed this," Liao Xueli said, stepping closer and placing both hands firmly on the tea table. His voice was urgent.

"Director Wang, your only option now is to leave this dangerous place immediately!"

Lü Heruo slowly stood up and looked firmly at Xueli. His voice was calm but unwavering.

"I cannot leave the base at a time like this. If I do, wouldnt that be tantamount to admitting that I have something to do with this case? That would be the real act of evasion."

Liao Xuelis face flushed with anxiety. He grabbed Lü Heruo by the arm.

"But if you go back, itll be the same old story—you wont be able to make yourself heard, no matter how reasonable your arguments are! Theyve already arranged everything. If you dont avoid them, youll be walking straight into their trap, jumping right into a fire pit!"

"If my conscience is clear, why should I fear a public trial?" Lü Heruo said in a deep voice.

He pulled his arm free, his eyes sharp as blades.

"Xueli, Im not someone who turns tail in the face of danger. Ill return to the base with you and face whatever comes. I must live with a clear conscience. Even if I die, I will die with my head held high!"

Nearby, Li Haiqing clenched both fists as he listened. He suddenly stood up, his voice trembling with indignation and passion.

"Our director has survived hailstorms of bullets and the White Terror. How could he possibly stoop to such criminal behavior? This case is obviously a frame-up!"

Liao Musheng also stood up and walked toward Lü Heruo, nodding firmly.

"Director Wang, I believe youre innocent. Ill go back with you. Well explain everything directly to Chairman Chen!"

Chen Qiwang took a deep breath and slowly put down his teacup. His expression was solemn.

"Chairman Chen has always been a fair and reasonable man. If you truly have nothing to do with this case, he will certainly get to the bottom of it. Ill go back with you as well and testify on your behalf in person."

The atmosphere in the living room grew heavy, as though a storm were about to descend.

The four men exchanged glances, silently sharing their convictions and determination.

Outside, the afternoon sunlight gradually disappeared behind the clouds. A breeze swept across the eaves, stirring a piece of calligraphy hanging in the corner of the room:

"Never forget your original aspiration, and you will reach your ultimate destination."