THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY
LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS
FIRST LITERARY TALENT

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Theft of the Explosives

97

Toward evening, the slanting rays of the setting sun streamed through the lattice windows of the schoolhouse, spreading a layer of golden light across the weathered wooden floor. Inside the classroom, the childrens voices rose and fell as they recited the Thousand Character Classic. Their recitation was uneven, but full of enthusiasm.

Chen Ruyu stood beside the teachers desk, lightly patting the books with both hands. Yet every now and then, she turned to look out the window at the rice fields beneath the evening sky. Her gaze was distant, and she seemed absent-minded.

Outside, the breeze gently stirred the leaves on the branches, making them rustle. The sound was like the turmoil still churning in her heart. She was worried about Teacher Wang, and she could not stop thinking about the frightening ordeal she had experienced that night.

As soon as the break bell rang, the children crowded noisily around her. Some tugged at her skirt, while others pulled at her elbows.

"Teacher, why hasnt Teacher Wang come to teach us songs these past few days?"

"Did he go into town to buy candy?" Chen Baofeng asked, tilting up her round little face.

"Thats right! I still want to hear him tell the story about the talking monkey!" another child shouted.

Standing among the children, Yu Wenyan said nothing. He quietly watched the teachers expression, his eyes reflecting some unspoken thoughts.

Ruyu crouched down and gently stroked Baofengs hair. Her voice was tender but heavy with concern. "Teacher Wang... has run into some trouble. His friends at the base suspect that he stole a shipment of explosives. Theyve treated him like a thief, restricted his movements, and ordered him to undergo an investigation."

The children widened their eyes and exchanged puzzled glances, only partially understanding what she had said.

"Does that mean hes been locked up?" A-Pao asked nervously.

Ruyu nodded. "For the time being, he isnt allowed to leave the base. I believe Teacher Wang has been framed by bad people. Hes an upright man. He would never do such a thing."

A-Pao scratched his head, blinking repeatedly. "My dad said someone might be trying to frame him."

Ruyu turned to look at him, raising her voice slightly. "How does your dad know that?"

"My dad said the village chief told him. He said something fishy was going on, that someone was secretly plotting something."

Just then, Wenyan, who had been listening quietly all along, suddenly raised his head. His eyes were bright and serious. "Teacher, I might know whos behind this."

Ruyu immediately straightened up and turned toward him. "Really? Tell me what you know!"

Wenyan scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "A few nights ago, I was hiding behind my grandpas cowshed, playing. I saw two men loading several big wooden crates onto a three-wheeled vehicle and taking them to an old house. I secretly followed them and heard them say the word explosives. At first, I thought they were thieves..."

Ruyus eyes lit up. She reached out and firmly placed her hands on Wenyans shoulders, her voice urgent. "Did you get a good look at what those two men looked like?"

Wenyan thought for a moment, then raised both hands and gestured. "One was skinny and very tall. He walked with his back slightly bent. The other was short and fat. He was panting as he walked, as though he could hardly carry anything."

A light seemed to switch on in Ruyus mind. Her brow relaxed slightly, and she thought to herself, "So someone really is trying to frame Lü Heruo..."

"Wenyan, do you still remember where that old house is? Can you take me there?" She looked down at him, her voice gentle but firm.

"Sure! Its just past the bend in the little path behind my house, over by the back hill." Wenyan nodded, his eyes shining with pride.

Ruyu immediately stood up, clapped her hands, and cleared her throat. "All right, children. I have something important to take care of tonight, so well end class early today. Pack your schoolbags, and remember to listen to your mothers when you get home!"

The children cheered and hurried to gather their books. Ruyu took Wenyans hand and quietly instructed him, "In a little while, come with me to my house first. I need to tell my older brother about this. After that, Ill ask you to show me the way. All right?"

Wenyan nodded. "All right, Teacher! Ill walk in front and be your scout!"

Ruyu couldnt help laughing. She gently pinched his cheek. "Youre my brave little warrior now! Lets go."

The wind rushed through the classroom window, sending the pages fluttering. The sunlight gradually faded, and the schoolhouse, like Ruyus heart, seemed ready to move toward a deeper darkness and the truth hidden within it.

Outside, dusk was deepening. The last orange-red light filtered through the weathered lattice windows of the old house, leaving half the living room bright and half in shadow. The old wooden floor creaked beneath their feet, while a precarious ceiling fan turned slowly overhead. In the corner, a radio was broadcasting the news in a hoarse voice, as though it came from some distant age.

Chen Qiwang leaned back in a rattan chair with his arms folded across his chest, listening intently to the broadcast. His brow was furrowed, as if he were weighing something in his mind. Across from him, Chen Huolu sat cross-legged on a long bench, holding a fiddle. He hummed the melody of "Longing for the Spring Breeze" as he sang softly, seemingly trying to dispel the gloom in the room with music.

The door creaked open, and a gust of wind blew inside, bringing with it a little dust and the grassy scent of the mountain forest. Chen Ruyu hurried into the house, an unusual expression on her face. Yu Wenyan followed beside her, looking serious.

"Brother!" Ruyu blurted out, her voice tinged with excitement. "Director Wang really has been framed!"

Qiwang turned around abruptly and turned down the radio. He fixed his sharp gaze on his younger sister. "Oh? Have you found a clue?"

Ruyu nodded, catching her breath as she pulled Wenyan a step forward. "Yes! Yu Wenyan says he saw two men that night. They secretly transported that shipment of explosives to an abandoned old house in our village and hid it there!"

At this, Chen Huolus fingers stopped moving on the bow of his fiddle. His eyes lit up as he looked at them, suddenly more alert than he had been while playing.

"Oh, oh! This is serious business!" Huolu muttered.

Qiwang beckoned Wenyan with one hand. "Wenyan, come closer. Uncle wants to ask you something. Did you actually see those two men with your own eyes?"

Wenyan nervously bit his lower lip, but he still walked up to Qiwang and spoke steadily. "One was short and fat, like a fat pig. The other was tall and skinny, like a bamboo pole. They used a three-wheeled vehicle to carry several big wooden crates along the mountain road. I secretly followed them all the way to a dilapidated old house."

"I see..." Qiwang frowned and pondered for a moment, muttering to himself, "One short man and one skinny man... Could they be those two bastards, Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian?"

He suddenly stood up, making the rattan chair creak loudly beneath him. He turned to Wenyan. "Did you actually see their faces?"

Wenyan shook his head, then added, "I couldnt see them very clearly because it was dark. But the short one was wearing a flat cap. It looked like a military cap."

Qiwang slapped his thigh and declared loudly, "Thats it! It was those two—Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian!"

Huolu gritted his teeth. "Theyre like black jars filled with soy sauce—honest-looking on the outside, but poisonous inside. I never imagined it would be them!"

Qiwang nodded and said in a deep voice, "Thats right. You can know a persons face, but not their heart... A-Da! A-Da! Come out here for a moment!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Huang Bida lifted the curtain and poked his head out of the inner room. He was still holding a cleaning rag. "What is it, Village Chief?"

Without waiting for him to come closer, Qiwang spoke firmly. "Go find a few able-bodied men. Were going to look for a shipment of explosives shortly. Well set out tonight!"

Bidas expression immediately became serious, and his smile disappeared. "Ill go right away. Dont worry, Village Chief."

With that, he dashed outside. His footsteps echoed through the night. Ruyu stood in the middle of the living room, holding Wenyan firmly by the shoulder. Her face reflected both determination and hope. Huolu put down his fiddle and murmured, "The word is out. Its time for us to take action."

Outside the window, a gust of wind shook the branches of the old tree, making them creak. It was as though the darkness itself were watching this struggle for truth and justice.

99

The afternoon sun slanted across the mountainside, where a narrow path overgrown with weeds wound its way uphill. Yu Wenyan walked at the front, leading Village Chief Chen Qiwang, Chen Ruyu, village clerk Huang Bida, and five or six village men carrying crowbars and bamboo poles. A rattling three-wheeled vehicle followed behind them. The entire group arrived, out of breath, in front of a dilapidated old house.

The doors of the old house hung crookedly. Moss covered the earthen walls, and the window frames were broken, making the building look like a tattered mask. When the dry wind blew, the roof beams let out a mournful creaking sound. A cat suddenly yowled and darted out through a crack in the wall.

Wenyan pointed toward a dark woodshed in the corner of the house and whispered, "Those wooden crates are hidden in there."

Qiwang looked around cautiously and said, "A-Da, lets go inside. Everyone, keep your eyes open."

The group entered the house. A musty smell immediately filled their nostrils, and their footsteps creaked against the cracked brick floor. Qiwang walked up to the woodshed and waved his hand. "Come on. Lets work together and move this pile of firewood."

Bida bent down, rolled up his sleeves, and quickly pushed the firewood aside. Before long, several wooden crates came into view. He brushed the dust off the top of the crates and shouted excitedly, "Village Chief, weve found the crates!"

Qiwang hurried over and crouched down to inspect them. "Careful now. Move them out slowly and place them in the courtyard."

The village men worked together to carry the crates into the sunlit courtyard, arranging them in a row. Bida found a crowbar and carefully pried open the lids. Inside were bundles of explosives and detonators marked with red and yellow labels, their surfaces gleaming with a cold, sharp sheen.

Bida lowered his voice. "All seven crates contain mining explosives. It would be extremely dangerous to keep them around."

Qiwang nodded in satisfaction and spoke quietly. "Then theres no doubt about it. A-Da, hurry to the base and find Chairman Chen. Tell him Id like him to come to my house, and then bring him here. Be sure to invite him alone, and watch carefully to see whether anyone follows you."

Bida replied, "Yes, Chief. Ill go right away." With that, he turned and hurried away, his shoes striking the dirt path in a steady rhythm.

Everyone sat quietly along the edge of the courtyard, waiting. Some wiped away their sweat, while others whispered among themselves. Wenyan crouched on the ground, idly moving small stones with his fingers.

About the time it takes to burn one stick of incense later, Bida arrived at the old house with Chen Benjiang, both of them out of breath. Chen Benjiang was wearing a yellowed white shirt, and sweat trickled down his temples. He appeared to have already begun to suspect something.

Qiwang stood up to greet him, his expression solemn. "Chairman Chen, please take a look for yourself."

He pointed toward the crates of explosives, then patted Wenyan on the back. "This is a boy from our village. He discovered them. You can ask him about it."

Chen Benjiang looked surprised. He crouched down and placed a hand on Wenyans shoulder, speaking in a gentle voice. "Young man, whats your name?"

Wenyan puffed out his chest and looked straight at him. "My name is Yu Wenyan."

Benjiang smiled and nodded, then asked, "Did you actually see those two men with your own eyes?"

Wenyan nodded, stood up, and pointed toward a corner of the old house. "Yes. I followed them all the way here."

"What did they look like?" Benjiang asked.

Wenyan gestured with his hands, his expression serious. "One was short and fat, like a fat pig. The other was tall and skinny, like a bamboo pole. They used a three-wheeled vehicle to carry the wooden crates."

Benjiangs expression darkened. His eyes shifted uncertainly. He stood up and brushed the dust from his trousers. Biting his lip, he nodded and said, "Village Chief, I think I know who they are."

Qiwang replied coldly, "As long as you know who they are."

Benjiang lowered his head, looking somewhat ashamed. "Village Chief, this happened inside the base. It was a failure of my leadership. Im truly ashamed."

Qiwangs tone turned cold. "Theres one more matter Id like you to investigate thoroughly after you return."

"What is it?" Benjiang raised his head.

Qiwang stepped closer and pointed toward Ruyu. "Last night, Ruyu was beneath a tree near the Earth God Temple when a masked man attacked her with a knife and nearly sexually assaulted her. Fortunately, Lianfu, despite his limp, showed up and drove the villain away. His native dog was stabbed to death in the process. I was told the assailant injured his hand, chest, and lower leg. The dog bit him, and he escaped in the direction of the base."

Benjiang was shocked. "Did something like that really happen?"

Qiwang stood with his hands on his hips and glared at him coldly. "Do you think I, Qiwang, would make up something like this?"

Benjiang gave a bitter smile. "All right. Ill investigate this thoroughly. If the culprit is one of our comrades, Ill make sure the matter is dealt with properly."

Qiwangs gaze sharpened. "If hes one of your people, I expect you to hand him over. Ill deal with him."

Benjiang took a step back and spoke in a conciliatory tone. "All right. But, Village Chief... please spare his life, will you?"

Qiwang patted him on the shoulder, a cold smile in his voice. "Dont worry. Out of respect for you, Ill only take one of his legs. I wont take his life."

Benjiangs bitter smile deepened as he changed the subject. "Can Lü Heruo be released now?"

Qiwang nodded. "Of course. Also, Ive recently invested in my maternal uncles tea-processing factory, so money is tight. I may have to reduce my financial support."

Chen Benjiang clasped his hands in gratitude. "Thats no problem. Village Chief, youve looked after our group of people living away from home for so long. Im truly grateful."

100

The meeting hall was brightly lit. A red banner hung on the wall, bearing the words, "Enforce Discipline and Purify the Organization" in bold black characters. The wooden floor trembled slightly under the footsteps of the security guards. Party members stood packed along both sides of the hall. Some folded their arms, while others whispered among themselves. Their expressions varied, and the air was filled with the mingled smells of sweat and cooking oil, along with an undercurrent of unease.

Two men were pushed into the hall with their upper bodies bound. Chen Danghe and Dong Zhiqian kept their heads lowered. Their steps were unsteady, and their faces were pale. The guards dragged them to the open space at the front of the hall and barked, "Stand straight!"

On the podium, Chen Benjiang wore a gray Zhongshan suit and had a stern expression. Holding the microphone at the lectern, he spoke in a low, powerful voice.

"Comrades, the case of the stolen explosives has been solved. We have convened this emergency Party members meeting tonight to give everyone an explanation."

As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of discussion immediately broke out below.

"Those two were really audacious..."

"They actually dared to steal from the explosives storeroom?"

"Could they have arrested the wrong people?"

Chen Benjiang raised his hand to signal for silence. The applause and whispers gradually died down. He continued:

"A short while ago, Village Chief Chen Qiwang of Lukou Village called to report that the missing explosives had been found. The people who secretly transported the explosives were our Organization Department Director, Comrade Chen Danghe, and our instructor, Comrade Dong Zhiqian."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was thrown into an uproar.

Dong Zhiqian suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide with anger. He struggled and took half a step forward, shouting, "Chairman, I object! How can you listen only to Chen Qiwangs side of the story? This is a frame-up!"

The guards immediately grabbed him and shoved him back into place. Chen Benjiang gave him a cold look, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Comrade Dong, you and Village Chief Chen have no personal grudge against each other. Why would he frame you? Besides, someone witnessed the entire process of the explosives being stolen and moved. Do you want me to call the witness here to confront you face-to-face?"

After speaking, his gaze fell on Dong Zhiqians drooping right arm, and his expression shifted slightly. "Why arent you moving your right hand? Are you injured?"

"Last night... I fell and hurt myself." Dong Zhiqians voice was noticeably hesitant.

"Is that so?" Chen Benjiang took two steps forward and pointed directly at his chest. "Tell the truth. Were you the masked man who went to the Earth God Temple last night and tried to sexually assault Chen Ruyu?"

The question struck like a thunderclap, and the hall erupted. Some people cried out in shock, others cursed, and still others glared furiously at Dong Zhiqian.

"Chairman, youre accusing me unjustly!" Dong Zhiqian shouted hoarsely, his face filled with terror and sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"Search him!" Chen Benjiang ordered, his voice carrying the authority of a judge. Three guards quickly stepped forward, untied him, forcibly pulled off his shirt, and rolled up his trouser legs. Plasters made from dog skin were stuck in patches across his arms and chest. His lower leg was wrapped in gauze, with a little blood seeping through.

A low commotion broke out throughout the hall.

Chen Benjiangs voice turned cold and stern. "If youre not injured, why are you covered in medicinal plasters? Last night, you went to sexually assault Chen Ruyu. Lianfu and his son caught you in the act. Lianfu beat you with a shoulder pole, and his native dog bit you. You killed the dog and ran away, didnt you?"

Dong Zhiqian gasped for breath and struggled to defend himself. "This... This is something Chen Qiwang made up! His sister was nearly assaulted, so he suspected me and set me up!"

"Enough!" Chen Benjiang slammed his hand against the lectern, his voice thundering through the hall. "Right and wrong will be judged fairly. You say youve been falsely accused? Fine. Well invite the villagers here to confront you face-to-face. But before that, I want to ask you: Why did you steal the explosives?"

At that moment, a Party member stood up and raised his hand. "Chairman, I suggest we bring the people involved here to speak for themselves. That would be the fairest way to settle this."

"Theres no need." Chen Benjiang turned around with a smile, like an old fox who had seen through everything. "I was the one who first became suspicious about this matter. The village chief never named anyone. I reached my conclusion based on the injuries on Dong Zhiqians body."

He abruptly changed the subject and turned toward Chen Danghe. "And you? Do you have anything else to say?"

Chen Danghe raised his head. His gaze was firm, and although his voice was not loud, it was clear. "A real man takes responsibility for his own actions. Dong Zhiqian and I stole the explosives."

The entire hall fell silent.

Chen Benjiang nodded. "Those who confess are treated leniently. You have some backbone. I hereby remove you from your position as Director of the Organization Department and sentence you to two years of hard labor. As for Dong Zhiqian, I will hand you over to the village chief to deal with. Whether you live or die is up to you to face."

He raised his hand and waved it. "Director Wang is reinstated to his former position. This meeting is adjourned."

The security guards stepped forward and escorted the two men away. Chen Danghe lowered his head without saying a word, his shoulders held straight. Dong Zhiqian, on the other hand, continued cursing as the guards roughly shoved him out. His furious shouts gradually faded into the distance, leaving behind only the whispers and shock that lingered in the meeting hall.

101

That night, the sky was dark and heavy. In the mountain village, the only sounds were insects chirping and dogs barking. The night breeze carried the chill of the mountains as it swept out from the woods, making the lantern light flicker and sway. Two kerosene lamps had been lit in front of Chen Qiwang’s house, casting dim, yellowish shadows of people across the mottled walls.

A sound of footsteps approached from a distance. Chen Chunqing, captain of the security guards, entered the courtyard with four guards, escorting Dong Zhiqian, who was tightly bound from head to toe. A wad of rags had been stuffed into his mouth. His eyes were wide with terror and resentment, and his hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat. Two guards gripped his arms tightly, practically dragging him through the gate.

Wearing an old jacket and holding a black wooden cane, Chen Qiwang stood waiting at the entrance. His eyes were as cold as blades. He spoke up. “Your Chairman Chen certainly handles things efficiently. It didnt take long for you to bring the criminal here.”

Chen Chunqing nodded slightly. “Qiwang, our Chairman Chen said he is deeply sorry about this disgraceful incident. In accordance with your earlier agreement, he has sent the man who attacked your younger sister here so you can deal with him personally.”

“Your chairman is a man who keeps his word. Please convey my regards to him.” Chen Qiwang brought his palms together and gave a slight bow, his tone respectful.

Chen Chunqing smiled. “Ill pass that along. Were leaving him in your hands. Well head back to the base now.”

“Safe travels, gentlemen.” Chen Qiwang raised a hand politely in farewell, though his eyes remained fixed on Dong Zhiqian.

The security team turned and walked away, their steady footsteps gradually disappearing along the forest path.

The house was brightly lit, and shadows swayed across the walls like ghosts. Chen Qiwang turned and gave instructions to those inside. “Bida, tie this fellow up. I have some questions for him.”

Huang Bida stepped forward with two strong village men. One seized Dong Zhiqian by the shoulders while the other pressed down on his back. Together, they forcibly pushed him against a wooden pillar by the wall and tied him to it. Bound from head to toe like a dead snake, he could do nothing but breathe heavily in defiance.

“Take that wad of rags out of his mouth.” Chen Qiwang waved his hand.

Huang Bida reached out and pulled out the gag. Dong Zhiqian spat with a loud “Ptooey!” He coughed several times, then stared in shock at the grim faces inside the house.

“So it was you all along.” Chen Qiwang spoke coldly as he slowly approached. “Youre nothing but a lowlife. First, you released snakes to bite Director Wang. Then you framed Wang for stealing the explosives. And now youve turned your filthy schemes on my younger sister...” He stopped in front of Dong Zhiqian, raised his cane, and jabbed it hard against the mans chest. “Did you think I would let you get away with this?”

Dong Zhiqians face turned deathly pale, and his legs began to tremble. “Village Chief, sir, I lost my head for a moment and did something stupid. Just treat me like a dog. Kick me a few times if you want, but please spare my life...”

Chen Qiwang suddenly laughed. It was a cold, almost bloodthirsty laugh. “So you know youre a dog? Since you can still speak like a human being, then tell me clearly—did you lay your hands on my younger sister at the Earth God temple last night?”

Dong Zhiqian lowered his head and said nothing. Beads of sweat trickled down his chin and fell to the ground. His eyes searched the room for some sign of mercy, but every face was as cold and unyielding as iron.

“Are you going to talk or not?” Chen Qiwang suddenly slammed his cane against the pillar. The loud bang made Dong Zhiqians whole body jerk in fright.

“I... I was wrong!” Dong Zhiqians voice trembled. “I was possessed by some evil impulse. Please, Village Chief, show mercy and spare my life. Ill work like an ox or a horse for you. Ill do your laundry, cook your meals, even clean the toilets!”

Chen Qiwang gave a cold snort and turned back to his chair. He lit a cigarette and took a slow, unhurried puff. “If I let you go, how could I ever face myself again? But... I dont want your parents to have to bury their own son, either.”

He turned his head toward Huang Bida. “Bida, cut one of his leg tendons first, then lock him in the woodshed. Let him think about how much his life is worth.”

“Yes, Chief.” Huang Bida rubbed his hands together and sneered at the two village men. “Come on. Hold his thighs down. Dont let him move!”

“Ahhh! Ohhh!” Dong Zhiqian let out a bloodcurdling scream. His piercing cries echoed throughout the entire courtyard. Even the dogs outside stopped barking for a moment.

Blood trickled onto the muddy ground, mingling with bits of grass and dust before seeping into the darkness of the night.

The two village men dragged the half-conscious Dong Zhiqian toward the woodshed. All that remained by the entrance was the lamplight trembling in the night breeze, flickering over the scene of retribution that had unfolded that evening.