120

On December 28, 1952, the morning after the provincial councilor elections, cold winds swept across the mountains of Taipei, and an atmosphere of tension hung in the air. At daybreak, several units from the Ministry of National Defenses Investigation Bureau, the Taiwan Provincial Security Command, the Taipei Garrison Command, and the Taipei County Police Department had already assembled around the Lukou Base, preparing to launch a large-scale military sweep. Meanwhile, Guangming Temple, located in Lukou Village, had been designated as the temporary joint command post.

Inside Guangming Temple, the lighting was dim and a thin mist hung in the air. Several soldiers were busy adjusting the communications equipment. Commander Mao Renfeng, dressed in military uniform, stood looking down at a battlefield map, his gaze cold and stern.

Breaking the silence with his deep, rough voice, he asked, "Zhengwen, have all the entrances and exits of the base been secured?"

Gu Zhengwen stood beside the command table, his hands clasped together. His gaze was sharp, and his fingers gripped a folder tightly. He answered in a low voice, "Reporting to you, Director, everything has been arranged."

Mao Renfeng nodded slightly and immediately issued his next order. "Good! Tonight, well catch them all like turtles trapped in a jar. Zhengwen, you will assign the missions to each unit."

Gu Zhengwen gave a brief nod and replied, "Yes, Director."

A cold glint appeared in Mao Renfengs eyes. He spoke slowly. "Director Chen has instructed that if we encounter armed resistance, no one is to be spared. However, we should still try to capture the key leaders, such as Chen Benjiang and Lü Heruo, alive whenever possible."

Gu Zhengwen paused briefly, and a look of determination flashed across his eyes. "Yes, Director."

Gu Zhengwen immediately began assigning missions, and the atmosphere in the command post grew increasingly tense.

"Lieutenant Colonel Xing, take a unit of military police and search in the direction of the rear mountains. Be sure to exercise caution."

He pointed to a location on the map, his voice low and authoritative.

Xing Aihua immediately stepped forward and gave a regulation military salute. "Yes, Chief."

Gu Zhengwen then turned to Guo Junting, who was standing nearby.

"Major Guo, take a unit of police officers and search the houses one by one. Arrest the villagers on the wanted list and any suspicious individuals. Work quickly."

Guo Junting straightened his back and nodded firmly. "Yes, Chief."

Next, Gu Zhengwen turned his attention to Deputy Commander Zhao. His gaze was as sharp as an eagles, and his tone brooked no argument.

"Deputy Commander Zhao, I will need your security forces to lead the frontal assault and eliminate the Communist Party members hiding at the base."

A flicker of excitement crossed Deputy Commander Zhaos eyes. He immediately straightened up, puffed out his chest slightly, and replied, "Having the opportunity to take part in this operation is an honor that Commander Mao has granted me and my men. We will certainly carry out our mission without fail."

Gu Zhengwen glanced at his watch. His tightly clenched fist relaxed, and his tone softened slightly.

"Tonights comprehensive sweep requires every unit to give its utmost effort. Make absolutely certain that no one escapes."

As Gu Zhengwen finished speaking, the officers around him straightened up and responded in unison.

"Yes, Chief!"

In an instant, the atmosphere became as tense as the moment before a thunderstorm, heavy with the threat of an imminent explosion. Mao Renfeng stood to one side, observing the entire command post. He nodded slightly, seemingly confident in the success of the operation.

Outside the command post, the overcast sky hung low. Several crows flew overhead, seemingly foreshadowing the storm about to break. In the distant mountains, troop movements could faintly be seen in several locations. Under the cover of darkness, Lukou Village remained asleep. But tonight, its silence was about to be shattered.

121

An atmosphere of tension hung over the base. The surroundings were silent, broken only by occasional gusts of wind and the faint sound of footsteps in the distance. It seemed as though the entire base was already in a state of military readiness.

Inside the main conference hall, dark clouds hung heavily outside the windows, and the light filtering through the glass was dim and lifeless. Several leaders sat around the table, their expressions grave. An oppressive atmosphere filled the room, making even breathing seem difficult.

At the front of the conference hall, Chairman Chen Benjiang stood with an expression paler than usual. His gaze was deep and stern. Both hands gripped the tabletop tightly, his fingertips turning slightly white as he struggled to suppress his inner anxiety.

He began speaking in a deep voice.

"Comrades, our base has now reached a critical moment of life and death. A direct confrontation with Chiang Kai-sheks regime has become unavoidable."

His voice was low and forceful. Every word seemed to weigh heavily upon those listening.

"Those of you who remain at the base have made the same determination as I have. We are prepared to fight to protect the base, even at the cost of our lives."

The atmosphere in the room immediately grew even more oppressive. Several leaders lowered their heads and remained silent. Some clenched their fists, their faces tense, clearly contemplating the choices that lay ahead.

At that moment, Chen Chunqing frowned slightly and stood up. His voice carried a trace of concern that he could barely conceal.

"We certainly have to fight against Chiang Kai-sheks regime, but given our limited numbers and inferior firepower, we simply cannot match their forces."

He stepped forward, his hands clenched tightly, anxiety showing in his eyes.

"Chairman, why dont we consider evacuating temporarily and preserving our strength so that we can continue the struggle against them in the future?"

Chen Benjiang slowly raised his head and swept his cold gaze across the entire conference room. His eyes were as sharp as blades, allowing no room for dissent.

"What does everyone else think?"

His tone was utterly resolute, as though his mind had already been made up.

The atmosphere grew even more tense. Several leaders exchanged glances, different emotions flickering in their eyes.

Finally, Xu Xikuan rose slightly. His gaze was firm, and his voice was low and steady.

"Even if we intend to preserve our strength, our defense unit must still come out and resist Chiang Kai-sheks forces. We must engage the military and police head-on and hold them off, allowing the majority of our comrades to retreat separately."

Xu Xikuans words prompted everyone present to take an involuntary deep breath.

Liu Xuekun immediately stood up. His movements were steady and deliberate. He folded his arms across his chest, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Director Xus concerns are justified. Leave this mission to our security unit."

His voice carried an unmistakable authority, as though he had already prepared himself to make any sacrifice necessary.

Chen Benjiang furrowed his brows and looked deeply at Xu Xikuan and Liu Xuekun. A complicated emotion flashed through his eyes.

"All right. Director Xu, Instructor Liu, if you find yourselves unable to hold them back, be prepared to retreat. Withdraw in separate directions toward Ruifang and Qingtong."

His voice was low and solemn, as though those words carried the fate and lives of countless people.

Xu Xikuan nodded, his gaze unwavering. His voice carried a restrained sense of respect.

"Understood, Chairman."

Liu Xuekun also straightened up and responded without hesitation.

"Yes, Chairman."

Chen Benjiang turned around and gazed at the gray sky outside the window, seemingly contemplating every decision that lay ahead. He slowly clenched his fist. His expression remained stern. After a moment of silence, he spoke quietly.

"Everything is in the hands of fate."

The air in the conference room seemed to freeze. Everyones gaze grew unusually sharp, and the tension reached its peak.

122

An atmosphere of restlessness and unease pervaded the base. Sunlight filtered through thick clouds and fell into the ammunition depot, casting long shadows across the walls in the dim, yellowish light.

A pungent smell of gunpowder and oil filled the storeroom, while the heavy metallic odor hung in the air. The team members stood in a line, taking turns approaching the weapon racks to collect firearms and ammunition. Every face looked grave, and everyones heart was filled with uneasiness and confusion.

Team Member A stood in front of the gun rack. He picked up a pistol and tried to insert the magazine, only to discover that it would not fit. Frowning, he spoke with anxiety and confusion in his voice.

"Director Xu, whats going on? The bullets I was given wont fit into this pistol. How are we supposed to fire it?"

He shook the pistol in his hand, as though checking whether he had made a mistake.

Team Member B stood nearby, also examining the rifle in his hands with confusion. The caliber was obviously incompatible with the ammunition. The rifles chamber was too large, while the bullets were too small to fit properly.

He furrowed his brows, his voice tinged with frustration and helplessness.

"Instructor Liu, why are the bullets Ive been given the wrong size for this rifle? They dont match its caliber."

He tried forcing a bullet into the rifle, but still could not get it to fit.

Xu Xikuan approached from the side. His expression remained calm, although his brows were slightly furrowed. He raised a hand to signal the two men to stop, then walked closer to the weapon rack and pointed at the assortment of firearms scattered haphazardly across it.

"Most of these firearms and bullets were purchased from Nationalist soldiers."

He gently patted a rifle in his hand and continued in a steady voice.

"Most of those soldiers belonged to irregular units. They used all kinds of different firearms, with no common standard. Apparently, the comrades responsible for purchasing the weapons back then never properly checked the gun calibers or ammunition specifications. As long as the sellers were willing to sell and the money was paid, the weapons were accepted."

He shook his head helplessly, his voice carrying a trace of regret.

"At the time, they probably thought wed find a use for them sooner or later."

Liu Xuekun stood nearby, listening. He sighed slightly, waved his hand, and gave a wry smile.

"From the looks of it, most of these firearms are useless. Why dont we issue everyone some melee weapons instead? I know there are still more than a hundred rakes, axes, and woodcutting knives in the farm tool shed."

As he spoke, he pointed toward a small building in the distance, where the base stored its agricultural tools.

Team Member C suddenly widened his eyes, seemingly unable to believe what he had just heard. He quickly turned toward Xu Xikuan, his expression filled with shock and uneasiness.

"You cant be serious! You expect us to take rakes, axes, and woodcutting knives to the front lines and fight the Nationalist military and police with them?"

His voice was hurried and tinged with anger.

"Thats like throwing an egg against a rock. Wed be signing our own death warrants!"

He cast an uneasy glance at the other team members, seemingly convinced that his life was about to end in the coming battle.

The team members began talking among themselves, their voices growing louder as their emotions gradually became more agitated. Everyone was contemplating the desperate situation they faced and worrying about their own fate.

Seeing the tension mounting, Xu Xikuan took a deep breath and suddenly shouted an order.

"Stop wasting your energy and strength arguing about this!"

As he spoke, he struck the rifle in his hand firmly. His tone was resolute.

"If the guns and ammunition dont work, then take the rakes and woodcutting knives instead. Thats still better than going into battle empty-handed, isnt it?"

When he finished speaking, everyone fell silent. Although their expressions remained grave, the command gradually suppressed their agitation.

Seeing this, Liu Xuekun gently patted one of the team members beside him, then turned and walked toward the farm tool shed, signaling everyone to follow.

His steps were steady and purposeful, each one filled with determination. The team members followed one after another. Although dissatisfaction and uneasiness still lingered in their hearts, they understood that there was no turning back now.

As the team members headed toward the farm tool shed, only the echoes of their footsteps and occasional miscellaneous noises remained in the empty ammunition depot. The tension filled the air, pressing increasingly heavily upon everyones chest.

123

The night was deep and dark. The villages tranquility was shattered by sudden pounding on a door. Moonlight streamed down from above, illuminating the dim alleyways, its faint glow barely penetrating the thick clouds.

Major Guo Junting led a unit of police officers armed with rifles and pistols along the muddy paths. Their footsteps were heavy and forceful, and the sound of their boots scraping against the earth echoed throughout the village.

Occasionally, frightened villagers peered outside through their windows, only to shrink back in fear.

A squad of police officers arrived at Yu Lianfus traditional three-sided courtyard house.

At that moment, Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong were sitting leisurely on wooden chairs in the living room. Several small plates of peanuts and two glasses of Honglu liquor were on the table. The faint lamplight illuminated their composed faces.

Lin Maotong was idly stirring the liquor in his glass with a finger, while Yu Lianfu casually sipped his drink. Their low laughter and conversation could occasionally be heard.

Suddenly, a series of hurried pounding knocks shattered the silence.

"Open the door! Open up!"

Guo Juntings voice was cold and stern.

Hearing the pounding, Laichun hurried out of the room and anxiously looked outside through the window. She saw several villagers being dragged away in handcuffs, with police officers keeping a close watch behind them.

Her expression changed. She hurried over to Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong and spoke in a low voice.

"Lianfu, Maotong, a squad of police officers is pounding on our door! I just saw several villagers being arrested and taken away through the window. Do you think theyre coming to arrest the two of you?"

After hearing this, Yu Lianfu remained calm. He slowly put down his glass, smiled, and patted Laichun on the shoulder.

"Dont be afraid. Go open the door. Theres no escaping whats coming. Maotong and I have already prepared ourselves mentally."

His voice was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable sense of resolve.

Laichun looked at the two men, but her mind remained unsettled. She slowly walked toward the entrance, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for the doorknob.

Guo Junting and his officers entered the courtyard. They moved quickly and in an orderly manner. His gaze swept over the surroundings like that of a hawk, his eyes filled with cold determination.

Standing at the entrance, he pounded on the heavy wooden door and shouted coldly, "Open up!"

Laichun finally summoned the courage to open the door.

Guo Junting immediately stepped inside, followed by the officers, who kept the occupants under surveillance while aiming their weapons at them.

When his gaze fell upon Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong, who were sitting there drinking, he asked coldly, "Are you Yu Lianfu, the head of this household?"

Yu Lianfu stood up, smiled faintly, and put down his glass.

"Thats me."

His voice was steady, without the slightest trace of panic, as though he had already anticipated the storm that was about to come.

Guo Junting turned toward Lin Maotong. His gaze swept over the mans single eye, and a look of disdain appeared on his face.

"And the man beside you must be Lin Maotong, the one-eyed fellow, right?"

Hearing this, Lin Maotong faced the armed police officers without fear. He straightened his chest and replied coldly.

"Thats me. May I ask what brings you gentlemen to my door at this hour of the night?"

Guo Junting made no attempt to conceal his coldness.

"Were from the Investigation Bureau. Under orders from our superiors, were here to arrest both of you."

Yu Lianfu furrowed his brows slightly and raised them a little. His voice was calm but carried a hint of defiance.

"What law have we broken that gives you the right to arrest us?"

Guo Junting gave a cold laugh.

"Im only following orders to make the arrests. Come with us to the command headquarters. If you have any grievances, you can file an appeal there."

He suddenly waved his hand and ordered the officers behind him.

"Men, handcuff these two and take them away!"

Hearing this, Laichun was shaken. Her emotions erupted instantly. She grabbed Lianfus wrist with trembling hands, her voice filled with anxiety and indignation.

"You cant arrest them! They havent done anything wrong!"

Her fingers clutched Yu Lianfu tightly, as though she were trying to pull him back. But her helplessness made her efforts seem painfully feeble.

Guo Juntings expression darkened, and a cold glint flashed through his eyes.

"Please do not interfere with the execution of our official duties."

Impatiently, he waved his hand and signaled the officers to tighten their control.

"Take them away!"

One of the officers stepped forward heavily and pushed Laichun aside without mercy. She staggered several steps before regaining her balance. But her eyes were filled with helplessness and guilt.

Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong were forcibly dragged outside. Their steps were heavy as they were taken away, while the night and the merciless orders behind them seemed to recede farther and farther into the distance.

Lianfu looked back once and spoke in an unhurried voice.

"Well be all right. Take good care of the family."

His gaze was resolute, and his voice conveyed an unshakable determination, as though their fate had already been sealed.

Wenyan could no longer contain his emotions. He rushed forward, trying to run toward his father, and shouted hoarsely.

"Dad! Dad! Dont take my father away!"

He stretched out his hands, but Laichun quickly grabbed him. Her eyes were filled with helplessness and sorrow as she struggled to hold Wenyan back.

The two generations of the family were forced to stand together, helplessly watching Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong being taken away until they disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Zhou Tianmei also came out of the house. She stood there in a daze, her eyes filled with confusion and worry. At the doorway, her slightly trembling hands were clenched into fists. Silent anguish flickered in her eyes, as though everything had suddenly become unreal.

124

Beginning in the early hours of December 29, fierce exchanges of gunfire between the bases defense unit and the military and police forces erupted, their deafening sounds shaking the heavens and the earth. The ground seemed to tremble as gunfire and explosions echoed continuously through the night sky. Flames illuminated the surrounding buildings and dense forests.

Liu Xuekun, the bases political instructor, Liao Chao, the liaison officer, and dozens of team members heroically sacrificed their lives in the battle. Xu Xikuan was also wounded amid the chaos and was eventually captured. Smoke and dust filled the surrounding area, and the smoke of battle had yet to clear.

Dozens of captured base leaders, along with Chen Qiwang, his eldest son Chen Tianqi, Director-General Liao Musheng, the lame Yu Lianfu, and the one-eyed Lin Maotong, all from Lukou Village, were being escorted to a temporary military interrogation room at the Caitang (later known as Guangming Temple) to face military questioning.

As they entered the main hall, the horrifying scene before them shocked everyone beyond words.

The hands of numerous detained villagers had been pierced with iron wires, leaving them covered in blood. Severely wounded members of the defense unit had their limbs suspended from bamboo poles. Their bodies silently bore witness to their former bravery, yet they now lay in a miserable state, dead.

Military and police personnel followed the prisoners like shadows, escorting each captive with ruthless determination.

Military police pushed Chen Qiwang and his son into the temporary interrogation room inside the Cai Temple. The surroundings were completely silent. The only light came from the flickering candle on the table, which stood out glaringly against the darkness.

Gu Zhengwen coldly surveyed Chen Qiwang, lightly tapping his fingers on the tabletop as he broke the silence.

"Youre Chen Qiwang, the village chief of Lukou Village, arent you?"

Chen Qiwangs face was haggard, but he raised his head and answered firmly.

"Yes, I am."

Gu Zhengwen stared at him, his eyes filled with indifference.

"Our Investigation Bureau has been watching you for a long time. You may be a village chief in name, but theres much more to you than meets the eye. Youre the principal financial backer of that band of bandits at the base."

Chen Qiwang furrowed his brows, showing a trace of anxiety, but he remained composed.

"Sir, I dont understand what you mean by bandits. I simply rent out land for villagers to cultivate and collect rent from the farmland. Thats all."

Gu Zhengwens expression darkened, and his tone became even colder.

"You may be able to deceive other people, but we have evidence. We know perfectly well that you provided land, money, and food to the base. Theres no point in denying it."

Chen Qiwang forced a smile, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

"Sir, youre an official, and Im just an ordinary citizen. Whatever charges you want to pin on me, what good would it do even if I tried to defend myself?"

At that moment, Xing Aihua, who was standing nearby, could no longer restrain himself. He interrupted with a mocking laugh.

"Theres no point in being so stubborn. Youre already facing death, and you still refuse to admit your mistakes!"

Gu Zhengwen stared intently at Chen Qiwang, his tone changing slightly.

"Village Chief, considering the extent of your involvement in this case, the military tribunal will most likely sentence you to death. However, if youre willing to give a truthful account, I can plead for leniency on your behalf in the interrogation record. Perhaps I can save your life."

A bitter expression flashed across Chen Qiwangs eyes.

"Sir, Ive truly been wronged! Im nothing more than an ordinary farmer. My dealings with those people at the base were merely business transactions. If you think I can provide you with any intelligence, youre giving me far too much credit."

Gu Zhengwen gave a cold laugh.

"Theres no point in crying that youve been wronged. I have a list of villagers who participated in the bases organization. Why dont you take a look?"

Xing Aihua pushed the list in front of Chen Qiwang.

Chen Qiwang examined it, his eyes filled with confusion. A trace of indignation crept into his voice.

"Sir, this list includes practically every adult male villager in the entire village. Isnt that a bit excessive?"

Gu Zhengwen shrugged and asked coldly in return.

"Really? Then let me ask you this: Why isnt your brother-in-law, Liao Qingwen, on this list?"

Chen Qiwang was taken aback. He immediately replied, "He just returned from another place. Hes in the tea business and has absolutely nothing to do with the base."

A meaningful glint appeared in Gu Zhengwens eyes as he spoke in a low voice.

"Exactly. You see, our Investigation Bureau doesnt arrest people indiscriminately."

However, Chen Qiwang seemed to have already understood the true nature of the situation. The anxiety and helplessness in his eyes grew even deeper.

"But this list actually includes Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong. They have absolutely nothing to do with the base. Under ordinary circumstances, theyre just villagers who come to my house for tea."

Gu Zhengwen furrowed his brows slightly, then turned and whispered a few questions to Xing Aihua.

After Xing Aihua whispered his response, Gu Zhengwen turned back to Chen Qiwang and spoke again.

"According to our intelligence, those two men have twice provided advance warnings to Chen Benjiang, the chairman of the base. Clearly, theyre not as innocent as they appear."

Chen Qiwang gave a cold laugh. By now, he had little hope left in any of this.

"Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong were both conscripted by the Japanese government when they were young and sent to Southeast Asia as laborers for the military. One came back with a crippled leg, and the other lost an eye. Why would the base need two disabled men like them? How can you still claim that youre not arresting people indiscriminately?"

At that moment, Chen Qiwang understood clearly that he would probably never escape this ordeal. Perhaps he could still save some of the villagers. At least that would allow him to do something good and earn a little merit for himself.

Gu Zhengwen remained silent for a moment, then his gaze sharpened.

"If youre willing to tell us the whereabouts of Lü Heruo and He Yunxuan, the military prosecutor might give you a chance to live."

Chen Qiwang gave a bitter smile and replied coldly.

"They have legs of their own. How could I possibly know where they are?"

Gu Zhengwen shook his head, his voice tinged with displeasure.

"Alas! It seems you wont shed a tear until you see the coffin. Then dont blame me for being unable to help you. Guards, take this father and son away!"

The military police immediately responded.

"Yes, sir!"

Chen Qiwang and his son, Chen Tianqi, were taken away.

Xing Aihua turned his head toward Gu Zhengwen and said, "Chief, I have some concerns. It seems someone leaked information about this operation in advance. We havent managed to capture a single one of the key figures, including Chen Benjiang, Lü Heruo, and He Yunxuan."

Gu Zhengwen nodded and replied coldly, "Youre right. We need to conduct a further investigation into the possibility of an internal leak."