Chapter Thirteen: Peach Mountain Tribe Hot Springs Trip

On the fifth day, the group walked along the Dalu Forest Trail. The trail was pristine, minimally disturbed by humans, with extremely pleasant scenery. Walking amidst the misty mountains felt like entering a fairyland. Along the mountain path to Guanwu, delicate snowflakes danced in the air, and the branches of cedar and fir were covered in white. Each exhale formed a mist, and everyone’s cheeks and noses were reddened by the cold.

By noon, they arrived at the Atayal Peach Mountain Tribe, a small mountain village of fifty or sixty households. Chief Bani, having heard that Beilin from the Deer Reserve was bringing friends, led the village elders to warmly welcome them at the village entrance.

Bani stepped forward to embrace Beilin. “Welcome, Chief Beilin! It’s an honor to have you here.”

“Uncle Bani, our Deer Reserve held a lively harvest festival last year, but it’s a pity you couldn’t attend,” Beilin greeted him warmly.

Bani apologized, “Yes, my youngest was ill at the time, so I couldn’t leave. Friends from afar, please come to my humble home and rest. I’ve already instructed the villagers to prepare delicious dishes for you.”

Beilin cupped his hands in respect. “Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Bani.”

“Not at all. It’s rare for Chief Beilin to visit; the whole village is delighted,” Bani said, showing genuine warmth.

After lunch, Bani led the guests to “Qingquan Hot Springs.” The Japanese visitors loved hot springs, and upon seeing them, they were as joyful as immortals, spending the entire afternoon soaking while chatting and sipping the millet wine prepared by their hosts.

Daisan held a bamboo cup and said, “It’s a pity this place is so far from our work station. If only we could soak here every two or three days—what a heavenly pleasure!”

Nobuo nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Living in these remote mountains with a hot spring at hand, one can live peacefully, away from worldly concerns—it’s quite pleasant.”

Zeichi said enviously, “The mountain villagers are simple and friendly. They live carefree lives, which is truly enviable.”

Nobuo reflected thoughtfully, “Contentment brings happiness. Living in harmony with nature has been their way of life for centuries. As the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi said: ‘Without desires, one is strong.’ The less material desire a person has, the fewer worries and anxieties, and they can live freely and happily.”

Daisan agreed, “Indeed. We Japanese have always lived too seriously, with too many ambitions, so we worry too much.”

“Although Taiwan is now our territory, we are still guests on this land. We must respect the lifestyle of the people who have lived here long before us and sincerely befriend them,” Nobuo said, wrapping a towel around his head. “Over the past few days, we’ve experienced their warmth. Because they see us as friends, we must not act with the arrogance of a master. This way, we can live harmoniously with them.”

Daisan said, “Station Chief, your words make sense. But I doubt how many Japanese would sincerely try to befriend the people of this land like you do.”

Nobuo sighed, “That’s why. Ever since we arrived in Taiwan, conflicts with the island’s people have been constant.”

The evening banquet was held at Bani’s home. He served roasted wild boar and whole lamb, accompanied by “Floral Dew Wine,” unique to the area. The wine, brewed with petals from a dozen mountain flowers, was fragrant, sweet, and delicate.

“Excellent wine!” Nobuo praised, “Sweet and fragrant, truly a taste of paradise.”

Chang-Gui laughed, “Nobuo, you’re an expert—only you could appreciate its merits.”

Nobuo replied, “I rarely drink, but I’d happily have a few glasses of this every day.”

Chang-Gui said, “Flowers are divine, wine is immortal—this place is truly the land of immortals!”

Bani humbly said, “You flatter me. Our Peach Mountain has various wild flowers and herbs, all locally sourced.”

Chang-Gui said, “Bani, you are modest. I’ve heard Beilin speak of this wine before, and now tasting it, it is indeed extraordinary.”

Beilin added, “Chang-Gui, you’re right. Compared to ordinary millet wine, this one is like the beauty of Princess Meilan.” He compared the wine to a beautiful woman.

Chang-Gui clapped Beilin on the shoulder, pointing to Meilan across the table. “Beilin, I know you care for Meilan, but you know her nature—she’s always seen you as a brother. This cannot be forced,” he said, seemingly addressing Nobuo.

Beilin smiled wryly, “Sigh, Meilan and I grew up together. I know she’s always seen me as a brother.”

That evening, everyone drank merrily. The girls also drank, as the wine was mild and originally intended for women.

This hunting trip was an eye-opening experience for the Japanese staff. They experienced the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains and rivers firsthand, learned about numerous plants and animals, and felt the warmth of their indigenous friends. Everyone felt the trip was worthwhile.

Since returning, Nakazato Koyuki often arranged to meet Beilin during her time off, and they seemed to have naturally developed a romantic relationship.

Chapter Fourteen: Miyamoto Reveals His Cruel Nature

By May, the logging crew was clearing land at the foot of Mount Garisan, preparing to hand it over to the reforestation team. Unexpectedly, they uncovered a coal seam. Experts from the mainland came to investigate and confirmed that the slopes of Mount Garisan were rich in high-quality coking coal, extremely valuable for extraction.

Upon learning this, President Miyamoto saw an opportunity he could not afford to miss. He decided to accelerate his plan to annex the Lianxing Village enterprises. He personally went to the Hsinchu Prefectural Government to inquire when the official document revoking the former Qing-era Dakekan Reclamation Bureau’s land development permit would be issued. He also paid a courtesy visit to the prefect, Misao Igayama, to make preliminary arrangements for his future strategy.

In the VIP room of the Hsinchu Prefectural Government, President Miyamoto said, “Prefect, on behalf of Mitsui Company, I extend my greetings to you.”

Prefect Igayama lounged in a high-backed chair, his tone lazy. “Miyamoto, no need for formalities. Just get to the point.”

Miyamoto said, “Sir, I will be straightforward. Regarding the official document revoking the former Qing Dakekan Reclamation Bureau permit, when will it be issued by the Prefectural Government?”

Igayama turned to the Director of Civil Affairs. “Director Nakasone, please answer this question.” He then closed his eyes to rest, while an attendant massaged his neck and shoulders.

Director Nakasone Yasumi said, “Ah, the matter is still under review by the Civil Affairs Department at the Governor-General’s office. It will take some time.”

Miyamoto said, “Once the document is issued, please have the section chief notify me.”

“The document will first be sent to the district government, which will then notify the various villages,” Nakasone said, his tone turning firm. “President Miyamoto, I understand the schemes Mitsui is planning, but let me remind you: you cannot be hasty. The properties of Ri-Akuai cannot be swallowed up in one fell swoop by your Zhunan branch. Moreover, the Prefect’s intention is that when dealing with local groups, you must act in a planned and stepwise manner to divide and weaken them, avoiding direct seizure, which could provoke rebellion.”

Miyamoto promised, “Director, we will act with caution. But once the document is issued, I request official assistance to handle the matter.”

Nakasone replied, “The Prefectural Government has its own comprehensive plan to implement this administrative order according to the Governor-General’s policy. President Miyamoto need not give any prior notice.”

Frustrated by the unproductive meeting, Miyamoto concealed his irritation and left the prefectural government, boarding a rickshaw. Nakasone’s bureaucratic response felt evasive, yet Miyamoto looked up at the sky clearing after rain, and his spirits lifted. He remained optimistic about the future: if he could successfully annex Ri-Akuai’s enterprises, the Zhunan branch would certainly deliver impressive results.

Miyamoto decided to execute his plan immediately, first by secretly funding Han Chinese immigrants from Fujian to enter the Nanzhuang area and cultivate the land, intentionally provoking conflict between Lianxing Village and the Fujian settlers.

At the Lianxing Station in Daan Village, Nobuo Saku and Nichō-Chōkei chatted cheerfully while Meilan served tea.

Chōkei said, “Nobuo-kun, you’ve been extremely busy lately.”

Nobuo paused his work. “It can’t be helped. The sawmill and camphor factory just started operating; there’s much to coordinate and manage.”

Chōkei praised him, “True, but you handle everything so methodically—it’s impressive.”

Nobuo said, “Consider it self-discipline. Fortunately, you and Meilan help me a lot.”

Chōkei asked, “I’ve heard that two groups of Han immigrants from Fujian have entered the terraces along both banks of Zhonggang River, in Erping and Daan Villages, building houses. My father is closely monitoring them and may soon take eviction action. You must have heard of this.”

Nobuo replied, “Yes. A few days ago, on behalf of the Mitsui Zhunan Branch, I wrote to the district office requesting an official explanation regarding this unauthorized cultivation. We should receive a reply in the coming days.”

Chōkei said, “Nobuo-kun, I’ll leave this matter to you. Mitsui’s intervention carries more weight with the authorities.”

Nobuo said, “No problem. I’ll inform you as soon as there’s news.”

Around noon that day, Ri-Akuai and his son Chōkei led Daragu Lumi, Zhan Baisheng, Varis Beilin, Master Lin, and over two hundred strong men of Lianxing Village, armed with knives, spears, and sticks, to a river terrace on the east bank of Zhonggang River. They surrounded six or seven houses and a dozen Fujian settlers.

Chōkei, hands on his hips, shouted, “Who’s the leader here? Have him step forward.”

“I am Liu Hantang, the head here,” said a six-foot-tall, sturdy farmer.

Chōkei demanded, “Where did you come from?”

A shorter man said, “I’m Zhou Ji. We’re tenant farmers from the Tongxiao coastal area of Miaoli. Due to poor rainfall the past two years, crops failed, rents were high, and life was hard. So we came here to cultivate land.”

Chōkei asked, “Who gave you permission to cultivate here?”

Liu Hantang answered, “The Miaoli District Government.”

Chōkei pressed, “Do you have an official permit?”

Zhou Ji replied, “Yes, but the document hasn’t arrived yet.”

Chōkei frowned. “Strange. Without official papers, you cannot just cultivate land. Even with Miaoli permission, our Nanzhuang Sub-Office isn’t under their jurisdiction. You cannot trespass.”

Seeing their weakness, Liu Hantang humbly said, “Please spare us and let us rent this terrace. We will pay rent on time.”

At this, Ri-Akuai finally spoke: “I am the head of Lianxing Village. You cannot seize land first and demand forced rent. You have half an hour to pack and leave, or we will remove you ourselves.”

Liu Hantang pleaded, “Please consider our situation as fellow farmers. Allow us to stay temporarily until the rice harvest; we will pay rent handsomely.”

Zhan Baisheng jumped out, shouting, “Our head orders you to leave now! Can’t you understand? Foolish!”

Zhou Ji retorted, “We’re all working hard to earn a living. We’re just asking for a place to survive. Why oppress us?”

Zhan Baisheng, angered, said, “If we don’t teach them a lesson, they won’t leave. Brothers, burn their houses first!”

Zhou Ji shouted in fury, “You dare?”

A dozen settlers formed a human shield. Just as violence seemed imminent, Nobuo Saku and Daisan Maruo arrived. “Wait! Stop!” Nobuo shouted.

Zhan Baisheng yelled, “Station Chief Saku, this isn’t your business. Stay out!”

Zhou Ji sneered, “Look, they’ve brought reinforcements!”

Nobuo intervened calmly, “There’s room to negotiate. No need to draw weapons immediately. Let me mediate. Everyone, step aside.”

“Very well. For your sake, we’ll let you handle it,” said Ri-Akuai, signaling his men to observe.

Nobuo addressed Liu Hantang and Zhou Ji: “All the land in the middle and upper Zhonggang River belongs to Lianxing Village. You are cultivating it without permission—that is illegal.”

Liu Hantang explained, “We didn’t know the land belonged to Lianxing. We found this fertile terrace, and it seemed wasted. We wanted a place to farm.”

Zhou Ji supported him, “Yes, and it’s far from Daan Village anyway.”

Nobuo advised, “Smart men avoid unnecessary loss. Leave now. If you fight, you gain nothing. Even if the authorities knew, they cannot intervene in trespassing. I am the Mitsui Station Chief at Lianxing; the authorities and Mitsui have a good relationship.”

Zhou Ji grumbled, “You’re clearly on Lianxing’s side. They bully us outsiders with their numbers.”

Nobuo urged, “Pack your things. Once the head changes his mind, you will leave safely. If you wish to farm here, later send representatives to negotiate with the head.”

Liu Hantang sighed, “Forget it, brothers. We’re outnumbered.” They began packing. A potentially bloody conflict had been averted.

This incident gave the prefectural police an excuse to station troops in Nanzhuang to maintain order, with headquarters in the western village of Daan, across Zhonggang River from the Lianxing Station.

That morning, Lianxing village elders and headmen gathered at Ri-Akuai’s hall.

“Recently, outsiders frequently enter our territory, logging and cultivating illegally. Although we repeatedly evict them and even clash, they are unafraid. I invited Station Chief Saku and all heads to discuss countermeasures,” Ri-Akuai explained.

Chōkei added, “These repeated incursions make us suspect that these outsiders have backing from the authorities or other companies. Chief Saku, please clarify.”

Nobuo replied, “This issue has troubled us too. Last month, I reported it to the prefectural and district governments and our Taipei branch. From internal sources, two mainland companies—Sumitomo and Honda Pharmaceutical—also covet your rich forests and camphor. But since we already have a contract, these companies use political connections to pressure the Governor-General’s Civil Affairs Department and secretly encourage nearby poor farmers to claim they have permission to log and cultivate in your territory.”

He paused, then continued: “This competition among companies has led to rumors that the Governor-General will review all Qing-era permits for forest and wasteland reclamation, revoke them, nationalize the land, and reassign it for lease in batches. This would increase government revenue for infrastructure like railroads and ports. If true, your contract with Mitsui could also be annulled.”

Chōkei said anxiously, “If this policy is implemented, autonomous groups like ours will be completely dismantled. That’s a huge problem.”

Nobuo analyzed further: “According to our Taipei branch’s president Fujii, the Civil Affairs Department likely intends to eliminate local conglomerate power. On one hand, this removes the economic base of potential rebels; on the other, it promotes joint ventures under corporations, separating ownership and management, fundamentally restructuring the industry.”

Chapter 14: Miyamoto Reveals His Savage Face

Nikkoa-kai leader Ri Akai looked grim and said, “If this is true, our Lianxing Village is doomed.”

Daragu asked anxiously, “Then, Station Chief, in your view, given the unfavorable situation ahead, how should we respond?”

Shinobu said, “Even though our Mitsui Company has good political and business connections, a single branch cannot support the entire operation. We cannot change the policies of the Civil Affairs Bureau. However, since your village is aware that a major shift is coming, it would be wise to prepare early and adjust in advance.” He then explained strategies for coping with the new situation.

At the beginning of June, President Miyamoto, Manager Ohashi, Hsinchu State Civil Affairs Director Nakazone Yasuaki, and Nanzhuang Garrison Captain Sanbon Seiki visited Lianxing Village’s Shili Xing community to see Ri Akai, bringing official documents from the state government.

“Chief, here are two official documents from the state government in Chinese text. Please review them,” President Miyamoto said, handing the papers to Ri Akai through a translator.

After reading, Ri Akai’s face darkened. “Just with these two papers, you expect me to hand over a hundred-year-old enterprise of Lianxing Village? The government is pushing its luck too far!”

Captain Sanbon asked sternly, “This is an official government order. Chief, you wouldn’t openly defy it, would you?”

“Hmph!” Ri Akai replied coldly and immediately ordered his men to fetch Station Chief Sakuma and Chōki. He said with righteous indignation, “Even if the Director of the Civil Affairs Bureau personally comes, I want to ask him directly: we follow the law, pay all taxes on time, so on what basis can they seize Lianxing Village’s property?”

President Miyamoto sneered viciously, “Don’t forget, Chief, you’ve already transferred all ownership of Lianxing Village’s enterprises to our Mitsui Company.”

Annoyed, Ri Akai responded, “Nonsense! Lianxing Village and Mitsui only have a cooperation agreement; we never transferred ownership of the enterprises!”

“You’d better pull out that transfer contract and read it carefully,” Miyamoto warned with ill intent.

Ri Akai sensed something was wrong, but being experienced and composed, he remained calm, planning to confront the other party only when Chōki and Shinobu arrived.

Half an hour later, Chōki and Shinobu arrived. Ri Akai ordered a servant to retrieve the cooperation contract and hand it to Shinobu.

Upon seeing it, Shinobu became furious and angrily threw the contract to the ground. He realized that Miyamoto was not only deceiving him but manipulating the contract to exploit Lianxing Village’s trust. The words “joint management of enterprises” had been altered to “Lianxing Village transfers ownership of the enterprises,” making Shinobu unknowingly complicit.

“Miyamoto, you’ve gone too far, tampering with a cooperation contract and putting me in an unjust position!” Shinobu shouted, veins bulging on his forehead.

“Station Chief Sakuma, I am just following orders from President Fujii of the Taipei branch,” Miyamoto feigned innocence, which made Shinobu even angrier.

“I will personally go to Taipei to confront President Fujii. For now, until I receive a satisfactory explanation from the Taipei branch, Lianxing Workstation is temporarily independent of Mitsui, and neither I nor my staff will follow your or the Zhunan branch’s orders,” Shinobu declared, refusing to yield.

Miyamoto, furious, shouted, “Sakuma Shinobu, how dare you openly defy orders?” He had never expected Shinobu to counterattack like this.

Manager Ohashi supported him, saying, “Station Chief Shinobu, you better consider the consequences carefully.”

Shinobu sneered, “This isn’t defiance. I plan to use the Sakuma family’s resources to take over Lianxing Workstation. If you disagree, you can have Mitsui’s Chairman Ogawa go to Tokyo to negotiate with my father! I’m confident he will see things the same way I do. I will immediately telegraph him to explain what happened here.” Shinobu went all in, confronting the entire Mitsui Company.

“Good. Didn’t expect you young man to be so ruthless. I’ll ask President Fujii to fire you immediately!” Miyamoto barked, trying to save face.

“Suit yourself,” Shinobu replied coldly, then picked up the contract and tore it into pieces in front of Miyamoto, Director Nakazone, and Captain Sanbon. The three were dumbfounded, while Ri Akai and Chōki were shocked and incredulous—they had not expected Shinobu to have such courage and decisiveness once he made up his mind.

Miyamoto turned to Ri Akai, threatening, “Chief, the state government’s documents are here. Regardless of whether you accept them, you must submit your enterprise inventory to the Civil Affairs Section within a month. After that, Mitsui and the garrison will come to take over Lianxing Village.”

Ri Akai stroked his long beard, smiling with narrowed eyes. “Ha! How amusing! Even Station Chief Sakuma doesn’t recognize the contract. Lianxing Village only cooperates with the Workstation, and Mitsui has no authority. Tell me, President Miyamoto, on what basis do you claim our enterprises?”

Shinobu’s tone rose: “Chief, you are right. Moreover, the tampered contract states that Lianxing Village transfers enterprise ownership to the Workstation. Since the Workstation no longer answers to Mitsui, you cannot assert any business rights. As for the Governor, I’ll have someone ask him what price he expects us to pay to maintain administrative neutrality in the dispute between Mitsui and Mitsubishi and to allow me to take over the Workstation. If he dares to ask for money, I will publish his demand in every mainland newspaper and see if he dares to continue!” Shinobu responded calmly, determined to make a strong impression.

Miyamoto glared fiercely and threatened, “You’re ruthless, Sakuma Shinobu! We’ll see about that!”

Shinobu retorted disdainfully, “I’m not ruthless—you are, with your despicable methods!”

Finally, Director Nakazone spoke: “Miyamoto, it seems you need to settle your internal conflicts before I decide whether public authority should intervene.” He knew it was unwise to confront the Sakuma family directly.

Captain Sanbon added, “Forget it, Miyamoto. Looks like you’ve hit a brick wall. The Director said it—let’s leave while we can.” Sanbon, seeing Nakazone’s helpless expression, pulled Miyamoto along to retreat.

Ri Akai ordered the guards, “Escort these unwelcome guests out!”

Miyamoto left in disgrace with the others.

This incident left a deep impression on Ri Akai and Chōki. Regarding the young Sakuma Shinobu, there was only one word to describe him: admiration.

On the mountain path back, Miyamoto fumed: “That kid Shinobu—he betrays us and colludes with Lianxing Village!”

Director Nakazone shook his head and smiled wryly: “Miyamoto, you rushed too much. Lianxing Village has decades of local roots—like a massive tree. Even with our backing, you cannot act recklessly. Tampering with contracts invites trouble and local unrest. Your approach was too crude. Even without Shinobu stepping forward, I doubt Ri Akai would have surrendered easily.”

Captain Sanbon agreed: “Exactly. Ri Akai is clearly not weak. But I never expected someone from your own Mitsui branch to turn on you at the crucial moment.”

Miyamoto said frustratedly: “Back at the Taipei branch, I’ll report to President Fujii and have Sakuma Shinobu dismissed and the Lianxing Workstation dissolved.”

Nakazone replied, “Since Shinobu has publicly declared independence, he won’t care if you try to dismiss him. And with Mitsubishi’s financial strength, you can’t touch him. Forget it.”

Miyamoto protested: “I can’t just let it go! I can’t swallow this anger.”

Nakazone instructed Captain Sanbon: “The garrison should stay out for now and await county instructions.”

Sanbon replied: “Yes, sir.”