Episode Seven

1

The fruit after the meal was a platter of sliced pineapple and watermelon. Yazuko prepared two large plates.

Matsushita’s eyes lit up. “Wow! Pineapple and watermelon! They’re all my favorite fruits.”
Nishikawa Qiao said, “My grandson and granddaughter-in-law said they’re not afraid of you eating as much as you like!”
Matsushita said, “Taiwanese people are truly generous. If I ever have the chance to go to Taiwan, I must stay for a while and properly savor the local cuisine and tropical fruits.”
Nishikawa Qiao said, “There will be an opportunity! When the time comes, let Zheyan take you around.”
Yazuko said, “Everyone, please eat as much as you like! Huizi and I bought extra.”
Matsushita said, “Yazuko’s tone already has a Taiwanese flavor—she’s becoming more and more like Zheyan.”
Hongren said, “Yazuko has already been assimilated by my son-in-law.”
Lingzi said, “Recently she’s been diligently learning Taiwanese from her husband.”
Huizi said, “I’ve also learned a bit along with them!”
Lingzi said, “Why are you joining in the fun? Don’t tell me you also want to marry into Taiwan?”

Lingzi’s careless remark stirred a hidden pain in Yazuko’s heart. Seeing Yazuko’s expression suddenly dim, Huizi immediately gestured with her lips to remind her mother, Lingzi.

Lingzi comforted her, saying, “There will be a chance in the future, Yazuko. Your mother will accompany you to Taiwan.”
Hongren also said, “Your father will go with you as well.”
Yazuko forced a smile and said, “I’m fine…”

2

In a ward at Yang General Hospital, Meixiu was helping a military laborer who had returned severely wounded from Southeast Asia change his bandages. She overheard two laborers in the same ward talking.

“Achang, your luck is better than mine. An American grenade only took one of your hands and one of your eyes. Both of my calves were bitten off by our own landmines.”
“Aping, who told you not to follow the squad leader? That’s why you wandered into a minefield. It was the squad leader who went in and carried you out.”
“Thinking about it is really heartbreaking. Of our small squad, only the two of us were sent alive to the field hospital.”
“Achang, I heard that among those from Qingshui Street who were sent to Java Island, only we made it back alive.”
“Yes, Aping. Compared to our fellow townsmen who died in battle, although we are disabled, at least we kept our lives.”
“Achang, without these two legs, what can I do? I’m afraid no woman would be willing to marry me.”
“Didn’t Director Yang promise to fit you with prosthetic limbs? So you can work like a normal person? As for getting a wife, as long as you’re not picky, there are widows everywhere. Ask a matchmaker to help you find one—you won’t be without a partner.”
“What you say seems reasonable. Then I’d better hurry and do my rehabilitation, and find a job after I’m discharged.”

Meixiu felt quite uneasy inside. She decided to write a letter tonight to tell Xintai that after finishing his studies, he should first stay at his maternal grandfather’s home in Tokyo and not rush back, so as to avoid being conscripted to the front line.

3

Meixiu was in her bedroom writing a letter to Zheyan when her mother, Chuntao, slid open the paper door.

Chuntao said, “It’s already late. You should rest early. You still have to go to school tomorrow to teach your students.”
Meixiu said, “Mother, I’m writing a letter to Xintai. I’ll go rest after I finish.”
Chuntao came closer and took a look. “Meixiu, why are you telling Xintai not to return to Taiwan?”
“I’m worried that Xintai will soon be conscripted to the front line to fight the American army,” Meixiu continued. “Tonight in the hospital ward, I heard two laborers who had returned to our street talking…”

Meixiu briefly recounted what she had heard.

Chuntao said, “There’s no use worrying. Once Xintai finishes his studies, his father will definitely call him back immediately. Besides, if Xintai doesn’t return, how long will your marriage be delayed? This can’t go on forever.”
Meixiu said, “I’m willing to wait until the war ends. I would rather Xintai remain in Tokyo.”
Chuntao said, “Think it over carefully yourself.”

4

Zheyan was at his desk writing a reply letter to Meixiu.

Yazuko came closer, glanced at it, and said, “Writing a letter to Sister Meixiu, husband?”
Zheyan said, “After I finish this reply, I’ll accompany you to the hospital for your prenatal checkup.”
Yazuko said, “Help me send my regards to Sister Meixiu. Tell her I miss her and the night market on Qingshui Street.”
Zheyan said, “I will. Meixiu told me not to rush back to Qingshui in Taiwan after I finish my studies.”
Yazuko asked in confusion, “Not to rush back to Qingshui? Why? Will your father agree?”
Zheyan shook his head and said, “Of course my father will immediately want me to return. In his previous letter, he mentioned that over the past six months, the number of patients seeking treatment at the hospital—especially for external injuries—has increased most dramatically. I know this is related to the war expanding into Southeast Asia and the Governor-General’s Office massively conscripting volunteer soldiers. My father says he needs me to return to Qingshui to help him.”
Yazuko asked, “You still haven’t answered me—why does Sister Meixiu want you to stay here and not rush back to Qingshui?”
“Read Meixiu’s letter yourself,” Zheyan said, handing the letter to Yazuko.
After reading it, Yazuko said, “Sister Meixiu’s concerns are quite reasonable, aren’t they?”
“But…” Zheyan did not know what to say for a moment.
“But you can’t bear to leave Sister Meixiu. You can bring her to live with us. There are enough rooms in the house, and I know how to yield. After all, she is your principal wife, and I am only a concubine.”
Feeling misunderstood, Zheyan said angrily, “That’s not what you think, all right?”
“Don’t be angry, husband. What did I say that was wrong? You should tell me. Or are you worried that if Sister Meixiu comes, she will discover that we are already married and that I’m carrying your child?” As Yazuko spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Zheyan said irritably, “What are you thinking? Didn’t I just say that the key lies with my father? He would never agree to let me stay in Tokyo. Right now, his hospital urgently needs me to return.”
Yazuko wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said, “I understand now. For the sake of the unborn child, I will ask grandfather and grandmother to persuade your father.”
Zheyan said, “Don’t be ridiculous, all right? That will only make things more complicated…”

Yazuko did not listen. In order to make Zheyan stay, she had already made up her mind.

At the other end of the corridor, Michiko and Lingzi heard Zheyan’s raised voice and peeked out.
Lingzi asked, “Could it be that the young couple is arguing?”
Michiko said, “Let’s observe the situation first. Don’t rush to intervene.”

5

In the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic at the hospital, the doctor moved a stethoscope across Yazuko’s slightly swollen abdomen.

The doctor said, “I can hear two fetal heartbeats. It should be a pair of twins.”
Yazuko beamed with joy. “A pair of twins?”
The doctor said, “Yes, that’s correct.”
Zheyan said, “I didn’t expect to welcome two children at once…”
The doctor said, “Carrying twins is very demanding. You must take good care of your wife—ensure she has sufficient nutrition and moderate exercise, but don’t let her gain weight too quickly, otherwise the babies may grow too large, which will affect a smooth natural delivery later.”
Zheyan said, “Yes, I will.”

Zheyan supported Yazuko as they left the consultation room and came to the waiting area. Zheyan said, “Sit down for a while. I’ll make a phone call home.”

Zheyan went to the counter to borrow a telephone and called home in Ueno. The one who answered was his grandmother, Michiko.

“Grandmother? It’s Zheyan.” Zheyan’s hand holding the receiver trembled slightly.
“It’s Zheyan!”
“I’m at the obstetrics department. The doctor says Yazuko is carrying twins.”
“Twins? Thank the Bodhisattva and the ancestors of the Nishikawa family for their blessing! I’ll quickly inform the whole family of this good news. Come back early…”

From the moment he hung up the phone, Zheyan realized that he had become a father and that his life had entered a brand-new journey.

Returning to Yazuko’s side, Zheyan said, “Wife, resign from your job tomorrow.”
Yazuko said, “Design work isn’t very tiring. Don’t make me stay idle at home—let me keep working until the babies are seven or eight months along.”

6

When Zheyan and Yazuko returned home, the family gathered around them and embraced one another.

Michiko said, “When these two little ones are born, the house will be lively from now on. Old man, don’t complain that the children are noisy then.”
Nishikawa Qiao said with a smile, “How could I complain? I will gladly enjoy such a lively life, old woman.”
Hongren said, “It’s a pity we can’t know the babies’ genders in advance.”
Lingzi said, “We’ll find out at birth. Whether boys or girls, both are good.”
Huizi said, “Sis, Mother told me to take over your kitchen duties starting today.”
Yazuko said, “You’ll have to ask your brother-in-law whether he wants to teach you how to cook Taiwanese dishes.”
Huizi said, “Brother-in-law, then teach me how to cook Taiwanese dishes.”
Lingzi said, “Huizi, in my opinion, you should first learn the basic Japanese dishes from me. Taiwanese cuisine is not as easy to master as you think.”
Zheyan said, “The doctor reminded us not to let the pregnant woman gain weight too quickly, otherwise the babies will grow too large, which is not good for natural delivery later.”
Nishikawa Qiao said, “Then from now on, we should not cook Taiwanese dishes too often. Let’s switch to lighter Japanese cuisine.”
Lingzi said, “Then I’ll take charge of the cooking again, Father.”

7

Grandmother Michiko called Yazuko into her room; her mother Lingzi was also present.

Michiko asked, “Yazuko, this morning, were you and Zheyan arguing?”
Lingzi said, “I’ve never seen Zheyan lose his temper before. What happened between you two?”
Yazuko said, “It wasn’t really an argument. It was just that Zheyan’s voice kept getting louder.”
Michiko asked, “That means Zheyan was unhappy. I know this child’s temper. What made him lose his temper at you?”
“It was about a letter from Sister Meixiu, his girlfriend in Taiwan, asking him not to rush back to his hometown in Qingshui after finishing his studies…” As she spoke, Yazuko took a letter out of her pocket. “This is the letter Sister Meixiu wrote to Zheyan. He showed it to me this morning and forgot to take it back.”

Michiko took the letter, read it, and then handed it to Lingzi.

Michiko said, “This girl Liao Meixiu is indeed very sensible. No wonder Zheyan likes her so much.”
Yazuko said, “The year before last, when we went to Qingshui, Sister Meixiu accompanied us for several days.”
Michiko said, “I remember. Meixiu is good at reading people’s expressions—very attentive and considerate.”
Yazuko said, “I told Zheyan that Sister Meixiu’s concerns are reasonable. I advised him to think of the unborn child and, after finishing his studies, stay at home for the time being to avoid being conscripted to the front line.”
Michiko said, “Both you and Meixiu are thinking about Zheyan’s safety. However, Zheyan’s father will probably call him back.”
Yazuko said, “Zheyan said the same thing—the key to solving the problem lies with his father.”
Michiko said, “Even if your grandfather steps in, I’m afraid he may not be able to persuade Zheyan’s father.”
Lingzi said, “Mother, are you certain that Brother-in-law Tianfu will definitely call Zheyan back?”
Michiko said, “Yes. Tianfu has his own considerations. His hospital truly needs Zheyan to return and help.”
Yazuko said anxiously, “Then what should we do? If he returns to Qingshui, it’s very likely that he will soon be conscripted to the front line.”
Michiko said, “Even if we know this may happen, we can only find another way. In fact, your grandfather has already made arrangements in this regard.”
Lingzi asked, “Mother, what do you mean by saying Father has made arrangements?”
Michiko said, “It’s Matsushita Daisuke, who often comes to our home as a guest. I heard from your grandfather that he has entrusted Zheyan to him.”
Yazuko said, “Grandmother, do you mean Uncle Matsushita will take care of Zheyan in the future?”
Michiko said, “Matsushita Daisuke holds the rank of Major General in the Army Medical Bureau. He indeed has the ability to take care of Zheyan—that’s what your grandfather told me.”
Lingzi said, “So Father has made arrangements for Matsushita to look after Zheyan in the military?”
Michiko said, “Matsushita is your grandfather’s prized student and successor. Since your grandfather has entrusted Zheyan to him, Matsushita will certainly follow through.”

8

After returning to the hospital, Meixiu immediately went to the nurses’ station. After changing clothes, she worked with the on-duty nurse in the inpatient ward, attending to the injured and sick. At eight in the evening, Director Yang Tianfu and the on-duty inpatient doctor Zhou Chunsheng (28 years old) came to make their rounds. They saw Meixiu carefully changing the dressing for an elderly woman whose lower leg had been amputated, so they quietly walked over and stood behind her, watching.

When Meixiu finished her work and turned around, she noticed Director Yang and Dr. Zhou.

“Director,” Meixiu said, “I’m sorry—I was busy just now.”
Tianfu said, “Your movements are very meticulous. You should take over the nursing department of my inpatient ward.”
Zhou Chunsheng joked, “Meixiu, you really should take over. The director is your future father-in-law!”
Meixiu said, “But the public school still needs me.”
Tianfu said, “Recently, Allied air raids have become more and more frequent. There are increasing numbers of patients wounded by bombings and gunfire. The hospital staff may soon be unable to cope. That’s why I’m asking whether you would like to come and serve as a full-time head nurse.”
Meixiu said, “Director, please let me think about it.”
Zhou Chunsheng said, “Meixiu, the director is worried that soon even the wards and beds will be insufficient.”
Meixiu said, “I see. My family’s traditional courtyard house is just at the end of the alley behind here, and it has been vacant. I’ll go back and discuss it with my father—he should agree to lend it.”
Tianfu said, “If we can borrow the courtyard house, we can add several wards and relieve the pressure of insufficient beds.”
Zhou Chunsheng said, “Meixiu, when you were training at the nursing school, you must have had quite a few classmates, right?”
Tianfu asked, “Chunsheng, are you suggesting that Meixiu ask them to come help? That is indeed a good idea. But recently there has been a shortage of doctors and nurses. Large hospitals are fiercely competing for staff, so I’m afraid the outlook isn’t very optimistic.”
Meixiu said, “As far as I know, my nursing school classmates are all working on the front lines. Instead, I could recruit several female high school classmates from nearby towns and train them to join the nursing workforce, to solve the manpower shortage.”
Tianfu said, “That is a feasible solution. Graduates of girls’ high schools are of quite good quality. With intensive nursing training, they can be put to use. Meixiu, I’ll trouble you with this matter as well. Later, I’ll have the director of personnel discuss with you the number of nurses we may lack in the future.”
Meixiu said, “All right, Director.”

9

Liao Yingjun and his two henchmen, Hongtongzi and Wuguizi, had just come out of a brothel. The madam and several prostitutes personally saw them off at the door, warmly bidding them farewell: “Boss Liao, you must come and patronize us often…”

Yingjun turned around and waved at them with a swagger. “We’ll come whenever there’s a need.”

The three of them wandered aimlessly along the street. When they passed a fruit stall, Yingjun casually grabbed a guava and glared fiercely at the vendor, waving his hand as if to start a fight: “What the hell are you looking at?”
The vendor muttered under his breath, but only dared to be angry without speaking out.

The three strolled into Xu Laizhi’s gambling den and played domino cards with the gamblers. After losing several rounds in a row, Yingjun began to suspect that the dealer was cheating.
Yingjun whispered to his two subordinates, “They’re probably stacking the deck. Otherwise, the dealer wouldn’t be getting high tiles every single round. Watch how I expose him in a moment.”

When the dealer was dealing the cards, Yingjun suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist. Sure enough, several tiles fell out from the dealer’s long sleeve. Yingjun shouted loudly, “Damn! Caught you red-handed! You’ve been rigging the game inside—no wonder you keep getting big tiles every round!”

The exposure of the cheating dealer immediately stirred up the gamblers and several enforcers in the gambling house. The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Gambler A said, “Damn, rigging the game inside! That’s outrageous!”
Gambler B said, “Call the boss, Laizhi, to come out and settle this.”
Gambler C said, “You’re always pulling this kind of cheap trick—no wonder I keep losing everything!”

The gamblers occupied the tables, while several burly men surrounded them. Yingjun signaled to his men with his eyes. Hongtong and Wugui stood ready to make trouble, prepared to smash tables and chairs.

The gambling house owner, Xu Laizhi, hurried out to smooth things over. “Gentlemen, it’s all a misunderstanding. Please calm down first.”

At this moment, the gamblers were noisy and agitated.

Gambler A said, “We caught him on the spot, and you still call it a misunderstanding? What nonsense are you talking about?”
Gambler B said, “That’s right! If you don’t give us a satisfactory explanation today, your gambling house can shut down from now on.”

Yingjun said in a threatening tone, “Laizhi, in our Qingshui Street, you and your boss Dengfa are considered figures of status. If you don’t give a satisfactory explanation today, we’ll call the police to raid your gambling house. Think it over carefully.”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Laizhi said, “I’ll handle it immediately! Heilong, bring over the dealer, A-Cong.”
Heilong, the leader of the enforcers, said, “Boss, I’ll bring him right away.”

Soon after, the dealer A-Cong was dragged in by Heilong and his men.

Laizhi calmly signaled to A-Cong with his eyes and said, “A-Cong, consider yourself unlucky. Don’t blame me for punishing you.”
Laizhi said, “Heilong, chop off one of A-Cong’s little fingers.”

Heilong drew a short sword from his waist. “Yes, Boss.”

A-Cong stretched out his dealing hand, his right hand, placing it flat on the table. Then, with a show of resolve, he turned his head aside.

Under the gaze of everyone present, A-Cong’s little finger was cut off by the blade. He cried out, picked up the severed finger with his left hand, clutched the wound, and left the scene.

Laizhi immediately announced, “All the money lost by the customers present today will be fully refunded, along with compensation for refreshments.”

Gambler A said, “That’s more like it.”
Gambler B said, “Don’t pull this kind of trick again.”

The gamblers’ anger gradually subsided, and they dispersed one after another. Yingjun counted his cash, tipped his two subordinates, and with a proud grin waved the banknotes in his hand. The three swaggered off—unaware that this act had already brought them trouble…

10

As soon as Liao Yingjun and his companions left, Xu Laizhi immediately instructed his subordinate Heilong: “Heilong, take your men and your weapons. Follow Yingjun and his group, and find a chance to teach them a lesson.”

Heilong cracked his knuckles and said, “No problem, Boss. Liao Yingjun, that ungrateful brat, has never encountered real trouble. This time I’ll give him a harsh lesson!”

Still uneasy, Laizhi cautioned, “Pass the word—when you make your move, don’t hit their vital points. I only want them to lie in the hospital for ten days to half a month. That brat Yingjun—his father Wuxiong is a respected figure in our Qingshui Street. You need to show some restraint.”

“Then I’ll just hit the fleshy parts,” Heilong said, and immediately led several of his men out with weapons in hand.

Yingjun and his companions had just reached a deserted alley on Qingshui Street when Heilong’s group—seven or eight men—each holding iron rods and wooden sticks wrapped in kraft paper, quickly caught up with them. Seeing the aggressive approach, Yingjun and his group turned and ran into the street.

Panting, Hongtongzi said, “Young master, they’ve got weapons.”
Yingjun said, “A wise man doesn’t fight when the odds are against him. Let’s grease our feet and run first!”

Heilong’s group chased after them, shouting curses, “Damn it, you three punks, don’t you dare run!”

Yingjun and his companions fled toward the crowded market street. When they reached the market entrance, they encountered Patrol Officer Murano Yohei and Sergeant Yoshida Masao. Yingjun shouted, “Officer, save us!” The three immediately hid behind Murano.

When Heilong’s group reached the market entrance and saw Murano and Yoshida, they quickly lowered the iron rods and wooden sticks they had raised and hid them behind their backs, pretending to stroll casually. Murano was not fooled. He called Heilong over: “Heilong, I’m warning you—don’t cause trouble under my watch. Otherwise, I’ll arrest you and all your men and take you back to the station for a beating.”

Heilong, knowing when to back off, repeatedly said, “Nothing’s wrong, nothing’s wrong. We were just joking with them.” He bent over and bowed three times to Murano, then signaled to his men and pretended to leave. In reality, they moved to another street corner to lie in wait.

Sharp-eyed Yingjun knew that if Heilong failed to catch them today, he would not be able to answer to Laizhi. So the three closely followed Murano and Yoshida.

Murano said, “Liao Yingjun, stop causing trouble. I have duties to attend to—I can’t keep protecting you.”
Yingjun said, “I understand, Officer. But the incident started because the dealer at Xu Laizhi’s gambling house was cheating, and I caught him on the spot. Laizhi was unhappy that I disrupted the place, so he ordered his men to follow us…”
Murano cautioned, “Then stay away from such places in the future.”
Yingjun said, “Officer, could you escort us back to the shop, in case Heilong’s group ambushes us again on the way…”
Murano said helplessly, “I’ll see this through and take you three back. Let’s go.”

Murano and Yoshida led Yingjun and his companions toward the cloth shop. Heilong and his men, hiding at the street corner, had no opportunity to strike.

Heilong cursed, “Damn it! Next time, don’t let me catch them!”