Episode Eight

1
The Nishikawa family was immersed in the joy of the newborn’s arrival, yet Yasuko understood in her heart that the time she had with Tetsuya was approaching its end.
While Yasuko held the little baby boy and breastfed him, her mother Reiko came over carrying Kikuko. She heard Yasuko speaking to the infant: “Nantai, soon your father will return to Taiwan. He will no longer be able to hold you or kiss you. You and your elder sister Kikuko will stay here to accompany your mother. When your father wishes to see us, I will take you both to Taiwan to be reunited with him. You are children with a father…”
Reiko felt a pang of sorrow and pushed open the wooden door, saying: “Yasuko, Mother knows that you deeply love Tetsuya. I cannot bear to see you as a couple separated by distance. Mother can accompany you to Taiwan and help take care of these children.”
Yasuko said: “Kasan, Tetsuya will not agree to this. It would embarrass Sister Meixiu.”
Reiko said: “Isn’t it more painful for you and Tetsuya to be separated and long for each other than for Meixiu to feel uncomfortable? I must talk to Tetsuya!”
Yasuko said: “Kasan, don’t trouble Tetsuya. Give Kikuko to me; it’s her turn to nurse.”
Reiko handed Kikuko to Yasuko and took over Nantai.
Reiko sighed and said: “Alas! Seeing you like this, my heart really aches… it really aches…”

2
Meixiu moved out of her home and settled into the nurses’ dormitory in the hospital’s new ward area, which was also Meixiu’s old family courtyard.
Meixiu was a competent head nurse. She personally took charge of nursing in the new ward area, implementing a humane management style. Although the nurses were busy and exhausted, no one complained.
In Meixiu’s mind, she was prepared to spend her life at the hospital, following Nantai wherever he went.
Song Yulian was a classmate of Meixiu from nursing school. She lived on Qingshui Street and had been recruited by Meixiu from another hospital. She was the closest to Meixiu and understood her thoughts and feelings better than anyone. Yulian noticed that Meixiu had started flipping through the calendar every day and occasionally appeared to be lost in thought.
Yulian asked: “Meixiu, is something on your mind? Is it because your fiancé is returning soon?”
Meixiu said: “Yes, in late October, Nantai will finish his studies and return. At first, when he went to Tokyo, time seemed to pass very slowly, but I have endured seven years.”
Yulian exclaimed: “Seven years! My heavens! You waited for your Anata for a full seven years?”
Meixiu said: “Seven years and three months.”
Yulian said: “You are the modern-day Wang Baochuan. I truly admire you. You’ve devoted so much effort to this hospital. If the director’s son still disappoints you, it would be entirely unfair.”
Meixiu said: “Recently, it seems that American planes have been bombing more frequently.”
Yulian said: “Yes! Perhaps soon, our hospital will be short of beds again.”
Meixiu said: “Actually, I have been feeling very conflicted…”
Yulian asked: “What kind of conflict?”
Meixiu said: “On one hand, I am thinking that Nantai will soon complete his studies—the seven years of waiting are finally bearing fruit; on the other hand, I worry that if he is drafted to the front line, he may never return.”
Yulian said: “Indeed, that is truly a dilemma.”
Meixiu said: “Frankly, I hope Nantai is not drafted. I would rather he stay in Tokyo, where he is under the protection of his grandfather, so I can wait for him until the war ends.”
Yulian said: “You are sincerely thinking of Nantai, but who knows when the war will end?”
Meixiu said: “I believe the war will not last long. The United States has already entered the war. Japan’s national power is no match for America. This, including Director Yang and most of the doctors in the hospital, is something everyone knows very well.”

3
Hironobu and his wife were talking in the bedroom of Nishikawa Kō and Michiko.
Hironobu said: “Tosan, Reiko told me she hopes you can contact Matsushita Daisuke and have him keep Tetsuya here. Yasuko does not want Tetsuya to be drafted to the front line after returning to Taiwan.”
Nishikawa Kō said: “I understand Yasuko’s feelings. Tetsuya is like a piece of our hearts—you and I, Kasan, know how dear he is. Of course I want Tetsuya to stay with us. I will speak to Matsushita again, but I am afraid Tetsuya’s father will not agree to our plan.”
Michiko said: “Hironobu, actually Tosan has already made arrangements. Even if Tetsuya is drafted, Matsushita will find a way to keep him close, and he will not be sent into combat to risk his life.”
Reiko said: “Yasuko and I hope that Tetsuya does not return to Taiwan just yet. We do not want our grandson to grow up without seeing his father.”
Nishikawa Kō, with a serious expression, said: “I know. I will do everything in my power! All this old body can do is protect every child of the Nishikawa family…”
Hironobu and Reiko could feel the pressure that the elderly father, Nishikawa Kō, was under.

4
Kikawa Kyo deliberately went to see Matsushita Daisuke. In the department head’s office, Daisuke, upon seeing the dust-covered Kikawa-sensei, already knew the purpose of the visit.
Kikawa Kyo said: “Daisuke, I know you have been busy recently, but I had to make this trip specially.”
Daisuke brought over a pot of tea and said: “Sensei, please have some tea. I know your purpose—you want me to keep Tetsuya in Tokyo.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “So, you had already thought of it.”
Matsushita said: “I am your disciple; how could I not understand your thoughts, Sensei? Perhaps Hironobu and his wife put some pressure on you?”
Kikawa Kyo smiled wryly and said: “Not entirely. Actually, I am also worried about Tetsuya. I do not want those little great-grandchildren to grow up without seeing their father.”
Matsushita said: “That is the feeling of an elder. Although I have no children of my own, I can understand.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “Matsushita, actually, you could consider taking another concubine?”
Matsushita said: “Many colleagues have given me the same advice. Firstly, I do not want Akiko to think I no longer love her; secondly, I am getting old, and it would be too late to accompany the child’s growth.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “I feel sorry for you, Matsushita…”
Matsushita said: “Sensei, you have not wronged me. I respect Riko’s choice at the time.”

5
In October 1943, Tetsuya (Yang Xintai) successfully passed the medical qualification examination. The moment of parting had finally arrived.
Kikawa Riko came specially from Qingshui, Taiwan, to her parental home in Ueno, Tokyo, to take her son Tetsuya, but she discovered that Tetsuya and Yasuko were already married and had given birth to a pair of twins.
Michiko said: “Riko, this was the idea of me and your Tosan; do not blame Tetsuya.”
Michiko explained in full detail the concerns that the two of them had last year and the process of Tetsuya’s acute pneumonia hospitalization.
Kikawa Kyo said: “Do not blame Tetsuya; it was the selfishness of the two of us elders. We wanted Tetsuya and Yasuko’s children to remain with the Nishikawa family.”
Riko could understand her parents’ thinking: the continuation of the Nishikawa family line.
Reiko requested: “Elder sister, after Tetsuya marries Miss Meixiu from our hometown, could you arrange for Yasuko to take the children to be reunited with Tetsuya? At least let them live together as a family for a few years.”
Hironobu said: “Elder sister, although we as a couple do not wish for our little grandson to leave us, we do not want the children to grow up feeling estranged from their father during early childhood.”
Riko thought for a moment and said: “Given the circumstances, I cannot prevent Yasuko from going to Taiwan to reunite with Tetsuya, but…”
Michiko said: “Riko, if you have concerns, just speak them plainly.”
Riko said: “Allied military aircraft frequently bomb Taiwan. Many factories have been destroyed, and shortages of supplies are becoming increasingly severe. If Yasuko goes there, she will have to avoid air raids repeatedly; life will probably be very difficult…”
Reiko said: “Then what should we do?”
Riko further explained: “Qingshui Street, in Taichung Prefecture, is already quite rural, but because of nearby naval ports, airfields, and the Aofeng Mountain military fortress, it has become a target for Allied air raids. Qingshui Street is often affected, and a few civilian houses have already been destroyed by bombs. Having Yasuko and the children remain here is, at present, relatively safer.”
Kikawa Kyo made a decision: “In that case, let Yasuko and the children stay here.”
Riko said: “I would like to hold the children.”
“Alright, I will bring Yasuko and the children over.” Reiko got up and went toward Yasuko’s room.
In an instant, Reiko brought Yasuko and Keiko over; each of them was holding one infant.
At the door, Yasuko shyly called out: “Mother…”
Riko waved and said: “Yasuko, come here! Let Mother take a good look at you.”
Yasuko brought Nantai over and sat beside Riko.
Riko said: “Just a few years apart, and you have already become a mature and charming woman. Let me hold the child.”
Yasuko handed Nantai in her arms to Riko: “Such handsome features! Very similar to Xintai when he was born! Has this child been named?”
Yasuko said: “Yes, Nishikawa Nantai.”
“Nantai.” Upon hearing the name, Riko immediately understood the deeper meaning: “Nantai! Grandma did not want your mother to take you to Taiwan to be reunited with your Tosan, but she did not want you to endure a life of fear and distress there.”
Yasuko said: “Nantai, this is your grandmother; she is your Tosan’s mother!”
Riko said to Keiko: “Keiko, let me hold the girl as well.”
Yasuko handed Nantai over.
“She is called Kikuko.” Keiko handed Kikuko to Riko. Riko said: “Hm! What a delicate little girl!”
Riko asked: “Where is Tetsuya? Why haven’t I seen him?”
Kikawa Kyo said: “Tetsuya went to see Matsushita Daisuke; he is Matsushita’s disciple.”
Riko said: “How is Matsushita? It has been many years since I last saw him.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “After Tetsuya returns to Qingshui, Taiwan, if he is drafted into the army, Matsushita will assign him to the military medical department so that he will not be sent to the front-line combat units.”
Riko said emotionally: “Tosan, thank you for arranging this so carefully.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “It is what I, as an elder, should do for Tetsuya. Tetsuya is your son, my grandson, and also the Tosan of these two children.”

6
Matsushita Daisuke took Tetsuya to meet the Director of the Military Medical Office, Nagaya Jiro. Nagaya was also a student of Kikawa Kyo at Tokyo Imperial University. After graduation, he joined the military medical corps and now held the rank of lieutenant general.
Matsushita said: “Senior alumnus, I am Matsushita Daisuke, three classes below you.”
Nagaya said: “Of course I remember you. You are excellent! Professor Matsushita Daisuke, Director of the Imperial University Medical Department. Although I just took office, I know that you were previously awarded the rank of major general in this office.”
Matsushita introduced Tetsuya: “This is my disciple, Kikawa Tetsuya.”
Nagaya said: “I have heard of him. I have seen his research papers and photographs in the Medical Monthly. He is indeed a rising talent. His surname is Nishikawa? Could he be a descendant of Kikawa-sensei?”
Matsushita said: “Exactly. He is the grandson of Kikawa-sensei, son of Yang Tianfu. He has just passed the medical qualification exam. His specialty is general surgery.”
Nagaya smiled and said: “I see! No wonder he is your disciple. You brought him to me; what do you request? Within what I can do, I will try to help.”
Matsushita said: “I want to ask, can I keep him by my side and have him remain with me at the Military Medical Office?”
Nagaya said: “I need to understand his status first. Is Kikawa your nephew currently Japanese or Taiwanese?”
Matsushita asked: “Does his status affect whether he can stay in the Military Medical Office?”
Nagaya said: “It is somewhat related. If he is Japanese, then you can have him enter and remain in your unit at the Military Medical Office.”
Matsushita asked: “If he is not Japanese?”
Nagaya said: “If not, you can only wait until he returns to Taiwan. After being drafted and completing basic military training, he can be assigned back to your unit. In the end, the result is the same; only the process will have some twists.”
Matsushita said: “Tetsuya, Sensei has done his best.”
Nagaya stood up, gently patted Matsushita on the shoulder, and comforted him: “Matsushita, nephew, war is ruthless, but people still rely on the chain of human affection. Keep your nephew by your side; I believe he can survive the war…”
Matsushita said: “Tetsuya, you do not need to worry about this. First, complete your internship in thoracic surgery at the Imperial University Hospital.”
Nagaya praised: “Your nephew is indeed talented. Only elites can intern at the Imperial University Hospital. When I was young, I could not get in myself! Otherwise, I would not have joined the military medical corps…”

7
On the eve of parting, a mood of melancholy enveloped the Nishikawa household.
Yasuko cut some nails and hair from Nantai, Kikuko, and herself, placing each in separate peace-scented sachets. Similarly, Tetsuya let Yasuko cut some of his nails and hair to keep.
Hironobu specifically hired a photographer to take a family portrait of the entire household.
Suppressing her sorrow, Yasuko designed and tailored several sets of clothing for Tetsuya for different seasons. Keiko thoughtfully knitted sweaters and socks for her soon-to-return brother-in-law.
Yasuko and Tetsuya cooked together, preparing a table of Taiwanese home-style dishes. Though the dishes were plentiful, the Nishikawa family had little appetite.
“Everyone must eat seriously! If you want to taste Tetsuya’s handmade Taiwanese home dishes again, it may be many years…” Yasuko said, as tears fell from her cheeks into the ceramic bowl.
Keiko gently patted her sister Yasuko’s back: “Sister, do not cry.”
Keiko herself also had tears in her eyes.
Riko comforted her: “You will not be apart for long, Yasuko. When the war ends, I will bring Tetsuya back to you.”
Yasuko said: “Thank you, Mother.”
Kikawa Kyo said: “After returning to Taiwan, remember to write letters to report your safety.”
Riko said: “I will, Tosan.”

8
At Ueno Station, the Nishikawa family bid farewell to Riko and Tetsuya.
Yasuko and Tetsuya embraced each other deeply.
Yasuko said: “Tetsuya, wherever you are in the future, please remember that in Tokyo, Ueno, there is still a home—a family that misses you.”
Tetsuya said: “I will. Take good care of the children and wait for my return.”
Michiko said: “Daughter, when the war ends, bring Tianfu and Tetsuya back to Ueno whenever you have the chance. This is your parental home.”
Riko said: “Kasan, I will. You and Tosan must take care of your health.”
Tetsuya said: “Keiko, let me hold the children once more.”
Keiko handed Nantai to Tetsuya. Tetsuya kissed Nantai’s cheek and said: “Son, grow up well, be free from illness and misfortune, and wait for Tosan to return.”
Reiko said: “There is also Kikuko.”
Riko said: “Let Grandma hold Kikuko.”
Reiko handed Kikuko to Riko. Riko said: “Kikuko, you are as beautiful as your Kasan!”
The train arrived at the platform. Hironobu helped carry the luggage onto the train. The Nishikawa family waved goodbye to Riko and Tetsuya from the platform. Yasuko ran alongside the slowly moving train for a short distance. Watching the train fade into the distance, tears uncontrollably flowed.
Hironobu hurried over and supported Yasuko: “Daughter, Tosan believes that you and Tetsuya will be reunited very soon…”

9
The train headed toward Yokohama. On the train, Tetsuya still could not calm his emotions.
Riko comforted him: “Farewells are very sad, my son. Your mother and Tosan, more than twenty years ago, also said goodbye on a platform to your grandfather, grandmother, and uncle.”
Tetsuya asked: “Kasan, did I do something wrong?”
Riko said: “Silly child! Matters of the heart have no right or wrong. But you must not disappoint Yasuko. She is not only your cousin, but also the mother of your children. You have continued the Nishikawa family line. Your mother should actually thank you. You have allowed your grandparents to live without regrets from now on.”
Tetsuya said: “I know what I must do, Kasan.”
Riko said: “Also, regarding Meixiu from your hometown, Qingshui, the fact that you and Yasuko are married with children, when you marry Meixiu and the time is right, your mother will speak to Meixiu on your behalf.”
Tetsuya said: “Kasan…”

10
Liao Meixiu personally went to the station to welcome Riko and the mother-and-son pair, Xintai and his mother.
After two years without seeing each other, Meixiu, upon seeing Xintai, immediately stepped forward to embrace him, drawing the curious gaze of other travelers.
Xintai said: “Meixiu, I have returned.”
Meixiu, overjoyed to the point of tears, said: “We will never be separated again…”
The old stationmaster, upon seeing Riko and her son, greeted them warmly: “Madam Director, your son has returned.”
Riko smiled and nodded in reply.
The three of them took a three-wheeled rickshaw and returned to Yang General Hospital.
At the hospital entrance, Yang Zhaojia, Yang Tianfu’s brother, village chief Cai Dengke, the Dengfa brothers, and Liao Wuxiong and his wife were all waiting. Liao Yingjun lit a long string of firecrackers. Xintai’s old classmates—Lin Qinglong, Chen Muyan, Wang Dawang, Wu Wenzhang, Pan Tieqiu, and Cai Tingkai—were all present.
Xintai shook hands with each of them individually.
Cai Tingkai said: “Xintai, we are waiting to celebrate your wedding with Meixiu!”
Xintai said: “No problem! You all must come!”