The Spring of Lukou7

[Chapter Six]

1
In the dead of night, Zhou Shengfa, taking advantage of everyone being fast asleep, planned to escape.
Several guards, leading two native dogs and holding flashlights, were patrolling the base when they suddenly saw a dark figure swaying on the small path ahead.
A guard shouted loudly, “Who are you? Not sleeping in the middle of the night—what are you sneaking around for?”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shengfa took off running for his life.
“You’re still running?” The guard released the native dogs to chase him. Zhou Shengfa was bitten by the two dogs and was immediately captured by the guards who rushed over.
Kneeling on the ground, Zhou Shengfa pleaded, “I beg you, please let me go, alright?”
Guard A said, “You’ve got some nerve, daring to sneak away. We’ll take him back.”

2
In the “People’s Court” at the base, Zhou Shengfa was sentenced to two years of hard labor. The news quickly spread, and among the base members, discussion of the matter was inevitable.
Member A said, “That Zhou Shengfa—why couldn’t he think it through? Being punished with two years of hard labor, the days ahead will probably be even harder to endure!”
Member B said, “I think he’s quite courageous. Unlike me—I dare to be angry but not to speak, just hiding like a coward.”
Member C said, “There’s nothing really wrong with it. You can only say his luck was bad.”
Instructor Liu Xuekun saw them stop working and chat off to the side, so he went over with concern: “Comrades, please return to your respective work posts.”

3
Before long, Zhou Shengfa escaped again. Because he had a record of escape, he had long been placed on the watch list. In the middle of the night, two guards came to inspect the room.
Guard A said, “It’s already the dead of night, and this Zhou Shengfa isn’t in the room—could he have escaped again?”
Guard B said, “It’s possible. Let’s report it upward immediately and block off the external roads.”
After a while, the bell of the guard department rang. Dozens of team members, holding long sticks and blades, assembled in front of the small square.
Director Xu Xikuan said, “Comrades, we have just received a report from the night-duty team that the labor convict Zhou Shengfa in the detention facility has escaped again. I have already notified all checkpoints to initiate a lockdown. Our department will divide into several squads and must capture him as soon as possible.”
The guard unit split into several groups, each leading native dogs in different directions.

4
On a remote path, Zhou Shengfa was secretly rejoicing at his successful departure: “So close! I wasn’t discovered along the way.”
Zhou Shengfa slowed his pace and gradually approached a checkpoint. At this moment, faint barking sounds came from behind. Zhou Shengfa hurriedly hid in the grass within a low grove, his whole body trembling.
After a while, a small squad of guards appeared within Zhou Shengfa’s sight. He could not hear clearly the conversation between them and the sentries, but he guessed that his escape had probably been discovered.
“I have to get around this checkpoint!” Zhou Shengfa calculated in his mind. However, “One side of this checkpoint is a steep mountain wall, and the other side is a deep ravine—how could it be easy to go around it? Unless I wait until the guards inside the post doze off, maybe I’ll still have a chance to slip out?” Hungry and cold, Zhou Shengfa soon fell asleep.
Zhou Shengfa felt his cheek being lightly patted. Opening his eyes, he saw a pair of stern eyes staring directly at him. Terrified, Zhou Shengfa instinctively tried to get up and run, but his shoulder was heavily pressed down, and his legs were bound with hemp rope.
Xu Xikuan bent down and said to Zhou Shengfa, “A-Fa, where else do you think you’re going?”

5
When Wang Wenbo and Zhang Haiqing learned that the People’s Court had sentenced Zhou Shengfa to “death” on the grounds that he was a “repeat offender,” and had tied him to a large tree trunk to be starved to death, both expressed deep sympathy. Believing that his crime did not warrant death, they went together to find Chairman Chen Benjiang to plead on Zhou Shengfa’s behalf.
Wang Wenbo said, “Chairman Chen, most of the comrades here were persecuted by the Kuomintang authorities and had nowhere else to turn when they entered the base. Although Zhou Shengfa was wrong to escape repeatedly, why sentence him to the ultimate punishment?”
Zhang Haiqing also said, “Chairman Chen, I also believe his crime does not warrant death. Moreover, tying him to a tree trunk and letting him starve to death is even more cruel than executing him by shooting!”
Chen Benjiang said, “I understand your feelings, but once this precedent is set, the consequences will be endless.”
Chen Chunqing said, “I agree with Chairman Chen. Zhou Shengfa’s repeated escapes are equivalent to betraying the base. If we don’t make an example of him, escape incidents will only escalate further.”
Wang Wenbo asked, “Chairman Chen, could he be punished in some other way? It doesn’t have to mean killing him.”
Chen Benjiang said with deep sorrow, “Director Wang, I am also deeply distressed that such a thing has happened in the base. But if we deal leniently with Zhou Shengfa, who has repeatedly escaped, it will only give those who wish to escape a sense of false hope. Think about it—how much effort have the comrades in the base put in to overthrow the Kuomintang regime? How much suffering have they endured? Through this case, we can give those who intend to escape a severe warning.”
“But…” Zhang Haiqing still wanted to continue pleading for Zhou Shengfa, but was interrupted by Chen Benjiang.
“Comrade Zhang, Director Wang, for the sake of the revolutionary cause, we cannot, out of momentary soft-heartedness, allow everyone’s hard work to go up in smoke.”
Chen Chunqing said, “The Chairman is right. Let’s end the discussion here.”
Wang Wenbo patted Zhang Haiqing on the shoulder, signaling him not to say anything further.

6
A fuse lit at the foot of the mountain was secretly burning its way toward the Luku Base. On November 25, 1952, Wen Wanjin, who had been sent down the mountain by Chen Benjiang to develop the organization and was serving as the secretary of the Electrical Workers Branch of the Taipei Municipal Committee, was reported by someone and arrested by agents of the Bureau of Secrecy.
Xing Aihua asked, “Your name is Wen Wanjin?”
Struggling, Wen Wanjin said, “Which unit are you from? Why are you arresting me?”
Xing Aihua said, “We are personnel from the Bureau of Secrecy. Someone has reported that you are a Communist agent lurking on the island.”
Wen Wanjin said agitatedly, “A Communist agent? What evidence do you have?”
Xing Aihua said, “Once we take you back to the bureau, I’ll give you the evidence. Captain, thoroughly search this man surnamed Wen’s residence for me.”
The gendarmerie captain said, “Yes, sir.”
The gendarmerie immediately launched a search. In Wen Wanjin’s home, they found some documents, including correspondence with the “Taiwan People’s Armed Defense Corps,” a roster of cadres, and notes from his training at the base. The notes recorded the base’s equipment and training conditions.
The gendarmerie captain said, “Reporting, sir, we’ve found some documents and letters.”
Xing Aihua took the materials, opened and examined them while smiling, and said, “We’ve struck gold! There’s a roster of cadres in here, as well as this fellow’s correspondence and notes.”
After flipping through them for a while, Xing Aihua handed the materials to a subordinate beside him. Grabbing Wen Wanjin by the collar with both hands, he said with a ferocious grin, “Wen, this time you won’t escape your fate!”
In order to obtain further clues, Gu Zhengwen said, “Aihua, if we use this man surnamed Wen as bait, it won’t be hard to lure out his accomplices.”
Xing Aihua asked, “Section Chief, do you mean to monitor Wen Wanjin’s residence around the clock?”
Gu Zhengwen said confidently, “Exactly. I estimate that someone from the base will soon come to make contact with Wen Wanjin. We’ll just wait for them to walk right into our trap!”
Xing Aihua said, “Junting, your team will stay behind and keep strict, all-day surveillance on Wen Wanjin’s residence. We’ll lie in wait here and wait for their people to come and fall into the trap.”
Major Guo Junting said, “Yes, sir.”

7
In the interrogation room of the Bureau of Secrecy, Wen Wanjin was escorted in by the gendarmerie. He had already been whipped; several bloodstains were imprinted across his white shirt. Dejected, he was dragged forward by two gendarmes and forced into a chair.
Xing Aihua asked, “Wen, if you don’t want to suffer any more physical pain, then answer the questions honestly.”
Wen Wanjin replied weakly, “Whatever you want to ask, just ask.”
Gu Zhengwen said, “Wen Wanjin, you should know how to contact the comrades listed in that roster of cadres, right? I want you to take us to find these people, especially your leader, Cai Xiaoqian.”
Wen Wanjin said, “Sir, if you can give me a chance to reform myself, then I’ll tell you how to find our Leader Cai and those cadres.”
Gu Zhengwen said with satisfaction, “Straightforward! I always keep my word. Aihua, give him paper and a pen.”
Xing Aihua said, “Yes, Section Chief.”

8
Cai Xiaoqian was arrested and brought to the Bureau of Secrecy, where he was personally interrogated by Gu Zhengwen.
“Major, remove Mr. Cai’s handcuffs.” Gu Zhengwen took the initiative to show goodwill toward Cai Xiaoqian: “Mr. Cai, a wise man understands the times. As far as I know, you once went through a twenty-thousand-li exile on the mainland. In any case, you are a well-informed veteran of the Communist Party. If you are willing to cooperate with our Bureau of Secrecy and reveal the Communist organizations lurking on the island, I, Gu Zhengwen, guarantee to arrange preferential treatment for you.”
Cai Xiaoqian remained quite calm and said, “Mr. Gu, I anticipated that a day like this would come—that I would fall into the hands of the Kuomintang. But I don’t want those comrades to sacrifice themselves in vain. If you can guarantee lenient treatment, then I will reveal the organizations on the island.”
Gu Zhengwen, greatly pleased, said, “Mr. Cai is so sensible and mindful of the bigger picture—nothing could be better. Once you reveal your organizations lurking on the island, I will immediately submit a special report to my superiors and handle this case with leniency, giving you and your cadres a chance to reform yourselves.”

9
On the side of the Luku Base, they were unaware of Wen Wanjin’s arrest. Not long after, Chairman Chen Benjiang sent Wang Zhi to Taipei to raise funds.
Chen Benjiang said, “Comrade Wang, you have wide connections outside, so I’m entrusting you with the task of fundraising.”
Wang Zhi said, “Chairman, I’ll do my best to make the rounds. I’ll also take the opportunity to visit our contact person, Wen Wanjin.”
Chen Benjiang said, “You must act cautiously. Don’t let the Kuomintang’s intelligence agencies set their sights on you.”
Wang Zhi said, “Chairman, I will be careful. I’ll return to the base within five days.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Comrade Wang, I’ll see you out of the base.”

10
Wang Zhi went to Wanhua to find Wen Wanjin, but was caught red-handed by Bureau of Secrecy agents lying in ambush.
With a look of panic, Wang Zhi asked, “Who are you? Why are you arresting me?”
Guo Junting said, “We are plainclothes agents of the Bureau of Secrecy. You came out from the Luku Base, didn’t you?”
Wang Zhi said, “You… how do you know that?”
Guo Junting said, “Your contact, Wen Wanjin, has already been captured!”
Wang Zhi said, “Wen Wanjin was taken by you?”
Guo Junting said, “That’s right! So we stayed here, waiting for you to walk right into our trap. Take him away.”
A plainclothes agent said, “Yes, sir.”

11
In the interrogation room of the Bureau of Secrecy, Gu Zhengwen was questioning Wang Zhi: “Wang Zhi, your leader Cai Xiaoqian and your contact Wen Wanjin are both currently guests in our bureau. Would you like us to invite Wen Wanjin over to meet you?”
Wang Zhi nodded, half-believing and half-doubting.
Gu Zhengwen said, “Aihua, go and invite Mr. Wen over.”
Xing Aihua said, “Yes, Section Chief.”
Before long, Wen Wanjin appeared in the interrogation room, following Xing Aihua.
Looking at Wen Wanjin, Wang Zhi noticed that he was not wearing restraints, was neatly dressed, and seemed in good spirits—clearly receiving considerable preferential treatment.
Wang Zhi said with a bitter smile, “Brother Wen, you…”
Gu Zhengwen said, “Your Leader Cai is also here. Brother Wang, you should come to terms with it. Don’t struggle like a trapped beast anymore.”
Wen Wanjin said, “Wang Zhi, things have come to this. You should cooperate. If you confess now, the Section Chief will give you a chance to reform.”
Wang Zhi said dejectedly, “Alright, I’ll talk, I’ll talk.”
Gu Zhengwen said, “Wang Zhi, since you were sent out from the base, you should be familiar with the local terrain and features. I need you to provide information in this regard.”
Wang Zhi said, “Alright, I’ll draw it for you.”
Gu Zhengwen said, “Aihua, give Wang Zhi paper and a pen, and have him draw a map of the base’s routes.”
Xing Aihua said, “Yes, Section Chief.”

12
At night, inside the base, the chairman’s office was lit by a kerosene lamp. Chen Benjiang and Secretary Chen Chunqing, Director of the Guard Department Xu Xikuan, Director of the Political Department Wang Wenbo, Director of the Organization Department Liao Xueli, and other core cadres were holding a meeting for discussion.
Chen Benjiang said, “Comrade Wang Zhi went down the mountain to raise funds and has already passed the scheduled return time. I am worried that something may have happened to him.”
Chen Chunqing followed by saying, “Before leaving, Comrade Wang Zhi said he would also take the opportunity to visit our contact, Comrade Wen Wanjin. Comrade Wen has not contacted the base recently, which has caused us to be effectively cut off from Leader Cai. I reasonably infer that it is possible Comrade Wen encountered trouble first, and then when Comrade Wang Zhi went to find Wen, he was also captured by the intelligence authorities.”
Xu Xikuan said, “Secretary Chen’s analysis is not without reason. Chairman, should we send someone down the mountain to look for the two of them and at the same time gather information?”
Chen Benjiang frowned and thought for a moment, then said, “If Comrade Wang Zhi has also been captured, it will pose a major threat to the security of our base. He is familiar with the terrain and access routes of the base. We must quickly find out the situation of the two of them before we can decide how to respond.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Then I will go down the mountain to investigate. I do not often show my face outside, so I am less likely to be targeted by the Kuomintang’s intelligence units.”
Chen Benjiang said, “Very well. Secretary Chen, you must be cautious.”
Chen Chunqing said, “I will go and return quickly.”
Wang Wenbo said, “Brother Chunqing, if it is convenient for you, please help inquire about the whereabouts of Su Yulan and her child.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Alright, Wenbo. I understand your concern for their safety.”
Wang Wenbo said, “You can first go to Taichung to find Mr. Zhang Wenhuan. I entrusted him to take care of Yulan and her child. Here is his address.” Wenbo handed a letter to Chunqing.
Chen Chunqing said, “Wenbo, I will make a special trip to Taichung.”

13
Chen Chunqing went to Mengjia (now Wanhua) to find Wen Wanjin. Upon arriving near Wen’s residence, being cautious in his actions, he immediately noticed plainclothes agents disguised as peddlers at the entrance of the alley. At that moment, he already understood in his mind: “It seems just as I had guessed—Wen Wanjin was captured first, and when Wang Zhi came to find Wen, he was also captured by the ambushing plainclothes agents.”
Chen Chunqing then turned toward Quanzhou Street and arrived near Cai Xiaoqian’s residence. He carefully observed the surroundings and likewise discovered plainclothes agents keeping watch. He thought to himself, “Leader Cai has very likely also been captured. If that is the case, then the situation is extremely serious.” Chen Chunqing did not dare to linger and quickly left.
Chen Chunqing then proceeded to Taichung and arrived at Zhang Wenhuan’s residence. In Zhang Wenhuan’s study, Chen Chunqing saw both Zhang Wenhuan and Su Yulan at the same time. At this moment, Su Yulan had an infant boy in her arms.
Chen Chunqing said, “I am a comrade of Lü Heruo, coming from Luku Village in the mountains of Xizhi. Because the authorities are still pursuing him, it is inconvenient for him to show himself publicly.”
Zhang Wenhuan said, “So Lü Heruo has been hiding in the mountains of Xizhi during this period. He should not have any safety concerns at present.”
Chen Chunqing said, “With the protection of the base, Lü is temporarily safe.”
Zhang Wenhuan said, “If that is the case, Yulan, you can be somewhat reassured.”
Su Yulan said with relief, “As long as he is safe, there will always be a chance to meet again in the future. Poor child—since birth, he has not seen his own father.”
Chen Chunqing said, “That’s right! Lü asked me to deliver a letter to you, sister-in-law.” Chen Chunqing took a letter out from inside his overcoat. “Knowing that you and the child are safe, Lü will surely be very happy.”
Su Yulan said, “Brother Chen, please wait for me a moment. I will write a reply letter for you to take back to Lü Heruo.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Sister-in-law, I am not in a hurry. Take your time writing the letter.”
Zhang Wenhuan said, “Actually, Yulan and her child were once taken away by the Bureau of Secrecy for interrogation. They were detained for more than half a year, and it was only when she was about to give birth that the Bureau agreed to release them.”
Su Yulan said, “It was Brother Wenhuan who did everything he could to secure our release.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Earlier I heard Lü mention that you were taken by the Bureau of Secrecy, and he was very worried about you and the child. Later there was no news. So it turns out that Brother Zhang helped.”
Zhang Wenhuan said, “The bond between Lü Heruo and me is like that of real brothers. He entrusted Yulan and the child to me, so of course I must do my utmost for him.”

14
Chen Chunqing returned to the Luku Base with Su Yulan’s handwritten letter. In the chairman’s office, Chen Benjiang temporarily convened Lü Heruo, Zhang Haiqing, Chen Yinong, Xu Xikuan, Liao Xueli, Liu Xuekun, Cai Chao, and other key cadres.
Chen Benjiang said, “Secretary Chen, you have worked hard on this trip down the mountain to gather information.”
With a grave expression, Chen Chunqing said, “On this trip down the mountain, I discovered that the current situation is extremely unfavorable to us.”
After hearing this, Chen Benjiang and the others looked at one another.
Liu Xuekun said, “Please speak plainly, Secretary Chen.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Near Wen Wanjin’s residence in Mengjia, I discovered plainclothes agents lying in ambush in disguise. Therefore, I infer that not only was our contact Wen Wanjin captured, but when Wang Zhi went to find Wen, he was also seized by the ambushing Bureau of Secrecy agents.”
Chen Benjiang nodded in agreement and said, “Hmm! This move by the Bureau of Secrecy is clearly intended to wait for our comrades to walk into their trap.”
Chen Chunqing said, “There is something even more alarming. Afterwards, when I went to Quanzhou Street to find Leader Cai, I found that there were also plainclothes agents lying in ambush near his residence. I fear that Leader Cai may also have been captured by the Bureau of Secrecy.”
Liu Xuekun said, “That is very possible. Wen Wanjin had the roster of cadres in his possession. The Bureau of Secrecy could follow the trail and use that lead to find Leader Cai.”
Cai Chao asked, “If Leader Cai has been captured, our organization on the island will soon be dismantled one by one by Chiang Kai-shek’s group. This is an enormous crisis! And if Wang Zhi has fallen into the hands of the Bureau of Secrecy, then our base is completely exposed before them, with no secrecy left at all.”
Chen Benjiang said, “Comrade Cai is correct. It seems the situation is very unfavorable to us. Chiang Kai-shek’s group will likely soon launch an assault operation against us. We must make active preparations.”
Wang Wenbo pulled Chen Chunqing aside and asked, “Chunqing, when you went to Taichung, did you see my sworn brother Zhang Wenhuan?”
Chen Chunqing said, “I saw him, and I also saw Sister-in-law Su Yulan. She and the child are currently staying at Zhang Wenhuan’s home.”
Wang Wenbo asked, “The Bureau of Secrecy released Yulan?”
Chen Chunqing said, “It was Zhang Wenhuan who found a way to secure their release. Sister-in-law has given you a son.”
Wang Wenbo said, “Yulan has truly suffered. When I left, she was already pregnant.”
Chen Chunqing said, “Sister-in-law wrote a reply letter for you, which I brought back.” Chunqing took out the letter and handed it to Wang Wenbo, who immediately opened and read it.
Zhang Haiqing asked, “What did sister-in-law say in the letter?”
Wang Wenbo said, “Yulan told me to live well. She and the child will wait until I regain my freedom.”

15
After carefully analyzing Wen Wanjin’s documents and Wang Zhi’s confession, the Bureau of Secrecy reported the entire case to the Ministry of National Defense, and the Chief of the General Staff ordered a suppression operation.
Late at night on the day of the local election, the police station chief Xu Jialiang came knocking on the door.
Xu Laichun went to open the door: “It’s so late, Jialiang—what’s the matter?”
Jialiang entered the living room, closed the wooden door behind him, and said anxiously, “Sister, brother-in-law, this is serious. I received notice from my superiors that early tomorrow morning the military and police will block all the mountain roads in and out of our village and enter the village to arrest people. The Garrison Command has already mobilized troops, and they have gathered at the foot of the mountain.”
Lianfu speculated, “The authorities are probably going to arrest those friends from the base, right?”
Jialiang said, “I think it’s not just that. The military may also arrest villagers who have had contact with the base.”
Laichun said worriedly, “Then what should we do, Fu?”
Lianfu said, “Relax. I’m not a member of their base, and I’ve never gone in or out of their base. The military has no reason to arrest me.”
Jialiang said, “Brother-in-law, I suggest you go into hiding for a while, so you won’t get caught up in the aftermath.”
Lianfu asked, “My farmland and family are all here—where would I go to hide?”
Xu Laichun said, “Back then I kept warning you not to associate with those people hiding in the mountains from the base, but you just wouldn’t listen to my advice. If you are arrested by the authorities, who will the whole family rely on afterward?”
Lianfu said, “I’m not that unlucky. Besides, I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Jialiang said, “Do you plan to notify those friends at the base about this news?”
Lianfu said, “Of course I’ll inform them immediately. I’ll first go find Du-mu Tong and then go with him to find the village chief and tell them.”
Jialiang cautioned, “I can’t stay here too long, or it will arouse suspicion among my subordinates. Brother-in-law, this information is absolutely true, but you must not reveal the source. If it is traced back to me, I will be in serious trouble.”
Lianfu said, “I understand. I won’t implicate you.”