THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY

LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS

Chapter Thirteen: Chen Benjiang and Other Core Members Travel to Lukuk Village

50

In early September, sunlight streamed down over the mountains, and the air carried a faint dampness mixed with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees. Four figures gradually disappeared into the distance along the winding mountain paths of the Lukuk Cave region. Chen Benjiang, Xu Xikuan, Chen Yinong, and He Yunxuan walked together. The rhythm of their footsteps blended with the natural sounds around them, creating a peaceful scene. Trees swayed gently in the mountain breeze. Occasionally, a bird called out, or the soft sound of flowing water could be heard in the distance.

Chen Yinong raised his head and looked at the rolling mountain range ahead. His voice was low but confident. "Professor, there's a man in this village named Chen Chunqing. He's a good friend of mine. He's well known around here. If we can get his help and have him introduce us to people, I think it'll be much easier to gain the recognition and support of the local elders. I suggest we visit him first."

Chen Benjiang turned around. A trace of admiration flashed in his eyes as he slowly nodded. His tone was steady. "That's a good idea! We're strangers in this area, and we need someone like him to show us the way."

As they continued talking, the mountain air seemed to grow heavier. Chen Yinong went on, his voice carrying a hint of familiar teasing. "Chunqing spent several years on the mainland. He's already somewhat dissatisfied with what the Kuomintang has been doing. I think he'll be glad to help us."

Chen Benjiang smiled faintly, his tone growing more resolute. "Then we must first persuade him and invite him to join our ranks."

Chen Yinong patted his backpack, took out a small map, and pointed to a marked spot. "That's exactly what I have in mind."

The four men continued along the path, passing through a dense forest before finally arriving at Chen Chunqing's home. His traditional three-sided courtyard house stood at the foot of the mountain. Wildflowers bloomed across the grassy ground outside the courtyard, filling the air with their rich fragrance. Chen Yinong stepped forward and gently knocked on the door. The moment it opened, a medium-built man came out to greet them. He wore traditional straw sandals and a long gown, and a warm smile spread across his face.

"Yinong! What brings you here? Haven't you been staying in your hometown of Sanxia, working as a carpenter?" Chen Chunqing spoke with familiar warmth. He grabbed Chen Yinong's hand with a firm grip, as though they had returned to the carefree days of their youth.

Chen Yinong smiled bitterly and rubbed his cheek. A trace of exhaustion could be heard in his voice. "With the situation in such turmoil, I've been away from my hometown ever since the February 28 Incident. I've been traveling around with some friends, organizing people to resist the Kuomintang government."

Chen Chunqing's expression grew slightly tense, and a trace of concern flashed in his eyes. He lowered his head and sighed softly. "You really have a strong sense of commitment. Since I returned to Taiwan and saw Chen Yi and those mainlanders behaving so recklessly, I also went to Taipei with a few friends to take part in protests, but we couldn't make much of an impact. In the end, I had no choice but to return to the village and make a living growing tea in the mountains. Compared with you, I'm really not much of a man."

Chen Yinong patted him on the shoulder, his tone encouraging. "Don't be discouraged. We all oppose the Kuomintang authorities. We should stand together and support one another. I've brought a few friends here because we plan to organize the local people and establish a resistance organization in the village. I hope you'll join us and work alongside us."

A trace of hesitation passed through Chen Chunqing's eyes, but he soon nodded firmly, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "That's a good idea. I'm well acquainted with people around the village, so I can introduce you to them."

Chen Yinong smiled slightly, then introduced the other three men. "Let me introduce everyone. This is Professor Chen Benjiang, our commander-in-chief. This is He Yunxuan, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. And this is Xu Xikuan, a good friend of mine from our hometown. He's also a carpenter."

Chen Chunqing extended his hand to each of them, smiling sincerely as he greeted them warmly. "A pleasure to meet you! A pleasure!"

Chen Benjiang slowly extended his hand and shook Chen Chunqing's firmly. A note of satisfaction came through in his voice. "Chunqing, welcome to the revolutionary cause. Let us work together for the sake of the people of Taiwan."

Chen Chunqing lowered his head slightly and replied modestly. "If you don't mind having me, I'm willing to do my part to help everyone."

Chen Benjiang nodded slightly, his gaze sincere. "Chunqing, I'd like to invite you to serve as the secretary of our organization. Would you be willing?"

Chen Chunqing smiled and gently waved both hands, politely declining. "Secretary? That's a heavy responsibility. Professor, you place such great trust in me. I truly feel the weight of that responsibility."

Chen Benjiang remained firm. "There's no need to decline. You're the most suitable person for the position."

Chen Chunqing nodded gently, then looked around the courtyard. His tone became more practical. "In the meantime, why don't you all stay at my house? I'll take you to meet the local gentry."

Chen Benjiang readily agreed. "Then we'll be imposing on you, Secretary Chen."

Chen Yinong continued, his eyes showing a glimmer of a plan taking shape. "Chunqing, we're thinking of renting some land here to establish collective farms and build a few thatched huts. That way, it'll be easier to gather more comrades who share our ideals in the future."

Chen Chunqing nodded, his tone growing more resolute. "Yes. Since we're establishing our base here, we'll certainly need to provide accommodation for comrades coming from both the north and the south. I have more than two jia of tea plantations and hillside farmland registered in my name. I'll make them available for the organization to use. I'll also persuade my brothers and sisters to join us."

Chen Benjiang nodded with satisfaction after hearing this. His voice was full of approval. "That's excellent! Truly excellent!"

A trace of concern appeared in Chen Chunqing's eyes, but he maintained his composure as he continued. "As for Qiwang, the village chief, from what I know, his younger brother Qinen, who studied at National Taiwan University, was shot dead by the military at Yuanshan not long after the February 28 Incident. He holds a deep grudge against the Kuomintang because of that. So not only will he join us, he'll also give us his full support."

Chen Benjiang smiled with relief and patted Chen Chunqing on the shoulder. His voice was full of trust. "If that's the case, then I'm even more reassured. With the village chief fully behind us, it'll be much easier to persuade the villagers here."

Following Chen Chunqing's arrangements, the four men entered the house and began planning their next steps. As the door closed, the mountain wind outside grew stronger, as though foretelling the storm that was about to come.

51

Outside, the light afternoon rain had just stopped. The damp air halfway up the hillside in Lukuk Village carried the fragrance of earth and tea leaves. A row of yellowed straw hats hung on the red-brick wall of the low house. Beneath the eaves, water dripped slowly down along a bamboo basket. Inside the living room, a dim yellow bulb hung from the center of the ceiling, barely illuminating the old rattan chairs and carved wooden table.

Chen Chunqing led Chen Benjiang, He Yunxuan, Chen Yinong, and Xu Xikuan into the house. As they took off their shoes, the soles slapped against the threshold with a sharp sound. The dampness inside gave the floor a faint musty smell, but the neat and cozy furnishings reflected the host's hospitality and frugality.

"Qiwang, I've brought a few friends over. They're all among Taiwan's finest, and they oppose the Kuomintang authorities' tyrannical rule." Chen Chunqing picked up his hat and gently shook off the raindrops. His voice was low and steady. "For the time being, they're staying at my house."

Chen Qiwang wore a faded blue cotton shirt and straw sandals. He laughed heartily. "Anyone who comes here is a guest. Please, everyone, have a seat." He turned and called out, "Little Sister, go make some tea."

A young woman sitting in the corner gently set down a spool of thread beside the loom and lowered her head as she walked toward the tea-making area. She passed between two rattan chairs, her skirt swaying slightly. Her name was Chen Ruyu, Qiwang's younger sister. With nimble movements, she lifted the copper kettle, removed its lid, and put tea leaves into the teapot. As she poured hot water into it, steam immediately rose into the air.

He Yunxuan gazed at her lovely profile and lost himself in thought for several seconds.

"Hey..." Chen Yinong quietly nudged him with his elbow. "Come back to earth, Teacher."

He Yunxuan started, blushed, and smiled awkwardly. He quickly tightened his grip on the hat in his hands, holding it up to cover his chin.

Chen Chunqing smiled and changed the subject. "Qiwang, Brother Musheng, let me introduce everyone. This is Professor Chen Benjiang, our commander-in-chief. This is He Yunxuan, a lecturer at National Taiwan University. This is my sworn brother, Chen Yinong, and this is Xu Xikuan. Both of them are master carpenters from Sanxia."

"Welcome to our humble home." Chen Qiwang offered them chairs as he studied He Yunxuan carefully. "Teacher He, I think I've read some of your articles in Guangming Daily before."

"Yes, I wrote them," He Yunxuan replied with a smile as he accepted a teacup and nodded. "I criticized the government's policies in those articles, and because of that... I got myself into some trouble."

"No wonder!" Chen Qiwang slapped his thigh and exclaimed excitedly. "I knew your face looked familiar! Your photograph was published in Central Daily News!"

He Yunxuan looked somewhat embarrassed and was about to speak when Chen Chunqing interrupted. "Qiwang, Teacher He is now wanted by the Bureau of Investigation. He's too embarrassed to say it himself."

"What's there to be embarrassed about?" Chen Qiwang said without the slightest concern. He took a sip of tea, wiped his mouth, and laughed. "Being placed on the wanted list by the Bureau of Investigation proves that you're a genuine Taiwanese intellectual. I, Qiwang, admire young men like you who have a sense of justice and a strong sense of mission!"

Chen Benjiang cleared his throat, stood up, and spoke solemnly. "Hearing the village chief say that makes me admire you greatly."

"You're too kind." Qiwang lightly patted the back of a rattan chair. His tone grew somber. "Although I'm just a country fellow who hasn't had much schooling, that doesn't mean I can't understand what's happening in society. Those corrupt officials who came from across the strait with Chen Yi have turned Taiwan into this mess..." His voice grew heavier, and his eyes reddened. "My own younger brother, Qinen, was shot dead by them at Yuanshan during the February 28 Incident... I haven't forgotten that injustice for a single day."

"Qiwang has always been a man of fiery temperament. He knows exactly who his friends and enemies are," Liao Musheng, who was sitting nearby, interjected. He was of medium build, wore a pair of reading glasses, and had a composed expression.

Chen Benjiang stepped closer and said sincerely, "The people of Taiwan need people with your backbone, so that the Kuomintang authorities can't keep us under their thumb. What happened to your younger brother... We feel profound sorrow as well."

Qiwang stood up and grasped Chen Benjiang's hand. His voice choked with emotion. "A life for a life! I will definitely make them answer for the blood debt they owe my brother, Qinen!"

For a moment, silence fell over the room. The only sounds were the pouring of tea and the creaking of wooden chairs.

"Qiwang," Chen Chunqing said, breaking the silence, "my comrades and I plan to stay temporarily in your village, organize the local people, and do our part together for Taiwan's future."

Chen Qiwang wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. "That's wonderful! The problem here is that we don't have enough capable people to step forward. If someone is willing to take the lead and organize everyone, then perhaps one day we'll be able to overthrow the Kuomintang's corrupt rule and govern ourselves. Count me in, Qiwang. What about you, Musheng?"

"You've already thrown yourself into it. How could I just sit around?" Liao Musheng also stood up with a smile and shook Chen Chunqing's hand. "You can count me in, too."

Chen Benjiang looked at the two men and stepped forward excitedly, clasping Qiwang's and Musheng's hands in both of his. "Welcome to the ranks of the people's revolution. From now on, we are comrades."

Chen Chunqing nodded as well. "We'll need both of you to give us plenty of help in organizing the villagers from now on."

"That's no problem for me!" Qiwang said enthusiastically. "Most of the people in our village are tea farmers and miners. They may not have much schooling, but their eyes are wide open. The Kuomintang has been corrupt and lawless for years, and everyone has been complaining. If someone is willing to step forward and lead the way, plenty of villagers will surely respond."

"However, since the organization is going to be based here, we'll also need financial support..." Chen Chunqing said cautiously.

"Just tell us what you need," Qiwang said, patting his chest. "Whatever I can do, I'll support you all the way."

Deeply moved, Chen Benjiang slowly stood up and bowed in gratitude. "We'd like to rent some land and establish collective farms so that we can become self-sufficient and provide shelter for comrades who come to join us."

Qiwang nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem. I have nearly ten jia of hillside land registered in my name, and it's just sitting there overgrown with grass. If you need it, feel free to use it for farming. If you need more land, I'll ask Musheng to contact some other landowners. He works at the farmers' association and knows the local landowners well. He'll take care of everything."

"Qiwang, Brother Musheng," Chen Chunqing said, his gaze resolute, "if our organization succeeds one day, we will never forget what you've done for us today."

The dark clouds quietly dispersed. The mist outside the window began to lift, revealing the faint outlines of distant mountain ridges. It was like a damp, silent landscape painting. This meeting, like the clearing after a light rain, quietly planted a seed of hope in Taiwan's rural countryside.

52

The afternoon sun slanted across the square in front of the vegetable temple. A few free-range chickens pecked at grains scattered on the ground near the temple courtyard. Nearby, children ran around and played noisily until their parents quietly told them to stop. Several long tables had been set up in the middle of the square, with benches arranged in two rows. The setup was simple but orderly. Teapots, porcelain cups, and plates of freshly fried rice crackers and peanut candy were spread across the tables, filling the air with the warmth and fragrance of rural life.

Forty or fifty villagers gradually arrived. Some were still wearing work trousers stained with mud, and others had not yet taken off their miners' helmets. A few leaned on bamboo walking sticks or held their grandchildren by the hand. They sat in small groups, whispering among themselves. Chen Qiwang, dressed in a blue cotton long gown, walked over from behind the temple courtyard with a notebook in his hand. As he straightened the pages, he began in a hearty voice:

"Fellow elders and brothers of Lukuk Village, I'm your humble fellow villager, Qiwang. I've called everyone here to the temple courtyard today for this meeting. On the one hand, I'd like to introduce a few important people to you. On the other, I'd like to ask them to explain the development plans for our village in the days ahead."

The crowd quieted down, and everyone's attention turned to the visitors standing behind the long table.

Standing beside him was Chen Benjiang, dressed in a gray cloth gown. He stood upright and spoke in a powerful voice. He stepped forward, placed his right hand lightly against his chest, and bowed slightly before speaking.

"Fellow elders, brothers, and sisters of Lukuk Village, I'm Chen Benjiang. A few comrades and I have just arrived in your village today. First, I'd like to thank Village Chief Chen, Brother Musheng, and Chunqing for their warm hospitality. They've made me feel as though I've returned to my own hometown. I'm sure everyone knows that ever since the Kuomintang took over Taiwan, life for ordinary people has grown worse with each passing year over the past four or five years."

His tone shifted. He slowly raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist, his voice firm.

"These corrupt officials, including Chen Yi, say one thing and do another. They want to grab everything for themselves and take whatever they can. In the end, their actions led to the outbreak of the February 28 Uprising!"

His words stirred the crowd. Several elderly men exchanged glances, while a woman could not help murmuring, "Back then, my husband didn't even dare go outside..."

Chen Benjiang took advantage of the moment and stepped forward. His gaze swept across the entire crowd, and his tone grew even more solemn.

"The Kuomintang sent soldiers, police, and intelligence agents everywhere to arrest people, accusing them of being rioters and members of rebel groups. But those who were taken away were our teachers, students, and respected community leaders. These people were the backbone of Taiwanese society. They were sentenced to prison, or even executed by firing squad. They had only one purpose: to destroy our will to resist and turn Taiwan into a silent prison."

Zhou Shengfa, a miner sitting in the third row, frowned and suddenly stood up. His voice was hoarse but forceful.

"I agree with everything you've said! But the Kuomintang has guns and soldiers. We're farmers and coal miners who work underground. We're unarmed. What can we possibly fight them with?"

The entire square fell silent. Even the sound of chickens calling in the distance seemed to have been swallowed by the stillness.

Chen Benjiang nodded slightly, walked around the table, and approached Zhou Shengfa. Standing in front of him, he reached out and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Brother, that's a good question. That's exactly why we can no longer remain silent. If we keep living in fear of death, we'll eventually be driven into a dead end. Let me ask you this: if our generation chooses to remain silent, what will our children and grandchildren think of us? They'll resent us for being cowards who hid our heads in the sand and left them to continue suffering. Do you want them to spend their entire lives living like this?"

Zhou Shengfa lowered his head. His tightly clenched fists trembled slightly. He did not answer, but he nodded heavily.

At that moment, Chen Qiwang stood up again, his voice choked with emotion.

"My younger brother, Qinen, was shot dead by soldiers from the mainland at Yuanshan. He was just a university student. He had never done anything wicked or harmed anyone. I ask you all: to whom should I turn to seek justice for his death?"

Chen Chunqing, standing nearby, also stepped forward and slapped the long table. He spoke loudly.

"Qiwang's younger brother was only one of the countless victims. I've heard that more than one family in our village has suffered similar tragedies. Are the lives of Taiwanese people really worth so little? After fifty years of Japanese rule, what have we gained? Even greater suffering!"

The villagers' murmurs gradually turned into animated discussions. Some spread their hands and argued passionately with their neighbors. A few young men secretly raised their fists, while several miners pressed their lips together, stood up, and looked resolutely toward the front of the square.

At that moment, Liao Musheng slowly stepped forward and added, "Fellow villagers, today's meeting is only an initial discussion. In the future, our village of Lukuk will become an important base for the motherland's liberation of Taiwan. When that time comes, we will distribute the farmland ourselves and govern our own affairs. Think about it, everyone. Wouldn't life be better that way than it is now?"

Applause began somewhere in the crowd and gradually spread throughout the square. The villagers' faces no longer showed confusion. Instead, a long-lost sense of hope and determination began to emerge.