THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY
LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS
FIRST LITERARY TALENT

Chapter Sixteen: The Intelligence Bureau Sets Its Sights on the Luku Base

57

In mid-February, the bitter winter winds had yet to subside. The sky was covered by a layer of grayish blue. Gu Zhengwen stood by the window of the Intelligence Bureau office, holding an unlit cigarette between his fingers as he gazed toward Guanyin Mountain in the distance. He had just received an intelligence report: a group of Communist Party members had gathered in the Luku mountain area, led by Chen Benjiang, and had secretly established an underground organization known as the "Base."

"The terrain around Luku is complicated. Its easy to defend and difficult to attack. If it becomes their stronghold, the consequences will be disastrous..." Gu Zhengwen murmured. He turned around, a cold and resolute expression appearing on his face.

Meanwhile, inside the intelligence room, the lighting was dim and yellow. A map of Taiwan and several aerial photographs of the Luku mountain area hung on the wall. Dong Zhiqian had just graduated from the intelligence training program. His neatly pressed uniform accentuated his erect posture. He brought his heels together with a sharp click and snapped to attention.

Xing Aihua leaned against the office desk. Although his smile was warm, a cold glint flickered in his eyes. "Xiao Dong, this is your chance to redeem yourself and make up for your past mistakes." Aihua patted him lightly on the shoulder, with the familiar warmth of an older brother encouraging a younger one. Yet his tone concealed an unmistakable note of command. "Make the most of it."

Dong Zhiqian straightened his back and answered in a clear voice, "Yes, Section Chief! I, Dong Zhiqian, will not fail in my mission!"

"Your mission is not only to infiltrate the Base and gather intelligence and membership lists, but also to find out how Chen Benjiang communicates with the outside world." Xing Aihua folded a classified document and handed it to him, then added in a low voice, "Every name on that list belongs to an enemy we are determined to capture."

"Yes, sir!" He accepted the document with both hands, his eyes shining with determination.

Gu Zhengwen stepped forward and added in a deep voice, his brows furrowed. "If you get the opportunity, try to create divisions within the enemys ranks and persuade their cadres to switch sides. But remember, your safety comes first! If your identity is exposed, it wont just be you whos in danger. The entire intelligence network weve established could be wiped out."

He raised his hand and gave Dong Zhiqian a firm slap on the shoulder. "Youre still young. Dont let your eagerness for recognition push you into reckless action. This isnt a drill. Youre going straight into the tigers den."

"Xiao Dong understands. Ill act according to the circumstances." Dong Zhiqian nodded slightly. Sweat had begun to form on his forehead, but he maintained his composure.

"If we want that old fox Chen Benjiang to trust you, we have to show him some sincerity." Gu Zhengwen turned and walked toward a small table. He opened a drawer and took out a prepared fake arrest warrant and some wound dressings stained with red ink. "Were going to stage a little drama of self-inflicted suffering."

Gu Zhengwen walked over to him and began fastening the bandages around him as he spoke. "Dont be afraid. Ive already told Lieutenant Colonel Xing to go easy on you. Youll only have to look as though youve suffered a little physical punishment." The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "But dont overact. If your performance isnt convincing, youll give yourself away."

"Im ready." Dong Zhiqian clenched his teeth and tightened his fists, as though he were prepared to shoulder every risk and responsibility at a moments notice.

The atmosphere in the office was as taut as a drawn bowstring. Even the distant mountain silhouettes outside the window seemed to hold their breath. His undercover mission was about to begin, and every step he took would be like walking along the edge of a cliff.

58

The morning mist had yet to lift. The damp air carried the smell of decaying leaves, while the Luku Base remained quietly concealed among layer upon layer of mountain forest. Outside the Base stood a camp converted from an abandoned mine. Several zinc-sheet huts had been scattered along the hillside, and a muddy path led to a guard post. Birds called intermittently from the branches. The air in the valley seemed unusually still, carrying an indefinable sense of vigilance and unease.

Dong Zhiqian stumbled along the muddy path. His clothes were tattered, his face covered with bruises, and a dried streak of blood remained at the corner of his mouth. His right arm was wrapped in a dirty bandage, and he looked utterly exhausted. He deliberately limped as he entered the Base. The sound of his footsteps drew suspicious glances from several armed militiamen standing guard.

Inside the reception shelter, Chen Benjiang sat on a bamboo chair wearing a gray wool overcoat, reading a handwritten newspaper. He Yunxuan stood beside him, looking serious as they discussed something in a low voice. When they noticed someone approaching, both men turned around.

"Chairman..." The moment Dong Zhiqian saw Chen Benjiang, his eyes immediately reddened. He dropped to his knees with a thud and spoke in a choked voice. "I... I escaped from the Intelligence Bureau..."

He Yunxuan frowned and examined him. "What happened to you? How did you get all those injuries?"

Dong Zhiqian tremblingly took off his shirt, revealing rows of whip marks across his back. Some had already become infected and were oozing blood. Enduring the intense pain, he gritted his teeth and accused them bitterly. "They... They arrested me over the Guangming Daily case and tortured me. They wanted me to reveal the whereabouts of Editor Lü and Zhang Hongnian. How was I supposed to know where they were? I would rather die than tell them... And this is what they did to me..."

He spoke through tears, his voice filled with indignation. Humiliation and hatred mingled on his face. His fists were clenched so tightly that the veins on the backs of his hands stood out.

He Yunxuan frowned, his tone turning cold. "I heard that Principal Zhong and Publisher Zhang were also arrested. What about the other newspaper employees?"

"Yes! They were all arrested!" Dong Zhiqian nodded repeatedly. "I was there at the time, too. They took me away in the middle of the night. Even now, I can still hear the screams of that person in the cell..."

"What about Lü Heruo?" He Yunxuan pressed him. "Wasnt he arrested?"

Dong Zhiqian shook his head. "I hadnt seen him by the time I was detained. I heard that his name had been specifically placed on the wanted list, so he must still be on the run."

Hearing this, He Yunxuan turned to Chen Benjiang and analyzed the situation in a low voice. "Chairman, judging from this, what we heard on the radio must be correct. He really hasnt been caught... But..."

He suddenly changed his tone and fixed a sharp gaze on Dong Zhiqian. "The Intelligence Bureau doesnt usually release people so easily. Why did they let you go?"

Chen Benjiang also put down the paper in his hand and scrutinized Dong Zhiqian with an eagle-like gaze. "Thats right. Why did they release you?"

Dong Zhiqian thrust his chest forward slightly, putting on an expression of indignation and despair. "They didnt have enough evidence to prosecute me. They couldnt find Editor Lü, and they couldnt get anything useful out of my interrogation. I managed to get through that ordeal... After surviving and getting out, I realized I could no longer bury my head in the sand like an ostrich. I... want to join the Base and overthrow this corrupt regime!"

His tone was resolute and impassioned. He even struck his own chest, his eyes brimming with intense emotion.

Chen Benjiang stood up and walked a few steps closer, keeping his eyes fixed on him. After remaining silent for several seconds, he finally spoke. "Since youve reached this level of political awareness, youre welcome to join the ranks of the peoples revolution."

He extended his hand and helped Dong Zhiqian to his feet. At last, a measure of trust appeared on his face. However, He Yunxuan, standing nearby, still had his arms folded across his chest and his brows deeply furrowed.

"But let me speak frankly..." He Yunxuan said coldly. "In the past, when Taiwanese people were arrested by the Intelligence Bureau, even if they werent executed by firing squad, they were still subjected to court-martial. How could they simply release you after a few beatings? Isnt that a little too convenient?"

The atmosphere grew heavy. The only sound was the mountain breeze passing beneath the eaves and stirring one corner of a hanging cloth curtain. Dong Zhiqian froze for a moment, then immediately lowered his head. "I know my sudden arrival must naturally make everyone suspicious. But Xiao Dong is willing to prove his loyalty through his actions. I only ask the Chairman to give me a chance."

"What concerns me even more is Editor Lüs safety, Chairman." He Yunxuan changed the subject again, apparently trying to redirect attention away from the suspicious circumstances.

Chen Benjiang smiled faintly and settled back into his bamboo chair. Speaking leisurely, he said, "Well have to see what fate has in store for him. If he really hasnt been arrested, sooner or later hell go and seek an audience with Leader Cai."

"Oh?" He Yunxuans eyes lit up. "Chairman, why are you so certain?"

Chen Benjiang shook his head, his tone mysterious. "Only the Leader has the ability to get him out of Taipei without anyone knowing."

At this point, Dong Zhiqian pretended to be puzzled and asked curiously, "May I ask, Chairman Chen, who is this Leader Cai?"

Chen Benjiangs expression darkened, and his tone turned abruptly cold, almost cutting like a knife. "Thats none of your concern! Here, if there are things youre not supposed to know, then dont go asking about them."

Dong Zhiqian immediately bowed and apologized in a low voice. "Im sorry, Chairman. Xiao Dong is new here and doesnt yet understand the rules. Ill be careful about what I say and ask from now on."

Chen Benjiang said nothing more. He simply waved his hand, signaling him to leave. The suspicion lingering in the air had not entirely disappeared, but at least the first act of the drama had begun.

59

On a bitterly cold night in late February 1950, inside a secluded old house on Quanzhou Street, the lights were dim. The wind blew through the gaps in the weathered wooden windows, stirring the calligraphy paintings hanging on the walls. Outside, the streetlights cast faint illumination, and the swaying shadows resembled nightmares. The occasional barking of dogs in the distance made everyone uneasy.

Inside the house, several steaming teacups sat on the table. A charcoal brazier in the corner was nearly extinguished. Three men sat around the table in an atmosphere of tension and solemnity. Cai Xiaoqian wore a gray wool overcoat, his hands folded on his lap and his eyes sharp. He glanced sideways at the haggard, unshaven figure sitting opposite him, the corners of his mouth forming an ambiguous smile.

"Professor Chen was right after all. Lü Heruo, youve come to see me just as he predicted." Cai Xiaoqian spoke in a low voice, with a subtle note of triumph.

Lü Heruo sat on the edge of a wooden chair, as though he were afraid of becoming contaminated by something. His fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles pale. He looked gravely at Cai Xiaoqian.

"Brother Cai, I have no other choice. Can you arrange for me to escape to Japan by sea? Or is there some other way you can help me leave Taiwan?"

Liu Xuekun, sitting in the corner of the room, shifted slightly when he heard this. He lowered his head and took a sip of tea, while the corner of his eye swept toward Cai Xiaoqian, as though waiting for his response.

Cai Xiaoqian remained unhurried. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from beneath the tea table, lit one, and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"Brother Lü, the Intelligence Bureau has been conducting a tight investigation lately. Theyve placed informants at all the ports and airports. Your name and photograph have long been at the top of the wanted list. Large wanted posters have been put up everywhere. Not even a bird could fly out unnoticed. Trying to escape illegally by sea? The risk is simply too high."

He leaned back in his chair and changed his tone. "My advice is that you go to the Luku Base for the time being and keep a low profile until things settle down. The location is well concealed, the organization is reliable, and youll have people looking after you. Once some time has passed and the situation has eased, Ill naturally arrange for you to leave the island."

Lü Heruo lowered his head and pondered, his fingertips gently tapping his knees. He thought of Su Yulan and her daughter, who had already been arrested on Grass Mountain. He felt like a drifting weed with nowhere to turn. There seemed to be no other way out.

He slowly raised his head, a stronger sense of determination in his eyes. "All right. Im willing to go to Luku. Please make the arrangements for me, Brother Cai."

At these words, a sharp glint flashed in Cai Xiaoqians eyes. He stood up and walked over to the writing desk. Opening a drawer, he took out paper, ink, and a brush, then wrote a letter of introduction with sharp, blade-like strokes.

"Ill write this letter for you. Tomorrow night, take it to Chairman Chen at the Base." Cai folded the letter carefully, placed it inside a kraft envelope, and handed it to Lü Heruo. "Stay here tonight and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, Chao will accompany you on your way."

Lü Heruo accepted the letter, his hands trembling slightly and his eyes reddening. "Thank you, Brother Cai... If I survive this, I will repay your kindness someday."

At that moment, Liu Xuekun stood up and approached. He firmly grasped Lü Heruos hand and smiled sincerely.

"Young brother, welcome to the organization. From now on, were all in the same boat."

Cai Xiaoqian patted Liu on the shoulder, then turned to him and Cai Chao and said, "The organization is expanding. Brother Xuekun, go up the mountain immediately and serve as an instructor at the Base. Chao, youll be responsible for liaison duties. Both of you must do everything you can to assist Chairman Chen Benjiang and help us establish a firm foothold in the mountains."

Liu Xuekun straightened his chest and nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Leader, for giving us this opportunity to prove ourselves. I will not fail in my mission."

Beneath the dim light, the gestures and exchanged glances among the three men resembled sparks in the darkness. They tested one another, weighed their options, extended trust, and remained wary—all while the storm of revolution was quietly rising from this old house.

The chill of early spring lingered in the air. A thin mist covered the Luku mountain area, and the winding mountain paths were wet and slippery. Dense stands of camphor and chinaberry trees lined both sides of the trails. After passing through several concealed paths covered with camouflage netting, Lü Heruo finally reached the Luku Base halfway up the mountain, accompanied by Liu Xuekun and Liao Chao. Stone houses were scattered along the mountainside, and the muzzles of machine guns occasionally protruded from among the grass shelters. Security around the area was extremely tight.

Upon entering the main hall, he saw a long table covered with coarse burlap and several rudimentary wooden chairs. A kerosene lamp swayed overhead, casting a dim yellow glow. Leaflets and printed briefing papers were piled high in the corner. The air was filled with the combined smells of dampness and ink.

Lü Heruo tremblingly took an envelope from his overcoat pocket and handed it with both hands to Chairman Chen Benjiang, who was seated in the middle. He bowed slightly and spoke in a firm yet respectful voice.

"This is a letter from Leader Cai, which he asked me to deliver to you."

Chen Benjiang was about fifty years old, with a sturdy build and an upright, honorable appearance. He accepted the letter, tore open the envelope, and read it carefully for a moment. His eyebrows rose, and he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Good! Leader Cai says youre a fine steed capable of traveling a thousand miles, and he wants me to make good use of your talents."

Just then, a familiar figure hurried over from the back of the building. His eyes were glistening with tears.

"Editor Lü!"

Lü Heruo froze for a moment and turned around. When he saw He Yunxuan, he was overwhelmed with surprise and delight. He stepped forward and clasped the other mans hands tightly.

"Brother Yunxuan! Heaven must have been looking out for us. I cant believe Ive run into you here!"

He Yunxuans hands were warm from the firm grip, and his face was filled with emotion.

"I thought you... Ah, seeing you again feels like a dream. I was in the same desperate situation as you. Leader Cai arranged for me to come here."

Lü Heruo patted him on the shoulder, his eyes turning red.

"It seems that those of us who make our living with a pen have finally been left with no choice but to depend on the mountains for our survival..."

Chen Benjiang smiled as he watched the two men. Folding his arms across his chest, he spoke warmly.

"So youre old acquaintances. No wonder youre so delighted to see each other."

Lü Heruo turned to the Chairman and added, "When I was editor-in-chief of the Guangming Daily, Yunxuan was the current affairs commentator I relied on most. We often discussed political affairs and criticized the problems of the times together. We also used to drink tea several times beneath the old tree near the newspaper office."

He Yunxuan smiled and nodded nostalgically.

"I remember you loved that bowl of hot tofu pudding. You even insisted it smelled better than a freshly written manuscript."

The three men laughed together, and the atmosphere became somewhat more relaxed.

He Yunxuan suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, that reporter from your newspaper, Dong Zhiqian, also arrived at the Base a few days ago."

Lü Heruos expression changed with surprise.

"Xiao Dong? Hes here too?"

"Yes. He said the Intelligence Bureau arrested him and put him through quite a bit of suffering. They beat him brutally for three days before releasing him."

Upon hearing this, Lü Heruo pressed his lips together. His expression darkened for a moment before he spoke quietly.

"Poor Xiao Dong... That young man is so full of enthusiasm, yet he always seems to get himself into trouble."

Chen Benjiang nodded, then changed the subject.

"Editor Lü, Id like to appoint you Director of the Political Department, responsible for external propaganda and ideological education. These are areas in which you excel. What do you think?"

Lü Heruo was slightly taken aback. He immediately clasped his hands respectfully in acknowledgment.

"I am deeply honored by the Chairmans confidence in me. I will follow your arrangements. I only hope I can contribute a small light of my own to keep the revolutionary flame burning."

Chen Benjiang nodded with satisfaction, then called to a young man standing nearby.

"Secretary Chen, please make proper arrangements for Editor Lüs accommodations. Tomorrow morning, youll also need to familiarize him with the operations of the various units at the Base."

The young man immediately stood at attention and replied, "Yes, Chairman. Ill take care of it right away."

He walked over to Lü Heruo and extended his hand with a smile.

"Editor, please come with me."

Amid the overlapping shadows of the lamplight, Lü Heruo picked up his bag and exchanged a glance with He Yunxuan. Their expressions were solemn, yet their eyes conveyed an unspoken understanding. The wind swept through the mountain forest, rippling a red flag outside the building. This was a new beginning, but also the beginning of an even greater storm.

60

The early spring chill still lingered in the mountains. A thin mist hung over the Luku mountain area, where the winding mountain paths were wet and slippery, flanked by dense groves of camphor trees and chinaberry trees. After passing through several secluded trails covered with camouflage netting, Lü Heruo, accompanied by Liu Xuekun and Liao Chao, finally arrived at the Luku Base, situated halfway up the mountainside. Stone houses were scattered in orderly fashion along the mountainside, and the occasional machine-gun barrel protruded from beneath a thatched shelter. The entire area was under tight security.

Inside the main hall, a long table covered with coarse burlap stood alongside a few crude wooden chairs. A kerosene lamp swayed from the ceiling, casting a dim yellow glow. Leaflets and printed briefing materials were piled in the corners, and the air was filled with the mingled smells of dampness and ink.

Trembling slightly, Lü Heruo took an envelope from his overcoat pocket and handed it to Chairman Chen Benjiang, who was seated at the center of the room. He bowed slightly and said in a firm yet humble voice, "This is a letter from Leader Cai. He asked me to deliver it to you."

Chen Benjiang was about fifty years old, with a sturdy build and an air of integrity. He took the letter, tore open the envelope, and read it carefully for a while. His eyebrows rose, and then he burst out laughing. "Excellent! Leader Cai says youre a fine horse capable of traveling a thousand miles. He told me to make good use of your talents."

Just then, a familiar figure hurried in from the back of the building. Tears glistened in his eyes. "Editor Lü!"

Lü Heruo froze for a moment and turned around. When he saw He Yunxuan, he was overcome with surprise and delight. He stepped forward and clasped the other mans hands tightly. His voice trembled with emotion. "Brother Yunxuan! Heaven must have a conscience after all. I never imagined I would see you here!"

He Yunxuans hands grew warm from their tight grip, and his face was filled with emotion. "I thought you... Ah, seeing you again feels like a dream. I was just as desperate as you, with nowhere else to turn, so Leader Cai arranged for me to come here."

Lü Heruo patted him on the shoulder, his eyes reddening. "It seems that those of us who make our living with a pen have no choice but to make our home in the mountains in the end..."

Chen Benjiang watched the two men with a smile, his arms folded across his chest. In a gentle voice, he said, "So youre old acquaintances. No wonder you feel such an immediate bond with each other."

Turning toward the chairman, Lü Heruo added, "When I was editor-in-chief of the Guangming Daily, Yunxuan was the current-affairs commentator I relied on most. We discussed political affairs and criticized the abuses of the day together. We also had tea many times beneath the old tree near the newspaper office."

He Yunxuan smiled too and nodded nostalgically. "I remember how much you loved that bowl of hot tofu pudding. You even insisted it smelled better than a manuscript."

The three men laughed together, and the atmosphere became somewhat more relaxed.

Suddenly, He Yunxuan remembered something. "By the way, that reporter from your newspaper, Dong Zhiqian, also arrived at the Base a few days ago."

Lü Heruos expression changed. "Xiao Dong? Hes here too?"

"Yes. He said the Intelligence Bureau arrested him and put him through quite an ordeal. They beat him brutally for three days before finally releasing him."

At those words, Lü Heruo pressed his lips together, and his expression darkened for a moment. He said quietly, "Poor Xiao Dong. That young man is full of passion, yet he always seems to get himself into trouble."

Chen Benjiang nodded, then changed the subject. "Editor Lü, Id like to appoint you director of the Political Department, responsible for external propaganda and ideological education. These are areas in which you excel. What do you think?"

Lü Heruo was momentarily taken aback, then humbly clasped his hands in salute. "I am deeply honored by the chairmans confidence in me. I will follow your arrangements. I only hope I can contribute even the faintest glimmer of light to keep the revolutionary flame burning."

Chen Benjiang nodded with satisfaction and called to a young man standing nearby. "Secretary Chen, please make proper arrangements for Editor Lüs accommodations. Tomorrow morning, youll also take him around to familiarize him with the operations of the various units at the Base."

The young man stood at attention and replied, "Yes, Chairman. Ill take care of it right away." He walked over to Lü Heruo and extended his hand with a smile. "Editor, please come with me."

Amid the shifting lamplight, Lü Heruo picked up his bag and exchanged a glance with He Yunxuan. Their expressions were solemn, yet they shared an unspoken understanding. A breeze swept through the mountain forest, stirring the red flag outside the building. This was a new beginning—and the start of an even more profound storm.

62

Night quietly descended upon the dormitory at the Luku Base. Thin mist drifted through the mountains, while the low-hanging lamplight cast deep shadows across the room. The wooden window was slightly ajar, allowing a cold breeze to enter, carrying the faint smell of earth and dampness. The light beside the window flickered intermittently. The air was filled with the smell of kerosene and old wood. Several yellowed books lay on the table, along with the lingering haze of cigarette smoke.

He Yunxuan pushed open the door and entered. He was wearing coarse work clothes and looked somewhat exhausted. A trace of worry lingered between his brows, as though he had not had a proper rest all day. He glanced around the modest dormitory, then walked over to the table, casually picked up a cup of cold tea, and took a sip.

"Editor Lü, youre still as neat and tidy as ever," he said with a smile, a trace of emotion in his eyes.

Lü Heruo was sitting in a wooden chair, looking through a stack of newspapers. Hearing the voice, he looked up. When he saw He Yunxuan, a faint smile appeared on his face, though he could not conceal the weariness in his eyes. "Brother Yunxuan, over the years, youve become... much more composed."

He Yunxuan chuckled softly, set down his teacup, and walked over to sit opposite Lü Heruo. The lamplight fell across their faces, bringing back the familiar feeling of a long-lost friendship.

"Havent we all changed over the years?" He Yunxuans voice carried a hint of bitterness.

Lü Heruo took a deep breath, his gaze somewhat distant, as though he had returned to the past. "I never imagined that after Japans defeat and withdrawal, and after the Nationalist Government took over Taiwan, the island would end up in such a state." His voice conveyed a sense of helplessness.

He Yunxuan lowered his head and silently took another sip of cold tea. His voice was low but firm. "Everything happened too quickly. Taiwans political situation has fallen entirely under the control of corrupt officials. Everyone lives under their shadow. Most of the people of Taiwan have yet to awaken to what is happening, and the forces of resistance are simply too weak." A sense of frustration was evident in his voice.

Lü Heruo lightly tapped his fingers on the tabletop, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. He sighed quietly. "I used to think that as long as we could use public opinion to monitor the Nationalist Governments policies, we could compel the government to reform. Who could have imagined they would be so brutal, completely shutting down freedom of speech!" He closed his eyes briefly, his brows furrowing.

He Yunxuan turned his gaze slightly toward the window, as though recalling everything that had happened in the past. Then he slowly spoke. "Indeed, under the present circumstances, unless we overthrow the Nationalist Government through revolution, it will be difficult to change anything." His voice conveyed both helplessness and determination.

Lü Heruo turned his gaze back to He Yunxuan. His expression grew more resolute, and his voice was low but forceful. "Brother, I have always believed that overthrowing the Nationalist Government should be a shared mission for all of us who live on this island of Taiwan. We cannot bring in the Chinese Communist Partys armed forces. That would only cause Taiwan to fall from one pit of fire into an even deeper abyss. We would be better off taking the risks ourselves, standing up on our own, and finding a genuine solution." The indignation and conviction in his words made the atmosphere in the entire dormitory grow heavy.

He Yunxuan took a deep breath. A trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes. He gently placed his hand on the table, his fingertips trembling slightly, as though he were struggling with an inner conflict. "Editor Lü, Ive had the same reservations. I often wonder: if Taiwan were truly liberated by the Chinese Communist Party, would we Taiwanese really have the power to govern ourselves? The Communist Party and the Kuomintang are, after all, both political parties from mainland China, outsiders to Taiwan. If they took control of Taiwans destiny, would they leave us with any genuine autonomy?" His voice was filled with deep uncertainty and helplessness.

Lü Heruo did not look away from He Yunxuan. His eyes revealed both compassion and resolve. He said quietly, "We must consider all these choices carefully. Taiwans future cannot be determined by outside forces. Only we ourselves can decide our own destiny."

Just then, the wind picked up outside, causing the curtains to sway gently and bringing a chill into the room. The two men looked at each other in silence. Both knew that this storm could no longer be avoided. They would be witnesses to it—and participants in it.

62

The night was as dark as ink, and a chill hung in the still air. The light in Lü Heruos dormitory was dim and yellow. A faint musty smell lingered in the room, where newspapers, notebooks, and an oil lamp that had not yet gone out lay scattered about. The wind howled outside the window, and the occasional bark of a distant dog made the surrounding silence of the mountain forest seem even more profound.

Chen Chunqing knocked gently on the dormitory door before pushing it open. Dong Zhiqian followed close behind him. Dongs face looked somewhat haggard, and deep fatigue showed between his brows. His eyes revealed a pain he could hardly conceal. His steps were heavy, as though he were carrying the burden of too many memories and hardships.

As soon as he entered the room, Lü Heruo rose from his chair. A trace of surprise and concern flashed across his face. "Xiao Dong, youve come! How are you? Are you all right?" His voice was full of concern, and his brows drew together slightly.

Dong Zhiqian smiled faintly, but his smile seemed forced. He had both hands in his trouser pockets, and his body was slightly hunched, as though he were carrying some invisible burden. "Secretary Chen just told me that the editor-in-chief had arrived at the Base. I was so surprised and pleased that I came straight over to see you." His tone carried a hint of deliberately concealed nonchalance, but a shadow of gloom involuntarily flickered in his eyes.

Lü Heruo walked over to the table, picked up a cup of cold tea, took a small sip, and set it down. His voice was calm. "I also heard from Teacher He that the Intelligence Bureau arrested you and put you through quite an ordeal. Ive been meaning to find some time to come see you." He studied Dong Zhiqians face, his eyes filled with concern.

Chen Chunqing interjected with a smile, his tone somewhat teasing. "This place is Liangshan Marsh, where heroes and outlaws from all walks of life have gathered." As he spoke, he patted Dong Zhiqian on the shoulder, trying to ease the heavy atmosphere a little.

Lü Heruo could not help giving a bitter smile. There was a trace of self-mockery in his eyes. "Id say were more like desperate fugitives with nowhere left to go." He sighed, his voice tinged with weariness and helplessness.

Chen Chunqing did not respond immediately. Instead, he lowered his head and remained silent for a moment before speaking with greater resolve. "Theres no need to be so pessimistic. This Base may yet give us hope for the future." The resilience in his words was like steel, bringing a glimmer of hope into the cramped room.

After hearing this, Lü Heruo nodded gently, then turned to Dong Zhiqian. His voice grew solemn. "Xiao Dong, when you were taken to the Intelligence Bureau, did you see Principal Zhong and Director Zhang?" His gaze remained fixed on Dong Zhiqian, as though waiting for an answer.

At the mention of those names, Dong Zhiqians emotions surged to the surface. The corners of his eyes grew slightly red, and his lips trembled. After a moment of silence, he said quietly, "Principal Zhong... Principal Zhong was beaten until his flesh was torn open. It was truly horrible." His voice caught with emotion. His hands gripped his trousers tightly, and he seemed at a loss.

Lü Heruo felt his heart sink. A flash of pain and helplessness crossed his eyes. He sighed silently, then gently patted Dong Zhiqian on the shoulder. His voice was low. "Alas! The people in the Intelligence Bureau are nothing but devils!" His words were filled with anger, yet he could not conceal the pain in his heart.

Dong Zhiqians expression grew even darker. He lowered his head and remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking. "Principal Zhong and Director Zhang... Im afraid their chances of survival are slim." His voice was faint, but his eyes were filled with helplessness and sorrow. He folded his arms across his chest, as though trying to comfort himself—or perhaps searching for a glimmer of hope that no longer existed.

The entire room fell silent. Only the wind howled outside, as though telling of some indescribable pain and helplessness.

63

The following morning, several old long tables and wooden chairs had been set up in the Bases makeshift meeting room. The ceiling fan creaked as it turned, and the faded slogan on the wall remained clearly visible: "Revolution Is Not a Crime; Rebellion Is Justified." Sunlight slanted through the window lattice, falling across the mottled wood grain of the floor. A faint haze of dust and the smell of paper hung in the air. Several cadres sat around the tables. Some were leafing through documents, while others whispered among themselves. The atmosphere was subdued and serious.

Chen Benjiang, wearing a faded khaki military-style uniform, rose energetically and surveyed the room. He tapped the tabletop to draw everyones attention.

"Comrades," he began in a clear, forceful voice filled with conviction, "at todays meeting, I would like to introduce our new arrival, Comrade Lü Heruo."

Everyone turned to look at Lü Heruo, who was seated near the window. He wore a dark Sun Yat-sen suit. His expression was composed, his posture upright, and his hands clasped together on his lap. He sat as motionless as a stone statue.

Chen Benjiang continued, "During his tenure as editor-in-chief of the Guangming Daily, Comrade Lü persisted in exposing the corruption of Kuomintang officials and the failures of their administration. Even after the newspaper was shut down by the Intelligence Bureau, he remained undeterred and threw himself wholeheartedly into our proletarian revolutionary movement. Editor Lü is widely known throughout Taiwan and wields considerable influence. Today, on behalf of the organization, I formally appoint Comrade Lü Heruo as director of the Political Department!"

With that, he began applauding. The applause surged through the room like a rising tide. Several cadres joined in enthusiastically. Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others raised their thumbs in admiration.

Lü Heruo stood up. With a composed expression, he bowed slightly to everyone before walking to the table to speak. His voice was not loud, but every word seemed to fall heavily into the air.

"Comrades, to be honest... My situation is much like that of my younger brother Yunxuan. We are both men who have been driven to join the outlaws on Liangshan." He gave a faint laugh. His words carried a trace of self-mockery, which slightly eased the tension in the room. A few cadres could not help chuckling quietly, though behind their laughter lay a silent sense of shared understanding.

He paused, and his expression turned serious. Slowly, he placed both hands on the edge of the table. "I once held on to a glimmer of hope for the Kuomintang government. But when the Guangming Daily was shut down, my colleagues were arrested, and Principal Zhong was beaten so severely that he was left gravely injured... I finally saw the truth. This is not some misunderstanding arising from political differences. It is a brutal campaign to crush the conscience of the people."

He looked at everyone, his voice growing increasingly solemn. "I understand that this is a road of no return. To choose it means parting from our families, saying goodbye to our freedom, and even staking our lives. But I am willing... willing to shoulder this shared historical burden on behalf of the conscience of our generation on this land of Taiwan."

As he spoke, the corners of his eyes reddened and his voice trembled slightly. Then he straightened his body and struck his chest firmly with his hand. "There is no other way for Taiwan to survive except to face this oppression and resist it!"

For a moment, the entire meeting room fell completely silent. Sunlight fell across his face, revealing a resolute expression.

Chen Benjiang nodded silently. Then he stood up and placed a hand on Lü Heruos shoulder. In a deep voice, he said, "Editor Lü is a cultural intellectual with remarkable foresight. His political awakening represents the conscience of the people. It also represents the fate awaiting the corrupt Kuomintang regime: it will be swept into the ashes of history."

He then turned to the entire room and called out loudly, "Comrades, let us applaud once more to welcome Comrade Lü Heruo into our revolutionary ranks!"

This time, the applause thundered through the room. Everyone rose to their feet. Some pounded the tables and shouted their approval, while others were moved to tears. The atmosphere ignited in an instant.

Amid the passionate applause, Lü Heruo said nothing. He merely lowered his head slightly and clenched both fists. He knew there was no turning back for him—but he no longer needed to turn back.