Xie Chi didn’t recognize this person, but seeing the insignia on his military uniform, he was a Major General. Appearing at this moment and mentioning ‘our two families,’ could this be the Koike family’s eldest son?

Seeing a turning point in the situation, Xie Chi realized that continuing this standoff might not be beneficial. He said to He Feng, “Let go. You go with him first.”

“No.”

“I won’t be harmed. Fujita Kiyono won’t touch me. Stay alive first, and we’ll deal with what comes later, alright?”

“No.”

Koike Taichi’s voice softened slightly, “Ryuji, let go. I won’t hurt her.”

Xie Chi nudged him, “If this continues, we’ll all die.”

He Feng slowly released Xie Chi, and Fujita Kiyono immediately pulled her behind him.

Koike Taichi angrily shouted at the two ronin standing nearby: “Untie him now!”

As soon as the chains loosened, He Feng collapsed directly. Having gone days without food or water, combined with freezing cold, high fever, and various tortures, his body had reached its limit. He squinted weakly at Xie Chi.

Koike Taichi had his adjutant come forward to help He Feng up. He cast one last vicious glare at Fujita Kiyono, then looked at the woman behind him, “We’ll discuss this matter later. Let’s go.”

Fujita Kiyono stood straight, bowing his head as he saw them off.

Xie Chi was watching the doorway where they had disappeared when Fujita Kiyono suddenly grabbed her neck, forcefully squeezing and pulling her to face him.

“You think he’s been saved? Like you told me, you’re dreaming. Luo Lingshu brought Koike Taichi to pressure me, but his collaboration with the Communists is fact, and there are still doubts about his identity. I’ll dig it all out bit by bit. Even if he’s sent to a Tokyo tribunal and escapes the death penalty, I’ll make sure he spends the rest of his life in prison.”

Xie Chi stopped struggling, her face still bearing the blood and tears from crying in He Feng’s embrace moments ago, making her appear pitifully vulnerable. “Can’t you just let him go?”

“Let him go? Why should I?” Fujita Kiyono cupped her face with both hands, “Michi doesn’t know about this yet. My sister has loved him for so many years. Can you imagine what would happen if she found out? Would she want to kill you too?” Fujita Kiyono wiped the blood from her face, “The child in your belly—either abort it or it’s mine. I’ll hide it from my family. Our engagement still stands. Last time I didn’t even notify them to come to Shanghai. I just wanted to test you, but I never expected you’d really want to kill my family. How could you bear to do it? I know you were just bewitched by him. Once he’s dead, you’ll come to your senses. His feelings for you are just a momentary whim. I’ll make you understand who truly suits you best, who loves you most.”

Xie Chi turned her face away, pressing against his chest to push him away, “You’re nothing but a beast.”

Fujita Kiyono let out a sinister laugh through his nose, “Even if I’m a beast, you’ll have to stay by this beast’s side for the rest of your life. Don’t forget, you accepted my proposal. Regardless of your motives, I took it seriously.” He gripped her wrist tightly, pulling her forcefully toward him, “Come back with me.”

…

He Feng was sent into the operating room. Luo Lingshu stood by the window talking with Koike Taichi, having dismissed all adjutants and accompanying soldiers to a distance.

The snow had lessened somewhat, but the wind remained biting.

Luo Lingshu hadn’t slept for a long time, yet still maintained his calm and alertness. He began, “I’ve made inquiries. This matter hasn’t leaked out yet. Fujita Kiyono captured him and held him in the Red Mansion. Neither the Chinese nor Japanese governments know about it. The soldiers who participated in that day’s operation were probably also instructed not to speak of it. I’m not sure what exactly he’s thinking, but he’s probably considering that woman. His feelings for her run deep—on one hand wanting to punish her, on the other unable to bear it. Being trapped in such a frustrating state of mind for so long, it’s inevitable that psychological problems would develop.”

Koike Taichi removed his gloves and put them in his coat pocket, “So Ryuji really collaborated with the enemy?”

Luo Lingshu remained silent for a while, not directly answering his question, “I’ve told you the whole story. Everything started because of that woman and child. Even if he had dealings with the Communist Party, it was temporary infatuation. His loyalty to the Empire is evident—you’ve seen it all these years.”

Koike Taichi clenched his fists, suppressing his overwhelming anger, “Worthless fool. Let him take a beating—it might do him good, wake up his brain. He’s been muddled all day, not knowing what he’s doing.”

“Regardless of whether he’s worthless or not, he’s still your half-brother, connected by blood. He can’t be ruined by a woman. If he’s convicted of treason, forget about saving his life—the entire family would be disgraced. How would we maintain our standing in the future?”

Koike Taichi turned his back, “I’ll negotiate with Fujita Kiyono again.”

“Though he’s a superior officer, don’t provoke him. I can see he has some mental issues. If we irritate him and he does something detrimental, it would be troublesome. If this matter can be resolved with him and not exposed, that would be best.”

“I understand.”

…

To live, or to die?

From the moment she was captured by Fujita Kiyono, this question had been echoing in her mind.

Death would be so simple—just one bullet. There was a gun right within reach.

But whenever Xie Chi thought about picking it up, she felt that after persisting for so many years, she shouldn’t die so pathetically, taking along this innocent life.

Just as He Feng had told her in Nanjing, as long as you’re alive, there’s still hope. Only by living can there be hope.

Looking back on those dark times, hadn’t she gotten through them all the same?

Xie Chi looked out at the world through that small window.

When would it regain its light?

The door was suddenly knocked.

Fujita Kiyono pushed the door open, looking quite relaxed, “Wanzhi, I’ve brought someone to keep you company.”

Xie Chi showed no interest at all.

Behind him came the sound of high heels—a woman, definitely not Jiang Shouyue, and certainly not A’Ru.

“Seventh Sister.”

Xie Chi paused slightly, turning to look back. The woman before her wore a camel-colored coat, tall and thin, with a blue-gray checkered qipao underneath, quite elegant in bearing. She stared at this person’s face, finding it strangely familiar yet unable to recall who it was for a moment.

“Seventh Sister, I’m Fifth Sister. We haven’t seen each other for so many years, you don’t recognize me anymore, do you?”

Fifth Sister…

What was her name again?

Oh, Xie Yao.

Xie Chi looked displeasedly at Fujita Kiyono, “So this is another new hostage?”

Upon hearing the word “hostage,” Xie Yao couldn’t hide the panic on her face, her eyes uncertain, standing there helplessly.

“I was worried you’d be bored, so I found your sister to keep you company. Don’t always think of me so badly. Your sister is also my sister.”

“Then send her away. I don’t want to see her.”

Xie Yao hesitated to speak, silently lowering her head.

“You sisters haven’t seen each other for years. I won’t disturb you. I’ll have someone bring up some pastries and tea later. You can take your time catching up.” Ignoring her words, Fujita Kiyono walked up to her, “I just learned that Wanzhi is your courtesy name, and your given name is Xie Chi. From now on I’ll call you Little Chi—your sister told me that only close people call you that.”

Xie Chi looked at him coldly, saying nothing.

Fujita Kiyono adjusted her shawl, “It’s cold, be careful not to catch a chill.” After saying this, he walked out, closing the door behind him.

Only after the footsteps completely disappeared did Xie Yao move forward slightly, “Seventh Sister, did you marry a Japanese?”

“No.”

“Then why are you here? Did he place you under house arrest?”

“More or less.”

Xie Yao looked her over, still somewhat afraid in her heart. After all, she had never shown this younger sister a kind face before, and had said many harsh things when she returned from the bandit den. She lowered her eyes submissively and moved closer, stopping about two meters away, trying to build rapport, “Are you doing well in Shanghai?”

“Mm.” Xie Chi sat down by the bed, “You sit too.”

Xie Yao moved to the small sofa, sitting tensely with her back straight, being extremely careful, “Seventh Sister, you haven’t been back for many years, have you?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretfully wanted to slap herself twice—what a thing to bring up.

“Three years.”

Seeing that her expression hadn’t changed, Xie Yao breathed a sigh of relief, “Then you don’t know about what happened at home?”

“What happened?”

Xie Yao furrowed her brow, her face immediately clouding over with worry, “Our family is gone. The Japanese took it over.”

Xie Chi was completely indifferent to this, asking casually, “What about Xie Jiaxing?”

“Father is in Hebei.” Xie Yao sighed deeply, “Back then Fourth Brother took his family and Tenth Brother out of the country. Second Brother and his family fled to Second Sister-in-law’s hometown in Chongqing, but they encountered stray bullets on the road—all four were blown up. Sixth Sister also died in Suzhou, and Mother was…” Speaking of this, she began wiping away tears, “Eldest Sister died in childbirth, Eighth and Ninth Sisters also died young, and Third Sister married and went to America. Now only we two remain.”

“How did you end up being brought here?”

“I don’t know. I was playing mahjong when some Japanese suddenly came and brought me here.”

Xie Chi had an ominous feeling, “Did that person just now ask you anything?”

“He did.”

“What did he ask?”

“Just some things about you.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him everything as it was—about Wang Yiniang, about you living in seclusion with Grandfather, and about you being… you being kidnapped by bandits.”

Xie Chi felt a chill down her spine, standing up and moving in front of her, her gaze frightening Xie Yao, “What exactly did you say?”

Xie Yao’s body fell back against the sofa, inexplicably breaking into a cold sweat, swallowing hard.

“Speak!”

…

One hour earlier.

Xie Yao had been brought to a teahouse where Fujita Kiyono treated her very politely, ordering a table full of specialty pastries.

He called her sister and very warmly inquired about all of Xie Chi’s childhood affairs.

Sitting across from a Japanese man with Japanese soldiers all around, despite her hatred, Xie Yao didn’t dare not answer.

When it came to Xie Chi being kidnapped by bandits at seventeen, Fujita Kiyono suddenly showed great interest. But Xie Yao didn’t know much either, only describing from her fuzzy memories, “I don’t know which bandits from Shandong, just encountered them on the way home, seemed to be called something Zhou, oh right, Yanzhou. At that time both Seventh Sister and Ninth Sister were taken up the mountain. Ninth Sister died in the bandit den, but Seventh Sister somehow managed to return, wearing very beautiful clothes, a red cloak! She probably didn’t escape—she was dressed very neatly. Father felt it was shameful and threw her out.”

Fujita Kiyono’s hand holding the teacup froze. Hearing this, he felt both angry and heartbroken.

“Later that bandit even came looking for her, not very old, looked about twenty years old.”

“Came looking? What happened then?”

“Seventh Sister had already been thrown out. He was quite devoted though, blocking our house for several days, but later left when he couldn’t find her.”

“What was his name?”

“I don’t know, seemed to be surnamed He.”

Fujita Kiyono leaned forward, pressing close to the table, “He what?”

Xie Yao saw him approaching and broke into a nervous sweat, “I really don’t know.”

“What did he look like?”

“Very tall, I can’t remember the specific features, just remember he was quite handsome.”

Fujita Kiyono stood up and gestured a height, “About this tall?”

Xie Yao clutched her hands tightly, “Didn’t seem that tall.”

Fujita Kiyono took out a photograph from his pocket, “Is this him?”

Xie Yao took the photo, “Seems like it is, but also seems like it isn’t.”

Fujita Kiyono had little patience, “Is it or isn’t it?”

Xie Yao was startled, thinking carefully, “I really can’t remember clearly, and even if it was him, it’s been almost ten years—he would have changed.”

Fujita Kiyono gritted his teeth, “Then you’ll stay here and think carefully. When you remember, then you can leave.”

As soon as he left, several Japanese soldiers entered. Xie Yao frantically said, “I remember now! Two people came at that time. The other one seemed to be called something Yangzi, Qing Yangzi, yes, Qing Yangzi. At the time I even laughed with Sixth Sister about how strange that name was. That Qing Yangzi was probably that person’s subordinate.”

Fujita Kiyono stopped and turned back to look at her, smiling as he said, “Fifth Sister, I didn’t frighten you, did I?”

Xie Yao was scared half to death by his creepy smile, feeling this person was somewhat perverted.

“Enjoy your meal. When you’re full, I’ll have someone come get you.”

…

Shandong, Yanzhou, bandits, surname He.

All the information came together, and it seemed the truth would soon be clear.

Fujita Kiyono sent Maeda Tsuki to Yanzhou, ordering him to dig three feet deep if necessary to find out.

The Japanese raid on the bandit den at the end of 1930 was almost common knowledge. That the bandit leader was surnamed He and had good relations with the Pei family was no secret either. Maeda Tsuki brought five men on this trip, heading to the Pei family in grand fashion.

Nine years later, the Pei family residence was completely different from before. The flowers and plants in the courtyard were untended, the pond had dried up, leaving only withered leaves.

After the mine explosion that year, the Pei family returned to their old business and opened another mine. Within three years they were thriving again, which once more attracted the Japanese. Pei Kezhou remained as steadfast as before, refusing to submit and holding out for several years until the Japanese attacked Yanzhou the year before last, forcibly occupying the mine. They imprisoned Pei Kezhou for several days, and unable to bear the humiliation, he took his own life. Pei Lanyuan also died heroically in December of the year before last while resisting Japanese forces in Jinan. The Pei family’s twelve generations thus came to an end.

Now only the old lady remained. The house was empty, all valuables having been sold and donated to the army. Accompanying her was a servant who had cared for her for over fifty years—in these times, they had transcended master-servant relations and were more like sisters.

Maeda Tsuki came respectfully to visit, even bringing some gifts.

Old Lady Pei sat upright in the main hall, head held high, paying them no heed whatsoever.

Maeda Tsuki exchanged pleasantries for a long time before Old Lady Pei snorted coldly, “Just say what you want directly. This old woman has nothing left but this house and this body that’s about to be buried. If you want the house, kill me first and step over this old woman’s corpse.”

“No, no, no, madam. I’ve only come to inquire about a person.” Maeda Tsuki respectfully presented the photograph, “I hope you might recognize whether you’ve seen this person.”

Old Lady Pei kept her face raised, unmoved.

Maeda Tsuki handed the photograph to the servant beside her, “Please.”

The servant glanced at Old Lady Pei, who arrogantly tapped her cane, “Bring it over.”

The servant took the photograph and placed it before Old Lady Pei. She looked clearly at the person in the photo and continued holding her chin high, “Don’t know him, never seen him.”

“Is that so? Perhaps you could look more carefully?”

“I may be old, but my eyes aren’t dim yet!”

Maeda Tsuki retrieved the photograph, “I’ve heard that the late Young Master Pei was on very good terms with the He family bandits on the mountain.”

Old Lady Pei looked at him coldly, “There were over a thousand people on that mountain. There were plenty surnamed He.”

“Then might you have heard of Qing Yangzi?”

“Never heard of him, what Qing Yangzi or Hong Yangzi.” Old Lady Pei stood up, straightening her back to look at these Japanese, “I’m tired and need to rest. I won’t see you out.” Old Lady Pei walked toward the back room leaning on her cane, “Take your things and get out. Don’t dirty my floor.”

Maeda Tsuki could do nothing with the old woman and, having gained no information, could only leave.

After they departed, Old Lady Pei suddenly gripped the servant’s hand, tears flowing down, suppressing her voice, “Did you see? Little Feng, Little Feng has grown so big, he’s changed so much.”

The servant also shed tears, “I recognized him too. This child is even more handsome than when he was young.”

Old Lady Pei’s hands trembled constantly as she sighed, “That rascal, always taking Lanyuan out to run around, getting my grandson to climb walls and trees with him, never up to any good.” She smiled and shook her head, going with the servant to the ancestral hall, “Such a shame, one by one these good children were harmed by those beasts.”

“Old Lady, please accept my condolences.”

She caressed Pei Lanyuan’s memorial tablet, holding it tightly in her embrace, weeping bitterly, “My dear grandson.”