Mu Xing thought for a moment. She really knew nothing about her uncle's affairs outside, and even less about her elder brother's situation. Gritting her teeth, she had no choice but to pull Bai Yan and follow the old ladies back to their room upstairs.
Madam Mu was still crying, so Mu Xing went to her room to comfort her. Afraid that Madam Mu would be upset if she saw her, Bai Yan followed Jing Ye back to the room that the old lady had arranged for her.
"There is hot water in the bathroom, and the clothes in the wardrobe are all new and haven't been worn yet, Miss Bai. Please make yourself at home."
It was getting late, and Bai Yan was exhausted after a day filled with fear and dread. After a quick wash, she opened her wardrobe to change into some pajamas before going to sleep, but when she saw the clothes inside, half of her drowsiness dissipated.
The clothes and dresses in the wardrobe were neatly arranged, exuding a subtle fragrance. There were electric ribbon accordion pleated dance skirts, layered gauze floor-length cheongsams, chiffon polka dot Western-style suits... Bai Yan did have these modern clothes, but it was quite interesting that Jing Ye had just said that these clothes belonged to Mu Xing.
Even after they fell in love, Mu Xing's clothing remained simple and practical, mostly women's trousers. Bai Yan had never seen her wear those gorgeous and elaborate dresses before. If the situation weren't so complicated, Bai Yan would have been tempted to imagine what Mu Xing would look like in those clothes.
Bai Yan casually changed into a lace nightgown, lay on the bed with her eyes closed, and drew the curtains. The room was extremely quiet and dark, and the faint crying sounded even more shrill, occasionally mixed with soft whispers; the telephone downstairs rang one after another, urgent and sharp... All the sounds were like a dense net, enveloping her.
After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yan was just drifting off to sleep when the mattress behind her suddenly sank, and a cool touch came close. Feeling around, Bai Yan turned over and hugged Mu Xing.
She muttered under her breath, "...Why did you come? Aren't you afraid your mother... will find out..."
Mu Xing lay down, tucked the blanket in, and kissed Bai Yan's forehead: "It's okay, go to sleep."
"Hmm..." Bai Yan stirred and nestled next to Mu Xing before gradually falling asleep.
Mu Xing kept his eyes open, too afraid to fall asleep.
Everything she had just experienced was etched into her eyes and ears. She dared not close her eyes, for fear of being burned again and again. Her gaze drifted aimlessly in the darkness, unable to find a place to settle.
The person in his arms suddenly moved, and Mu Xing unconsciously looked away.
Thick hair covered most of her fair face, leaving only a small, delicate nose. Perhaps the position was a little uncomfortable, Bai Yan let out a soft "hmm," then shifted slightly, her nose gently brushing against Mu Xing's shoulder, like a kitten's whiskers scratching, leaving a ticklish sensation.
When he realized what was happening, Mu Xing's lips had already unconsciously curved into a smile.
My restless heart finally settled down.
The next morning, everyone in Mu Garden gathered downstairs. Uncle Mu, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, explained the situation to everyone.
It turned out that Mu Qing, then Deputy Director of the Intelligence Department and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had recently been dispatched to the three northeastern provinces to collect intelligence. He returned to Nanjing last night and was immediately taken home and placed under house arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong Bureau) as soon as he got off the train. Fortunately, Mu Qing's secretary was quick-witted and his follower managed to escape while there were many people around, thus informing Mu Yuan of the situation.
According to Uncle Mu's friend in Nanjing, Director Xu of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtongju) originally intended to take action against Mu Qing. However, before he could even reach Mu Qing's home, the Shenyang intelligence department reported that the Japanese had bombed the railway. Director Xu was initially pleased, planning to use this opportunity to punish Mu Qing for dereliction of duty. However, he acted too quickly; the intelligence on the three northeastern provinces, originally in Mu Qing's hands, hadn't even had time to be compiled and reported to the organization before Mu Qing was imprisoned. If this were to be settled, he himself would likely be held accountable. Thus, Mu Qing's life was temporarily spared, and he was ordered to stay home to compile intelligence. His fate remains uncertain.
"What right does he have to lock Qing'er up?" Madam Mu said angrily. "Arrest her first and then convict her? Does he think he's Qin Hui reincarnated?!"
Uncle Mu was well aware of the situation: "This Director Xu is a member of the 'club.' Qing'er has always remained neutral, and given her position in the intelligence department, if he can't win her over, he'll naturally replace her with his own people."
Aunt Mu asked, "So the other factions just watched him do this?"
Uncle Mu shook his head: "The various factions in the central government are rife with infighting and complex struggles, and there are countless defectors. Even if Qing'er wants to remain neutral, how can the other factions really trust her? I'm afraid that even if the 'club' doesn't intervene, they will take other actions sooner or later."
"Then what should we do? Does that mean... Qing'er is just going to be at the mercy of others?" Madam Mu was not very familiar with the political situation.
Uncle Mu sighed: “I have been away from the political center for too long, and there is really only so much I can do. After discussing it with Yiqian and a few friends, we all felt that there are only two ways to make the ‘club’ back down: either join the ‘club’ or seek refuge with other factions.”
Mu Xing frowned: "Wouldn't we be playing right into their hands? In the end, they are greedy and want to drag our family down with them, to make them work for them and risk their lives!"
Uncle Mu shook his head: "That's how things are. Now that the other families in Wenjiang are openly or secretly seeking refuge, how can the Mu family remain unaffected?"
Mu Xing exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be...?"
Uncle Mu nodded: "The Li family and the Wang family are no exception. This morning, your Uncle Wang called and said that if I have thought it over, he is willing to help make the connection."
Mu Xing bit her lip, unable to speak.
Both she and her second brother were politically naive, and if they were to be drawn into the dirty war of opportunists, her eldest brother and uncle would inevitably be the first to suffer. However, her uncle had retired to Wenjiang precisely because he didn't want to be manipulated by those in power, living in constant anxiety. Now, were they really going to hand the strings to someone else...?
Bai Yan, who had been sitting silently beside Mu Xing, suddenly asked, "So, Uncle, have you decided which faction you want to align yourself with?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up at Uncle Mu. Mu Xing realized that his uncle would not have easily offered this solution if he wasn't confident. Over the years, countless people had extended olive branches to the Mu family. His uncle probably already knew what to do.
Mu Yiqian said seriously to his uncle, "Brother, for many years, you have been in charge of all the important affairs of the Mu family, and it will be the same now. If you have made a decision, just say so, and we will have no objections."
Wiping away her tears, Madam Mu responded.
With a sigh, Uncle Mu said, "I do have someone in mind, but... I'm still missing someone to introduce me to."
Aunt Mu hurriedly asked, "Didn't Master Wang just say he was willing to help?"
Shaking his head, Uncle Mu said, "This person doesn't belong to the political science faction that the Li and Wang families have aligned themselves with. He was originally from the Whampoa Military Academy, but strictly speaking, he can't be considered a member of the Whampoa clique. Because he followed that person who made great contributions in the war, his words carry a lot of weight. But precisely because of this, his influence is far-reaching, and even if I wanted to establish a relationship with him, I'm not quite sure how."
Mu Xing asked anxiously, "Who is this person? Whether it's Dad, Second Brother, or even me, there must be some connection among so many people!"
Uncle Mu said, "This man's surname is Cai, given name Junyao, and he is currently the Minister of Military Affairs. He's probably in Shanghai right now with that person. If the Japanese want to do anything in Northeast China, he'll likely have to go along with it. Our time is really running out..."
Upon hearing the name, everyone began to ponder and discuss whether there was any way to get in touch with her. Mu Xing turned his head to speak to Bai Yan, but saw that Bai Yan was staring blankly at the ground, motionless.
Frowning, Mu Xing softly called out, "Wan'er, Wan'er?"
Bai Yan gradually began to respond.
With red eyes, she turned to look at Mu Xing, her trembling barely contained: "Ah Xuan, I... I think I know this person...?"
Chapter Ninety-Four
In the spring of 1925, the smoke of war mingled with the spring rain, lingering over Suzhou. Young Bai Shuwan, out of school, stayed home, weaving various fabrics with her mother every day, waiting for her father to return home along with the quietly fermenting spring wine in the kitchen.
Until that day, heavy rain washed over the bluestone slabs, welcoming a guest who looked hurried.
"...I remember it very clearly. He said, 'I am Major General Cai's secretary, and I have been ordered to escort Madam Bai and her daughter back to Yunnan.' After saying that, he also took out a letter, which was signed 'Commander of the Third Army, Cai Junyao'!"
Bai Yan unconsciously tightened her grip on Mu Xing's hand, saying, "For so many years, I've never dared to forget, because I really want to understand how my father... how he sacrificed himself... But for so many years, I've never been able to find out who this 'Cai Junyao' really is, or where he is. If this minister is indeed him..."
“I’m afraid it is him. I’ve heard about his background. He served under Feng Yuxiang’s Third Army back then, but Feng Yuxiang betrayed him during the Zhili-Fengtian War…” After a moment of thought, Uncle Mu asked cautiously, “Miss Bai, is your father… named Bai Xinzhong?”
Bai Yan suddenly raised her head and said in a trembling voice, "Uncle, you...know my father?"
After a moment of silence, Uncle Mu said, "I heard that your father sacrificed his life at Shanhaiguan. At that time, Feng Yuxiang defected and allowed the Fengtian Army to advance straight into Shanhaiguan. They were unstoppable. Commander Bai... fought to the death without retreating. I was a member of parliament at the time, so I heard about this."
"Ah..." After a brief gasp, Bai Yan concealed all her emotions in her hands. She covered her face, trembling uncontrollably. Mu Xing hurriedly embraced her, "Wan'er, Wan'er..." He couldn't find the words to comfort her.
“Miss Bai, you just said that Minister Cai was entrusted by your father to send someone to take care of you and your daughter. But as far as I know, Feng Yuxiang’s Third Army had all returned to Beiping at that time, so there was no reason for them to receive your father’s entrustment. Therefore, if you want to know what really happened at that time, I’m afraid no one but Cai Junyao can tell you.”
With a sob, Bai Yan gradually calmed down.
She understood the unspoken meaning in Uncle Mu's words, and so did everyone else in the Mu family.
If the Mu family wants to save Mu Qing, they must seek refuge with a powerful force. Among these powerful figures, the Huangpu Military Academy faction behind Cai Junyao is the safest option. However, Cai Junyao has been lying low for many years and has nowhere to turn. Under these circumstances, what could be a more suitable stepping stone than the orphaned daughter entrusted by an old friend?
Everyone present looked at Bai Yan, but Mu Xing frowned and protected Bai Yan, saying, "Uncle! So many years have passed, who knows if Cai Junyao still remembers Shu Wan's matter? Besides, you just said that he was a subordinate of a traitor, which contradicts the position of Shu Wan's father. What if..." Thinking of Bai Yan, she did not continue her speculation.
Uncle Mu said, "The war was still raging in 1925, and it was a time when the remnants of the Zhili clique were being swallowed up and various forces were vying for control of Beiping. Cai Junyao sent people to take care of Miss Bai and her daughter at such a critical moment. Regardless of the outcome, it at least shows that he took Commander Bai's entrustment to heart."
Biting her lip, Bai Yan looked up at Uncle Mu: "Uncle, I understand. What do you need me to do?"
Mu Xing said anxiously, "This risk is too great..."
"Ah Xuan!" Bai Yan interrupted her, "There's no harm in giving it a try. Even if he doesn't remember me or my father, it's just finding another way to help my brother. Besides, what risks could there be? A minister of the Ministry of Military Affairs wouldn't go looking for trouble with a mere woman like me. And... if he still remembers what happened back then, my mother can finally rest in peace in the afterlife..."
Bai Yan had made up her mind. After thinking it over, Mu Xing realized that since the matter involved Bai Yan's father, she couldn't say anything more and could only follow Uncle Mu's instructions.
After making a few phone calls, Uncle Mu quickly devised a plan: Bai Yan would write a letter herself, focusing solely on her own affairs without mentioning the Mu family. Uncle Mu would then use his connections to deliver the letter. If Minister Cai was willing to meet with her, he would naturally find out about Bai Yan's current situation, thus establishing a connection with the Mu family, and everything would be resolved. If he refused, then they would have to find another way.
When Uncle Mu made his decision, several elders of the Mu family were also in the study. After hearing the plan, Madam Mu hesitated several times, but finally said, "If... this path works and Qing'er is rescued in the end, then counting what happened to Ah Xuan before, our family will owe Miss Bai two lives! How can we repay that?"
After a moment of silence, Mu Yiqian asked, "You mean, you're afraid that Miss Bai will use this as leverage to force us to agree to her relationship with Ah Xuan?"
Clenching her fists, Madam Mu gritted her teeth and said, "This is a matter of life and death. She wants compensation, not to mention gold and silver, I would even give my life to save Qing'er's life! But to ask me to agree to her relationship with A-Xuan... wouldn't that be selling my daughter to save my son? I can't do such a thing!"
"Qingjia," Uncle Mu said, "Let's put Miss Bai's matter aside for now. The most urgent thing is to rescue Qing'er. Besides, I've observed that Miss Bai's character doesn't seem like the kind of person who would take advantage of someone's kindness. If she had such a mindset, she could have simply tricked Ah Xuan away without caring what we elders thought from the beginning. Why would she need to ask for our approval?"
Mu Yiqian also said, "This is the only option we can take now. The longer we drag it out, the worse it will be for Qing'er. Once he finishes compiling the report, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics will have no more concerns. Time is of the essence, and we really cannot afford to hesitate any longer."
After much deliberation, Madam Mu finally nodded.
After learning about Uncle Mu's plan, Bai Yan naturally had no objections and immediately went to the study with Mu Xing to start writing.
Having worked at the bookstore for almost half a year, writing letters was no challenge for Bai Yan. If she were only writing stories, it would be an easy task. However, when she wanted to infuse her writing with genuine feelings, every stroke of the pen was filled with blood and tears, and every word revealed her bitterness. For a moment, she found herself at a loss for words.
Seeing Bai Yan struggling to write, Mu Xing felt both distressed and anxious. After thinking for a moment, she simply took the pen and began to write herself. As if guided by divine inspiration, she quickly wrote a long passage.
Bai Yan was puzzled, but she couldn't dwell on her grief, so she went over to take a look. She saw that Mu Xing had written down, in extremely concise style, Bai Yan's experiences over the past few years, based on what he knew, including her grief over losing her father and the bitterness of being utterly alone. But everything was touched upon only briefly, without excessive elaboration that could be counterproductive. Reading the whole thing, it was surprisingly poignant—sad but not resentful, sorrowful but not tragic—quite fitting.
After reading it through once, Mu Xing handed the letter to Bai Yan: "Just copy it down, so you won't have to think about it too much and get stressed."
Bai Yan teased, "I never expected our Ah Xuan to have such literary talent."
With a smile, Mu Xing said, "This is an adaptation of the leave request my tutor wrote for me to apply to school years ago. My aunt passed away back then, and I didn't care about anything else, so my tutor wrote the leave request for me. When I looked at it later, I found it was actually quite good, so I memorized the original text. In the past few years, whenever I need to apply for leave, I just use this text on the leave request, and it always works."
Upon hearing this, Bai Yan felt a mix of amusement and heartache. She sighed and could only pick up the letter paper to begin copying it. The interruption by Mu Xingyi lessened the gloom that had been churning in her heart, and she quickly finished copying the letter.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Yan drew another symbol at the end of the letter.
"What is this?" Mu Xing asked.
Blowing on the letter, Bai Yan said, "Back then, whenever my father sent a letter home, he would always stamp this seal on the envelope. I think it must be some kind of symbol from their army. If I draw it on, Minister Cai should believe it a bit more."
After the letter was written, Uncle Mu also made all the necessary arrangements and sent it out via the fastest route.
From the time the incident occurred to the time the Mu family sent out the letter, only half a day had passed.
But in just half a day, too much had happened: the night the Japanese bombed the Fengtian Railway, the Chinese army's garrison at Beidaying and the city of Fengtian were subjected to a major Japanese attack, and by the morning of the 19th, Fengtian and several other major towns had fallen. This was followed by protests from the Nanjing government to Japan, and ambassadors from various countries appealing to the international community for help…
The news has not yet been widely reported by the public. Looking out the window, one sees people from all walks of life wandering the streets and alleys, and children laughing and playing under the banyan trees. In casinos and sports fields, thousands of dollars are thrown away without making a sound. In brothels and meat shops, lewd words and laughter seem like crying. The chaotic and dense sounds of singing and talking seem to reach the heavens. What a scene of peace and prosperity!
But the dark shadows under the eaves, the gloom behind the auspicious clouds, have long been stirring, waiting to devour the heavens and the earth. The cannon shot that rang out in Fengtian City last night is almost reaching Shanhaiguan.
Chapter Ninety-Five
On September 20, the Shenbao newspaper published the news that the Japanese army was launching a large-scale invasion of the eastern provinces. Rumors that the army in Fengtian City had not put up a fight also spread quickly, causing an uproar throughout the country.
On September 21, a small-scale student petition movement had already begun.
As news of the Northeast army's utter defeat and surrender, and the subsequent fall of several major towns in the three northeastern provinces, spread, this wave of patriotism gradually coalesced into a vast ocean, rapidly infecting the entire country like a malaria virus. People from all walks of life expressed their opinions:
Several prominent newspapers, led by the Shen Bao, used commentary articles and news reports to analyze and judge the dangerous signals conveyed by the Mukden Incident, publicize the increasingly urgent national crisis, and call on the people to unite and resist the shameless aggression of the Japanese army. This even sparked a boycott of Japanese goods.
Similarly, students took to the streets, their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their country despite being unarmed resonating with the public. They demanded that the government abandon its policy of non-resistance and take a forceful action, with some even petitioning the government to start a war.
At this turbulent time, when patriotic fervor was at its peak, the Wenjiang government also took corresponding measures. The disaster relief and rescue association led by the Mu family, before it was even disbanded, opened its arms to the compatriots who had fled to the three northeastern provinces. Since sending the letter on the 19th, the two elders of the Mu family had consciously suppressed all their emotions and devoted themselves to the work of helping the exiled compatriots.
The rest of the Mu family naturally followed in the footsteps of the patriarch without hesitation. Led by Aunt Mu, Mu Xing and several other young ladies from prominent families contacted the relief center in Shanghai and organized a fundraising and aid association. Meanwhile, Bai Yan was urgently summoned back to the publishing house by Song Youcheng to write commentaries on the Fengtian Incident.
Regardless of their status or where they were, everyone took on their responsibilities without hesitation.