Inside the Commander and Political Commissar’s office, Lu Tingxiao stood reporting the outcome of his latest mission to Yang Jianguo—when a knock came at the door.
“Report!”
“Enter.”
“Sir, a young woman has arrived at the gate. She asks for the commanding officers and says she bears a matter of the utmost urgency.”
“Seeking the commanding officers directly? Quite the bold request. Did she give her name, or the nature of this ‘urgent’ business?” Yang Jianguo frowned.
“She gave her name as Xia Yuge. She said nothing more, Sir.”
“Xia Yuge?” Yang Jianguo turned toward Lu Tingxiao. “Do you know of her?”
“I have never heard the name.” Lu Tingxiao shook his head.
“I know of her, Commissar,” a voice spoke up. “She came with Lieutenant Gu Nianchen. On arrival, she registered as his distant cousin—here to seek a marriage partner at the post.”
“Lieutenant Gu?” Yang Jianguo’s eyes lit with sudden recollection.
“Precisely. He returned home on leave some time ago and brought her back with him a month past. Her details are on file at the gate.”
“You know her, Commissar?” Lu Tingxiao asked.
“I heard mention of it from my wife,” Yang Jianguo nodded. “Gu Nianchen did indeed come to her, asking help in finding a match for his cousin. My wife introduced several prospects, but beyond that I know nothing.”
“In that case, show her in,” Lu Tingxiao said.
“Yes, Sir.”
Moments later, Xia Yuge marched in behind the escort—hair still damp with morning dew, dust smudged across her clothes, looking as though she had trekked through brambles to get here.
“Comrade Xia—this is Political Commissar Yang and Regiment Commander Lu,” the soldier introduced hurriedly, lest she fail to recognize their rank.
“Greetings, Comrade. I am Yang Jianguo. What is this important matter you wish to report?”
“Commissar Yang—you… and you…” Xia Yuge looked up. Her gaze fell straight upon Lu Tingxiao, and her heart gave a violent lurch. It’s him!
“You know me?”
Xia Yuge recovered herself instantly. “Ah—no. I have simply… heard of you.”
“Is that so?” Lu Tingxiao looked skeptical.
“Indeed. The wives at the compound speak of you, Commander Lu—saying you are the handsomest officer in Longhua Military District. I did not quite believe it… but seeing you now, they did not exaggerate in the slightest.” She replied smoothly, though inwardly she wailed.
He is a Regiment Commander! And unmarried too! If only I had known… I would never have taken that money! What a blunder!
Too late now. She had taken half his funds as payment for treatment. By her own account, they were nothing more than doctor and patient. An unlicensed doctor, at that.
“Comrade Xia,” Yang Jianguo interjected gently, eyeing her dishevelled appearance—dusty, leaves still caught in her hair—“you said you have urgent news?”
Xia Yuge cleared her throat and gathered her wits. “Commissar—yesterday I went into the hills to gather mushrooms. I lost my way, and by dusk I still could not find the path down. Then… I saw men in black robes. They spoke of ‘blowing things up.’ I feared they would kill me to keep it secret. So… I employed a certain means and rendered them all unconscious. Rest assured—I did not harm them. They sleep, nothing more.
“In the darkness, I slipped and fell into a hollow within an ancient tree. When I awoke… I found chests upon chests of rifles, ammunition, and barrels of explosives. So at first light, I came straight here—”
“Men in black? How many? Where are they now?” Lu Tingxiao and Yang Jianguo exchanged a sharp, horrified glance. “And this arsenal—speak plainly!”
“In the hills behind the post. Both the men and the cache lie there.”
“Comrade Xia—are you certain? Truly vast stores of weapons?” Lu Tingxiao pressed.
“Absolutely certain! Every word! If you doubt me, take me with you—I shall lead you straight there. Rifles, bullets, and enough explosives to level everything.”
Lu Tingxiao considered briefly, then turned to Yang Jianguo. “Commissar—whether true or false, we must investigate at once.”
“Agreed. I shall dispatch men immediately. And Tingxiao—go with them personally. Leave nothing to chance.”
“Sir! Lu Tingxiao acknowledges! I shall see this done!”
Within ten minutes, Lu Tingxiao rode out with a squad of elite soldiers, following Xia Yuge toward the mountains. A race against time had begun. All understood the stakes: if her tale proved true and that arsenal fell into enemy hands… the consequences would be catastrophic.
Lu Tingxiao rode silently behind her. He knew with absolute certainty he had never met this woman before today. Yet something deep within him insisted—I ought to know her. Try as he might, he could not place where or how.
They reached the first cavern—the closer of the two sites.
“Comrade Xia…” Lu Tingxiao stared at the heap of fifteen men in black, piled atop one another like sacks of grain. “This… is your ‘certain means’?”
“Heh heh…” Xia Yuge shifted awkwardly. “My apologies. As you see, I am but one weak woman without strength to drag them far. So I… stacked them here. Besides—they are sturdy men. A little crushing will not kill them, surely?”
“Comrade Xia,” Cheng Dong stepped forward, peering at the unconscious forms, tongues lolling, faces slack with deep stupor. “Might I ask—precisely what did you give them? Why have they not stirred?”
“Nothing truly harmful!” Xia Yuge admitted quickly. “A refined sleeping draught. Perhaps… a slightly generous dose. In my fear I was heavy-handed. They shall sleep soundly for three days and nights before waking. That is why I dared leave them—I knew no harm could come.”
She turned earnestly to Lu Tingxiao. “Commander, I meant no malice. Circumstances demanded it. But rest assured—should you require them roused sooner, I can prepare an antidote immediately. It shall not delay you.”
Lu Tingxiao studied her a moment, then spoke calmly. “I do not blame you. You acted wisely. Safety first.”
Xia Yuge breathed a long sigh of relief. Her heart was only just settling—when Lu Tingxiao spoke once more.