A Lonely Hero's Journey Recap, Plot, Synopsis
A Lonely Hero's Journey Synopsis
Gu Yizhong, a young man from the prominent Gu family in Suzhou, returns to China after studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. After the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, he and his girlfriend, Xiao Ruotong, join the Chinese Communist Party's underground organization. However, after a failed rescue mission, all the contact points of the Suzhou underground organization are exposed. Gu Yizhong is falsely accused of being a traitor within the Party due to a deliberate framing by the Japanese puppet government. Unable to prove his innocence, he takes the initiative to infiltrate the enemy. After numerous challenges, he eventually becomes an undercover agent for the Party in the Suzhou special operations station.
Under immense pressure, Gu Yizhong engages in a battle of wits with Zhou Zhifei, the head of the Suzhou Wang Jingwei puppet government's special operations station, and Kondo Toshio, a Japanese military advisor. He seizes the opportunity to uncover and eliminate the true traitor within the Party, code-named "Hei Ba" (Black Eight). Gu Yizhong continuously gathers intelligence for the Party in secret, repeatedly rescuing fellow Party members from peril and providing significant support and assistance to the Communist underground resistance movement in Suzhou. With unwavering faith, he courageously advances, growing stronger through the struggle.
A Lonely Hero's Journey Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 1941, occupied Suzhou was a battleground where Japanese invaders, the Wang puppet regime, Chongqing spies, and the CPC underground forces contended for control. Amidst this turmoil, Gu Yizhong, an architect from a prominent family, found himself unexpectedly drawn into the struggle. Gu Yizhong met with Xiao Ruotong, a member of the CPC underground. She presented him with a fountain pen engraved with "Gift for Yizhong," a gesture that held deeper meaning for him.
Yizhong eagerly asked if this gift signaled acceptance of the request he made in a letter, but Ruotong responded only with a subtle smile and silence. Ruotong revealed that Zhongxi Tailang, a senior intelligence officer associated with the Japanese Communist Party and Comintern working undercover, had been arrested by No. 90 and was held at Yiyuan (Garden of Pleasance). The mission of the Iron Blood Action Group was to rescue him at all costs.
Yizhong's detailed map of Yiyuan, drawn from memory, was crucial. Although initially assigned an outside role, Yizhong insisted on guiding the action group, led by Liu Ge (also known as Junxia), inside the garden, arguing his commitment to the resistance. Liu Ge agreed, instructing Yizhong to lead them to the library and then return.
He also gave Yizhong crucial instructions: if he heard gunshots after they entered, he was to count down sixty seconds; if they didn't emerge, he was to go to the Sitong Rice Store and inform Lao Chang to retreat immediately. Gu Yizhong guided Liu Ge and the team into Yiyuan. However, they soon realized they had walked into an ambush meticulously planned by Zhou Zhifei, the Director of the Suzhou agent station, No. 90. A fierce gun battle erupted.
Tragically, all six members of the action team, except for Gu Yizhong, were killed. In his final moments, a gravely wounded Liu Ge urged Gu Yizhong to go to Good Friends Cafe at 8 p. m. the next day to meet their contact, code-named Eagle. Gu Yizhong was captured and taken to No. 90. Zhou Zhifei subjected him to brutal interrogation, demanding the identity of Eagle and any traitors within the resistance.
Despite torture, Gu Yizhong refused to yield, suspecting a traitor had betrayed their mission. During the interrogation, Zhou Zhifei noticed the engraved pen Yizhong carried. Recognizing it as an expensive Parker pen with the inscription "Gift for Yizhong," Zhou Zhifei speculated it was from a girlfriend. He threatened to find her, suggesting she might be the person who escaped the scene, attempting to leverage her safety to force Yizhong's cooperation.
Gu Yizhong met his gaze but remained silent, his resolve hardening to protect his comrades. Meanwhile, following the failed Yiyuan operation, Xiao Ruotong hurried to the Sitong Rice Store, a known liaison point, but was urgently warned by the underground network to retreat. At the same location, Gu Huizhong, Yizhong's sister and an underground liaison operating the radio, was with comrade Hu Zhiping.
Alerted to approaching agents, Hu Zhiping quickly directed Gu Huizhong to take cover and then detonated a device to cover their escape and impede pursuit. Hu Zhiping and Gu Huizhong had planned to connect with Eagle, but the exposure of their liaison post at the Sitong Rice Store made it unsafe. Given that Gu Huizhong was pregnant, Hu Zhiping advised that the safest place for her would be Gu's Garden, under the protection of her father, Gu Xixing.
Gu Xixing was a highly respected figure, a graduate of Baoding Military Academy, a former Major General commanding the 21st Division during the Northern Expedition, and held in high regard even by Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese Major Kondo Masao had repeatedly attempted to recruit him for the "peace movement" but had been refused. At No. 90, Huang Xinzhai, the Vice Director, informed Kondo Masao that Gu Yizhong had been arrested.
Kondo went to Gu Garden, bringing Gu Yizhong's pen as a tool of leverage. He attempted to pressure Gu Xixing into accepting the position of magistrate of Wu County, appealing to the safety of his son and the continuation of the family lineage, which spanned over twenty generations. Gu Xixing remained firm in his refusal, declaring himself retired and unwilling to collaborate.
Kondo threatened to execute Gu Yizhong, but Gu Xixing defiantly stated that for a good man to die for his country was a commendable thing. Gu Xixing then instructed his steward, Fu Gui, to see Kondo out and retrieve the pen, adding that Kondo should be familiar with the way to No. 90, as it was formerly Mr. Chiang's villa. Gu Huizhong arrived at Gu Garden shortly after Kondo's departure, confirming that Hu Zhiping had been killed.
She learned of Yizhong's dangerous situation. Fu Gui was sent to gather more information. Gu Xixing, Gu Huizhong, and Fu Gui discussed Yizhong's predicament. Gu Xixing lamented sending Yizhong abroad to study architecture specifically to keep him out of politics, acknowledging that in times of national crisis, no one could truly escape entanglement.
Fu Gui suggested seeking help from Gao Guanwu, a high-ranking official in the Wang puppet regime (and also mentioned Chen Qun), but Gu Xixing vehemently refused to seek help from traitors and ethnic betrayers. Realizing that Yizhong's life was being used to coerce him into collaboration, Gu Xixing grappled with the painful conflict between his son's safety and his national loyalty.
When Fu Gui and A Qi prepared to rally about a squad's worth of men for a prison break, Gu Xixing stopped them, recognizing the futility of such a small force attempting to storm No. 90. He ordered the gates closed and forbade anyone from the Gu family from leaving the premises. Meanwhile, at No. 90, Section Chief Lian Jinhai ordered several prisoners taken out for execution, deeming them useless if they would not confess or join the peace movement.
Huang Xinzhai attempted to intervene regarding Gu Yizhong, reminding Lian Jinhai that Kondo had plans for him related to Gu Xixing and killing him would disrupt the Major's efforts. Lian Jinhai dismissed Huang Xinzhai's concerns, questioning his loyalty and accusing him of coveting the Director's position. The prisoners, identified as being from the New Fourth Army, were led out, singing defiant revolutionary songs. Zhou Zhifei ordered Gu Yizhong sent to Wangshudun, an execution ground outside the city.
Duan Wentao, Chief of the Intelligence Department, subsequently reported the supposed execution to Kondo. Later, Zhou Zhifei explained his actions to Kondo, defending his authority to handle Chinese matters and stating Secretary-General Li had approved the execution.
He then revealed his actual plan: he had "borrowed" Gu Yizhong, sending him to Wangshudun not for final execution related to Kondo's plan, but to use him to extract information about the New Fourth Army's base at Taihu Lake, promising to return him afterward. Ignorant of Zhou Zhifei's deception, Xiao Ruotong rushed to Gu's Garden to inform Gu Xixing and Gu Huizhong that Yizhong was being taken to Wangshudun for execution.
Hearing this, Gu Xixing immediately prepared to go to Wangshudun with Fu Gui, ordering the car to be prepared. At Wangshudun, the prisoners were ordered off the trucks and told to kneel. One prisoner, Liu Qiangbao from the New Fourth Army's 16th Brigade, 1st Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 8th Company, quietly instructed Gu Yizhong not to look back, telling him he had someone waiting and couldn't die yet.
Liu Qiangbao planned to create a distraction, telling Yizhong to seize the opportunity to run and escape to the base if possible and report that Liu Qiangbao had remained loyal. When Yizhong asked about the base's location, Liu Qiangbao replied that he didn't know or couldn't provide the information. As the prisoners were ordered to kneel, Liu Qiangbao began shouting "Down with Fascists!" his voice cut short as the scene unfolded.
Episode 2 Recap
During his journey to the execution ground, Gu Yizhong received a secret message from the New Fourth Army detailing an escape method. Arriving at the execution ground, he witnessed his comrades being sacrificed and inwardly desired to shout anti-Japanese slogans. Suddenly, a fellow soldier sacrificed himself to save him, and Gu Yizhong seized the opportunity to escape. Secret agents pretended to fire shots to cover his escape.
Gu Xixing arrived with his troops and felt some relief upon seeing that his son was still alive. In this moment between life and death, Gu Yizhong felt deep gratitude for his comrades' sacrifice and vowed to remember his anti-Japanese resolve. Huang Xinzhai informed Kondo Masao that Zhou Zhifei intended to execute Gu Yizhong, which greatly enraged Kondo. He immediately confronted Zhou Zhifei and demanded Gu Yizhong's immediate release.
Facing Kondo's anger, Zhou Zhifei cleverly placated him with a strategic explanation: he was only temporarily "borrowing" Gu Yizhong and guaranteed his safe return soon. He used the agreement between Wang Jingwei and the Japanese army as justification, emphasizing that the Japanese military should not arbitrarily interfere with the actions of the Suzhou agent station. This ultimately forced Kondo to reluctantly back down.
Meanwhile, after learning that her younger brother Gu Yizhong had successfully escaped, Gu Huizhong felt relieved but also fell into deep thought. She carefully reviewed the rescue operation and keenly sensed that the action might have been foreseen by the enemy. Given that the operation was commanded by someone codenamed "Eagle," Gu Huizhong began to suspect Eagle's loyalty, especially considering her husband, Hu Zhiping, was heading to meet Eagle, which intensified her inner worries.
Facing difficult circumstances, Gu Huizhong entrusted her precious bracelet to Xiao Ruotong, hoping Xiao Ruotong could use it as a token to go to the meeting point and rescue Hu Zhiping, who was in danger. Xiao Ruotong knew the task was arduous but was deeply moved by Gu Huizhong's trust and resolutely set out on the path to rescue. Xiao Ruotong, carrying the bracelet, followed Gu Huizhong's instructions to the agreed-upon restaurant.
Upon seeing Hu Zhiping, she immediately went forward, showed him the bracelet, and gestured for him to leave with her. However, a sudden shout from an agent broke the calm. Hu Zhiping quickly pulled Xiao Ruotong and rushed to the second floor, opening a window to find an escape route. Seeing some sacks piled below, Xiao Ruotong didn't hesitate and jumped down, landing safely cushioned by the sacks.
Agents followed closely behind, firing several shots at their retreating figures, but it was too late. At the same time, Gu Yizhong returned home and searched high and low, finally finding his treasured pistol. Just as he was about to take the gun and leave, Gu Xixing entered. Facing his father's questions, Gu Yizhong seemed nervous, but Gu Xixing didn't scold him.
Instead, he patiently taught him the techniques of shooting, including checking the magazine, opening the safety, aiming, and firing. After confirming Gu Yizhong had basic self-defense capabilities, Gu Xixing tended to a minor injury on Gu Yizhong's arm with medicine. He informed Gu Yizhong that his sister Huizhong had returned, pregnant, with Hu Zhiping, but they had already left again with Xiao Ruotong.
Gu Xixing expressed understanding and support for Gu Yizhong's anti-Japanese efforts, comparing it to his own decision years ago to join the Baoding Military Academy rather than inherit the family business. He told Gu Yizhong to remember the principles of loyalty, integrity, propriety, righteousness, probity, and a sense of shame. He gave Gu Yizhong the loaded pistol and some money, asking him to return for his 60th birthday next month before seeing him off.
Hu Zhiping and Xiao Ruotong safely returned to Gu Xixing's house. Gu Huizhong then took Hu Zhiping to see Gu Xixing. There was subtle tension among the three due to past history. Gu Xixing, though showing some displeasure towards Hu Zhiping for taking his daughter away for ten years and now bringing her back pregnant to hide, acknowledged Zhiping's abilities but criticized his inability to protect his family.
Seeing Gu Huizhong was pregnant, he ultimately chose tolerance and acceptance, lecturing Hu Zhiping on the family virtues and emphasizing the duty to the nation when family duty is neglected. He instructed Hu Zhiping to protect Gu Huizhong at all costs and arranged for them to be given travel money before they left. Later, Xiao Ruotong found Gu Yizhong at his home. She noticed he was injured, but he said he was fine.
Gu Yizhong recounted to her that Junxia had been shot and killed, and none of the other comrades survived the ambush at Yi Garden, revealing it was a trap set by No. 90. He also shared that Gu Huizhong and Hu Zhiping's liaison point had been exposed, and Chang from the rice store was dead. They concluded there was a traitor among them. Gu Yizhong mentioned Junxia's dying instruction to meet Eagle at the Good Friends Cafe that night.
Despite Gu Huizhong's suspicions about Eagle, Gu Yizhong felt compelled to go. Xiao Ruotong decided to accompany him. The two arrived at the Good Friends Cafe. They spotted Duan Wentao, whom Xiao Ruotong recognized as Junxia's classmate. They discussed how to identify Eagle among the crowd. Just then, agents from No. 90, including Section Chief Lian, appeared.
Section Chief Lian spoke to Duan Wentao, hinting he was hunting a CPC mole within No. 90 and implying he knew Duan Wentao was the target. At 8:10, agents stormed the cafe. Duan Wentao was shot. Gu Yizhong and Xiao Ruotong quickly rushed to him as he lay dying, asking if he was Eagle, but he was killed by multiple shots before he could answer. Later, Zhou Zhifei and Huang Xinzhai discussed Duan Wentao's death.
Zhou Zhifei confirmed that Duan Wentao was indeed a mole, but not the vital "Cell 8" they had cultivated. He revealed that Chen Gang from the Telecom Department had given information about the New Fourth Army's radio signal location near the Xiao Village pier to Huang Xinzhai without following proper procedure, and ordered Chen Gang fired. Zhou Zhifei explained his plan was to pressure the Communist Party towards the Taihu Lake base, allowing Cell 8 to pinpoint its location.
He reaffirmed to Huang Xinzhai that Duan Wentao was not Eagle and refused to disclose Cell 8's identity. They agreed that using Gu Yizhong as a scapegoat was effective for now, shifting suspicion onto him within the Communist ranks. Hu Zhiping, Gu Huizhong, Xiao Ruotong, Dalong, and Bingmei made their way to the Xiao Village pier. They met Shuisheng, an underground liaison introduced to the Party by Junxia and who used to be a tenant of Xiao Ruotong's family.
Shuisheng explained that due to strict security checks, they needed approval from the base to go there, which would take three to five days. Xiao Ruotong stressed the urgency of reporting the traitor at the Suzhou liaison point and the base's need for a radio station. Shuisheng agreed to use the radio to request permission for them to come and arranged to leave at 3 a. m.
if a reply was received that night, as Japanese checkpoints on the lake would be less stringent during the guard change. Worried about Gu Yizhong being alone in Suzhou, Xiao Ruotong decided to go back to the city to find him and bring him to the pier so they could travel to the base together.
Despite the early hour and police patrolling the lake, the group (including Huizhong, Zhiping, Ruotong, Dalong, Bingmei, and Shuisheng) prepared to leave by boat from the pier. Shuisheng led the way in one boat, with the others following in a second boat. As they were on the lake, they realized they were being pursued by Japanese soldiers from Iwai's squad. Shuisheng told the others to go ahead and stated he would distract the pursuers. Bingmei was hesitant, but Shuisheng insisted.
Dalong joined his mother in the other boat. Shuisheng heroically sacrificed himself to cover their escape. The remaining group eventually arrived at the New Fourth Army 6th Division base on an island in Taihu Lake. They were met by soldiers who took their weapons. When they protested, a soldier told them that newcomers were not allowed to carry weapons on the island until they had been screened.
Xiao Ruotong further explained to Gu Yizhong that this was due to the suspicion of a traitor within the organization, and they themselves were suspects. Gu Yizhong protested being treated like prisoners, but Xiao Ruotong calmed him. Gu Huizhong stated that Gu Yizhong needed medical attention for his arm wound, and the soldiers arranged for a military doctor.
Episode 3 Recap
At his home, Gu Xixing was visited by two women, one of whom introduced herself as Haimo, his son's intended bride. He learned that Haimo was the daughter of his old military school comrade, Yuquan, whom he knew from Huangpu Military Academy.
An engagement had been arranged years ago in 1926, stemming from a deep debt of gratitude Gu Xixing owed Yuquan, who had hidden him for seventeen days during a dangerous period in Guangzhou, saving his life when there was a large bounty on his head after the Zhongshan Warship Incident. At that time, Gu Xixing and Yuquan agreed to the marriage between their children. However, Gu Xixing later lost contact with Yuquan after moving north and settling in Suzhou.
Haimo's cousin-in-law, Mrs. Weng, explained Haimo's difficult life; her mother died when she was young, and her father, Yuquan, who earned a living as a storyteller and ballad singer in Guangzhou tea houses and taverns, was killed by the Japanese there in 1938 for refusing to perform Suzhou storytelling for them in their barracks, upholding his integrity even unto death. Gu Xixing expressed sorrow for Haimo's loss and respect for Yuquan's character, affirming that Yuquan's family was his family.
However, Gu Xixing admitted that his son, Gu Yizhong, was already in love with someone else, Xiao Ruotong. He felt ashamed but stated that marriage should not be forced in the new era. Mrs. Weng reacted with frustration, accusing him of breaking his word and attempting to drive them away. Gu Xixing clarified he was only cancelling the marriage but invited them to stay at Gu's Garden and promised to treat Haimo as his own daughter.
Later, Gu Xixing remarked to a trusted figure that the timing of their visit was suspicious, especially given his son's current troubles. While Haimo seemed innocent and resembled her younger self, Mrs. Weng's background felt questionable, and he advised caution regarding her. He also acknowledged that his family was failing to keep its promise regarding the engagement, a significant lapse in the virtue of trustworthiness.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Weng was revealed to be Quan Shui, a secret agent from the KMT intelligence service. Her mission in Suzhou was to meet with Zhou Zhifei. Zhou Zhifei, however, was deeply entrenched in collaboration with the Japanese and felt he could not turn back. He harbored complex feelings towards Quan Shui, his first love from 1927, and also suspected she might have been sent to eliminate him as a traitor.
Aware of her high-level status as a top agent close to the President, he viewed her arrival as mysterious and dangerous. Despite his brother's warning that Quan Shui was a dangerous figure skilled in deception and suggesting they eliminate her first, mentioning a past incident where KMT used a honey trap, Zhou Zhifei decided against it.
Recalling their history, including their unexpected reunion in 1931 when she interrogated him after Gu Shunzhang's betrayal led to his arrest (a period he felt they might have rekindled their relationship had he not been newly married with his son Youfei just born), he resolved to meet her to attempt to send her back to Chongqing.
He instructed his brother, Jinjiang, to meet her first to assess the situation and stressed the critical need to keep this meeting absolutely secret from their Japanese contacts, particularly Mr. Li. Gu Yizhong, Xiao Ruotong, Gu Huizhong, and Hu Zhiping arrived at the New Fourth Army base.
They were met by Wang Mingzhong, Chief of the Enemy Intelligence Section, who welcomed them but explained the heightened security measures due to increased enemy activity and recent significant losses in Suzhou, including the destruction of their liaison office and the exposure of their residences and the Sitong Rice Shop. Their firearms were confiscated, and the four were housed separately, leaving Gu Yizhong feeling suspected and ostracized.
Wang Mingzhong stated that the Jiangsu Provincial Committee had approved their temporary withdrawal to the base and asked them to report on their recent experiences. Gu Yizhong recounted the failure of the rescue operation, the ambush they fell into, and the sacrifice of all their Shanghai Iron Blood Operation Team comrades except for himself and Xiao Ruotong, stating their belief that there was a traitor within the organization.
He detailed the events leading up to the failed operation, including receiving a request the night before for a map of the Garden of Pleasance. During the questioning, Wang Mingzhong asked Gu Yizhong about his escape from the No. 90 execution ground. Gu Yizhong claimed he was rescued by a comrade named Liu Qiangbao, providing specific details about his unit in the New Fourth Army's Sixth Division.
Wang Mingzhong found this account suspicious, noting the extreme difficulty of escaping the No. 90 execution ground. When asked who the traitor might be, both Gu Yizhong and Xiao Ruotong suspected someone known as "Eagle." Wang Mingzhong then revealed that "Eagle" was Comrade Zhou Zhenwu, the liaison for their Suzhou office who operated under the cover identity of a worker at Good Friends Cafe, and asked him to explain what happened.
Zhou Zhenwu explained that after the operation failed and their locations were compromised, he sent someone to inform Hu Zhiping, only to find Japanese soldiers at his residence. He stated he had planned to meet Hu Zhiping the next day at Drunk Deities Restaurant to confirm his safety but instead sent Xiao Ruotong in his place, fearing an ambush. He admitted sending Xiao Ruotong was a mistake.
Gu Yizhong questioned Zhou Zhenwu's actions regarding Drunk Deities and then asked about Good Friends Cafe. Zhou Zhenwu confirmed he was at Good Friends Cafe at the time, explaining the sudden appearance of Duan Wentao, a sleeper agent known as Flying Bird, who was an internal contact at No. 90 and reported only to him.
He stated that Flying Bird, whose identity was known only to Zhou Zhenwu, used his life to deliver a final piece of intelligence: "Traitor inside, Cell 8." He then declared his belief that this traitor, known as "Cell 8," was among them in the room and identified Gu Yizhong as the prime suspect. Gu Huizhong fiercely defended her brother, calling the accusation impossible.
Zhou Zhenwu challenged Gu Yizhong's multiple escapes from dangerous situations, first from the execution ground and later from Good Friends Cafe. He questioned how a scholar without special training could evade so many agents and suggested No. 90 might have intentionally let them go. Gu Yizhong dismissed his skepticism. Xiao Ruotong corroborated that while No. 90 agents did not pursue them "from the cafe", they did shoot at them.
Zhou Zhenwu insisted the repeated successful escapes were too coincidental to be attributed to luck. Gu Yizhong and Xiao Ruotong counter-argued, pointing out Zhou Zhenwu's role in planning the failed operation and questioning the information provided by Hu Zhiping, suggesting "they" were the ones who should be suspected. Gu Huizhong passionately defended her husband, Hu Zhiping, highlighting his loyalty proved through severe torture by the Japanese without betraying anyone, and condemned their internal conflict as unbecoming of communists.
Later, the base received confirmation via telegram that its location at Chongshan Island was leaked by "Cell 8". Simultaneously, Zhou Zhifei received this same telegram confirming the base location and immediately forwarded it to Kondo Masao. A colleague of Zhou Zhifei at No. 90 showed him a piece of paper he claimed to have gotten from Gu Yizhong, which detailed the base's location.
Back at the base, suspicion against Gu Yizhong intensified based on multiple pieces of evidence found in his room: a killed New Fourth Army soldier, a radio transmitter, and a message mentioning "Cell 8". Further reports came in that the Liu Qiangbao he claimed rescued him did not exist in the specified unit, and the military doctor found his wound suspicious, possibly self-inflicted.
Coupled with his apparent knowledge of the base location and the discovered evidence, Gu Yizhong was accused of lying and being the traitor. Gu Huizhong continued to defend him, emphasizing their family's honor and his upright character. Despite her pleas and Xiao Ruotong's belief in his innocence, the Enemy Intelligence Section committee voted three to two to sentence Gu Yizhong to death, though the decision required higher approval. As they debated, Japanese bombers were heard approaching.
Chaos erupted as the base came under attack. Amidst the bombing and panic, a comrade reported finding a fallen comrade. Xiao Ruotong rushed to Gu Yizhong, who was bound, and freed him. Zhou Zhenwu aimed his gun at Gu Yizhong, but Xiao Ruotong shielded him, urging him to run and prove his innocence. She declared her trust in him despite Zhou Zhenwu's insistence that the organization had verified the evidence against him and now considered him a traitor.
Refusing to leave Xiao Ruotong behind, Gu Yizhong hesitated, but she pushed him away, telling him he must go. As Zhou Zhenwu tried to stop her, questioning her loyalty and adherence to organizational discipline, she stood firm, physically helping Gu Yizhong escape. Gu Yizhong ran and soon encountered his pregnant sister, Gu Huizhong, now in labor, and Hu Zhiping. Seeing their plight and the approaching Japanese forces amidst the attack, Gu Yizhong made a quick decision.
He instructed Hu Zhiping to take his sister to the boat and escape while he distracted the Japanese forces. He ran off with some other comrades, calling back for them to take care of his sister and not worry about him as Japanese soldiers gave chase. The sound of a baby crying from the boat later confirmed that Gu Huizhong had safely given birth. Later, Zhou Zhifei and a colleague reported to Kondo on the attack.
Kondo was frustrated the New Fourth Army had escaped, but the colleague highlighted the success of exposing their command center location. He argued that Gu Yizhong would now be definitively branded a traitor by the communists, creating an irreparable rift with his father, Gu Xixing.
This, he explained using the strategy of "winning over hearts and minds", would ultimately force Gu Xixing to cooperate with the Japanese authorities, as the communists would seek revenge on Gu Yizhong, leaving him with no other option. Kondo agreed with this strategy.
Kondo then surprised Zhou Zhifei by offering his son, Youfei, one of two prestigious student placements in Japan, framing it as the highest reward from the Empire for loyal Chinese officials, listing other high-ranking officials whose children were also on the list. Zhou Zhifei was reluctant due to Youfei's young age, but under pressure from Kondo, who stressed the honor, he reluctantly accepted.
His wife was distraught upon hearing the news, vehemently opposing sending their only son away and accusing Zhou Zhifei of becoming a traitor unnecessarily. Zhou Zhifei defended his actions as being for the family and compared their situation to other higher-ranking officials whose children were also going to Japan. The family remained distressed about Youfei's impending departure.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Weng, meeting with a subordinate she had tasked with gathering information, seemed pleased with her success in manipulating Gu Xixing, noting his appreciation for storytelling and ballad-singing. She inquired about Gu Yizhong and Xiao Ruotong. When the subordinate expressed reluctance to involve himself in such matters, Mrs. Weng threatened his brother's life if he did not comply, indicating her high-level connections, including her monthly reports to Captain Dai of the flight group.
Back at the Yizhong Architecture Research Society office, the manager, Lu Zheng, found Gu Yizhong soaked and with a fever. He reported that armed men had been looking for him earlier that afternoon and had instructed him to inform No. 90 if he reappeared. In his feverish state, Gu Yizhong seemed tormented by the accusations against him, muttering questions about "Eagle," the mysterious Liu Qiangbao, his escapes, and the accusation of being a traitor.
Episode 4 Recap
Seeking to uncover Spring's true intentions and ensure his own safety, Zhou Zhifei sent his trusted subordinate, Jinhai, to meet with her instead. Jinhai, expressing concern for Zhifei, urged Spring not to meet his brother, reminding her of her past as the CBIS's top female killer and Zhifei's current status as the CBIS's top traitor. Spring insisted on a face-to-face meeting, claiming she was trying to help Zhifei.
She conveyed a message from someone referred to as Mr. Xu, offering Zhifei a chance to return without consequence, but warned that if he didn't, he would suffer the same fate as Guo Jingji. Jinhai countered that Zhifei already believed they were responsible for Guo Jingji's death and reiterated that a meeting would be highly dangerous for both of them. Spring remained resolute, demanding Jinhai arrange the meeting, but he refused.
As they parted ways, Spring discovered she was being followed. She attacked the follower, stabbing them non-fatally in the side, inflicting a wound that would leave the person bedridden for three months. She instructed the injured person to tell Zhifei that her next action would not be so restrained. Later, Jinhai reported to Zhifei that the person Spring attacked was injured and would be laid up for months.
He also reported that despite mobilizing the Investigation Department to search all hotels and lodgings, they had lost track of Spring near Pingjiang Road. Zhifei predicted she would stay somewhere unexpected. He interpreted her non-fatal attack as a sign she still wished for peaceful contact and expressed curiosity about the message Xu Enzeng had sent her to deliver. Jinhai also mentioned concerns about others, including Kondo and "Calamity Star," likely referring to Huang Xinzhai, hearing rumors.
Zhifei downplayed the threat from the Military Intelligence Bureau , including figures like Huang Xinzhai and Dai Li, considering them inferior in agent work compared to the CBIS. Meanwhile, determined to clear his name, Gu Yizhong returned to Suzhou. He sought assistance from his cousin, Lu Zheng, who provided him with a watch and a telescope for reconnaissance.
Gu Yizhong asked Lu Zheng to help him find Zhou Zhifei's location and vehicle license plate number, revealing his intention to track him despite not having a gun. Lu Zheng expressed concern, knowing Yizhong was embarking on a dangerous path involving Agent Station No. 90, and questioning if his actions were motivated by Xiao Ruotong. Gu Yizhong asserted he was acting for his reputation and everything he believed in, firmly denying he was a traitor.
He located Zhifei's car, identified by the license plate number 1507, and began following it. However, Zhifei's men detected the tail, recognizing the pursuer as inexperienced and possibly a bait. As Gu Yizhong continued the pursuit, Zhifei's group realized they had been spotted. Gu Yizhong was apprehended by Zhifei's men and brought to Agent Station No. 90.
Upon arrival, he was informed that he had considerable courage for following the Director's car and was told that hardship was unavoidable while in custody. He was offered food, which he found unappetizing, and reminded that the Japanese ultimately controlled the station. Inside, he overheard an agent complaining about being forced to 'act' rather than perform actual intelligence work, suggesting his capture was staged.
Gu Yizhong was then brought before Kondo Masao, the Japanese advisor at the station, who stated he had heard much about him. Kondo engaged Gu Yizhong in conversation about Japanese history and warfare, seemingly attempting to gauge his character. Gu Yizhong responded dismissively to the historical reference and criticized the food at the station.
Kondo then expressed great admiration for Gu Yizhong's father, Gu Xixing, recalling his esteemed reputation and past encounters during the Northern Expedition, equating his stature to notable figures like Lu Xun. Kondo explained his visit to Gu Yizhong was to persuade him to convince his father to accept the position of Magistrate of Wu County, framing it as a way to bring peace and cooperation between Japan and China and promising Gu Yizhong's immediate return home if he agreed.
Gu Yizhong vehemently rejected the proposal, condemning the invasion and declaring the Chinese people's resolve to expel the invaders and build a new China, stating that China would inflict a complete defeat on Japan, unlike the loss during the Sino-Japanese War. Despite Gu Yizhong's defiance, Kondo proceeded to release him. Zhifei, observing this from afar via subordinates' reports, recognized it as a tactic known as "Catch and Release Cao Cao," intended by Kondo to further manipulate Gu Yizhong.
Kondo Masao then had Gu Yizhong formally escorted back to Gu's Garden by car, orchestrating a public spectacle complete with journalists. The scene led onlookers and newspapers to report that Gu Yizhong had allied with the Japanese and that Gu Xixing was rumored to become the magistrate. Gu Yizhong tried to ward off the reporters, but the damage was done. Upon his return, Gu Xixing, who had deliberately isolated himself since the Japanese occupation to avoid collaboration, was furious.
He ordered Gu Yizhong to kneel, expressing deep distress that his son's return in a Japanese vehicle amidst publicity made the family appear traitorous, shaming their ancestors. Gu Yizhong insisted he had been framed, asserting his clear conscience and asking for his father's trust. Gu Xixing, however, was overwhelmed by the public perception and the potential threat to the family from the Japanese machinations.
When Gu Yizhong attempted to leave to deal with the situation himself, Gu Xixing ordered his trusted butler, Company Commander Fu, to lock him inside the house for his protection and to contain the scandal. Meanwhile, the New Fourth Army received news of the developments in Suzhou, including the newspaper report about Gu Yizhong.
Lu Zheng visited Gu Xixing, showing him the paper and warning him that Gu Yizhong's situation was a Japanese trap aimed at forcing Gu Xixing to take the magistrate position, which would damage the standing of the respected Suzhou families like theirs. He expressed particular suspicion given that he and Gu Yizhong were arrested around the same time, but only Yizhong had been released and publicly returned by the Japanese while Lu Zheng remained in custody.
Inside the New Fourth Army, Section Chief Wang confirmed the report through an informant, stating that Gu Yizhong was indeed sent back by Kondo Masao. The Party resolved that Gu Yizhong, now considered a traitor based on the public reports, could not be allowed to go free and decided to send a squad to Suzhou to apprehend him. Xiao Ruotong volunteered for the mission.
Section Chief Wang selected Zhou Zhenwu to lead the operation and assigned Xiao Ruotong to pose as his wife, noting her potential usefulness in the mission. To facilitate their infiltration and bypass enemy checkpoints, Wang devised a cover story: they would arrive by boat from Wuyuan, Jiangxi, posing as a young business owner (Zhou Zhenwu) and his wife (Xiao Ruotong) visiting Suzhou to inspect the accounts at the Harmony Rickshaw Shop and enjoy a tour.
They arrived at the Harmony Rickshaw Shop, where He Shunjiang, the head of the underground recruitment station, informed Zhou Zhenwu that the rickshaw pullers serving as cover were actually new recruits and intellectuals ready to assist. Zhou Zhenwu confirmed the strength of his squad, combining his own men and weapons with the nine recruits and their five guns provided by He Shunjiang.
Confined to Gu's Garden, Gu Yizhong attempted to escape, seeking help from Haimo's cousin to retrieve a toolbox to pick his lock, leveraging his prearranged marriage to Haimo. However, Gu Yizhong's escape plan, which potentially involved Haimo, was foiled by Spring's intervention, though the details of her actions were not shown in the subtitles.
Days later, the New Fourth Army squad observing Gu's Garden reported that Gu Yizhong remained inside under house arrest, noting the presence of agents from No. 90 disguised as a newspaper vendor and other unidentified individuals on a boat nearby, concluding a direct assault was too risky given the Gu family's history and potentially armed staff.
Frustrated by Gu Xixing's continued refusal to accept the magistrate position despite the public pressure orchestrated through planted newspaper stories and incidents like manure being thrown at his garden, Kondo Masao devised a new strategy. Despite having previously told his agent he had increased surveillance, Kondo ordered his agents around Gu's Garden to withdraw.
His objective was to allow the New Fourth Army, who were targeting Gu Yizhong as a traitor, to enter the garden, thereby instigating a conflict between the Communists and the heavily guarded Gu family. Kondo calculated that this internal struggle would leave Gu Xixing no alternative but to accept the magistrate position to restore order. As part of Kondo Masao's multifaceted plan, arrangements were made for Zhou Zhifei's son, Youfei, to study in Japan.
While not explicitly stated to Youfei or Yuqing, the Chinese plot indicated Kondo intended to use Youfei as a hostage to control Zhifei. Zhifei seemingly agreed to the arrangement, especially as children from other prominent Suzhou families were also going. Before Youfei's departure the following week, Zhifei and Yuqing prepared clothes for him. Yuqing suggested a warm mink coat for the cold Japanese winter, but Zhifei preferred a tweed coat, noting that Japanese elementary students didn't wear heavy layers.
Zhifei also arranged for a family photo to be taken by Mr. Lin from Fuwen Photo Studio. In a significant moment before the photo, Zhifei had Youfei recite the detailed family pedigree, ensuring his son knew his ancestral roots in Yixing Guo Mountain before going abroad. This departure and the underlying pressure on Zhifei were calculated moves within Kondo's larger scheme to manipulate the key figures in Suzhou.
Episode 5 Recap
Gu Yizhong sat at the table, his meal untouched. His father, Gu Xixing, commented on the uneaten food and the cook Mr. Liu's skill. Gu Yizhong pleaded with his father to believe he had not done anything to betray the Gu family. Gu Xixing revealed that the Japanese actions were directed at him personally, aiming to implicate him. After careful consideration, he saw only one solution: Gu Yizhong must leave Suzhou for Hong Kong.
He mentioned a former subordinate, Chen Hanyu, in Hong Kong who would look after him with a letter of introduction. Gu Yizhong refused to leave, insisting he must stay and clear his name, stating he was not a traitor. His father asked if he had evidence. Gu Yizhong claimed someone at Station 90 could prove his innocence and indicated a drawing of a man.
Gu Xixing questioned Gu Yizhong's ability to outmaneuver the agents at Station 90, mentioning his cousin was still imprisoned there. He also showed Gu Yizhong an item that Ruotong had given him, explaining the Japanese had sent it. Gu Xixing stated he was old and had sworn not to leave Suzhou, his wife, or the family estate, but Gu Yizhong was different; staying would only make him a tool for the Japanese to threaten his father.
Therefore, he had to leave. He believed the accusations of being a traitor and collaborator would eventually be cleared by time. Gu Yizhong countered that his departure would make his father a more exposed target. Gu Xixing recounted his history with the Japanese, including the 1928 incident in Jinan where he ordered resistance but was ordered to withdraw, leading to significant casualties. He stated he resigned in anger but had never forgotten the desire for vengeance.
He urged Gu Yizhong to escape the immediate danger and flee, emphasizing the importance of his survival, while stating he, at sixty, was not afraid of death or the Japanese. Fu Gui entered, reporting that Gu Yizhong's luggage had already been sent to the train station as instructed.
Gu Xixing told Gu Yizhong it was time to go, and Fu Gui also encouraged him, noting how much effort Gu Xixing had put in for him, using the saying, "Where there is life, there is hope." Gu Yizhong then shared the news that his sister had given birth to a boy, and his father congratulated him. As they prepared to leave, Spring and Haimo appeared, blocking their path.
Spring demanded to know where Gu Yizhong was going, claiming it was her business because of a childhood engagement arranged by his father between Gu Yizhong and Haimo, calling herself his sister-in-law. Gu Yizhong claimed he had never heard of it and asked to discuss it later as they were in a hurry. Spring insisted Haimo was a proper lady and told Gu Yizhong to keep his hands off her. They argued, preventing them from leaving.
Gu Xixing arrived, and Spring addressed him. Gu Xixing offered to treat Haimo like his own daughter, but Spring rejected this, stating they would discuss what they wanted later as the current situation was urgent. Gu Xixing then told Fu Gui to proceed with Gu Yizhong. Fu Gui informed them that there were two groups of agents from Station 90 monitoring outside the courtyard and that several rickshaws, likely also targeting Gu Yizhong, had recently appeared at the alley entrance.
Gu Xixing confirmed Gu Yizhong had a weapon, and they decided to go to the train station openly. As Gu Yizhong rode in a rickshaw with Fu Gui, he spotted the agents following them. He offered the rickshaw driver extra money to lose their tails. The driver sped up, but the pursuing rickshaws kept pace. Gu Yizhong suddenly jumped out of the moving rickshaw, making his escape.
The driver demanded payment from Fu Gui, who was left behind, unable to follow Gu Yizhong. Fu Gui later reported to Gu Xixing that Gu Yizhong had run off. He showed Gu Xixing an item that belonged to Gu Yizhong, confirming his identity, and presented Gu Yizhong's unused train ticket to Shanghai. Elsewhere, agents at Station 90 discussed Gu Yizhong's escape.
Zhou Youfei ordered men to find him quickly, despite another agent questioning why, since they had already handed Gu Yizhong over to Kondo and he had escaped, making it the Japanese's problem. Zhou Youfei cautioned against trusting the Japanese, suggesting they might demand Gu Yizhong back. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong had captured and tied up a man named Lian Qiangbao. Lian Qiangbao was surprised to find Gu Yizhong alive. Gu Yizhong said Lian Qiangbao should thank him.
Lian Qiangbao accused Gu Yizhong of framing him. Gu Yizhong confirmed his name was Lian Qiangbao, not Liu Qiangbao, and interrogated him about being from the New Fourth Army's 6th Division and being at Station 90. Lian Qiangbao denied being part of the New Fourth Army, admitting he had only pretended. Gu Yizhong ordered him to write down a statement. Gu Yizhong later called Gu's Garden, and Haimo answered.
He asked her for a favor, explaining he was in a lot of trouble. Haimo was surprised he was still in Suzhou, asking where to find him if something happened at home. Gu Yizhong instructed her to retrieve his bank card from his room, withdraw money, and bring it to him. He stressed the secrecy of their meeting, telling her not to tell anyone, including his father, Fu Gui, and her cousin-in-law.
Haimo met Gu Yizhong and gave him the money she had withdrawn. Gu Yizhong reiterated he was "big trouble" and emphasized secrecy before leaving. In his haste, he left his umbrella behind. At Gu's Garden, Xiao Ruotong arrived looking for Gu Yizhong. She spoke with Gu Xixing, who explained that her organization had misunderstandings about Gu Yizhong and wanted him back to clarify things.
Gu Xixing expressed his concern about "misunderstandings" in such chaotic times, questioning if the organization had already condemned Gu Yizhong as a traitor and planned to eliminate him. He vouched for Gu Yizhong's character and the Gu family's principles, which Ruotong acknowledged, stating her belief in Gu Yizhong's innocence. She understood her difficult position, having to balance personal loyalty and organizational orders.
Gu Xixing recounted his attempt to send Gu Yizhong to Hong Kong and how he had run away before reaching the station, leaving his current whereabouts unknown. He offered to have Fu Gui provide details, but Ruotong declined. Gu Xixing added that he didn't interfere with Gu Yizhong's activities and mentioned that Gu Yizhong's cousin, Lu Zheng, was detained at Station 90 because of him, and his companions from the Architecture Research Society hadn't seen him in weeks.
He stated Fu Gui and others were searching Suzhou for him. Gu Xixing swore on his life that no traitor would come from Gu's Garden and that if Gu Yizhong were guilty, he would deal with him himself, but if innocent, he would clear his name. As Ruotong was leaving, Haimo appeared and asked if she was looking for Gu Yizhong. Ruotong confirmed.
Haimo said she had met him recently to give him money but didn't know where he lived, noting that he seemed to be hiding and afraid of meeting familiar faces. Ruotong asked if she could contact him. Haimo explained that Gu Yizhong wouldn't reveal his location, but they had arranged that Ruotong would call Gu's Garden every day at 6 p. m. to reach Haimo, and Haimo would pass along any news.
They introduced themselves as Zhang Haimo and Xiao Ruotong. Ruotong thanked Haimo. Meanwhile, Station 90 agents searched for Lian Qiangbao, having noticed his two-day absence. The station head led the search to Lian Qiangbao's usual residence, ordering the door kicked open, but it was empty. The head mentioned seeing Lian Qiangbao leave in a car towards Pingjiang Road earlier. They planned to check the Sanbao Casino. Haimo, walking in an alley, saw the agents at a building and hid.
After they left, she noticed an umbrella by the door and recognized it as Gu Yizhong's from their recent meeting. Guessing he was inside with Lian Qiangbao, she knocked. Gu Yizhong let her in; Lian Qiangbao was also present. Haimo explained how she found him. Gu Yizhong admitted his carelessness in leaving the umbrella. Haimo informed Gu Yizhong that Xiao Ruotong had come looking for him and that she had promised to notify Ruotong if she heard anything.
Gu Yizhong confirmed Ruotong's visit. Haimo explained their arrangement for Ruotong to call at 6 p. m. Gu Yizhong asked who knew about this, and Haimo assured him no one else did. Gu Yizhong then asked Haimo to tell Ruotong that he had found a witness who could prove his innocence and needed to meet her immediately. Later, Haimo answered a call at Gu's Garden from Ruotong. Haimo relayed Gu Yizhong's message: meet tomorrow at 2 p. m.
at Zhang's Feng Village Noodles, where he would bring an agent from Station 90 who could clear his name. While Haimo was eating with Spring, Spring asked who she was talking to on the phone, but Haimo claimed it was a wrong number. Spring, having overheard the conversation, later reported to Zhou Youfei that Gu Yizhong had arranged a meeting for 2 p. m. the next day at Zhang's Feng Village Noodles and had caught an agent from Station 90.
Zhou Youfei found the meeting place unusual and ordered his men to gather immediately. The next day at Zhang's Feng Village Noodles, Gu Yizhong was with Lian Qiangbao, offering him noodles. Lian Qiangbao joked if Yizhong was going to kill him after feeding him.
Gu Yizhong said no, he needed him to meet people and explain everything that happened at Wangshudun, including how Lian Qiangbao was used in a trap to help Gu Yizhong escape the execution site, claiming he was forced. Xiao Ruotong and Zhou Zhenwu arrived for the meeting. Gu Yizhong introduced Lian Qiangbao as his witness, the fake New Fourth Army soldier he had mentioned, insisting only Lian Qiangbao could prove he wasn't lying, wasn't a traitor, and wasn't "Cell 8".
Lian Qiangbao seemed to recognize Zhou Zhenwu from being on the truck. Gu Yizhong mentioned Lian Qiangbao had written a confession and told Ruotong to take it. Just then, Zhou Youfei burst in with agents from Station 90. Zhou Youfei announced their presence and ordered his men to take Gu Yizhong and Lian Qiangbao. A shootout erupted. In the chaos, Lian Qiangbao grabbed Ruotong as a hostage, shouting for the agents not to shoot.
Zhou Zhenwu identified Lian Qiangbao as someone who had captured a communist and provided cover before shooting Lian Qiangbao dead. Ruotong cried out, asking Zhou Zhenwu why he had killed Lian Qiangbao, his witness. Zhou Youfei declared the meeting was Gu Yizhong's trap and demanded to know who else knew about it besides Ruotong and Haimo. He then accused Gu Yizhong of being "Cell 8". Gu Yizhong vehemently denied it. Zhou Youfei asked for the confession.
Gu Yizhong searched for it, finding it on the floor. As he reached for it, Zhou Youfei repeatedly shot the document, destroying it. Gu Yizhong was devastated, realizing all his evidence was gone and no one could prove his innocence. Ruotong urged him to come back with her, assuring him the organization would find a way to prove his innocence. Gu Yizhong, distraught, refused to go, maintaining his innocence. Zhou Youfei called him a traitor.
Enraged and desperate, Gu Yizhong charged towards Zhou Youfei. Zhou Youfei shot him, and Gu Yizhong fell. Ruotong cried out his name, and Zhou Zhenwu pulled her away, warning that they had to leave or they would both die there.
Episode 6 Recap
Deeply affected by Gu Yizhong's death, Xiao Ruotong was silent for days. When Zhou Zhenwu attempted to comfort her, she blamed him and others, believing they had pressured Gu Yizhong to his death. Zhou Zhenwu reflected on the possibility that Gu Yizhong might have had hidden reasons. They discussed the lingering questions surrounding his death and the identity of 'Cell 8.' Xiao Ruotong pointed out that both of them were still under suspicion and needed to act cautiously.
Zhou Zhifei and Jin Hai maintained close surveillance outside Gu Garden, noting the complete silence within. Gu Yizhong's body had been brought back the day he died, followed by a coffin the next day, while Gu Xixing remained secluded. Jin Hai expressed his respect and awe for Gu Xixing, feeling the elder man's gaze could see through him despite his physical frailty. Zhou Zhifei reflected that Gu Yizhong's death seemed to be his own choice, a situation Zhou Zhifei regretted.
He noted that Gu Yizhong's 'death' actually made the situation more precarious for the 'Cell 8' operation; any subsequent activity would reveal the death was faked. Gu Huizhong and Hu Zhiping returned home with their baby, Junsheng. Hu Zhiping brought provisions like fresh fish, aiming to nourish Gu Huizhong, who felt grateful for her partner. She eagerly asked for news of Gu Yizhong.
Hu Zhiping delivered the devastating news: Gu Yizhong had been killed in a gun battle with agents from No. 90. Overcome with grief, Gu Huizhong wept, regretting not insisting he leave with them earlier. She worried deeply about how her father would cope with the loss. After funeral arrangements were completed at Gu Xixing's house, surveillance by agents from No. 70 was withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Hai Mo appeared at a hospital with a food basket and found Gu Yizhong alive and recovering in a ward. Hai Mo had courageously rescued him after he was gravely injured and secretly facilitated his medical treatment, enabling him to survive. Hai Mo diligently nursed Gu Yizhong, urging him to eat to aid his recovery. She also cared for Gu Xixing, ensuring he took his medication as he often tried to avoid it.
Gu Xixing was deeply touched by Hai Mo's dedication, viewing her like a daughter. He stressed the importance of keeping Gu Yizhong's survival a strict secret. At his home, Zhou Zhifei received a substantial box of gold bars, a bribe from Wang Zemin seeking the position of Wu County magistrate. Zhou Zhifei recognized this gift stemmed from Mr. Li's influence.
As a trusted figure loyal to Mr. Li, Zhou Zhifei adhered to a practice of passing on most such gifts, demonstrating his unwavering fidelity. After sending his son off to study in Japan, Zhou Zhifei received a note from Spring, threatening to deliver a letter from Xu Zeng'en to the Japanese authorities if he didn't meet her. Zhou Zhifei agreed to the meeting and made his own security preparations.
Spring approached him warmly but quickly revealed she was aware of his arrangements and had her own snipers positioned, creating a tense standoff. Zhou Zhifei remained cautious. Spring delivered a letter from Xu Zeng'en requesting a prompt reply and, unexpectedly, revealed that Gu Yizhong was still alive in Suzhou. Zhou Zhifei was visibly surprised by this intelligence, realizing they had been outmaneuvered.
Spring gave him instructions for future contact: finding Master Hou at No. 9 Tailor Shop near Xuanmiao Taoist Temple and requesting a suit like Chaplin's from "Modern Times". Xu Zeng'en's letter addressed Zhou Zhifei as a long-standing friend, expressing regret over his perceived defection which he deemed a temporary error. He appealed to Zhou Zhifei's conscience and loyalty, explaining he tasked Spring with this mission.
The letter offered forgiveness for past actions and substantial rewards if Zhou Zhifei could persuade personnel from the Suzhou agent station to defect, presenting it as a chance for atonement. Zhou Zhenwu met with a special agent, also joined by Gu Huizhong and her baby Junsheng.
The special agent relayed the urgent need for medicine, especially quinine, for injured New Fourth Army soldiers and those suffering from malaria, a situation worsened by the Japanese and puppet forces' "pacification" campaign that restricted supply procurement. Zhou Zhenwu offered to help find the medicine. The special agent then voiced concerns about Xiao Ruotong's suitability for underground work in Suzhou, which Zhou Zhenwu immediately opposed.
Zhou Zhenwu brought up the lingering suspicion surrounding Gu Yizhong's death, specifically questioning how No. 90 agents knew about his meeting with them. Xiao Ruotong countered by highlighting the possibility of an informer amongst those present at the meeting. The special agent intervened, emphasizing the necessity of mutual trust among comrades and refocusing their efforts on the critical mission: acquiring quinine. Gu Huizhong confided in Hu Zhiping about a dream where Gu Yizhong asked why she had killed him.
Hu Zhiping comforted her, attributing the dream to her intense grief and longing. Separately, a conversation took place, strongly implied to be between Gu Xixing and the recuperating Gu Yizhong at the hospital, reflecting on loss and resilience. The speaker recounted seeing Xiao Ruotong during the funeral procession and expressed confusion about her actions. They discussed enduring hardship by remembering loved ones, sharing a poignant memory of their own deceased parents weeping in a dream, urging them to live on.
The conversation concluded with a plea for perseverance, especially for Xiao Ruotong's sake. Later, a note was anonymously placed in a temple donation box. It stated that "Gu Yizhong is still alive" and directed "No. 90" to "Investigate now," revealing the secret of his survival to the Japanese-backed intelligence agency.
Episode 7 Recap
Following the earlier events, concerns were raised regarding Gu Yizhong's whereabouts. Despite checking major hospitals and Gu's Garden, no trace was found. It was speculated he might be hidden elsewhere, perhaps with his doctor uncle, as large hospitals were too obvious and no doctor visits were recorded at Gu's Garden. Meanwhile, news reported air force victories, and a discussion revealed Gu Yizhong's grave had been tampered with, suggesting the "death" was a cover.
His injuries were healing, but his mental state was poor. The plan was for him to go to Hong Kong or hide in the Shanghai concession while awaiting a ship. He was receiving care from Dr. Lu at a hospital, who noted suspicious people recently. In the hospital ward, Gu Yizhong received an anonymous note. It instructed him that the only way to find the traitor was to join No. 90 and obtain the details of Cell 8.
This message triggered significant internal conflict, as he understood the implications of joining No. 90 but felt compelled to execute the order. His father came to pick him up from the hospital. Gu Yizhong dismissed the housekeeper to speak with his father privately. He revealed his decision to join the No. 90 Agent Station, asking for his father's understanding.
As anticipated, his father was enraged, stating that the gun had failed to kill him, and now he sought death by joining collaborators. His father had planned to send him away to ensure he could live a pure life, untainted by collaboration, thus preserving the Gu family's Yuqing Hall's reputation of over a thousand years. However, Gu Yizhong asserted his decision was deeply considered.
He claimed he could not abandon his cousin, who had been implicated because of him, and argued that leaving now would prevent him from ever clearing his name, leaving the family reputation permanently stained. Referencing the Gu family motto of filial piety, fraternity, loyalty, and integrity, he argued that since filial piety and fraternity were already difficult to uphold, his father should allow him to fulfill loyalty and integrity.
His father sternly warned him that if he dared to enter No. 90 or have any association with the Japanese, he would be disowned, forbidden from entering the Gu family home again, as the Gu family had no place for such degradation. Gu Yizhong, acknowledging his father's anger and his own filial disobedience, bowed respectfully from outside the closed door before leaving, carrying his luggage.
Jin Jiang reported urgently to Zhou Zhifei that Gu Yizhong had arrived at No. 90, claiming to be Cell 8 who had infiltrated the Communist Party. Zhou Zhifei expressed surprise upon hearing that Gu Yizhong was alive. Gu Yizhong was brought to meet Kondo Masao. He denied being Cell 8 but explained that both the Japanese and the New Fourth Army were pursuing him, with the latter believing him to be Cell 8.
He stated he came to No. 90 because he didn't want to live in hiding like a street rat. Kondo Masao indicated they needed his father, Gu Xixing, not him. Gu Yizhong asserted that they "did" need him. Zhou Zhifei questioned his motives, listing known Chinese collaborators like Wang Kemin, Liang Hongzhi, Wang Jingwei, Chen Gongbo, and Zhou Fohai, asking if Gu Yizhong aspired to be like them and become a traitor.
Gu Yizhong insisted he was sincere, but Zhou Zhifei accused him of acting, even ordering men to aim guns at him. Gu Yizhong remained defiant, quoting Mr. Lu Xun about solitary beasts and flocking cattle/sheep, and stated his desire to live. Later, Huang Xinzhai arrived with Gu Yizhong to introduce him to Zhou Zhifei, informing him that Kondo Masao had approved Gu Yizhong joining them. Zhou Zhifei voiced his disbelief that the Japanese would trust him.
Gu Yizhong responded that while they might not fully trust him, they recognized his usefulness. Zhou Zhifei scoffed, saying only his father was useful. Gu Yizhong countered with a philosophical point about the "use of the useless." As Gu Yizhong and Huang Xinzhai prepared to leave, Zhou Zhifei warned Gu Yizhong about the dangers and difficulty of surviving in No. 90, to which Gu Yizhong replied that having faced death once, he was no longer afraid.
Earlier, Zhou Zhifei had met with Kondo Masao, who informed him that Gu Yizhong's defection had been accepted. Zhou Zhifei argued that Gu Yizhong was feigning surrender. Kondo Masao smiled and explained that Gu Yizhong, like Zhou Zhifei's son Youfei studying in Kyoto, represented the concept of mutual neighborly friendship contributing to the Empire of Japan. Kondo then gave Zhou Zhifei a letter from Youfei. Later, Zhou Zhifei read the letter with his wife, Yuqing.
Using a pre-arranged code involving ink dots on the stationery, they determined that Youfei had been beaten eight times in two weeks. Zhou Zhifei was deeply distressed by this, viewing it as retribution for his own actions as a collaborator. After Zhou Zhifei left, Kondo Masao asked Huang Xinzhai for his assessment of Gu Yizhong's sincerity regarding his defection.
Huang Xinzhai gave a guarded reply, stating that if true, Gu Yizhong's arrival was too sudden and lacked sufficient reason, and if false, participating in the "peace movement" (collaboration) was too serious a matter to fake. Kondo revealed that Gu Yizhong's action was indeed a pretense, but he accepted him to use him as leverage against Gu Xixing.
Kondo's explicit goal was to force Gu Xixing to become the magistrate of Wu County, believing that only then could Suzhou be truly brought under Japan's control. Kondo stated clearly that if Gu Xixing continued to resist, both he and his son would face death. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong returned to Gu's Garden to collect some necessary items.
While there, he encountered Haimo amidst others discussing the rumors of him joining the Japanese and becoming an agent, warning that such an association would stain his reputation. Haimo, however, knew Gu Yizhong well and believed he had a hidden reason for his actions. She offered to help him pack, but he gently stopped her from lifting a heavy box. He told her their pre-arranged engagement was no longer binding and that she was free.
He urged her to leave Gu's Garden immediately as it was no longer safe and return home to Guangzhou for refuge with her cousin. Haimo lamented that people in troubled times had no true home. Carrying his luggage, Gu Yizhong walked towards his father's quarters but did not enter, offering a silent, respectful bow outside the door before leaving. A servant remarked that he had still left despite his father's anger.
Haimo commented that No. 90 was a "Devil’s Cave," where people turned into devils upon entering. Huang Xinzhai led Gu Yizhong to the agent dormitory, describing it as a safe place hidden from their enemies like those from Chongqing or the Communist Party. He showed Gu Yizhong his own room on the second floor and introduced Miao, mentioning he handled repairs around the station.
Huang also pointed out Gao Hu, an agent who had been transferred from the Changshu Substation to the Suzhou Head Station by Zhou Zhifei. Later, Huang privately advised Gu Yizhong that Gao Hu, while ostensibly there for protection, was actually assigned to monitor him because Zhou Zhifei was suspicious and didn't trust people.
Huang advised Gu Yizhong to be careful around Zhou Zhifei and perform well in the upcoming training class led by Zhou Zhifei, noting that Zhou Zhifei and Kondo Masao had different views on Gu Yizhong's defection. Huang also expressed that they were now "on the same side" and working alone in No. 90 was difficult.
Zhou Zhifei received a telegram from the organization, deciphered by Huizhong, ordering an immediate suspension of the pursuit of Gu Yizhong, without requiring clarification regarding the reason. His subordinates questioned the decision, arguing that Gu Yizhong was clearly a traitor and should still be apprehended. Zhou Zhifei, however, insisted they must obey the organization's orders, stating the organization had its reasons and there should be no excessive speculation. Training for new agents began.
Zhou Zhifei explained that agent work was a secret undertaking driven by politics, distinguishing it from the work of police detectives, investigators, or military spies, though acknowledging similarities. He described them as "political police." He outlined the station's structure, including the four main sections (General Affairs, Training, Intelligence, Investigation/Execution) and subsections, emphasizing the principle of absolute secrecy in organization, methods, and identity. He taught essential skills like shadowing, which involved identifying targets, understanding their identity, and requiring self-protection and disguise.
He also taught how to build "internal cells" by "infiltrating" and "pulling out" individuals to make them work for them, stressing the necessity of obtaining "evidence of their dirt" or weaknesses to maintain lifelong control. Another crucial skill taught was strike resistance – the ability to endure torture without betraying the organization, prioritizing death over divulging secrets. He mentioned these methods were similar to those used by the CCP's Gu Shunzhang, quickly correcting himself.
During a training break, Gao Hu spoke to Gu Yizhong, expressing his reluctance and desire to quit. He admitted he joined No. 90 simply to make a living and didn't expect the training to be so brutal. Gu Yizhong stated he came to No. 90 to survive. Gao Hu suggested they escape together using a key to the east door, claiming no one would know as it wasn't a place for people to stay.
Gu Yizhong warned him that a guard post was located behind the east door with military police on twenty-four-hour duty, and unauthorized departure would result in immediate execution. He also advised Gao Hu to stay away from him for his own safety. The training resumed with strike resistance exercises. Zhou Zhifei called out Gao Hu and Gu Yizhong, criticizing Gao Hu for not putting enough effort into the drills and urging him to try harder.
Episode 8 Recap
Gao Hu helped the injured Gu Yizhong back to their room. Zhou Zhifei entered, asked Gao Hu to leave, and closed the door. He examined Gu Yizhong's injuries, stating they were superficial and would heal quickly with hot compresses. He recalled his own much tougher training and offered private lessons. Zhou Zhifei discussed the difficulty of infiltrating enemy ranks, saying it depended more on the opponent's foolishness than the agent's intelligence.
He shared his history, revealing he was a Chinese Communist Party member in 1927 under Gu Shunzhang. He was arrested and tortured for seven days and nights. The person who came to persuade him to surrender was Gu Shunzhang, who had betrayed them. Zhou Zhifei stated his heart "died" that day. Gu Yizhong cleverly used Zhou Zhifei's past to question whether he was a genuine defector at No. 90 or an infiltrator. This question made Zhou Zhifei pause.
He responded that in these chaotic times, no one in the Wang government, including high-ranking officials like Zhou Fohai, Chen Gongbo, Minister Ding, and Mr. Li, was truly sincere; they were all focused on money and power by pleasing the Japanese and Chairman Wang. He quoted Mr. Li as saying it was better to catch big fish by the river than small ones in the water.
Zhou Zhifei then expressed his desire to be friends with Gu Yizhong, seeing No. 90 as a temporary place, and predicted the Japanese would eventually leave. Gu Yizhong questioned if he was sincere, and Zhou Zhifei insisted he was. Gu Yizhong then asked if he was still serving the Communist Party or about Cell 8. Zhou Zhifei stated he was working for himself and wanted revenge on Cell 8, who had severely harmed him.
He called Gu Yizhong more stubborn than his father and warned him to leave No. 90 quickly or risk death there. Meanwhile, Hu Zhiping gave Zhou Zhenwu instructions to immediately cease all anti-Gu Yizhong operations. Hu Zhiping also sought quinine to treat malaria, contacting a person named Cui Yaomin and arranging for Zhou Zhenwu to meet him the next day for a secret transaction.
Cui Yaomin was described as a broker associated with Du Yuesheng, known for his wide network and being motivated by money. The meeting was scheduled for two in the afternoon the next day at Caizhi Pavilion Tea House, with specific signals involving the Jiangsu Daily and Xin Shen Bao (New Shanghai News) newspapers. Zhou Zhenwu was tasked with attending and agreeing to Cui Yaomin's price to secure the quinine.
In Suzhou, Mr. Li met with Kondo Masao to discuss the vacant magistrate of Wu County position. Mr. Li suggested Wang Zemin, citing his local prominence, but Kondo rejected him as corrupt. Mr. Li argued Wang Zemin was wealthy and wouldn't need to steal, but Kondo remained firm, stating he would remove Wang if appointed.
Mr. Li then proposed letting Wang Zemin serve as acting magistrate temporarily while waiting for Gu Xixing, whom Kondo considered the ideal candidate but who had refused No. 90's offers for six months. Kondo believed Gu Xixing's son, Gu Yizhong, joining No. 90 indicated Gu Xixing's stance might be softening, connecting it to the Chinese emphasis on reputation and saving face. Mr. Li disagreed, saying Kondo didn't understand the Chinese people and that Gu Xixing was an old stubborn mule.
Kondo compared the situation to the establishment of the Henei government and pointed out that Chinese figures like Chen Gongbo, Zhou Fohai, Ding, and Mr. Li himself had all cooperated. Offended by Kondo's remark, Mr. Li left, asking Kondo to decide the candidate himself. After Kondo's departure, Mr. Li discussed the matter with Zhou Zhifei. He expressed frustration with Kondo's attitude, noting that even ordinary Japanese soldiers in No. 76 could infuriate him and Ding.
He reiterated that Gu Xixing was stubborn and difficult to control, predicting Kondo would eventually realize that the Japanese couldn't succeed in China without relying on experienced Chinese like them. He mentioned that Wang Zemin had sent gifts, which Mr. Li had received but advised against accepting more directly, suggesting they let wealthy figures like Wang Zemin "bleed" their money if they were eager to get ahead.
Later, Huang Xinzhai complained to Zhou Zhifei that he couldn't effectively monitor Gu Yizhong because Gu seemed to anticipate his every move. Zhou Zhifei sarcastically suggested killing him, but Huang Xinzhai feared Gu Yizhong would retaliate against Zhou as well. Huang Xinzhai successfully apprehended Cui Yaomin and learned about the quinine transaction with the New Fourth Army. He reported this to Kondo.
Kondo revealed this was a test he and Zhou Zhifei had set up for Gu Yizhong to see if he was still collaborating with the Communist Party. Kondo explained that Gu Yizhong was bait; whether he was a Communist or not, if he revealed any involvement, they could use him to threaten Gu Xixing and pressure him to cooperate with the "peace movement" (collaboration effort). Huang Xinzhai felt wronged that Lian Jinhai was claiming credit for the capture.
Zhou Zhifei ordered Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu to escort the prisoner, Cui Yaomin, to the tea house. At the tea house, they encountered Xiao Ruotong, who was present because she had followed Zhou Zhenwu. While waiting, Gu Yizhong identified Cui Yaomin to Gao Hu. Gao Hu asked to switch seats, and Gu Yizhong agreed.
Gu Yizhong then deliberately caused a commotion with a waiter bringing tea, resulting in hot water splashing on Gao Hu's hand, injuring him and creating a distraction. Xiao Ruotong, observing the scene, quickly left. Zhou Zhenwu arrived for his scheduled meeting, saw the agents in the tea house, and realized it was a trap. Cui Yaomin managed to escape during the confusion but was quickly recaptured.
Lian Jinhai and his men intervened, questioning Gu Yizhong about the incident and suspecting him of deliberately causing the chaos. Gu Yizhong denied any intentional action, claiming the waiter was clumsy. Lian Jinhai ordered Gu Yizhong, Gao Hu, and Cui Yaomin back to No. 90. Later, Zhou Zhenwu confronted Xiao Ruotong, asking why she was at the tea house, stressing he was on a mission.
She admitted she was following him out of concern, acknowledging she violated discipline and accepted any punishment. Zhou Zhenwu accepted her apology but also thanked her, saying she might have saved him. Xiao Ruotong told him she saw Gu Yizhong with the No. 90 agents. Zhou Zhenwu revealed he already knew Gu Yizhong was alive from intelligence reports two days prior that saw him return to Gu Garden with No. 90 personnel, though he hadn't confirmed it until now.
Haimo expressed to Spring water that she increasingly felt she should not continue deceiving Gu Xixing by pretending to be his daughter. Spring argued that this was a sought-after position and that Gu Garden was their home now. She claimed the "real Haimo" was dead and no one remembered, urging Haimo to continue acting and accusing her of lacking conscience towards Gu Xixing's poor state.
Spring then suggested that Gu Yizhong's recruitment by No. 90 might even be a staged act arranged by Gu Xixing and Gu Yizhong themselves, which Haimo seemed to consider, saying she hoped it was true. Gu Huizhong returned home after learning her brother, Gu Yizhong, was alive and working for No. 90 as a traitor. She questioned her father, Gu Xixing. He remained silent for a moment, then produced a small pair of shoes.
He reminded Gu Huizhong that she had bought them for Gu Yizhong when he was nine, saving up her allowance, and how he had proudly worn them. Gu Xixing stressed that no matter what Gu Yizhong did or under what circumstances, he was her brother and she his sister, emphasizing that while faith is great, it cannot override the unbreakable bond of blood relatives. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhifei learned that Cell 8 had arrived in Suzhou.
He rushed to the Buddhist temple to try and contact "Cell 8" using their "black base secret knot" method. He sent messages twice but received no response. He grew concerned, wondering if Cell 8 had encountered trouble or perhaps suspected his identity.
Episode 9 Recap
Zhou Zhifei and Jinhai discussed the status of the lead on Cell 8. Zhou Zhifei was certain Cell 8 was in Suzhou and had seen the note left for him, as the mark on it had been altered. They interpreted Cell 8's lack of response as an attempt to sever ties, a move Jinhai termed like "burning bridges" after getting on a boat.
They reasoned that the person who most wanted Gu Yizhong dead was Cell 8 because if Gu Yizhong were to die, everyone would believe he was Cell 8, thus keeping the real Cell 8's identity safe and freeing him from the obligation to provide further intelligence. Zhou Zhifei explained that this was why he permitted Gu Yizhong within No. 90 in the first place; he served as a counterbalance to Cell 8.
Jinhai questioned whether Kondo would truly trust Gu Yizhong, but Zhou Zhifei pointed out the Japanese rigidity and their significant previous investment in Gu Xixing, making it unlikely they would easily abandon the opening they found with Gu Yizhong. Jinhai worried that Gu Yizhong, being intelligent, would eventually cause problems if he didn't listen to them.
Zhou Zhifei proposed making Gu Yizhong kill someone as a "pledge of loyalty" to ensure he could never turn back from participating in the peace movement ("和运"). Jinhai agreed to arrange it, stating that once Gu Yizhong was in No. 90, he wouldn't have a choice but to sink with them, using the term "hànjiān." Zhou Zhifei corrected Jinhai, emphasizing they were engaging in a "peace movement," not acting as traitors.
Jinhai then shared news about Ou Xinping, reporting that Jiuzhao, while not skilled at killing, was effective at finding people. Ou Xinping was reportedly hiding in Gu's Garden and had been promoted to Head of the Jiangsu Operations for CBIS, according to intelligence from Shanghai's No. 76. Jinhai asked Zhou Zhifei about a letter from Xu Enzeng, speculating if Xu intended to recruit Zhou Zhifei and the people of No. 90 back to CBIS.
Zhou Zhifei confirmed Jinhai's guess was accurate and asked how Jinhai would feel about such a move. Jinhai pledged his unwavering loyalty, vowing to follow wherever Zhou Zhifei went. Zhou Zhifei then confided his dream of retiring someday by buying an island abroad with Jinhai and his wife, Xiaolan, which Jinhai eagerly accepted. Zhou Zhifei insisted Jinhai take some money before leaving, despite his initial refusal.
The new recruits faced their final assessment, which involved murder, described as a common technique for professional agents. Cui Yaomin was presented as a condemned man, sentenced to death for collaborating with the enemy. Section Chief Lian instructed the recruits on the execution method, demonstrating how to shoot for a quick, clean kill, and ordered Gu Yizhong to carry it out, handing him a gun. Gu Yizhong protested, saying he couldn't kill.
Section Chief Lian insisted, forcing the gun into his hand and telling him to aim and shoot. Cui Yaomin, with a cloth gag in his mouth, struggled to speak. Gu Yizhong, noticing this, quickly removed the gag. Released from the gag, Cui Yaomin angrily shouted accusations at Section Chief Lian and Zhou Zhifei, claiming they had taken his money (mentioning gold bars given by his wife to Zhou's and Lian's wives) and were now killing him.
He also shouted about their connections to Kondo and Ding Jiansheng. As agents moved to silence Cui Yaomin, Cui Yaomin suddenly grabbed the gun from Gu Yizhong and shot Jinhai. The surrounding agents immediately opened fire, killing Cui Yaomin, while Jinhai was severely wounded and rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruotong sought out Haimo, convinced that Gu Yizhong had a compelling reason for joining No. 90.
She asked Haimo to arrange a meeting with him to talk things through, promising to keep their conversation strictly confidential among the three of them. Haimo agreed to try. Haimo located Gu Yizhong at the Appeasement Military Hospital, where he was being held. Gu Yizhong refused to meet Xiao Ruotong, stating that if the situation could be easily explained, he wouldn't be where he was.
He gave Haimo a steel pen to return to Xiao Ruotong, saying she would understand its meaning. As Haimo was leaving, agents arrived and took Gu Yizhong away from the hospital. Captain Zhang intercepted Haimo and demanded the pen, dismissing her claim that it was broken and hers, and took it despite Gu Yizhong's assertion that it belonged to him and should be returned to her.
Back in confinement, Gu Yizhong, distraught, called out for Jinhai and Huang Xinzhai, seeking answers. He attempted to bribe a guard to see Huang Xinzhai. Haimo returned to Xiao Ruotong, telling her Gu Yizhong refused to meet and gave her the pen, adding that he had been taken away to No. 90. Separately, Lin Shujuan and Wang Ma, who worked at Gu's Garden, discussed Gu Yizhong joining No. 90, troubled by it and speculating he might be a "double agent."
Haimo then spoke with Lin Shujuan, pleading for help to save Gu Yizhong, stating she had seen him arrested at No. 90 that morning. Lin Shujuan refused, claiming she knew no one at No. 90, warned Haimo to mind her own business, and implicitly threatened Haimo's brother if she interfered. Zhou Zhifei mourned Jinhai's death with Xiaolan, who was overcome with grief and had attempted suicide by swallowing opium.
Zhou Zhifei suspected Gu Yizhong and Huang Xinzhai were responsible for Jinhai's death and were plotting to seize his power. Xiaolan urged him to avenge Jinhai by killing Gu Yizhong. Huang Xinzhai visited Gu Yizhong in confinement, accusing him of being the one who benefited most from the deaths of both Cui and Lian. Gu Yizhong maintained his innocence, explaining that Cui Yaomin had grabbed his gun and was killed in the crossfire, with many witnesses to back him up.
Huang Xinzhai expressed frustration that Cui Yaomin, a vital witness, was dead, cutting off crucial leads. Gu Yizhong then asked Huang Xinzhai about Ding Jiansheng, mentioning Cui Yaomin spoke the name before he died. Huang Xinzhai sternly warned Gu Yizhong that if he wanted to survive in No. 90, he must never mention that name again. Huang Xinzhai left, telling Gu Yizhong that Zhou Zhifei would seek revenge for Jinhai's death and advised him to look out for himself.
Captain Zhang then took Gu Yizhong to see Director Zhou. News of Gu Yizhong being taken by Zhou Zhifei, and the potential threat to his life, reached the Japanese advisor Kondo. Kondo was concerned as Gu Yizhong's role was crucial to his plan to get Gu Xixing to accept the position of Magistrate. Zhou Zhifei gathered the training class, including Gu Yizhong, and announced they were officially members of the Suzhou Agent Station.
Kondo arrived to observe, describing the scene as a "play." Someone, possibly Huang Xinzhai, indicated to Kondo that Zhou Zhifei intended to kill Gu Yizhong, but Kondo dismissed it, stating Zhou Zhifei was more cunning. Kondo then discussed the appointment letter for Gu Xixing as the new Magistrate of Wu County, noting Wang Zemin was out and the decision was made, which presented difficulties for Wang Zemin. Kondo believed Gu Xixing's stubbornness meant he wouldn't accept the position.
Kondo inquired about Gu Yizhong, noting his foreign education, tie to Liang Sicheng, and top ranking in the training. Kondo asked if Gu Yizhong was Zhou Zhifei's man. Zhou Zhifei replied he wasn't sure whose man Gu Yizhong was, prompting Kondo to suggest making him Zhou Zhifei's man. Zhou Zhifei agreed to try, while privately resolving to avenge Jinhai but to proceed cautiously, keeping Gu Yizhong stable for now.
Zhou Zhifei summoned Gu Yizhong to his office, congratulating him on being named the Outstanding Trainee and offering his support. Zhou Zhifei explained that he had received the appointment letter for Gu Xixing to become the Magistrate of Wu County from Kondo, who admired Gu Xixing, and stated it was a unanimous decision from higher authorities. Zhou Zhifei tasked Gu Yizhong with delivering the letter to his father.
Gu Yizhong protested, citing his father's stubbornness and the fact he had been disowned, but Zhou Zhifei insisted, stating Kondo required Gu Yizhong to deliver it personally, especially with Gu Xixing's 60th birthday approaching in three days, which would make the occasion doubly joyful. Zhou Zhifei then reminded Gu Yizhong of his close relationship with Jinhai and the distress of Jinhai's wife who was demanding the responsible party.
He offered a deal: if Gu Yizhong delivered the letter, Zhou Zhifei would settle the Jinhai matter for him and release his cousin, Lu Zheng, from No. 90. Zhou Zhifei added that according to No. 90's rules, Lu Zheng's release was not free, demanding twenty gold bars from the Lu family—ten for the agents and ten for Jinhai's family.
Zhou Zhifei praised Gu Yizhong's past military service (mentioning the 3rd Gendarmerie Regiment) and loyalty (as praised by Jinhai) and appointed him Acting Chief of the Investigation Department, promising a permanent position and increased salary if he proved capable in three months. Gu Yizhong pledged his loyalty and accepted his first task: to investigate Gu Yizhong's own background. Gu Yizhong went, accompanied by Gao Hu, to facilitate Lu Zheng's release.
He informed Lu Zheng he was there to take him home. Lu Zheng described the harsh prison conditions initially but noted an improvement recently and acknowledged Gu Yizhong's efforts to free him, mentioning his status as Outstanding Trainee.
Upon arriving at Lu Zheng's home, Lu Zheng's father appeared but reacted coldly upon seeing Gu Yizhong, telling his son to enter alone to avoid neighbor misunderstandings and refusing to let Gu Yizhong call him "Uncle," instead addressing him formally as "Mr. Gu." Gu Yizhong reminded Lu Zheng's father about the twenty gold bars needed for the release, for which he had vouched. After a moment, Lu Zheng's father took his son inside, leaving Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu outside.
Lu Zheng expressed shock at his father's cold demeanor. Gu Yizhong explained that everyone in Suzhou knew he had joined No. 90 and become a Japanese agent. After telling Lu Zheng to go inside to bathe and "wash away the bad luck," Gu Yizhong, while seemingly unobserved, used a matchbox to pass a concealed message to Lu Zheng.
The message warned Lu Zheng that Gu Yizhong was being forced to deliver the magistrate appointment letter within three days, that his life was in danger, and urged Lu Zheng to request his father ("您") leave Suzhou before his birthday. Gu Xixing, understanding the message conveyed by Lu Zheng, interpreted it as the Japanese using both persuasion and force to drag him and Gu Yizhong into trouble. Lu Zheng suggested seeking safety in the French Concession in Shanghai.
However, Gu Xixing decided to celebrate his 60th birthday in Suzhou, refusing to remain "in hiding" after four years of keeping a low profile. He announced a lavish banquet for all notable individuals and placed a public invitation in the Jiangsu Daily newspaper. Wang Zemin discussed the potential magistrate appointment with Li, expressing his disappointment at losing the opportunity. Li advised him to be patient, suggesting Gu Xixing's acceptance was not guaranteed.
Wang Zemin, sensing Li's approval, offered to prepare a significant gift for Li immediately. Zhou Zhifei encouraged Wang Zemin to prepare the gift for Li and defer his own gift to Zhou. Zhou Zhifei also asked Wang Zemin to organize a respectable funeral for Jinhai, which Wang Zemin agreed to do. Zhou Zhifei introduced Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu to the Investigation Department, stating they were assigned there under his orders.
The department members, particularly Acting Chief Xie Wenchao, who was loyal to the deceased Section Chief Lian and described as his "die-hard," appeared unwelcoming. Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu attempted to foster goodwill by providing snacks from Lugaojian, including braised meat, lotus seed pig trotters, and braised duck, and promised to cover future midnight snacks for the department. They toasted with the team.
Gao Hu reported to Zhou Zhifei that Gu Yizhong had been drinking heavily for two nights and had not directly contacted Gu's Garden. Zhou Zhifei insisted Gu Yizhong must have contacted them using an alternative method. He instructed Gao Hu on the importance of reading newspapers, especially small ads and notices, as these were sometimes used for transmitting information.
He showed Gao Hu the public notice in the Jiangsu Daily about Gu Xixing's open invitation to his birthday banquet, identifying it as Gu Yizhong's message to his father, which Zhou Zhifei correctly interpreted as a signal for his father to leave Suzhou urgently. After learning of the newspaper notice, Zhou Zhifei privately resolved to wait and see how the situation unfolded, anticipating the resulting complications.
He also secretly contacted the mysterious "Cell 8," proposing continued cooperation if Cell 8 would help him eliminate Gu Yizhong. Cell 8's response was a cold exchange, demanding Gu Yizhong's life in return for Cell 8's continued loyalty.
Episode 10 Recap
Observing a news report, Zhou Zhifei deduced that Gu Yizhong must have contacted his father, urging him to leave Suzhou quickly. However, Gu Xixing responded by placing a public notice, making it clear he would not depart, at least not until after his 60th birthday celebration. It seemed father and son were acting in concert. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong awoke to find Vice Director Huang by his bedside, returning a watch.
Gu Yizhong, displaying his social grace, insisted Huang keep the watch as he had many like it at home. Huang accepted, agreeing to support each other at Station No. 90 to overcome their adversaries. Huang confided that Kondo had ordered him to investigate Zhou Zhifei for contact with Mr. Xu from Chongqing CBIS, a dangerous connection the Japanese strictly forbade as it was a "dead line" not to be crossed.
Huang planned to send Gu Yizhong to inspect the Taicang Substation the next morning. Gao Hu arrived with breakfast from the canteen, but Gu Yizhong declined, suggesting they eat at a restaurant instead. Section Chief Xie had given Gu Yizhong the day off for his father's birthday and assigned Gao Hu to assist him with any needs.
Gu Yizhong then took Gao Hu to a local bathhouse, explaining the Suzhou customs of "Skin Wrapped in Water" for morning tea and "Water Wrapped in Skin" for afternoon baths. While there, Gu Yizhong subtly arranged for their expenses to be put on his tab and found an opportunity to meet with Butler Fu separately, instructing Gao Hu to wait. Quan Shui and Zhou Zhifei met on a boat, the atmosphere slightly heavy.
Zhou Zhifei questioned the meeting location, but Quan Shui reminded him of a happier time in 1933 when they, along with Sicheng, Xiaolan, and Jinhai, toured Suzhou on a similar boat. The memory brought a hint of sadness to Zhou Zhifei as he confirmed his knowledge of Jinhai's death, noting it was related to Gu Yizhong.
He then proposed a chilling plan: he wanted to use their top assassin, Feng Zhiguo, to kill Gu Xixing regardless of whether he accepted the appointment letter. If Gu Xixing refused, the assassin would act for the Japanese; if he accepted, he would be eliminated as a traitor. Either way, Gu Xixing's death would not be directly attributed to Zhou Zhifei's group.
Quan Shui questioned this motive, asking why he sought Gu Xixing's death when his conflict was with Gu Yizhong, and Zhou Zhifei stated it was to avenge Jinhai. Quan Shui said this wasn't part of her plan for coming to Suzhou and she couldn't help. Zhou Zhifei countered that helping him was helping her, revealing he knew she had been staying at Gu's Garden for two months and was familiar with its layout.
He warned her that Huang Xinzhai, a Juntong agent, would soon discover her location there and it would become unsafe. Quan Shui said she intended to withdraw soon. Zhou Zhifei then inquired about the girl she brought, Haimo, and Quan Shui clarified she was not involved in their work and she had only used her identity to gain residence in Gu's Garden.
Zhou Zhifei also conveyed a message from Mr. Xu from Chongqing, who appreciated Quan Shui's talent and hoped she would return to their group. Reminiscing about their past, Zhou Zhifei urged Quan Shui to return to their former life, but she replied that while she often missed those times, many things had changed and couldn't go back. At Gu's Garden, Quan Shui attempted to eavesdrop on Butler Fu reporting to Gu Xixing about his meeting with Gu Yizhong.
Lin Juan (the false Haimo) confronted Quan Shui, warning her not to listen and announcing her intention to confess to Master Gu that she was not the real Haimo, saying she couldn't keep up the act. Enraged, Quan Shui pulled out a hairpin, revealing it was soaked in potassium cyanide for suicide if necessary, and threatened Lin Juan, warning that even a slight pressure could overwhelm her instantly.
She further threatened Lin Juan's brother, who was training in the Air Force, if Lin Juan jeopardized their organization's action. Quan Shui then gave Lin Juan a letter from her brother, forwarded from the liaison office. In the letter, addressed to "Sister Juan," her brother wrote about graduating from Aviation School and transferring to military service, enduring difficult base conditions and rough food but filled with patriotic fervor and excitement at the prospect of flying and fighting against the Japanese.
He missed her and longed to visit Gele Mountain with her again. Quan Shui told Lin Juan she would overlook her transgression today for the sake of her brother bravely saving the country but warned her of consequences if she interfered with the organization's actions again. Meanwhile, members of the Party received orders from the organization to protect Gu Xixing's safety at all costs and crush the enemy plot.
According to their intelligence, the Japanese had issued a final ultimatum, ordering Gu Yizhong to deliver the appointment letter for the Wu County Magistrate position to his father at the birthday banquet the next day. They knew Gu Xixing was a former Kuomintang left-wing figure who had retired because he disapproved of Chiang Kai-shek's abuse of power.
His influence in the Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou areas, and even Shanghai, made him a key target for the Wang Regime traitors to win over. The Party believed Gu Xixing would never work for the Japanese and worried that if persuasion failed, the Japanese might resort to ruthless measures against the old gentleman. Relocating him quickly was deemed the best approach.
Gu Xixing's daughter, Huizhong, had tried to convince him to leave, but he insisted on holding his birthday banquet first, speculating that he might be waiting for his son, Gu Yizhong. Some saw Gu Yizhong's expected arrival as an opportunity to apprehend him and resolve the mystery of "Cell 8," stating that their safety was not guaranteed until the matter was clarified.
However, the special agent reiterated that the primary mission was solely Gu Xixing's safety, and they must not act rashly until he could safely withdraw from Suzhou. Zhou offered pear-syrup candy to Ruotong, who had been coughing, and emphasized the importance of communists prioritizing the overall situation and controlling personal emotions when faced with tasks, recounting his own experience serving as a guard for Commissar Xiang in the New Fourth Army and showing an award received from the Commissar.
Zhou also expressed concern for Ruotong's health and suggested she not participate in the operation at Gu's Garden the next day, but she insisted, citing her greater familiarity with the location and asking him to trust her.
Zhou also spoke with his wife, Huizhong, urging her not to attend her father's birthday, but she felt she must bring their son, Junsheng, as her father repeatedly told her he wanted to see the child and should not be all alone on his special day without any children present. Gu Xixing spoke privately with Lin Juan.
He revealed he knew she wasn't the real Haimo, recalling how her father, Zhang Yuquan, his sworn brother from Huangpu, had vowed his daughter would never sing ballads but instead attend school. Lin Juan confessed her real name was Lin Juan, and the true Haimo had died prematurely at age eleven. She admitted she was Zhang Yuquan's student, and he had treated her like a daughter after Haimo's death, teaching her ballad singing.
She stated that Quan Shui's account had been fabricated, except for the truth that her teacher died at the hands of the Japanese. Gu Xixing accepted her apology, stating he didn't care about her name or origin; as Yuquan's student and having saved Yizhong's life, this great kindness would not be forgotten, and he would treat her as if she were the real Haimo. Lin Juan expressed her deep gratitude.
Gu Xixing then warned her that Mrs. Weng (Quan Shui) seemed not like a good sort and advised her to keep her distance, asking her to listen to his arrangements for the following day if she trusted him. Lin Juan agreed. On the day of Gu Xixing's 60th birthday, guests arrived, including an opera troupe. Mrs. Weng (Quan Shui) spoke with Butler Fu, confirming Master Gu's intention to formally adopt Haimo as his goddaughter.
Huizhong arrived with her son, Junsheng, and Gu Xixing was overjoyed to see his grandson, admiring his features. He gave Huizhong gold bars and money, telling her to use it for her life or for the revolution, as he knew her organization was extremely poor and lacked funds. He then urged her to leave with Junsheng before the guests and potential troubles arrived, dismissing her plea for him to leave with them as Zhiping had arrangements.
Gu Xixing stated he had to provide an explanation to the people of Suzhou and would not hide or be a deserter. Huizhong worried about the potential conflict with Gu Yizhong delivering the appointment letter, but her father told her not to worry. She then departed with Junsheng and Wang Ma, with assurances that the Division Commander had arrangements for their safety. Outside, Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu waited before entering.
Inside, Gu Xixing welcomed his guests, addressing rumors that he intended to collaborate. He declared that in his heart, there was only one leader, Sun Yat-sen, and one government, the National Government in Chongqing, apologizing for the disturbances the rumors caused. Guests applauded his stance.
He then announced a personal matter, asking them to witness his formal adoption of Lin Juan as his goddaughter, introducing her as the daughter of his sworn brother Zhang Yuquan, who had tragically lost her parents at a young age. Just as he introduced her, Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu arrived. Gu Yizhong addressed Gu Xixing as "Dad," but Gu Xixing refused the title, calling him a rebellious son who has no face.
Gu Yizhong announced he was there on behalf of Station No. 90 to deliver a birthday gift: the appointment letter for the Magistrate of Wu County. He read the letter, which stated the National Government's Jiangsu Provincial Government was appointing Gu Xixing as the Magistrate of Wu County.
Gu Xixing scoffed, stating he only knew the National Government was in Chongqing, its Jiangsu Provincial Government chairman was Gu Zhutong, and its office was in Jinhua, questioning the legitimacy of Gao Guanwu, the chairman named in the letter, calling him a "bullshit chairman." Guests applauded Gu Xixing's defiance. Declaring misfortune in his family due to this rebellious son, Gu Xixing announced he would "clean house."
When Gu Yizhong again addressed him as "Dad," Gu Xixing tore the appointment letter, causing chaos to erupt. Guests and guards intervened, but Gu Xixing pushed them away. Amid the turmoil and shouting, someone identified a gunman. Gu Xixing brandished a pistol, warning others not to move. As guards confronted Gu Yizhong's men, Zeng stepped forward and dared them to shoot him. Gu Yizhong was denounced as a traitor trying to implicate his father.
Despite efforts by others like Zhaohe, Zeng, and a Division Commander present to stop him, Gu Xixing fired, shooting Gu Yizhong in the shoulder. In the ensuing chaos, Sha was killed while protecting Gu Xixing. Gao Hu helped the injured Gu Yizhong and others retreat. Gu Yizhong was taken away. Back at Station 90, someone likened the scene to an "Execution at the Military Gate" from opera.
Despite his shoulder injury, Gu Yizhong confirmed his father was unharmed but still unwilling to leave Gu's Garden, stating he would try to persuade him. However, during the chaos orchestrated by Gu Yizhong, Gu Xixing and Butler Fu managed to escape the garden by boat, with Sha sacrificing his life in the process. Back at his office, Gu Yizhong waited for confirmation of his father's safety.
He received a coded call with the phrase "Young Master Gu, the account owed by Lugaojian, it's time to clear it," confirming his father's safe departure. Meanwhile, back at Gu's Garden, Lin Juan discovered money and a note left for her by Gu Xixing, implying they had departed. Lin Juan commented that her Uncle Gu had left, and the Japanese could no longer trouble him.
Realizing the situation, she told Quan Shui (Mrs. Weng) that they must leave immediately before agents from Station No. 90 arrived, urging her to pack quickly. As they prepared to depart, the sounds of Japanese forces were heard.
Kondo Masao and Japanese soldiers arrived at the bridge leading to the garden, with Kondo calling out to Mr. Gu and suggesting they emulate Bai Letian to enjoy the moon, tea, music, and poetry together, unaware that Gu Xixing had already made his escape.
Episode 11 Recap
Gu Yizhong received a phone call from Zhou Zhifei, who instructed him to immediately meet him in the meeting room at No. 90 for an important matter. When Gu Yizhong arrived, he found his father, Gu Xixing, already present. Zhou Zhifei confronted them both, revealing that their earlier act of "Execution at the Military Gate" was merely a performance.
He stated that the bullet found in the pillar at Gu's Garden matched Gu Xixing's gun and was the only shot fired by him, while Gu Yizhong's wound wasn't severe enough to be real. Gu Yizhong, no longer feigning, asked Zhou to speak directly. Zhou explained that Kondo was disappointed and conveyed Kondo's request for Gu Xixing to accept the position of magistrate of Wu County. Gu Xixing adamantly refused, declaring he would rather die than comply.
Zhou expressed regret, telling Gu Yizhong there was no time and he should persuade his father. Vice Director Huang then appeared, holding a gun containing a single bullet. He explained that Kondo had missed the earlier show and wanted to see the major general perform a real "Execution at the Military Gate." Huang delivered Kondo's order: either Gu Xixing becomes the magistrate, or only one of them would leave No. 90 alive.
Gu Xixing, understanding they were being overheard and accepting the need for sacrifice, decided not to serve the Japanese or endanger his son. He pretended to furiously berate Gu Yizhong, yelling at him to put down the gun. Then, in a moment of feigned rage aimed at protecting his son and making a final statement of defiance, Gu Xixing seized the gun and shot himself.
Gu Yizhong quickly retrieved the weapon just as Zhou Zhifei and Kondo Masao arrived, holding it as if he were responsible, thereby preserving the appearance of his father's staged suicide. Later, Spring and Haimo left a building, with Haimo asking if her purpose was fulfilled and she could now leave. She noted that Spring had brought her to Suzhou using her identity to stay in Gu's Garden, but that seemed pointless now.
Spring replied that whether Haimo was useful was for her to decide. Haimo expressed her desire to return to Chongqing to see her brother, detailing a complex travel plan by train, ferry, and plane, and requesting funds from the thousand yuan Mr. Gu had left her, stating three hundred would be enough. Spring agreed and indicated where the money was hidden. Spring then offered Haimo tiger bone ointment from Jirentang for her joint pain, mentioning Dr. Lu had procured it.
Haimo refused the ointment, referencing her mother's warning that women who suffer from "Womb Coldness" after childbirth should avoid cold, and noting that she herself had never had a child and didn't need that specific care. She told Spring that despite everything, she had come to regard her as her cousin-in-law. Spring became harsh, ordering Haimo to leave immediately.
Haimo suggested she understood Spring was using her for a larger cause, fighting the Japanese, which Spring aggressively denied and threatened Haimo. Spring then revealed the devastating truth: Haimo's brother was dead, killed in an air battle days ago, and she had lied about his letters, showing Haimo a stack of letters she had arranged to be written. Haimo was left stunned by the revelation as Spring left. Gu Yizhong returned to Gu Garden carrying his father's body.
The news of Gu Xixing's death had reached the family and servants. Fu Gui confronted Gu Yizhong, accusing him of shooting and killing the Division Commander, calling him a beast, before being restrained and pulled away. Upon hearing the news, Gu Huizhong reacted with shock, refusing to believe her father was gone and insisting he had been captured by the Japanese.
Someone, likely Hu Zhiping, then informed her that her father had refused to become magistrate, and that Gu Yizhong had personally shot him at No. 90 as proof of loyalty, according to information provided by No. 90 to the Suzhou Daily, set for publication the following day. Gu Huizhong dismissed it as a lie, but was told that even the Gu family servants believed Gu Yizhong had fired the shot.
Gu Huizhong, who was not at Gu Garden, became distraught and demanded to see her father, whose body was at Gu Garden for a funeral the next day. She attempted to return to Gu Garden but was held back and told it was too dangerous now that Gu Yizhong was responsible for their father's death. She insisted on seeing him one last time while being restrained and encouraged to express her grief.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ruotong, speaking with someone who was unwell, heard that Master Gu had passed away and that the circulating news, also published in the Jiangsu Daily, claimed Gu Yizhong had killed his father in person at No. 90. She found this information hard to accept. During the funeral procession from Gu Garden, observers noted that it was not heading towards the Gu family's ancestral graveyard.
They learned that Gu Xixing, in death, would not be buried but have his coffin placed temporarily at Dingjue Temple. This was interpreted as him wanting to emulate Wu Zixu from the Spring and Autumn Period, wishing to watch the Japanese military forces be defeated and driven out of Suzhou after his death. One person, implicitly the one slated to become magistrate, expressed doubt about the Japanese military's defeat.
Zhou Zhifei advised him to accept the magistrate position but not take it too seriously, instructing him to use the role to make money and avoid offending any major political factions like Nanjing, Chongqing, or Yan'an. He added that while people like Zhou might be removed from family records, the other person's name was likely already gone because he married a Japanese woman, concluding that his appointment would officially mark him as a traitor.
Gu Huizhong tearfully confronted Gu Yizhong before their father's spirit at Gu Garden. She held a pair of shoes given to Gu Yizhong by their father when he was a child, recounting their father's wish that they remain siblings and family despite anything. She stated that now their father was gone, the family was broken. She directly asked Gu Yizhong if the rumors were true, if he had killed their father, urging him to look at her and answer.
When he remained silent, she declared that standing before their father's spirit, she retracted her previous words. From that day forward, she had no brother, and the next time they met, she would seek revenge for their father's murder. Following the funeral and Gu Huizhong's declaration, the servants of Gu Garden decided to depart.
Wang Ma, who had served the family for thirty-two years, explained that having followed the old master for so long and learned their principles, they could not bring themselves to serve Gu Yizhong, whom they saw as having sided with the enemy. The chauffeur also refused to continue his service.
Another servant, Qi, expressed his anger over the deaths of his friend Sha and the Division Commander, challenging Gu Yizhong to join him in attacking No. 90 to kill some Japanese if he had any humanity left, threatening him otherwise. Another servant intervened, explaining their refusal was purely based on their principles and inability to serve a traitor, bidding Gu Yizhong farewell as they left.
Fu Gui remained briefly, asking Gu Yizhong directly if he had shot his father, expressing his own disbelief, and asking if Gu Yizhong intended to bear this burden alone. Gu Yizhong gave a conflicted response, stating his father died for him. Fu Gui then decided he would stay at Dingjue Temple with Abbot Chuanrui to be with Gu Xixing's coffin, leaving Gu Yizhong alone at Gu Garden.
Haimo, having seen news of Gu Xixing's death, returned to Gu Garden instead of leaving Suzhou. She brought food for Gu Yizhong and urged him to eat. He told her to leave, and after a moment of hesitation, she complied and left. As the door closed, Xiao Ruotong appeared, pointing a gun at Gu Yizhong.
Alluding to the circulating rumors about his father's death, and mentioning the deaths of Junxia, many other comrades, and now Uncle Gu, she declared that the rumors couldn't be true and demanded to know why he had done what he did. Gu Yizhong insisted that he had not framed her brother, that he was not "Cell 8," and that he had not killed anyone. Xiao Ruotong replied that she just wanted to hear the truth directly from him.
Episode 12 Recap
Confronted by Xiao Ruotong, Gu Yizhong adamantly denied being Cell 8 or being involved in any killings, maintaining his innocence. Ruotong pressed him for the truth, insisting that if he was innocent, he must go with her to the organization to explain himself, even threatening to personally kill him as a traitor if he refused. Gu firmly refused, stating he couldn't leave. The standoff was abruptly interrupted by Haimo, who arrived and quickly subdued Ruotong, holding her head down.
Gu noticed Ruotong was suffering from a high fever and immediately decided to take her for medical attention. At Dr. Lu's clinic, seemingly associated with Zhaohe Hospital, he arranged for Haimo to look after her while he secretly contacted his organization. Faced with urging from his contacts, who reminded him that his father's sacrifice would be in vain if he quit, Gu struggled internally.
He was shown an early copy of the Communist Manifesto to help him understand the organization's beliefs. Ultimately, Gu decided to honor his father's dying wish, suppressing his grief and preparing to return to No. 90 to continue his mission. Waking up at Dr. Lu's clinic/Zhaohe Hospital, Xiao Ruotong learned from Dr. Lu that she had malaria and had just received a quinine injection. Dr. Lu explained one shot wasn't enough and Gu was trying to find more.
The mention of quinine was a crucial piece of information. Despite being sick and advised to rest, she insisted on leaving and quickly relayed the information about the availability of quinine via Zhaohe Hospital's channel to the organization, understanding its importance given the scarcity of medical resources. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhifei was burdened by a letter from his son, Youfei. The eleven dots at the end of the letter weighed heavily on him, suggesting his son had been beaten multiple times.
Yuqing saw the letter and was visibly upset, asking about Youfei and blaming Zhou for not getting him back from Kondo earlier. Zhou was caught between worrying about Youfei returning changed by his experiences and the fear of losing him entirely, which led him to suggest they have another child. Yuqing angrily declared she would never have another child if something happened to Youfei.
A sudden crash downstairs startled them, but they relaxed slightly when they learned it was just Liu妈, the servant, accidentally knocking over a vase containing a gun. Zhou reminded Yuqing not to hide weapons everywhere and to instruct Liu妈 where not to clean, while Yuqing commented that he treated their home like a special agent station. Before departing from Gu's Garden, Haimo paid her respects at Gu Xixing's spirit tablet, performing a Suzhou ballad on the pipa as a tribute.
Afterward, she left a letter for Gu Yizhong, gently advising him to move past his sorrow and find a trustworthy person to help look after him, noting that the former servants had left. She emphasized that Gu Garden was his father's life's work and shouldn't fall into ruin. Haimo reflected that in these chaotic times, everyone is helpless and their fate is not their own. She then left Suzhou.
Upon his return to No. 90, Gu Yizhong was met by Xie Wenchao, who conveyed Vice Director Huang Xinzhai's instruction for him to report to Huang's office immediately. Stepping into the office, Gu found Kondo Masao already waiting. Kondo, seemingly interested in Gu's architecture background, used a bonsai as a starting point for conversation, inviting Gu's expert opinion.
Gu analyzed the piece, identifying it as Suzhou-style bonsai and appreciating its artistry, but pointed out that the stand was mismatched for the pot, suggesting a different style of stand would better complement the overall composition. Kondo was impressed and immediately ordered his attendant to procure the suggested stand. Kondo then offered his condolences for Gu's father's death, disturbingly adding that Gu should not regret his actions, expressing admiration for Gu, and stating his anticipation for Gu's performance.
Despite Gu's hesitation, Kondo assigned him the critical task of investigating Zhou Zhifei, specifically focusing on the Ding Jiansheng military supplies smuggling case. Kondo ordered Gu to handle this investigation alone and report only to him. This unexpected command left Gu with mixed feelings, realizing he was being drawn into a complex and dangerous situation.
Gao Hu visited Zhou Zhifei and informed him that Vice Director Huang Xinzhai had ordered him to move out of Gu Yizhong's living quarters and cease his surveillance of Gu, stating the order came directly from Kondo. Zhou, however, instructed Gao not to follow Huang's orders but to remain in place and continue monitoring Gu.
As Gao attempted to ask for money again, explaining his urgent need before payday, Zhou was called away by an urgent phone call but arranged for Gao to receive the requested ten yuan via someone else. Meanwhile, Quan Shui (Spring) arrived at Zhou's residence, introducing herself using the false identity of Mrs. Weng and asking for Ji Yuqing after initially being told she had the wrong address. Zhou, concealing his surprise and annoyance upon recognizing her, introduced her to Yuqing.
Yuqing sensed something was amiss from Zhou's demeanor and excused herself to the kitchen. As soon as Yuqing left, Zhou confronted Spring, questioning why she was there and ordering her to leave immediately to avoid exposing them both to Kondo. Spring insisted she had no intention of leaving. Yuqing then reappeared and called Zhou to the kitchen.
Zhou initially feared exposure, but Yuqing merely asked about the relationship between "Mrs. Weng" and Mr. Li, recalling "Mrs. Weng" mentioning playing cards with them. Yuqing, eager to please Mr. Li, readily agreed to host "Mrs. Weng" in their guest room. Zhou noticed a valuable bracelet Spring had given Yuqing. Yuqing was aware of its high value ("worth two small gold bars") and refused to return it when Zhou suggested it, so Zhou let the matter drop.
Yuqing also inquired about Spring's dietary restrictions, learning she doesn't eat spicy food. Later, when Yuqing's daughter Yu approached Zhou, Yuqing warned her not to interact with someone who had killed his father (referring to Gu Yizhong) and told her to go home, advising Spring to treat their house as her own and ask Liu妈 for anything needed.
While discussing family matters, Yuqing mentioned receiving a letter from Xiaolan in Yixing who planned to remarry a doctor and decided against giving a gift as it hadn't been long since Jin Hai's death, though they continued to send money for his son. Yuqing also speculated about whether Mrs. Li knew about "Mrs. Weng," recalling Mrs. Li's previous actions regarding other mistresses, noting Mr. Li's recklessness.
Yuqing cautioned Zhou to be careful, talk less with Spring, and not pry into her affairs, worried that Mr. Li's complications might affect them. Yuqing even questioned if "Mrs. Weng" might be a spy, noting her sharp eyes. After calming Yuqing, Zhou went to Spring's room. Spring embraced him from behind, speaking softly, calling him by another name (Xinping) and Zhifei, talking about their shared past and the hardships she endured, traveling alone through various cities.
Zhou confided in her about his current predicament: his son being held in Japan as a hostage, his station filled with informants and spies from multiple factions including Mr. Li, the Japanese lackeys, KMT agents ("Little Juntong"), and even the New Fourth Army, leaving him in a difficult dilemma. Spring acknowledged that everyone faced challenges during these years, having traveled to many places alone.
As the conversation deepened and became more intimate, Zhou abruptly brought up a sensitive topic, asking if she had been intimate with an Englishman to obtain intelligence during a mission in Hong Kong years ago. Spring's demeanor immediately changed; her tenderness vanished, and she angrily pushed him away, demanding he leave. Zhou repeated his question, and she repeated her command to him to get out.
Zhou then suggested he would find her a new place to stay and send her there tomorrow. Meanwhile, Gao Hu was packing his belongings to move out of Gu Yizhong's room as ordered by Huang Xinzhai. Gu happened to see a prescription on Gao's table and learned that Gao's mother was suffering from a severe illness with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Gu recognized the signs during a time of cholera outbreak and suspected she had the potentially deadly disease.
He advised Gao against relying solely on the local doctor known for treating diarrhea and instead urged him to seek Western medical help immediately at Minsheng Hospital in Pingqiao, where Director Wang Chuanjie specialized in infectious diseases, giving him a note for the director. Gu also generously offered Gao money for the treatment.
Deeply moved by Gu's kindness, Gao confessed, tearfully kneeling, that he was not a wealthy young master as Gu might have thought, that his family lived simply near Diaohua Mansion, and admitted that Zhou Zhifei had ordered him to monitor Gu and told him not to reveal it.
Gu helped him up, gave him the money and the note, and stressed the urgency of the situation, telling him to hire a car and take his mother to the hospital without delay, and they could talk further upon his return. Gu had initially questioned Gao's true identity, knowing the owner of Diaohua Mansion was named Jin, not Gao. In Suzhou, Haimo decided to stay. She visited Feng Garden Story-telling Theatre and showcased her skill on the pipa.
The owner, Mr. Du, was impressed, recognizing her mastery of the Old Yu Tune and even more so when he learned she was a student of the renowned Zhang Yuquan, who had innovated the style.
Despite the current difficult business climate for theaters, Haimo earnestly requested an opportunity to perform on stage, offering to do so without payment as long as the theater could provide her with food and lodging, explaining that performing in Suzhou was the aspiration of ballad students.
Episode 13 Recap
Gu Yizhong received Cui Yaomin's interrogation file. He saw a mention of a man named Ding Jiansheng, who was involved in dealing scarce medical supplies needed by the New Fourth Army near Taihu Lake and was accused of helping the enemy. Earlier, Deputy Station Chief Huang discussed the Ding Jiansheng case with Gu Yizhong, noting that it was an assignment from Mr. Nearo and suggested that capturing Ding could potentially improve Gu's standing with Station Chief Zhou Zhifei.
Gu Yizhong then questioned Huang about the apparent tension between Zhou Zhifei and Mr. Nearo, to which Huang replied that Mr. Nearo simply looked down on Zhou Zhifei. That afternoon, Gu Yizhong arranged for someone to take him to Ding Jiansheng's house, only to find it had been empty for over two months. Gu Yizhong climbed over the wall and discovered a pipe inside. Not understanding its significance, he took it to an appraiser.
The appraiser identified the pipe based on its craftsmanship and the inscribed number "JACK-08" as a unique identification token issued to the twenty founders of the Rong Society Club at the Paramount in Shanghai. Possession of such a pipe granted free entry to the club. Meanwhile, Haimo visited the resting place of the late Mr. Gu. She expressed her deep gratitude for the care he had shown her while she stayed at Gu's Garden.
Butler Fu was present, still appearing to misunderstand Gu Yizhong's actions. Haimo did not attempt to convince him directly but recounted the story of Lin Chong being framed and misunderstood as an analogy. She asserted that no matter how people in Suzhou viewed Gu Yizhong, she believed he was incapable of killing his father. Gu Yizhong went to the bank to find his senior, Chen Chen.
Chen initially refused to see him due to Gu's participation in the "He Yun" movement (likely referring to the peace movement or collaboration) and the perceived betrayal related to his family. Gu Yizhong insisted and entered Chen's office. Gu reminded Chen that he had designed the Shanghai Rong Society Club and that Ding Jiansheng was a fellow founding member.
Chen confirmed he designed the club but had only a superficial acquaintance with Ding Jiansheng, describing him as a popular figure in the He Yun movement whom Gu might find easy to talk to. Gu Yizhong then presented some architectural survey documents, part of tasks assigned by Mr. Sicheng (Liang Sicheng) to survey Suzhou residences. Having lost contact with Mr. Liang since 1937, Gu asked Chen, given their close relationship, to forward the documents and share Mr. Liang's whereabouts.
Chen informed him that Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin were currently in Li Zhuang, Sichuan, leading colleagues from the Architecture Research Society in surveying ancient architecture in the Southwest provinces, along with Liu Dunzhen in Kunming. Chen advised Gu Yizhong to "get ashore" soon. Gu thanked his senior and left. As it was raining outside, Chen had a subordinate give Gu an umbrella and a note. The note stated: "This Saturday 6 p. m. , Rong Society 6th anniversary celebration."
Separately, during a conversation, Mrs. Zhou and Liu Ma discussed Station Chief Zhou Zhifei's past relationship with a woman named Qu Xinping, who had recently returned to Suzhou as the new KMT CC Bureau section chief. Liu Ma suggested Zhou's defection from the CCP to the KMT years ago was a result of a "honey trap" involving Qu Xinping.
Later, Deputy Station Chief Huang also mentioned Qu Xinping's return to Gu Yizhong, viewing her potential contact with Zhou as an opportunity to undermine the Station Chief. Back at the station, Zhou Zhifei questioned Gao Hu because he had failed to keep track of Gu Yizhong. Gao Hu claimed he was at Min Sheng Hospital caring for his mother, who was critically ill with cholera and needed atropine, and had permission from Acting Section Chief Xie.
Just as Captain Zhang was about to physically reprimand Gao Hu, Gu Yizhong arrived. Gu told Zhou Zhifei he had been on Guanqian Street. Zhou Zhifei, feigning acceptance, patted Gu Yizhong's shoulder as he left but subtly brushed his sleeve, noticing the fabric was damp and his hat soaked by rain.
Deducing that Gu must have been in Shanghai, where it had recently rained (unlike the Suzhou, Changshu, Taicang area), Zhou Zhifei immediately ordered Captain Zhang to take men to Shanghai. Zhou Zhifei suspected Gu Yizhong went to find Ding Jiansheng and instructed Zhang to thoroughly search the Shanghai Concession, including luxury hotels, specifically mentioning the Dazhonghua Jinjiang Hotel which Ding Jiansheng liked, and the Rong Society Club. He emphasized that Zhang must find Ding Jiansheng "before" Gu Yizhong did.
Zhang understood the urgency and was instructed to leave immediately. Quan Shui deliberately presented a pitiable situation to Mrs. Zhou, claiming she had been with Mr. Li for seven or eight years, had two abortions for him which left her unable to bear children, and now he had abandoned her.
Mrs. Zhou was sympathetic, told Quan Shui to treat their home as her own, and even offered to go to Shanghai to confront Mr. and Mrs. Li on her behalf, suggesting they should seek compensation. Zhou Zhifei, overhearing the conversation during dinner, was visibly annoyed. Later, Quan Shui told Zhou Zhifei that she understood he married her because she was simple, which allowed him to feel at ease at home.
Mrs. Zhou later offered to buy Quan Shui new fabrics for cheongsams to help her feel better. Xiao Ruotong went to Zhaohe Hospital to see Dr. Lu, seeking medicine, specifically quinine. Dr. Lu explained the Japanese military had very strict controls over medicine, especially quinine. He only had three doses left, which were meant for her treatment, and the empty vials had to be returned to Manager Shen at Baiji Pharmacy as the Japanese were watching.
He refused to sell her the doses. Xiao Ruotong declined the treatment for herself, stating others needed the medicine more. Eagle, who was with her, then told Dr. Lu to administer the injection. Outside the hospital, Gu Yizhong's cousin handed Xiao Ruotong the pipe found at Ding Jiansheng's house.
He informed her about Ding Jiansheng, who ran Xinglong Trade Company dealing in scarce supplies like quinine and atropine, and suggested he might appear at the Rong Society Club in Shanghai on Saturday evening, with the pipe serving as entry. In Shanghai, at the Paramount/Rong Society Club, Gu Yizhong was also present. Xiao Ruotong and Eagle entered the club, presumably using the pipe. They inquired about Ding Jiansheng but were told he hadn't been there recently.
Gu Yizhong sent a note to Xiao Ruotong via a waiter, instructing her to go to the "Elephant Room." Xiao Ruotong understood this referred to the private room of the club's boss, who was one of the Nanxun Four Elephants and also named Gu. Deciding to investigate despite the potential risk, she and Eagle headed towards the Elephant Room area.
They encountered No. 90 agents there and heard a commotion, realizing the agents (led by Captain Zhang) were attempting to kill Ding Jiansheng. Xiao Ruotong and Eagle intervened, creating a diversion and helping Ding Jiansheng escape the agents. Gu Yizhong witnessed Ding Jiansheng's escape with Xiao Ruotong and Eagle. He then decided to leave, deploying a decoy before departing. He returned to Suzhou by train, which was faster than traveling by car.
Upon his arrival in Suzhou, he was met by Captain Zhang and Gao Hu, who were waiting. Zhang questioned Gao Hu about Gu Yizhong's whereabouts, suggesting he had just returned from Shanghai. Gao Hu maintained their pre-arranged cover story, claiming they had been drinking together all night and were about to rest. Zhang, still suspicious and likely looking for damp clothes, questioned Gao Hu about his trench coat. Gao Hu showed him his own dry trench coat to deflect suspicion. Gu Yizhong then instructed Gao Hu to sit down, helping to sell their story and deceive Captain Zhang and the other agents.
Episode 14 Recap
The aftermath of the Changzhou military rice case leaves Japanese high command furious. Kondo Masao assigns Gu Yizhong to investigate the matter thoroughly. Zhou Zhifei, aware of his own involvement with Ding Jiansheng, realizes that if the truth is exposed, his complicity will lead to severe consequences. When Ding Jiansheng goes missing again, Zhou Zhifei, suspecting Gu Yizhong, intensely questions him about Ding's whereabouts.
Gu Yizhong claims he was drinking with Gao Hu at No. 90 at the time Ding disappeared from the Shanghai Rong Society Club, thereby missing the opportunity to apprehend Ding. Zhou Zhifei learns from his subordinate that Ding was located at the Shanghai Rong Society Club but was subsequently taken by force, and his subordinate denies Gu Yizhong's involvement, stating Gu was in Suzhou.
Suspecting other parties, Zhou orders his men to intensify the search for Ding Jiansheng, emphasizing that he must not fall into the hands of No. 90. Zhou Zhifei initially attempts to pressure Gu Yizhong by interrogating Gao Hu, but Gao Hu remains loyal to Gu, refusing to cooperate despite harsh methods. Zhou Zhifei then abandons this approach. He later confronts Gu directly again, asking if Ding Jiansheng is in his custody.
Gu denies this, reiterating his alibi of being with Gao Hu at No. 90. Zhou reveals intelligence from his "Cell 8," claiming Ding Jiansheng is now held by the Communist Party in Suzhou. Gu expresses disbelief, but Zhou insists on Cell 8's reliability and asserts he maintains control over this asset through certain leverage. Zhou speculates on the Communist Party's motive for holding Ding.
He then proposes a deal: he will refrain from reporting Ding's alleged capture by the Communists to Kondo, and will also drop investigations into Gu's entry into No. 90 and his father's death, if Gu hands over Ding Jiansheng, even if only his corpse. Gu reiterates that he genuinely does not know where Ding is and asks for clarification on who he should report the military rice case findings to in the future.
Zhou tells him to report to Kondo, but is visibly annoyed when Gu refers to Kondo as "Ta-kun," deeming Gu "suitable for being a traitor" for adopting the term, which Zhou states is used by Huang Xinzhai but not others at No. 90, who call him 'the devil'. Zhou also advises Gu to limit his association with Huang Xinzhai.
Later, Zhou instructs Captain Zhang to cease bothering Gao Hu, praising Gao as a resilient agent who would "rather die than surrender," implying Gao withstood pressure. Separately, Zhou directs Xie Wenchao to continue the hunt for Ding Jiansheng in Suzhou, bringing in reinforcements from Kunshan, and orders him to sideline Gao Hu, considering him untrustworthy despite the earlier praise. Facing mounting pressures, Zhou Zhifei attempts to disengage from Spring.
He informs her that he has completed his reply to Xu Enzeng, which she had come to seek, and presents her with a train ticket to Shanghai, indicating she can depart the following day. Spring refuses to leave, adamant about staying with him, stating her home is with him now that her son is a hostage in Japan.
Zhou argues that her departure is necessary for her safety, explaining that Kondo is targeting him and her presence could put her in grave danger, potentially leading to them dying together. Spring reminds him of past instances in 1927 and 1937 when he left her after promising to stay, declaring that she will not allow him to deceive her a third time and is resolved to face death with him this time, having endured enough separations over the years.
Zhou remains firm, insisting she must leave the next morning. Ding Jiansheng, held captive, learns his abductors require him to facilitate obtaining a large quantity of medicine by paying a ransom of 100,000 yuan in legal tender, US dollars, or gold bars, explicitly refusing reserve bonds or Japanese military currency.
Gu Huizhong, informed of the need for 100,000 in funds, contributes her personal gold bars to help meet the required amount, which also included legal tender, despite the sum representing their collective "entire livelihoods" and her initial intention to use the gold for her son. Hu Zhiping coordinates the transaction with Zhou Zhenwu, who carries out the exchange with a comrade. Zhou Zhenwu and his comrade meet a seller introduced by Ding Jiansheng. During the exchange, Japanese soldiers unexpectedly appear.
Zhou Zhenwu navigates the tense situation, showing the money and gold bars to the soldiers, who are revealed to be the suppliers of the medicine. One soldier recognizes Zhou Zhenwu, mentioning he previously studied at Soochow University and noting they have conducted business with "Mr. Si," also complaining about kickbacks from buyers from Chongqing. Zhou Zhenwu successfully secures the Atropine and Quinine injections from the soldiers. Afterward, the comrades discuss what to do with Ding Jiansheng.
One advocates for releasing him as promised to his son, Ding Zonghai, now that the medicine is obtained. Another, He, suggests holding him longer to report to their superiors, noting Ding's connections, including with the Japanese. They decide to await instructions. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhifei reports to Kondo Masao, confirming the intelligence from Cell 8 that Ding Jiansheng is with the Communist Party in Suzhou.
Kondo demands Ding's capture and instructs Zhou to utilize Cell 8 for this task, threatening to remove Zhou from his position if Cell 8 fails, despite Zhou's assertion of control over Cell 8 through certain leverage. Zhou reminds Kondo that his position as director is ultimately determined by "Mr. Li" at the headquarters, not solely by Kondo. Separately, during the medicine exchange, Xiao Ruotong receives a note that reads, "Whoever kills Ding Jiansheng would be Cell 8".
Gu Yizhong visits his father's grave, where his caretaker, Fu Gui, informs him that Miss Haimo regularly visits to pay respects and is currently staying at the Feng Garden Story-telling Theatre, showing deep reverence for his late father. Fu Gui expresses his unwavering loyalty to Gu and his disbelief that Gu is a traitor, asking to be included in any future actions against the Japanese.
Gu then goes to the theatre and witnesses members of the Guangyu Performers' Guild disrupting Haimo's performance, protesting against female performers and demanding she join their guild if she wishes to continue performing. Gu intervenes, using his identity as a No. 90 agent to force the disruptors to leave.
Haimo expresses her gratitude and explains the guild's control over the storytelling community and their past conflict with her master, Mr. Zhang, who was ostracized for his refusal to follow their strict rules and for the popularity of his unique performance style. Gu later seeks information from Huang Xinzhai regarding Cell 8.
Huang describes Zhou Zhifei's character as cunning and selfish but acknowledges his strong position, supported by his connections and the vital role of Cell 8 in combating Communist forces in Suzhou, a key objective of the current regime. Huang hints that Cell 8 has previously leaked information and understands Gu's potential interest in its identity, but remains evasive, confirming only the asset's importance to Zhou.
The note received by Xiao Ruotong during the medicine transaction, stating "Whoever kills Ding Jiansheng would be Cell 8," adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding events concerning Cell 8's target. Gu Yizhong also engages in a conversation with his cousin, who questions his perilous actions and motives, suggesting his path is thankless and morally ambiguous, while Gu maintains that his actions are simply what any conscious Chinese person is compelled to do in the current times.
Episode 15 Recap
Zhou Zhifei visited Kondo Masao, bringing a precious piece of calligraphy, the unique authentic work "Ascending Mount Yangtai" by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai. He presented it, explaining its historical significance and rarity, noting its high value. He hoped Kondo would accept it, though Kondo appreciated the work but repeatedly insisted Zhou take it back, viewing it as an inappropriate gift. Zhou Zhifei revealed his true purpose: his son was being bullied by Japanese children at school in Japan.
He implored Kondo to intervene by contacting the school supervisor to stop the harassment, stating his wife was distressed by the news. Kondo listened but noted that student fights were normal and his son would get used to it. Kondo then steered the conversation back to official matters, stressing the urgency of solving the Ding Jiansheng case, urging Zhou to cooperate with Gu Yizhong to resolve it quickly as it was causing significant trouble for the military.
Zhou Zhifei, grateful but slightly disappointed, ultimately took back the calligraphy and left. Separately, Xiao Ruotong and her colleague (named Zhou Zhenwu in the plot summary) discussed the identity of Cell 8 based on a note or drawing provided by Lu Zheng. Considering Gu Yizhong, the colleague argued it was unlikely he was Cell 8 because if he intended them harm, he wouldn't have provided information allowing them to bring Ding Jiansheng from Shanghai, nor would he have passed notes.
Xiao Ruotong agreed, stating she had already ruled out Gu Yizhong as a suspect after the Cui Yaomin incident and felt they had wronged him. They narrowed the suspects to Hu Zhiping and Gu Huizhong. Hu Zhiping was dismissed because he was involved in all their activities in Suzhou and knew their liaison point, yet hadn't exposed it and had actively helped them, which seemed illogical if he were Cell 8. This left Gu Huizhong as the primary suspect.
The colleague then revealed that Gu Huizhong was a former classmate of Ji Yuqing, Zhou Zhifei's wife. They considered the possibility that either Gu Huizhong or both she and her husband, Hu Zhiping, might be compromised. To confirm the culprit, the colleague proposed a plan to use Ding Jiansheng as bait to expose Cell 8, which Xiao Ruotong implicitly accepted. Gu Huizhong spoke with her husband, Hu Zhiping, looking anxious and asking if he trusted her.
Despite his reassurance and expression of love, she insisted on confessing to him and the organization. She revealed that before the Yiyuan (Garden of Pleasance) operation at the base, she had disappeared for an afternoon. She explained she had gone to Daimaru Department Store to buy fabric for clothes for their unborn child and unexpectedly met her old classmate, Ji Yuqing, from Leyi Women's Middle School.
Ji Yuqing insisted she come to her home, where she discovered Ji Yuqing's husband was Zhou Zhifei, the Director of No. 90 station. They even took a photo together.
Gu Huizhong explained she hadn't reported the meeting immediately because their liaison point was exposed, forcing a hasty relocation, and later, with the investigation into Cell 8, she feared reporting it would cause an unavoidable misunderstanding, especially given Gu Yizhong's identity as her brother, her connection to Zhou Zhifei's wife, and the timing before the failed operation. Hu Zhiping acknowledged her delay in reporting was an issue but reiterated his absolute trust in her.
Gu Huizhong expressed her anxiety and desire to report it immediately, but Hu Zhiping instructed her not to tell anyone for now, prioritizing the safe escort of Jiangsu Provincial Committee leaders who were passing through Suzhou, for which he was responsible. He promised they would return to the base and report everything truthfully to the organization together after the escort was complete.
Gu Yizhong went to the hospital, bringing urgently needed quinine and observing the difficulties faced by patients suffering from malaria. He spoke with Doctor Wang and then asked Wang Ma about his sister, Gu Huizhong's whereabouts. Wang Ma was initially hesitant to provide information, expressing suspicion about his intentions, but Gu Yizhong explained the urgency and potential danger his sister might be in, also appealing to the legacy of their father.
Wang Ma then revealed that while she didn't take her all the way home, she knew Gu Huizhong lived somewhere in the Jiuru Alley area. According to the plot summary, while at the hospital, Gu Yizhong also accidentally witnessed Hu Zhiping secretly meeting Zhou Zhifei, which raised his suspicion. Hu Zhiping met with Zhou Zhifei again, expressing serious concern because Gu Huizhong had carelessly revealed her visit to their house and was planning to report it to her organization.
He feared this would inevitably lead to suspicion falling on him. Zhou Zhifei immediately asked Hu Zhiping for the location of the underground party's liaison point in Suzhou, offering to deal with Ding Jiansheng in return for his "Haidi" (海底 - possibly code for an escape route or protective measure), stating he wanted to leave his current work. Hu Zhiping refused to provide the liaison point, reminding Zhou of the severe consequences of the previous leak.
He dismissed Zhou's desire to leave, telling him he was trapped from the moment he started working with the secret service and especially after his wife became suspicious. He insisted that Zhou Zhifei's only option was to continue cooperating with him. He reiterated that if Zhou wanted Ding Jiansheng, he had to exchange him for "Haidi," threatening that otherwise, Zhou would get nothing else. Hu Zhiping then revealed that he would bring Ding Jiansheng to their location.
Facing this difficult situation, Zhou Zhifei spoke with Yuan He (also referred to as Spring or Quanshui in the plot summary). Zhou Zhifei felt trapped, stating he would face certain death if he handed Ding Jiansheng over to the Japanese as they demanded, but would likely lose his position as station chief if he didn't. He mused that someone clever, possibly someone knowledgeable from the Communist side, was guiding Gu Yizhong, who seemed inexperienced, to outmaneuver him.
Yuan He offered to handle Ding Jiansheng for him, acknowledging Zhou Zhifei couldn't do it himself under the current scrutiny, and suggested using the power of the Military Bureau (军统) according to the plot summary, though the subtitles show her offering her own people. Zhou Zhifei said he would think about it. Just then, Ji Yuqing arrived home and found them talking in a room Zhou Zhifei considered restricted due to hidden guns.
Suspicious, she pressed Zhou Zhifei about who he was talking to, identifying Yuan He as Mr. Li's mistress (外室) and accusing Zhou Zhifei of having an affair with her.
Zhou Zhifei vehemently denied the accusation, trying to stop her from calling Mr. Li and explaining that Yuan He was from Chongqing, that Mr. Li had arranged for her to stay there, and that her identity as a woman from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (中统) was highly sensitive and dangerous. He stressed that if Kondo found out about Mr. Li arranging her stay, they would all be in grave danger, facing the risk of being buried alive.
He expressed his frustration at feeling pressured from all sides and being driven to the verge of losing his mind. Ji Yuqing tearfully asked directly if he had slept with the woman.
He denied it again, asking how he would dare touch a woman from CBI or Mr. Li's woman, pleading with her to use her judgment, stop being suspicious, and be supportive, stating his job was already difficult and he had never considered being with another woman since being with her. At the theatre, Mr. Du found Haimo doing chores. He stopped her, insisting she didn't need to work there just because she couldn't perform currently.
He happily informed her that her application for the Guangyu Society had been approved and she could perform again the next day. He expressed surprise, noting the Society usually barred female performers, and speculated that someone influential with a powerful background must have spoken on her behalf for the application to be approved so readily.
He added that Wang Zemin, the Society's backer who was typically unfriendly towards him, had been unusually warm today, further suggesting a powerful benefactor was involved. During her performance, Haimo spotted Gu Yizhong in the audience and met him backstage during a break. Gu Yizhong urgently asked if she could contact Xiao Ruotong, stating he needed to find her quickly. Haimo replied she hadn't seen Xiao Ruotong since their last encounter at the hospital and suggested asking the hospital staff.
She thanked Gu Yizhong for visiting her father's grave daily, acknowledging his significant kindness towards her father. Haimo advised Gu Yizhong to consider returning home soon due to the deteriorating situation in Suzhou and offered to help him look for Xiao Ruotong on the street while she was out during the day, mentioning her own plans to go to Chongqing after the 49th day after her father's passing.
Gu Yizhong declined, stating he would find a way himself, and thanked her. Hu Zhiping met with Zhou Zhifei again, stating he urgently needed baby formula for his son and threatening to stop providing intelligence if he didn't receive two cans. Zhou Zhifei agreed, giving him the formula and extra money, mentioning he understood as he was a father too and correctly guessing the child was a boy. Later, Ding Jiansheng was with Xiao Ruotong and her colleague.
Ding Jiansheng expressed impatience, wanting to leave, but Xiao Ruotong's colleague explained it was too dangerous outside with people from No. 90 searching for him everywhere and that he wouldn't survive without their help. As they spoke, Hu Zhiping arrived and announced he was taking Ding Jiansheng.
Episode 16 Recap
Zhou Zhenwu questioned Hu Zhiping about Ding Jiansheng's whereabouts, as Hu Zhiping stated he needed to take Ding Jiansheng for an organizational mission. Hu Zhiping declined to reveal details, citing organizational secrecy and discipline. Zhou Zhenwu expressed that Ding Jiansheng should not leave. Zhou Zhenwu initially wanted to accompany them, but Hu Zhiping refused, stating that three men traveling together would be easily exposed.
Xiao Ruotong then volunteered to join, arguing that it was necessary to ensure Ding Jiansheng was returned to Shanghai as promised after the task was completed. Hu Zhiping agreed to let her follow. He instructed Ding Jiansheng to behave on the way and cooperate with their contact when they met. After they left, someone reported to Zhou Zhenwu that two rickshaws had been following them from the safe house.
Zhou Zhenwu identified them as not their people and ordered his men to lose the followers and evacuate the safe house immediately. Hu Zhiping drove to a meeting point with Zhou Zhifei. He instructed Xiao Ruotong and Ding Jiansheng to wait in the car while he met Zhou Zhifei alone. Hu Zhiping asked for "Haidi."
Zhou Zhifei provided a master recording disc of Hu Zhiping's confession and asked if Hu Zhiping was sure he wanted to take back "Haidi" and leave him. He suggested Hu Zhiping continue working with him, mentioning the difficulty of raising a child. Hu Zhiping questioned if the disc was a copy. Zhou Zhifei assured him it was the original and that their relationship was based on trust.
Hu Zhiping destroyed the disc before leaving without giving a clear answer about continued cooperation, leaving Zhou Zhifei with a lingering sense of uncertainty. After leaving Zhou Zhifei, Hu Zhiping took Ding Jiansheng to a location and deliberately exposed him. This action prompted the long-hidden NBIS agent, code-named Hawkeye, to launch an attack. Hawkeye shot Ding Jiansheng dead with a single shot. Hu Zhiping and Xiao Ruotong quickly departed the scene. When Gu Yizhong arrived, Hawkeye had already fled.
However, the scattered sunflower seed shells on the ground indicated the sniper had been waiting for a long time. Beneath the building where the shot was fired, Gu Yizhong discovered the fragments of the disc Hu Zhiping had earlier destroyed, raising his suspicions. Hu Zhiping and Xiao Ruotong hurried back but were confronted by a furious Zhou Zhenwu at the liaison point. Zhou Zhenwu drew his gun and pointed it at Hu Zhiping.
Xiao Ruotong showed Zhou Zhenwu a note, prompting Zhou Zhenwu to declare that whoever killed Ding Jiansheng was "Cell 8." Hu Zhiping feigned innocence and displayed a cipher telegram revealing that Provincial Commissioner Yao and three other provincial leaders were scheduled to pass through the Hushuguan area soon.
He explained that this highly confidential movement required transit permits and that Ding Jiansheng owed a favor to Zhang Sanli, the butler of Zhang Beisheng, Director of the Pacification Committee's Blockade Head Office, who could arrange these permits. He claimed his urgent need to take Ding Jiansheng out was for this critical mission. He criticized Zhou Zhenwu for not understanding that organizational discipline and the secrecy of leadership movements were paramount.
Despite Hu Zhiping's detailed explanation, Zhou Zhenwu remained unconvinced and highly suspicious that Hu Zhiping was involved in Ding Jiansheng's death. Given the urgency, Zhou Zhenwu decided to immediately return to the base to report the situation to higher authorities and request instructions. He ordered Xiao Ruotong to suspend all activities and find a safe hiding place. He also announced that the rickshaw shop liaison point was compromised and would be closed down, adding a "closed" sign.
He instructed Xiao Ruotong to find lodging not too far from the shop and leave urgent messages in her old room there, which he would check periodically. He emphasized that all operations were to cease in his absence. Before meeting Hawkeye later, Xiao Ruotong discussed writing a report about her visit to Zhou Zhifei's house with Hu Zhiping, acknowledging that she might face investigation but preferred honesty.
She stated she would face it together with Zhiping, who had introduced her to the party and taught her loyalty. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong presented the discovered disc fragments to Kondo. He pointed out that No. 90 often recorded interrogation data on discs and suggested this might be related to Ding Jiansheng's death. Zhou Zhifei was present and interrupted, expressing his displeasure with Gu Yizhong's insinuations. A firearms officer then reported that the bullet found in Ding Jiansheng was a 7.
62x54mm rifle bullet, characteristic of a highly professional sniper, possibly using a Mosin-Nagant rifle, associated with the Kuomintang side. Zhou Zhifei explained that the NBIS, under Dai Li, had acquired such rifles from the Soviets and trained assassins in Linli, noting the bullet was notched and poisoned, a style consistent with the NBIS.
Huang Xinzhai countered that the CBIS was also a significant suspect, revealing that the top CBIS assassin code-named "Hawkeye" (Feng Zhiguo), known for his thousand-meter accuracy and believed responsible for the distant killing of Wu County magistrate Guo Jingji, had infiltrated Suzhou. He suggested Ding Jiansheng's death might be connected to the Changzhou military rice smuggling case and a mole within their station, pointing out that many station personnel came from the CBIS.
Zhou Zhifei reacted angrily to the potential suspicion, vehemently denying any connection and emphasizing his loyalty and the safety of his son in Japan as proof. Huang Xinzhai then revealed another piece of intelligence: the new Director of the CBIS Jiangsu Operation Zone was code-named "Spring," and there was a saying "Where there's Hawkeye, there's Spring," suggesting Spring was also in Suzhou and possibly a woman connected to Zhou Zhifei's past with Xu Enzeng in the CBIS.
Zhou Zhifei became visibly agitated. Kondo, taking these revelations seriously, ordered Zhou Zhifei and Gu Yizhong to capture Hawkeye, Spring, and all CBIS agents within three days, assigning Gu Yizhong leadership of the case. Zhou Zhifei returned home, where Spring (Qu Xinping) was staying. He informed her that Huang Xinzhai suspected Hawkeye killed Ding Jiansheng and that Kondo was becoming suspicious. He urged her to leave Suzhou immediately, as the city was under lockdown with only one exit.
He stated that Hawkeye could not be allowed to live because Kondo's suspicions about him, combined with the potential link to Spring, would expose Zhou Zhifei and endanger him, potentially nullifying even Mr. Li's protection. He brutally told her that only the dead are truly safe. Spring was shocked by his ruthlessness and objected to sacrificing Hawkeye, the CBIS's best assassin, stating Mr. Xu would not forgive him.
Zhou Zhifei worried that Kondo would have his house monitored following Huang Xinzhai's hints. Spring, acknowledging the danger, agreed to leave. Zhou Zhifei instructed his housekeeper to keep an eye on "Miss Weng" (Spring) and ensure she stayed away from windows. The housekeeper commented on the prevalence of skilled female agents and hinted at a past connection between Zhou Zhifei and Spring. Spring met with Hawkeye.
Hawkeye informed her the liaison point was compromised and gave her a train ticket to Shanghai. Spring inquired about the arrival of the provincial leaders. She gave Hawkeye a letter written by Zhou Zhifei addressed to Mr. Xu, asking him to deliver it personally upon returning to Chongqing. She also gave Hawkeye the report detailing her visit to Zhou Zhifei's house and asked him to deliver it to the provincial leaders. Gu Yizhong began tracking Hawkeye.
He followed Hawkeye to a small house where killers, presumably arranged by Zhou Zhifei, were waiting in ambush on the second floor. However, Hawkeye was highly alert and detected their presence. He fled, and a chase ensued. Gu Yizhong joined the pursuit. Hawkeye was cornered by men led by Li Jiuzhao, whom Gu Yizhong recognized as agents from No. 90 sent by Director Zhou (Zhifei). Hawkeye took a man hostage.
Gu Yizhong attempted to persuade Li Jiuzhao to capture Hawkeye alive for questioning. However, Li Jiuzhao immediately shot Hawkeye dead, claiming he was protecting Gu Yizhong, and seized the letter Hawkeye was carrying. Gu Yizhong angrily reported Hawkeye's death to Huang Xinzhai, mentioning he was killed by Li Jiuzhao and that he had seen a woman meeting Hawkeye just before. He described the woman's appearance. Huang Xinzhai immediately recognized the description and the link to Hawkeye, identifying her as "Spring."
He told Gu Yizhong that capturing Spring would be a critical blow against Zhou Zhifei. Gu Yizhong offered the sniper rifle used by Hawkeye to Huang Xinzhai and promised him a watch as a token of gratitude. Gao Hu, who owed his mother's life to Gu Yizhong, was present and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty. Back at his home, Zhou Zhifei confronted Spring (Qu Xinping), holding the letter he retrieved from Hawkeye.
He angrily chastised her for letting an outsider carry such an important message to Mr. Xu, emphasizing the risk of it falling into Kondo's hands. Spring was shocked that he had killed Hawkeye and accused him of being more ruthless than before. Zhou Zhifei insisted that in the current climate, survival came first. He again urged her to leave Suzhou.
Spring refused, revealing her new mission: to rescue Jiang Boxian, the Director of the Kuomintang Shanghai Party Department, who had been arrested by the No. 76 Headquarters in Shanghai. She stated she had received a cipher telegram from Mr. Xu, and Mr. Lifu had ordered his rescue at all costs. She asked for Zhou Zhifei's help.
Zhou Zhifei claimed he couldn't intervene in a Shanghai operation and argued Jiang Boxian was safe because he feared death, although he admitted Mr. Li was transferring him to No. 90 in Suzhou due to a plot to kill him in Shanghai. He tried to persuade Spring to defect and join him and Mr. Li, reminding her of their past relationship with Mr. Li and how Mr. Li needed people now.
Spring steadfastly refused, adhering to her principles and loyalty to her organization. She contrasted Mr. Xu, who only offered pleasantries and dinners, with Mr. Li, who had personally helped him (attended his mother's funeral). Zhou Zhifei countered that protecting one's family was a significant achievement in these times. Spring declared she was leaving. Just then, a visitor was announced: Gu Yizhong. Zhou Zhifei expressed surprise that Gu Yizhong had found his house.
Gu Yizhong stated he was investigating the Ding Jiansheng case under Kondo's orders, acknowledging the principle of secrecy but pointing out that someone was always one step ahead, resulting in the deaths of both Ding Jiansheng and Hawkeye, suggesting he was next. However, he clarified that wasn't why he was there. He stated directly that he had come for Spring, the Director of the CBIS Jiangsu Operation Zone, asking if Zhou Zhifei was familiar with her. Zhou Zhifei invited him in.
Episode 17 Recap
Gu Yizhong inquired about Spring, but Zhou Zhifei feigned ignorance, asking who she was. Gu Yizhong then revealed Spring's real name was Ou Xinping, one of the NBIS's Twenty Arhats, trusted by Xu Enzeng. He mentioned the rumor that Zhou Zhifei's defection from the CPC was attributed to her influence. Zhou asked if Gu was investigating him, and Gu stated Kondo Masao was investigating Zhou's past, which he claimed Mr. Li was also aware of.
Linking these old matters together, Gu found them interesting. Gu stated he wasn't interested in Zhou's Juntong past but was interested in whether Hu Zhiping had met Zhou that day. Gu identified Hu Zhiping as his brother-in-law and the CPC Suzhou Commissioner, suspecting him to be Cell 8. Gu sought the sensitive intelligence related to Cell 8. Zhou Zhifei asserted that Gu himself was Cell 8 and understood Gu was seeking to clear his name with the CPC.
Zhou adamantly refused to provide the information, telling Gu to abandon the idea of redemption with the CPC, calling them both infamous traitors who had betrayed their principles. After Gu Yizhong left, Spring (Ou Xinping) wished to depart immediately. Zhou Zhifei stopped her, explaining that Gu Yizhong had likely arranged for surveillance on the house and that leaving now would lead to her arrest. He warned her to stay, stating Gu was targeting him, not her.
Zhou also advised Spring to be cautious of Zhou Zhifei's own suspicious nature and Xie Wenchao, who came from the Kunshan Substation, knew Lian Jin Hai, and was known for his sinister methods. Spring reminded Zhou Zhifei of his promise to help "them" with Jiang Boxian, stating this was her last request before leaving Suzhou permanently. Zhou Zhifei still prevented her from leaving, citing it as a task assigned by Mr. Li.
Spring questioned Mr. Li's orders and why Zhou needed to keep a woman at his home as part of a task. Separately, Gao Hu expressed his deep gratitude to Gu Yizhong for his mother's recovery, kneeling to pledge his unwavering loyalty, which Gu quickly discouraged. Meanwhile, at the story-telling theatre, Haimo was performing when patriotic students interrupted.
They denounced her as a traitor's mistress, a Japanese lackey, and a "dog traitor," explicitly naming Gu Yizhong as her partner, a man who had betrayed his master and killed his own father. Gu Yizhong and Gao Hu quickly stepped in to protect Haimo.
Gu challenged the students to target him instead of verbally abusing the female performer, emphasizing she had no relation to him and they were ruining her reputation and ability to earn a living by calling her a traitor's woman. He dared them to take up arms and go to No. 90 if they were truly brave instead of bullying a weak woman. Distraught by the incident, Haimo initially decided to stop performing entirely.
The theatre owner, Du, offered his support and advised her to be careful in such turbulent times, mentioning her master, Zhang Yuquan's, reputation. Haimo later informed Du she would only be able to perform daytime shows going forward due to personal matters. Du expressed concern about her association with Gu Yizhong, whom he saw as someone to be avoided, and reiterated his offer of help, reminding her of her master's status.
Haimo acknowledged his kindness but insisted she knew what she was doing, stating that sometimes people knowingly step into dangerous situations. Gu Yizhong later met Haimo privately. He stated he knew she was not the real Zhang Haimo and asked about the person she had previously introduced as her "biaosao." Gu revealed that person was not her biaosao and was a progressive student who attended military school in Guangzhou.
He warned Haimo to ask less about that person and their associated organization, as they bring misfortune to anyone involved. He instructed Haimo to immediately report any news about that person to him, emphasizing its importance.
Gu then gave Haimo a sum of money, acknowledging her past help and suggesting it was enough for her to return home or start a new life elsewhere, perhaps Shanghai, where her conditions could lead to fame and higher income, or even Hong Kong where his father had connections and might arrange something. Haimo understood he was trying to make her leave Suzhou but found it ironic given his earlier request for information.
She refused the offer, stating she would continue to be Zhang Haimo and live in Suzhou despite the risks, reiterating her belief that people sometimes willingly jump into a fire pit. That evening, Gu Yizhong returned to Gu's Garden to find Haimo already there. She had tidied the place and prepared dinner.
She explained that since Gu's father had publicly recognized her as his goddaughter before leaving, she felt a responsibility to look after the garden and prevent its neglect, noting its current state. She decided to live there, offering to act as a housekeeper by cooking, cleaning, and managing the house, suggesting it would save her living expenses. She insisted she would not interfere with his life or work.
Gu Yizhong was taken aback by this sudden cohabitation but seemed to gradually adjust. Haimo maintained she would still perform in the afternoons at Fengyuan to support herself, stating that neither of them was beholden to the other. She dismissed Gu's concern about their reputation by living together, stating that knowing oneself was sufficient and questioning his concern given he worked at No. 90. A vegetable delivery arrived, interrupting their conversation.
Simultaneously, at the dungeon within No. 90, Captain Zhang personally escorted a hooded prisoner, Lin Changxing (also known as Jiang Boxian), to Cell No. 1. He stressed the prisoner's high importance and the need for absolute secrecy, specifically stating the Japanese must not learn of his presence there, assuring his subordinate that the Japanese rarely ventured into the smelly dungeon and wouldn't know. Lin Changxing protested his detention in that place and asked if they knew who he was.
He was placed in the cell with another prisoner, Xiao Junxia, who remarked about his appearance. Elsewhere, Xiao Ruotong urgently met with Gu Huizhong to inform her of Ding Jiansheng's death. She stated she was certain it was related to Cell 8 and mentioned receiving a secret letter addressed to the underground party which identified whoever killed Ding Jiansheng as Cell 8, speculating that the letter might have been sent by Gu Yizhong.
Xiao Ruotong proposed that Gu Huizhong discreetly mention Gu Yizhong's name to Hu Zhiping to observe his reaction, hoping to find clues that could clear Gu Yizhong's name, given the hardships he had recently faced. Gu Huizhong was troubled by the news and agreed, feeling she and Xiao Ruotong were among the few people left that Gu Yizhong could trust. Later, Gu Huizhong informed Hu Zhiping that she had seen Gu Yizhong nearby.
Zhou Zhifei met secretly with Mr. Li, assuring him of the dungeon's security and impermeability to Japanese forces. Mr. Li advised Zhou to maintain a cordial relationship with Kondo Masao for strategic reasons. He revealed that Jiang Boxian's visit to Suzhou was as a secret envoy from Chiang Kai-shek for private peace negotiations with the Japanese. Wang Jingwei intended to sabotage these talks without overtly antagonizing the Japanese, which explained the current situation.
Mr. Li explained the complex divisions within the Japanese military command, comparing them to the internal divisions among the Nationalists. He emphasized the need to prevent the Japanese from discovering Jiang Boxian's true purpose and presence. If the Japanese were to demand his release, Zhou should refuse, feigning ignorance.
Only if the situation became dire, making conflict unavoidable, should Jiang be eliminated, but this was a last resort given his status as a senior member of the Central Committee and his relation to Chiang Kai-shek. Mr. Li reiterated that Kondo must remain unaware, noting Zhou had caught Jiang attempting to contact Japanese spies. Zhou assured Li that Kondo was away and the dungeon was secure under his control, stating he was not afraid of the Japanese.
Li stressed the importance of maintaining face and basic respect for Kondo. Following his meeting with Mr. Li, Zhou Zhifei informed Spring that saving Jiang Boxian was impossible because Mr. Li was watching closely, and Section 76 in Shanghai had even sent two additional surveillance teams. He stated he could not betray Mr. Li, even if it meant failing her and Xu Enzeng.
As a compromise, he offered that his men would not harm Jiang Boxian or torture a confession out of him, and they would prevent any contact with the Japanese. If Jiang remained resolute and didn't speak, the secret of Chiang's attempted peace overture would not leak. Spring was concerned for Jiang's fate, but Zhou Zhifei dismissed him as a "discarded piece" or "pawn."
He warned Spring about Huang Xinzhai's expertise in locating radio transmitters, especially with new Japanese equipment, advising her to minimize radio transmissions. Spring questioned his loyalty to Mr. Li after betraying Xu Enzeng and her, to which Zhou replied that only he knew his own situation. In the archives, Gu Yizhong came across the name Xiao Junxia. Xie Wenchao, observing Gu Yizhong's reaction, formulated a plan.
Inferring Xiao Junxia's importance to Gu, Xie intended to either see if Gu would attempt a rescue (testing his "brotherly affection") or force Gu's hand in another way by assigning him a task that would make it impossible for him to clear his name with the CPC.
Xie Wenchao later assigned Gu Yizhong a task: escorting a prisoner (a police officer whose case involved disrupting peace work) to the dungeon, delivering him to the warden ("Old Lu"), obtaining a signed receipt on the file, and bringing it back. When Gu Yizhong reached the dungeon with the police officer, he was led to Xiao Junxia's cell. As Gu Yizhong entered, their eyes met, and Xiao Junxia immediately recognized him, saying "Yizhong."
Episode 18 Recap
Gu Yizhong was present at the prison when the Warden explained he was personally overseeing an important prisoner on instructions from Station Chief Zhou. This prisoner was scheduled for handover for Section Chief Xie. After the Warden received a phone call and left, allowing Gu Yizhong to access the keys, chaos erupted. A gunshot was heard from inside the prison. Gu Yizhong rushed towards the sound, a flashback of Jiang Boxian being shot flashing in his mind.
An agent was found injured and quickly transported to the infirmary. Captain Zhang arrived on the scene with Section Chief Xie Wenchao, instructing Xie to handle the situation and remarking on Gu Yizhong's cunning, noting their previous plan had not succeeded. Zhang confirmed the injured person, referred to as their "friend from Shanghai," had been sent to the Appeasement Military Hospital with security teams following.
He considered Gu Yizhong a difficult person to deal with but insisted they could manage if they remained focused. At the Zhou's Mansion, Spring received a phone call from a Mr. Shen, who informed her that Jiang Boxian was at the Appeasement Military Hospital. She immediately ordered the Third Brigade transferred there. Yuqing attempted to stop Spring from leaving, citing Zhou Zhifei's explicit instructions that she was not to go out.
Spring, however, drew a gun and forced Yuqing to drive her. Yuqing reluctantly complied, immediately calling Zhou Zhifei to report that Spring had left and had threatened her with a gun. At the Appeasement Military Hospital, Spring, alone initially, learned that Jiang Boxian was in Ward 5 on the second floor, and that both the first and second floors were occupied by agents from No. 76 and No. 90.
She fought her way past agents outside but was intercepted by Zhou Zhifei before she could reach Jiang Boxian's ward. Zhou Zhifei warned her that the area was a trap set by Mr. Li and agents from No. 90, filled with armed individuals, and that entering would be suicidal. He also revealed that a Japanese squad was nearby and likely heading towards the hospital, urging her to leave immediately to avoid capture.
Spring asked about Jiang Boxian, but Zhou Zhifei insisted she save herself first, making her promise not to die. After Spring left, Zhou Zhifei informed his agents outside the ward that members of the Loyal and Righteous Army had attempted to seize a prisoner, resulting in five of them being killed and one escaping. He ordered a thorough search of the hospital and lethal force against any remaining intruders.
Zhou Zhifei then entered Ward 5 to speak with Jiang Boxian, introducing himself as Zhou Zhifei from the Suzhou Station. Jiang Boxian was defiant, stating he had come to Shanghai to connect with capable individuals resisting the Japanese, not to negotiate with the Japanese. Zhou Zhifei explained that Mr. Li's primary objective was to prevent Jiang Boxian from meeting with the Japanese and mentioned that Jiang Boxian's wife and child were expected to arrive in Suzhou the next day.
Jiang remained steadfast, asserting his family understood his readiness to sacrifice for the nation. As Japanese forces approached the hospital, Zhou Zhifei quickly misdirected their search by claiming the commotion was caused by Loyal and Righteous Army members who had already been dealt with. Returning to Zhou's Mansion, Zhou Zhifei confronted Spring, addressing her as Ou Xinping.
He expressed his fury that she had ignored his warnings about the hospital being a trap set by Mr. Li and No. 90 agents and criticized her mission as foolishly naive. A heated argument ensued about Jiang Boxian's intentions and the true nature of their respective missions.
Ou Xinping adamantly stated her belief that Jiang Boxian was there to negotiate with the Japanese and that she had to prevent Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek from following Wang Jingwei by taking Jiang Boxian away. Zhou Zhifei questioned her ability to single-handedly stop such events, arguing that Mr. Li's goal of detaining Jiang Boxian to prevent him from meeting the Japanese aligned with her own objective. Ou Xinping rejected this, stating Mr. Li was Zhou's backer, not hers.
The argument escalated, and Zhou Zhifei, losing his temper, drew his gun and ordered Yuqing to search Ou Xinping thoroughly, revealing his knowledge of her methods for concealing weapons under her armpit and on her inner thigh. He confiscated her guns and restricted her to the room, ordering her not to leave. He then told Yuqing to leave the room. Gu Yizhong learned that Xiao Junxia was alive and imprisoned in the dungeon at No. 90.
He decided to use a tunnel strategy to rescue him. He reported this discovery upwards and received approval. He discussed the discovery with someone he addressed as "Sir," confirming Xiao Junxia's location and expressing his intention to distance himself from Zhou Zhifei's potential scheme. He then sought out Fu Gui, asking for his help.
Fu Gui directly asked Gu Yizhong if he was responsible for the Division Commander's death, which Gu Yizhong vehemently denied, stating he was a human, not a monster. Believing him, Fu Gui, addressing him as "Young Master," agreed to help rescue the underground party member from the heavily guarded No. 90 dungeon. Gu Yizhong instructed Fu Gui to rent a property at 113 Pishi Street for the operation.
Fu Gui warned that Zhou Zhifei was cunning and it might be a trap, but Gu Yizhong remained resolute, declaring he would rescue Xiao Junxia regardless of the danger. Impressed by his determination, Fu Gui praised him, calling him a true son of the Division Commander and like the Gu family. They agreed not to meet again after the following day, but someone would contact Fu Gui at the rented address with the details of the plan.
Gu Yizhong then went to the Anji Garment Shop, asking Uncle Gen to keep watch outside while he spoke with Xiao Ruotong. He shared the news that Junxia was alive and held in the No. 90 dungeon, which he had personally confirmed. He delivered more urgent news: Zhou Zhifei planned to execute a group of stubborn elements in five days as retaliation, and Junxia was on the list.
Gu Yizhong then explained his rescue plan, showing Xiao Ruotong a Suzhou underground pipeline map from the 1930 renovation. He highlighted a dark channel that ran near the artificial mountain at No. 90, situated below the artificial mountain and dungeon, recalling hearing the sound of water while he was imprisoned there.
He explained the channel connected Pishi Street to Xiangfusi Lane and that digging approximately ten meters down from 113 Pishi Street, which Fu Gui would rent, should reach the dark channel, providing access to the inside of the No. 90 great prison. He provided Xiao Ruotong with detailed maps of the tunnel entrance and dark channel direction, emphasizing that only she could interpret them, and promised to determine Junxia's specific location later.
He stressed that this perilous plan was their only option due to the stringent security at No. 90 and Zhou Zhifei's growing suspicion of him. Xiao Ruotong agreed to meet Fu Gui at 113 Pishi Street the next morning. As No. 90 was still monitoring him, Gu Yizhong quickly departed, returning the fountain pen she had given him earlier. Xiao Ruotong felt a sense of relief after he left.
The following morning, Xiao Ruotong arrived at 113 Pishi Street, where Fu Gui was waiting with three excavators. Fu Gui casually referred to them as "grave robbers," mentioning he had told them there were underground treasures. The crew initially appeared dismissive of Xiao Ruotong because she was a woman, but Fu Gui vouched for her, highlighting her crucial role with the map/blueprint.
Before starting, the crew performed a ritual, which initially confused Xiao Ruotong, but their professional approach demonstrated their expertise in excavation. Upon returning to No. 90, Gu Yizhong was summoned by Vice Station Chief Huang Xinzhai, who offered him peanuts and inquired about the incident at the Appeasement Military Hospital, asking if he knew No. 76 had sent someone to their dungeon.
Huang Xinzhai then produced a file on Ou Xinping, identifying her as Zhou Zhifei's former lover/paramour from the CBIS when he was there, an old agent, and one of the key figures, the "Twenty Arhats," in the organization's founding. He showed Gu Yizhong a photo, noting the photo was unclear but stating her presence was confirmed by her demeanor, height, and build, as agents from No. 76 recognized her.
Huang Xinzhai speculated that Xu Enzeng had sent Ou Xinping to try and pull Zhou Zhifei back into the CBIS fold, adding that such maneuvers were common in their line of work, which served political purposes. Gu Yizhong feigned inexperience, acknowledging he had much to learn from Huang Xinzhai, who boasted of his ability to spot disguised individuals, stating looks alone were insufficient.
Huang Xinzhai further revealed that Chief Wan Lilang from No. 76 had personally assigned him a dedicated team from No. 76, stationed at the Xinsu Hotel and under his command, to oversee this matter. He confidently stated that two members of this team recognized Ou Xinping, making her capture inevitable, likening her potential escape to the impossibility of Sun Wukong fleeing Buddha's grasp. As their conversation concluded, Xie Wenchao was discovered eavesdropping outside the office door.
Episode 19 Recap
Xie Wenchao interrupted Vice Director Huang Xinzhai, who was about to investigate something, by asking for ink. Afterwards, Xie privately reported overhearing Huang and Gu Yizhong discussing the person known as "Quan Shui", who is also known as Ou Xinping. Zhou Zhifei was informed but was dismissive, noting Vice Director Huang's limited capabilities and lack of expectation that Huang could apprehend Ou Xinping, who is the Director of the CBIS Jiangsu District.
To enhance surveillance on Gu Yizhong, Zhou Zhifei instructed Xie Wenchao to deploy agents from Kunshan. Six unfamiliar agents were brought in, divided into three groups, and began round-the-clock, discreet surveillance on Gu Yizhong, ensuring they remained unknown to him. Zhou also ordered all of Gu's phone calls to be monitored and recorded but cautioned the surveillance team to maintain a degree of distance, preferring to wait for the opportune moment to act.
While Zhou Zhifei was out, Liu Xiujuan (known by the alias Ou Xinping and codename Mrs. Weng), who was being supervised in his home, managed to escape after tying up Yuqing. Upon Zhou's return, he found Yuqing bound and Liu Xiujuan gone, leaving a letter behind. Yuqing quickly burned the letter upon Zhou's arrival and demanded to know the truth about Ou Xinping.
Zhou, seeing the situation, fabricated a story, claiming Ou Xinping was an alias and her real name was Liu Xiujuan. He recounted how two years prior, Mrs. Li had publicly assaulted Liu Xiujuan over an affair with Mr. Li. In anger, Liu Xiujuan allegedly stole some of Mr. Li's documents and fled to Chongqing, joining the CBIS, where she was given a nominal title as Director.
Later, deemed to have little value, she was sent back to Nanjing to attempt to turn Mr. Li, but Mr. Li successfully turned her back. Now, using the codename Mrs. Weng, she was in Suzhou under Mr. Li's instruction for Zhou to assist her work and keep her under surveillance. Zhou expressed frustration over her escape, accusing Yuqing of being greedy and letting her go.
He stressed the severe consequences for himself, including potential prosecution and the death penalty, and strictly warned Yuqing never to reveal this secret to anyone, especially Mr. and Mrs. Li. Zhou also mentioned that Huang Xinzhai was spreading rumors about Zhou having an ambiguous relationship with Liu/Ou/Mrs. Weng to ruin him. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong was intensely focused on the impending rescue of Xiao Junxia.
He spoke with Haimo, informing her that someone from No. 90 was searching for their cousin-in-law (表嫂), the person known as Ou. He urged Haimo to tell her that Suzhou was too dangerous now if she made contact. During dinner, Haimo sensed Gu was preoccupied with something secretive and suspected it involved Miss Xiao, but she did not press him for details when he was evasive. Concentrating on the rescue, Gu calculated that the tunnel excavation should be nearing completion.
He dispatched Gao Hu to No. 90 on Xiangfusi Lane with food from the Zuiningbo restaurant, ostensibly for the prisoners, but secretly to gather information about the dungeon. At the prison, Gao Hu interacted with guards including Lu Yaoting. A guard mentioned a newly arrived prisoner in the secret dungeon, named Lin Changxing, who was from Shanghai, believed to be a significant figure with the surname Jiang, and under strict orders from the Director (Zhou Zhifei) to be closely watched.
When Gao Hu offered to deliver the food to the secret dungeon, Lu Yaoting insisted on delivering it himself, citing the Director's strict instructions to watch the prisoner closely, and prevented Gao Hu from proceeding further into that area. Gao Hu was only able to hand over the food box. As Gao Hu was unable to get closer to the secret dungeon, a guard called Gu Yizhong to inform him he had a phone call from his home number.
The call, made by Mrs. Wang from Gu's Garden, reported that Haimo had been injured, prompting Gu to rush back. Learning of the call's origin and Haimo's usual whereabouts, Xie Wenchao immediately suspected a ruse and ordered his men to Gu's Garden. Gu arrived to find Xiao Ruotong waiting as they had planned.
She informed him that the tunnel excavation had reached 60 meters and hit a junction where three sewers converged, leaving them uncertain which path led to Sixth Brother's (Xiao Junxia's) precise location in the dungeon. With the execution scheduled in just two days, pinpointing his position was critical for their planned action. Gu assured her he was working to establish contact with Sixth Brother and provided her with a stethoscope.
He instructed her and the others to use it to listen from the point in the sewer closest to the rock garden, while he would find a way for Sixth Brother to transmit a signal from the dungeon to guide them. Gu explained he couldn't join them directly due to being under constant surveillance by Zhou Zhifei's men.
While Gu and Xiao Ruotong discussed the plan, Haimo rushed in to warn them that agents from No. 90 had arrived at the front of the house. Gu instructed Haimo to escort Xiao Ruotong out through the back exit, but Haimo insisted on staying behind to delay the agents. Xiao Ruotong departed, and Haimo confronted Xie Wenchao and his team who had entered, demanding to know Gu Yizhong's whereabouts. With Gu absent, Xie began interrogating Haimo and Mrs. Wang.
Thinking quickly, Haimo led the agents to the ancestral hall, where Gu's father's memorial tablet was kept. She declared it was the 49th day since Gu's father's death and that his spirit was surely present, warning the superstitious agents that disrespect would bring misfortune. Her ploy intimidated the agents, and she prompted some to kowtow to the tablet. Gu Yizhong returned and witnessed Haimo's clever maneuver.
Xie later expressed suspicion that Haimo acted like a spy and was in collusion with Gu. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruotong arrived at the excavation site with the stethoscope. She found the laborers angry and suspicious, holding Fu Gui captive. The laborers believed they had been tricked by "Mr. Sha" (Fu Gui's alias), having dug a tunnel that led into No. 90 prison instead of yielding treasure as promised. Xiao Ruotong revealed her identity as a member of the New Fourth Army.
The laborers, surprised and instantly respectful upon hearing this, immediately lowered their tools and released Fu Gui. Xiao Ruotong confirmed the tunnel's true purpose, explaining it was part of an important mission they were undertaking. Inspired by the New Fourth Army's cause, the laborers agreed to continue their work, showing trust and respect. Xie Wenchao reported back to Zhou Zhifei about the events at Gu's Garden, confirming Gu had evaded them with Haimo's help.
Realizing Gu had outmaneuvered him, Zhou decided to apply pressure. He instructed Xie to spread the fake news that "the person named Xiao" (referring to Xiao Junxia) would be executed the next day, intending to add fuel to the fire and force Gu's hand. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong devised a plan to communicate with the prisoner in the secret dungeon. He prepared a message and concealed it inside a hard-boiled egg by making a small hole and sealing it with glue.
He gave this special egg to Gao Hu to deliver along with the regular prisoner food box to No. 90. Gao Hu delivered the food box to the guards including Lu Yaoting. Lu Yaoting took the box to the secret dungeon prisoner, known as Lin Changxing. Inside the cell, Lin Changxing (identified as Jiang Boxian in other communications), who was reading a book titled "Beloved China," received the food box and discovered the hidden egg.
Episode 20 Recap
Spring entered the KMT secret service station in Suzhou, radiating an air of authority as the new Suzhou District Chief. Agents stopped their work and respectfully welcomed her. Taking a paper note from her pocket, she conveyed Xu Enzeng's explicit orders: rescue Jiang Boxian at all costs and severely sanction Zhou Zhifei. In the dark, damp prison, Jiang Boxian scoffed at the eggs he was given, stating he wouldn't eat them.
Junxia, imprisoned with him, quickly took the eggs and carefully opened one, finding a hidden note. He swiftly read and memorized its contents, then chewed and swallowed the paper. Following a prearranged plan by Gu Yizhong, he began to knock on the wall, signaling. Across the prison, Ruotong used a stethoscope, listening intently. As the knocking became clearer, a smile of relief appeared on her face; she had successfully located Junxia's position, allowing for a more targeted rescue attempt.
Zhou Zhifei, watching Gu Yizhong's movements through binoculars, suspected he was involved in digging a tunnel for the rescue. He called Gu Yizhong over, directly voiced his suspicion, and invited him to witness a "good show." He then called the prison, ordering Jiang Boxian and Junxia to be brought out. Despite maintaining a calm exterior, Gu Yizhong's mind raced. Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the prison area.
Zhou Zhifei confidently patted his shoulder, remarking that while Gu Yizhong's tunnel plan was clever, he hadn't accounted for Zhou's counter-measures. Captain Zhang and his team were waiting at the exit, and Gu Yizhong realized the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, Fu Gui worked desperately, eventually using a grenade to breach the prison wall. The blast stunned Jiang Boxian. Ruotong quickly helped Junxia withdraw, while Fu Gui planted landmines to hinder pursuit.
Reaching the tunnel exit, Fu Gui sternly warned the laborers to remain silent. Just as they were about to leave, they discovered seven or eight agents waiting, trapping them. Fortunately, Zhou Zhenwu arrived with the New Fourth Army, launching a surprise attack that reversed the situation and provided an opportunity for escape. In a relatively safe location, Junxia revealed a significant secret to Ruotong: Gu Yizhong was not the long-sought Cell 8.
When Ruotong pressed for the true identity of Cell 8, Junxia carefully removed his clothing and retrieved a photograph hidden in the lining. He explained that while imprisoned, he had personally met the real Nakanishi Tarou, a Japanese Communist Party member singing The Internationale in the dungeon. However, the person in the photo they had used for the rescue operation was different, proving the photo was a fake intended as a trap.
He stated that the person who had given him that photo was Cell 8. Elsewhere, upon learning of Junxia's escape, Hu Zhiping urgently went to Zhou Zhifei, criticizing him for allowing Junxia to live. Hu Zhiping deeply feared that if Junxia met with "Old Eagle," his own identity as Cell 8 would be exposed. He implored Zhou Zhifei to arrange his retreat.
Zhou Zhifei seized the opportunity, demanding information about the New Fourth Army's liaison points and threatening to reveal Hu Zhiping's identity as Cell 8, specifically mentioning his wife. Under this pressure, Hu Zhiping reluctantly agreed to consider the demand. Concurrently, Gu Yizhong was painting at home when Zhou Zhifei suddenly visited, seemingly seeking a way to navigate the escalating situation. Gu Yizhong maintained a firm stance, stating his only objective was to expose the true identity of Cell 8.
Zhou Zhifei, recognizing Gu Yizhong's resolve, cautioned that even knowing the truth wouldn't easily allow Gu Yizhong to leave No. 90. He admitted he knew Ruotong and Fu Gui were involved in rescuing Junxia, implying he had intentionally allowed their escape. Zhou Zhifei finally revealed his true motive: he wanted to establish contact with Gu Yizhong's organization for his own benefit. In Suzhou, Special Commissioner Ji Hongbo arrived from Chongqing, carrying Xu Enzeng's secret directive.
The letter criticized Spring and Deputy District Chief Shen for their lack of progress over three months in Suzhou, specifically failing to rescue Jiang Boxian or sanction Zhou Zhifei, and noted the loss of agents. Given Zhou Zhifei's perceived disloyalty to the Kuomintang, Xu Enzeng ordered his elimination if he could not be brought back into the fold. Ji Hongbo learned that Spring had previously stayed at Zhou Zhifei's residence.
He requested the address from Spring, compared it to existing KMT intelligence, and finding they matched, immediately ordered Deputy District Chief Shen to lead an action team for the assassination. Ji Hongbo also confirmed the teams were equipped with armor-piercing shells for Zhou Zhifei's bulletproof car. Separately, Zhou Zhenwu met with Junxia. Junxia explicitly confirmed that Hu Zhiping was the mysterious Cell 8.
Concerned that Hu Zhiping's exposure could endanger provincial leaders who had recently crossed through Suzhou under his arrangement, Zhou Zhenwu decided he must immediately find Hu Zhiping to prevent further contact. Hu Zhiping returned home, finding his child asleep in the cradle but Gu Huizhong gone. As he pondered her absence, Zhou Zhenwu arrived, setting the stage for a confrontation.
Episode 21 Recap
Upon visiting Hu Zhiping, Zhou Zhenwu presented baby formula as a gift, mentioning it was hard to find and from the black market, suggesting it was a valuable item. Hu Zhiping expressed gratitude, noting that his wife, Gu Huizhong, had been very worried about getting milk for their child, and invited Zhou Zhenwu to stay for lunch. Zhou Zhenwu inquired about Gu Huizhong's absence and then asked about any recent news from Xiao Ruotong.
Zhou Zhenwu replied that Xiao Ruotong had been showing poor organizational discipline and wasn't reporting everything to him. Zhou Zhenwu then revealed sensitive intelligence: agents from No. 90 had learned that the Jiangsu Provincial Committee leaders were planning to pass through Suzhou. As Hu Zhiping absorbed this alarming news and realized the implication, Zhou Zhenwu identified him, declaring, "Cell 8, it was you," and drew a gun.
In a desperate move, Hu Zhiping used his child to distract Zhou Zhenwu, throwing the infant towards him. As Zhou Zhenwu instinctively moved to catch the child, Hu Zhiping seized the opportunity and fatally shot him. Upon Gu Huizhong's return, Hu Zhiping urgently explained the immediate danger, stating their location was compromised and they needed to leave quickly. He rushed her to pack essentials, insisting they leave most belongings behind except for the radio. They fled to a new location.
Concern grew when it was reported that Zhou Zhenwu, who had gone to Hu Zhiping's residence alone, had been missing for three hours. Gu Yizhong noted Zhou Zhenwu had been reckless. Aware of Hu Zhiping's address near Yinjia Creek where Zhou Zhenwu had called from, and concerned by the delay, Gu Yizhong asked Xiao Ruotong to accompany him to investigate. Upon arrival, they discovered signs of a struggle, including bloodstains and a red star emblem.
Investigating further, they located Zhou Zhenwu's body. Xiao Ruotong, distraught, identified the body as "Old Zhou's" and closed his eyes. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she became urgent, stating that the Jiangsu Provincial Committee leaders were in danger and she needed to warn them as No. 90 was taking action.
Gu Yizhong urged her to calm down and agreed they should split up; he would arrange for the body to be handled by people from Yizhuang, while she went to give the warning. Hu Zhiping took Gu Huizhong to a new, seemingly safe location. Gu Huizhong questioned him about what had happened, who he had met, and why they had to move so suddenly.
Hu Zhiping was initially evasive, simply saying "Nothing," but then stated that everything he did was for her, their family, and their child Junsheng. He reminded her to give Junsheng the milk powder he had obtained. They were met by Huang Xinzhai, who welcomed them, referring to Hu Zhiping as "Station Chief" and assuring them they were among allies in the same camp.
Later, Xie Wenchao received a report confirming that "traitor Zhou" had been shot and killed, with credit given to agent Li Lushen. Xie Wenchao instructed his subordinate to verify the death through other sources before reporting the victory to Chongqing. Elsewhere, Spring reacted with sadness upon hearing the news. Separately, someone referred to as "Teacher" received intelligence that CBIS agents were responsible for a recent operation and that a shooter might be hiding near the Confucius Temple.
They also received a secret report from Ding Zili in Zhenjiang identifying a new special agent dispatched from Chongqing as Ji Hongbo, a former secretary of Xu Enzeng. The Teacher decided to delay action to catch them all together. Meanwhile, Hu Zhiping made a phone call, demanding fifty thousand legal tender immediately for critical information about the location of three high-profile leaders from the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee.
He warned that he would go to Vice Director Huang Xinzhai if his demand wasn't met. The person on the other end agreed to the price but requested time, giving Hu Zhiping an hour to wait at the Earth Temple. Gu Huizhong overheard this call and grew deeply suspicious. Gu Huizhong waited for Hu Zhiping's return and confronted him at gunpoint, asking if the money he brought back was from Zhou Zhifei.
She demanded to know if he was "Cell 8". He confessed that he was. Shortly after, No. 90 agents arrived at their location, demanding entry, but were immediately followed and confronted by members of the New Fourth Army's Enemy Intelligence Section, led by Section Chief Wang and Captain He. The New Fourth Army comrades revealed that the information about the provincial leaders passing through Suzhou was a ruse orchestrated by Director Lin and the Provincial Committee to expose Cell 8.
In a flashback, Hu Zhiping explained that before the Garden of Pleasance operation, he was tasked by Minister Liu of the Provincial Committee to rescue Nakanishi Tarou, a vital Japanese Comintern member. To protect the mission if captured, he swallowed Nakanishi Tarou's photograph. He was indeed captured by Zhou Zhifei, the Director of the Suzhou Agent Station. Zhou Zhifei threatened him by showing him photos of Gu Huizhong and their unborn child taken at Zhou Zhifei's house.
Faced with this blackmail, Hu Zhiping was forced to betray his oath and join No. 90 as Cell 8. Zhou Zhifei further threatened to publicize a recording of his defection if he ever went against them. Under duress, Hu Zhiping had to forge a photo for Eagle, knowing it would send the action team into a trap with no hope of return.
He also admitted that after his defection, he attempted to use the situation to frame Eagle and clear his own suspicion, but this plan was complicated by Gu Yizhong's involvement. Returning to the present confrontation, Gu Huizhong was devastated, recalling their shared revolutionary past, how he was her spiritual mentor, and how she defied her father to elope with him, enduring hardships out of love and faith in their cause.
She accused him of betraying everything – the Party, their promises, and their ideals – calling him inhumane. Hu Zhiping pleaded that his betrayal in the Garden of Pleasance operation was his only mistake in fourteen years of dedication to the Party since joining during the low point of the revolution in 1927. He begged her to escape with him and Junsheng to Hong Kong, to leave everything behind and return to a peaceful life, arguing they now had money.
Gu Huizhong retorted that he had harmed her brother, caused the death of her father, and cost the lives of many comrades. She insisted his only option was to surrender to the organization. Hu Zhiping refused, believing he would not be spared after causing so many deaths. He continued to urge her to go with him. As he moved towards her, she warned him to stop, believing he loved her too much to shoot. A struggle for the gun ensued.
The gun fired, and Gu Huizhong was shot, falling to the ground. Hu Zhiping rushed to her side, holding her and pleading with her to stay alive. Zhou Zhifei, present with the No. 90 agents, then demanded that Hu Zhiping reveal the location of the provincial leaders, Eagle, and the New Fourth Army liaison point. Hu Zhiping, heartbroken over Gu Huizhong, declared he would tell them nothing if she died.
Seeing that Hu Zhiping would not yield, Zhou Zhifei shot and killed him. Shortly after, Gu Yizhong arrived, finding Gu Huizhong gravely wounded. He frantically held her, trying to rouse her and calling out for help to get her to a hospital.
Episode 22 Recap
Haimo saw Gu Yizhong holding a baby and asked whose child it was, remarking how cute the infant was. Gu Yizhong handed the baby to Haimo and was on the phone with Xiao Ruotong. Through Gu Yizhong's conversation, Haimo learned that Gu Huizhong had passed away and understood the baby belonged to her. After the call, Gu Yizhong mentioned his sister had died without telling him the baby's name.
He then asked Haimo if she knew how to make plum blossom cakes, explaining his sister's fondness for them, especially with red bean paste filling, and asked her to make some in memory of his sister. Haimo, who learned from her mother, agreed. Meanwhile, a CBI agent reported to his Director that Zhou Zhifei was still alive, much to the Director's relief, as they hadn't sent a telegram claiming credit yet.
The Director inquired about Jiang Boxian's whereabouts and any activity at No. 90, noting a tip-off that Zhou Zhifei hadn't left the building since his arrival. The agent believed their attack had intimidated Zhou Zhifei, but the Director disagreed, suspecting Zhou Zhifei might be tracking them. Spotting suspicious figures below, they realized the danger and fled. Later, Xie Wenchao reported killing only two enemies in their operation, mentioning German personnel prevented capturing everyone from the travel agency.
He handed the Director an account book, explaining that organization leaders like Xu Enzeng and Dai Li often treated their bureaus like private businesses, documenting finances, and cited how No. 76 used a ledger to capture CBI Shanghai Station Director Chen Gongshu in 1940. The Director urged Xie Wenchao to find the accountant to make a significant contribution. He then rallied his men, telling them to use force to show No. 90 was not to be trifled with.
Xiao Ruotong and her comrades gathered, mourning Zhou Zhenwu and Gu Huizhong. They reflected on the sacrifices of patriots like Zhou Zhenwu, whose true name and origins were often unknown, having joined the Red Army under pseudonyms to protect their families from Kuomintang retaliation. They vowed that while such patriots might be nameless to some, all of China would remember them. Xiao Ruotong expressed concern for Gu Yizhong, who was under immense pressure after losing both his father and sister.
She suggested bringing him back to the base area, fearing the strain of No. 90 could lead him to do something irrational. At Gu's Garden, Fu Gui arrived to assist with the funeral arrangements and spoke with Haimo. He noted Gu Yizhong's unusual absence from his morning routine, only to find Gu Yizhong inside, stretching and complaining about stiffness after sleeping. Plum blossom cakes, made by Haimo, were placed near a memorial for Gu Huizhong.
Later, Gu Yizhong was on a rooftop overlooking Zhou Zhifei's location on a balcony. As he took aim, Huang of the underground party arrived and urged him to calm down. Gu Yizhong voiced his rage, blaming Zhou Zhifei for his father's and sister's deaths and declaring his intention to kill the traitor.
Huang reasoned with him, pointing out the Japanese invaders were the true enemy and arguing that killing Zhou Zhifei now would only be personal revenge, not justice, and would expose Gu Yizhong. He stressed that traitors like Zhou Zhifei should face historical judgment and the people's bullets, not his immediate action. Huang then revealed Gu Yizhong's importance to the party, highlighting his past contributions, such as providing clues that secured vital medicine and helped save Xiao Junxia.
He informed Gu Yizhong that his name had been cleared and his identity was being activated for operations in the Suzhou-Shanghai region, assigning himself as Gu Yizhong's single-line superior and designating a photo studio liaison point. Huang encouraged him, emphasizing he was not alone and praising the beauty of their city, hoping communist ideals would give him strength. He mentioned Junxia had reported Gu Huizhong's sacrifice and Hu Zhiping's true identity to the Division Ministry of Political Affairs.
Gu Yizhong met with Xiao Ruotong, who told him his name had finally been cleared. Gu Yizhong expressed the heavy cost, lamenting the loss of his father and sister and feeling he had no family left. Xiao Ruotong comforted him, saying, "You still have me."
Gu Yizhong spoke of losing hope after repeated setbacks, but Xiao Ruotong reassured him, bringing good news: the party had agreed for him to return to the base area with them, and Junxia was making arrangements. She showed him the Peace Army uniforms they would use for disguise. Gu Yizhong then revealed he couldn't leave tomorrow because Haimo had been kidnapped by CBI agents who were forcing him to rescue Jiang Boxian, whom he identified as Junxia's cellmate.
He felt indebted to Haimo for saving his life and helping Gu's Garden, and could not abandon her. He asked Xiao Ruotong and Junxia to leave first, promising to join them in Changshu once he resolved the situation. Xiao Ruotong accepted, prioritizing Haimo's safety. She then grew nostalgic, reminiscing about a happy time before the war when they had a picnic and he sang to her, making her feel like the happiest person alive, wishing for such carefree moments again.
Later, while Haimo was performing on stage, Quan Shui appeared and took Haimo into custody after her performance. Quan Shui then called Gu Yizhong at Gu's Garden, asking if he knew why she was calling. Gu Yizhong immediately asked about Haimo, and Quan Shui confirmed she had her. She instructed Gu Yizhong to get into a waiting car outside his gate and follow the driver's orders, or he would not see Haimo again.
Following the instructions, Gu Yizhong was taken to a boat where Quan Shui was waiting with Haimo. Quan Shui taunted him, commenting on his affection for Haimo and his role as a special agent, suggesting Haimo, not being part of their world, shouldn't be involved. Gu Yizhong demanded to know what she wanted for Haimo's release. Quan Shui demanded Jiang Boxian.
Gu Yizhong replied that it was difficult because Zhou Zhifei had moved Jiang Boxian to a secret location, making his rescue seemingly impossible. Quan Shui insisted, suggesting other ways. She tried to provoke Gu Yizhong by comparing Haimo favorably to a female student. When Quan Shui physically threatened Haimo, Gu Yizhong became angry and warned there would be no deal if she hurt her. Quan Shui accepted his term.
Gu Yizhong questioned why she was asking him for Jiang Boxian when Zhou Zhifei was one of their people, to which Quan Shui scornfully called Zhou Zhifei a traitor to CBI. Quan Shui gave Gu Yizhong two days to exchange Jiang Boxian for Haimo, threatening Haimo's life if he failed. Haimo urged Gu Yizhong not to agree, claiming Quan Shui was acting.
Quan Shui countered this and highlighted the urgency, mentioning the Japanese military police were also searching for Jiang Boxian, and if they found him first, Chongqing might surrender. Appealing to his patriotism, she argued that helping her meant helping himself. Gu Yizhong agreed to the deal. Back at No. 90, Huang reported to Kondo about Zhou Zhifei and his wife moving into the station dorms for safety from assassins and the tightened security at Suzhou gates.
Kondo inquired about problems at No. 90 during his absence, specifically mentioning a dungeon escape, dismissing Huang's attempts to minimize the issue. Insisting on his loyalty, Huang was shown a photo of Jiang Boxian. Kondo identified him as a significant Kuomintang official believed to be at No. 90. Huang feigned ignorance. Kondo then confronted Zhou Zhifei, demanding to know when he arrested Jiang Boxian and his current location.
Zhou Zhifei claimed no memory of handling such a case, mirroring the Warden's statement, which led Kondo to suspect collusion. Dismissing Huang, Kondo then used Zhou Zhifei's son, Youfei, as leverage. He showed Zhou Zhifei a letter from Youfei and mentioned the Osaka Army Local Juvenile School and Kyoto International Students Academy were recruiting cadets for the Japanese military and that he had recommended Youfei.
Zhou Zhifei expressed concern for his son's frail health, deeming him unfit for military life, and asked Kondo to reconsider. Kondo simply repeated "Jiang Boxian," implying his son's fate depended on his cooperation. Zhou Zhifei returned to the dorms where Yuqing was staying for safety. After they spoke briefly about the baby, Zhou Zhifei showed Yuqing Youfei's letter. He noted the unusually neat handwriting, suspecting it was a sample letter his son was forced to copy, confirming Kondo's manipulation.
Yuqing made a suggestion about Youfei returning with Japanese troops to coordinate action with them, which angered Zhou Zhifei, who saw it as advocating treason. Expressing his unhappiness with living confined in the dormitory, Zhou Zhifei offered to take Yuqing out for a "business occasion" the next day, telling her to dress up. Yuqing was thrilled at the prospect of leaving the dreary dorm and escaping the feeling of being a "dried salted fish."
Later, Jiang Boxian, confined to a room, told a guard his defiance, stating he would never become a traitor and demanded Zhou Zhifei either kill or release him. He refused opium and asked for a massage, urging the guard to hasten Zhou Zhifei's visit. Zhou Zhifei arrived with Yuqing. Yuqing introduced herself to Jiang Boxian and his wife. Yuqing then took Mrs. Jiang aside to talk, leaving Zhou Zhifei to speak with Jiang Boxian.
Zhou Zhifei inquired about his comfort and offered to fulfill any requests. Jiang Boxian called him hypocritical, likening him to the Wang Regime, and questioned if he was to be held indefinitely. Zhou Zhifei denied this, mentioning Mr. Li's promise of return to Chongqing if he cooperated. Jiang Boxian was skeptical.
Zhou Zhifei subtly revealed his knowledge of Jiang Boxian having had an opportunity to escape with the Communist surnamed Xiao (Ruotong), suggesting his failure to leave was intentional and not just due to opium use. He tried to persuade Jiang Boxian to cooperate by contrasting the comforts provided with the difficulties faced by the Communists. He offered to allow Jiang Boxian visits to scenic spots in Suzhou. Jiang Boxian suggested the Lingering Garden.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhou Zhifei arranged to meet with Jiang Boxian in Suzhou, offering him the opportunity to explore the city, specifically mentioning Willow Garden. Jiang Boxian, who possessed Qian Gu's rare Ming Dynasty painting, the "Tiger Hill Front Mountain Painting", agreed to an outing the following day. Jiang instructed Zhou's subordinates not to hinder his plans, to which a subordinate replied they only followed Mr. Zhou's orders as instructed by Mr. Li. Jiang also offered to send some paintings to Zhou later.
After Jiang Boxian departed, Zhou Zhifei told Yuqing that he had given Jiang an opportunity to escape and that his ultimate fate would be left to chance. Yuqing presented Zhou with gifts from Jiang: ten gold bars and a bracelet. Zhou dismissed these as insignificant compared to the priceless Qian Gu painting Jiang held.
Returning to No. 90, Zhou Zhifei learned from Xie Wenchao via phone that Gu Yizhong had not fled as expected but had returned to work as usual. Zhou found Gu's return surprising, as the exposure of Cell 8 and the rescue of Xiao Junxia should have allowed Gu to clear his name with the Communist Party.
Gao Hu reported that Warden Lu Yaoting had escaped overnight due to pressure from the Japanese following the dungeon explosion, unwilling to become a scapegoat. Zhou confirmed Lu's escape had been arranged and instructed Gao Hu to spread a specific message about Lu. Shortly after, Kondo Masao arrived and ordered an assembly. Kondo addressed the assembled agents, expressing anger that news of the blown-up dungeon had reached Nanjing, resulting in him being mocked.
Displaying a photo of Jiang Boxian, he announced a 10,000 yuan reward for his capture and warned that anyone withholding information would face the same fate as the fugitive warden, Lu. Huang Xinzhai visited Zhou Zhifei to discuss the dungeon incident.
Huang suspected an insider was involved, pointing to Gu Yizhong's background in architecture (necessary for building the tunnel), his recorded visit to the prison before the incident, and his past connection to Xiao Junxia as reasons for suspicion and motive. Zhou questioned Huang's purpose in confiding in him. Huang declared absolute loyalty to the Empire and willingness to sacrifice anyone for the "great cause."
Huang then subtly probed whether Gu Yizhong held any leverage over Zhou, referencing the deaths of Gu's father and sister and questioning Zhou's decision to let the warden take the blame instead of reporting to Kondo. Zhou turned the question back on Huang, asking why he wasn't reporting his suspicions directly to the Japanese. Huang replied that his findings were merely speculations without concrete proof and commented on the complicated situation at the station with various factions present (Old C.
T. U. , Young M. I. B. , and Fourth Master). Huang requested Zhou stop Xie Wenchao's investigation into him, vehemently denying any ties to Chongqing and stating he only followed Zhou's lead. Zhou thanked Huang for his candor. Zhou then asked to borrow Huang's kitchen that evening to host a dinner at his dormitory, as he lacked a kitchen.
Huang initially thought Zhou wanted to drink with him but understood the request and agreed, declining Zhou's invitation to join the dinner due to a prior engagement. Later that evening, Zhou Zhifei hosted Gu Yizhong at Huang Xinzhai's house. Zhou's wife had prepared special dishes from their hometown, Yixing, including rare winter bamboo shoots sourced by Mr. Li's friend. Zhou poured wine, remarking on the lack of trust among agents since a past incident involving Wu Sibao.
Gu prompted Zhou to state his purpose directly. Zhou addressed Gu's sister's death, claiming he was not involved but that Hu Zhiping was responsible, and Zhou had killed Hu, avenging her. He toasted Gu's sister. Zhou then asked why Gu had returned to No. 90. Gu replied he had unfinished business. When Zhou asked if it concerned him, Gu contrasted his own focus on national interests with Zhou's apparent personal vendettas, stating national affairs were beyond individuals.
Zhou reminded Gu that Cell 8 had been exposed and Xiao Junxia rescued, suggesting Gu should be clear with the Communist Party and leave No. 90. Gu argued that the life of an agent was irrevocably tied to political work and a lifelong commitment. Zhou praised Gu but cautioned against dying for the Japanese, using the fugitive warden Lu Yaoting as an example of someone prioritizing self-preservation.
Zhou reiterated that he had no personal feud with Gu regarding his family's deaths, suggesting Gu's true enemy was the Japanese. He proposed they co-exist peacefully at No. 90. Zhou continued to praise Gu, mentioned Mr. Li's upcoming visit, and offered to introduce them. Zhou pressed Gu again on his reason for returning. Gu replied that he was there for Jiang Boxian. Zhou noted the 10,000 yuan reward but questioned if Gu cared about such money.
Zhou instructed Gu to tell his contacts that Jiang Boxian was Mr. Li's wanted criminal and untouchable, and claimed that "he", Zhou, desired Jiang Boxian most, hinting at a difficult situation he was in and implying Jiang was currently under his control. Gu then departed. Outside, Huang Xinzhai intercepted Gu Yizhong, asking why he left so early. Huang speculated that Zhou had gained significant advantage and warned Gu not to trust Zhou, calling him dishonest. Gu expressed a different view.
Huang dramatically claimed Gu had been "poisoned" by Zhou's influence and offered to work together to capture Jiang Boxian for the reward. He revealed that drunken No. 76 agents had mentioned Jiang would be at Willow Garden the following afternoon. Huang stated he needed help and invited Gu to join him, promising substantial rewards. Gu replied he would consider it. Gu Yizhong then made a phone call, confirming Willow Garden as the target for the following afternoon.
Huang Xinzhai met with Ji Hongbo of the Chongqing C. T. U. faction at a brothel. Ji commented on the meeting location and presented Huang (from the M. I. B. faction) with authentic travel documents, business permits, money, and gold bars for him and his wife, assuring Huang that his mother was safe and well cared for in Chongqing.
Huang stated his involvement was solely for his mother's sake and mentioned that Zhou Zhifei suspected him of leaking Zhou's address after the assassination attempt. Huang requested four men, six guns, 100 bullets, and a car to be stationed at the back door path of Willow Garden the next afternoon, informing Ji that Jiang Boxian would be there.
Ji acknowledged the request, noting that Jiang's security was handled by No. 76 agents with two bodyguards, but the total number of escorts was unknown. Ji concluded the meeting. Ou Xinping met with a contact, exchanging information in return for the release of someone named Haimo, who the contact assured her was safe and not involved in their work.
This contact discussed the political importance of Jiang Boxian, the concern that Chongqing might secretly negotiate with the Japanese potentially harming the Anti-Japanese National United Front, and how this could make the Nanjing Wang regime a useless pawn. They noted that Zhou, Kondo, Huang, and the Chongqing C. T. U. were all interested in Jiang. The contact speculated the Willow Garden tip might be a trap set by Zhou to cause infighting.
They agreed that rescuing Jiang Boxian was the best course of action. Zhou Zhifei and Ou Xinping were in a car. Zhou apologized for previously slapping her and offered her the chance to hit him back. He warned her about the unreliability of men, contrasting long-time friends with recent acquaintances, implying a warning about Gu Yizhong. Ou defended Gu, calling him a good person.
Zhou refuted this, labeling Gu unfilial and disloyal for abandoning his girlfriend and allegedly causing his father and sister's deaths. Ou insisted Gu had his difficulties, which Zhou dismissed as men's excuses to deceive women. Ou then ordered Zhou to get out of the car.
The following day at Willow Garden, a rescuer (implied to be Gu Yizhong), identified himself as "Mr. Li's guest" to Jiang Boxian's bodyguards, and finding suspicious activity near the back door, informed Jiang he was sent by Chongqing to rescue him and guided him towards the back door. However, Huang Xinzhai appeared at the back door, recognized the rescuer, and ordered his men to kill him. Ji Hongbo, waiting in a car outside, was also assassinated.
As gunfire erupted, Xie Wenchao arrived with his team, creating further chaos and casualties. The rescuer urged Jiang to head for the front door where someone was waiting. Shortly after, Ou Xinping arrived at the garden. Zhou Zhifei contacted Kondo Masao, reporting that Jiang Boxian was at Willow Garden and that a situation was unfolding. During the shootout in the garden, Ou Xinping rushed towards the scene.
Zhou Zhifei attempted to stop her outside, warning her it was a deadly trap filled with top assassins from the Peace Army and that she wouldn't survive. Ou insisted she had to rescue Jiang Boxian for Chongqing, prioritizing his return over her own life. Zhou physically tried to restrain her, telling her the current situation couldn't be changed and to go back.
Ou broke free, drew a gun, and threatened Zhou, ordering him not to follow her before entering the garden. Inside, Ou reached Jiang Boxian and urged him to leave with her. Someone (implied to be Gu Yizhong) provided cover fire, eliminating several agents. Jiang was quickly guided towards an escape vehicle by others. Ou covered the retreat, telling Jiang to hurry into the car and instructing her teammates to meet at a designated liaison point.
As Jiang and the others escaped, Kondo's forces arrived and demanded surrender. Ou Xinping was captured while providing cover for the escape. After the incident, a distraught Xie Wenchao contacted Zhou Zhifei by phone, reporting the chaos and casualties at Willow Garden and frantically claiming someone had tried to shoot him. Zhou questioned Xie about leaking his home address, asking how many gold bars he received in exchange. Xie vehemently denied any contact with Chongqing.
Zhou thanked him and confirmed Jiang Boxian had escaped, adding that Xie's cousin-in-law (Ou Xinping) was alright, despite having slapped him previously. Zhou Zhifei then spoke with Yuqing about Ou Xinping. Yuqing asked if Zhou had helped the rescuers. Zhou confirmed Jiang Boxian had escaped. Yuqing then inquired about her cousin-in-law, Ou Xinping. Zhou informed her that Ou had been captured and was imprisoned at No. 90. He mentioned that Kondo was attempting to persuade her to defect.
Zhou believed Ou would never betray her principles, given her deep hatred for the Japanese, expecting her fate would be either to kill Japanese or be killed by them. Yuqing asked if Zhou could find a way to save her. Zhou Zhifei reported to Kondo Masao, presenting a photograph of Huang Xinzhai meeting with a Chongqing agent. Zhou revealed that Huang was a Chongqing M. I. B.
spy with frequent ties to high-ranking officials and was involved in smuggling and the Ding Jiansheng case, offering confiscated gold bars from Huang's home as proof. He stated that Huang had acted on orders from Chongqing to rescue Jiang Boxian. Kondo acknowledged Huang's identity as a spy. Kondo then inquired about Zhou Zhifei's prior relationship with Ou Xinping.
Episode 24 Recap
Zhou Zhifei encountered Huang Xinzhai as he fled from Willow Garden. Huang was distraught, incoherently accusing Xie Wenchao of betrayal. Before Huang could say more, Zhou Zhifei shot and killed him. Subsequently, Zhou met with Kondo Masao, informing him that Huang Xinzhai was a Chongqing mole who had colluded with Chongqing to allow Jiang Boxian to escape, while also framing Huang for his past wrongdoings.
Kondo Masao examined evidence confiscated from Huang Xinzhai's residence, including gold bars, a boat ticket, and a contact photo. Though the evidence seemed conclusive, he still harbored doubts. He then questioned Zhou about his past relationship with Ou Xinping, asking if it was true that they were former colleagues and lovers, a fact Zhou confirmed, adding that everyone in the CBIS knew about it and it was in his official records seen by Mr. Li and Mr. Seiki.
Zhou denied having any recent contact with Ou. When Kondo mentioned Huang suspected Ou was staying at Zhou's house, Zhou offered to have military police search his home immediately to prove Huang was lying and trying to frame him as the Chongqing spy. Zhou insisted that if he had ties to the CBIS, Mr. Li would be the first to go after him, subtly suggesting he didn't know if Mr. Li himself was colluding.
Kondo stated that since Zhou and Ou were old acquaintances, he would leave her to Zhou to handle and persuade her to join them. Zhou expressed difficulty in this task, describing Ou as a "die-hard factionist," but Kondo insisted Zhou, as her former boyfriend, would find a way. Kondo considered Huang Xinzhai a disgrace to No. 90. Following the events, Zhou Zhifei's actions at Willow Garden were remarked upon by someone who called it a masterful execution of his plan.
Zhou explained his strategy: he deliberately spread the news of Jiang Boxian's outing, killed Huang Xinzhai to silence him, set up Ou Xinping to attempt a rescue, leaked the information to Kondo to allow the Japanese to intercept the CBIS, and finally arranged gunmen to massacre the dozens of people involved. He defended his actions, stating he had no choice; it was either them dying or him, his son, and his entire family dying.
He questioned if the work of a spy was truly noble, calling it the dirtiest job in the world where people use and destroy each other. Upon returning home, Gu Yizhong was met by Haimo, who tearfully informed him of her cousin Ou Xinping's arrest. Haimo was deeply worried, recalling Ou's past words about facing death either on the battlefield or at the enemy's hands. She knew Ou was in grave danger but desperately hoped Gu could help.
Haimo also confided in Gu, explaining that her cousin was a CBIS agent who had used Haimo's identity to infiltrate Gu's Garden for her work, an incredibly dangerous task. Haimo admitted she was terrified daily, sometimes waking up in the night thinking about the guns her cousin carried.
She explained that she felt she had no choice but to cooperate because her brother in the air force would be harmed if she didn't, adding that she still failed to protect her brother. She revealed her real name was not Haimo but asked Gu to continue calling her Haimo. Meanwhile, Ou Xinping was subjected to inhumane torture during interrogation. Zhou Zhifei entered the interrogation room and sent his subordinates away.
Through subtle gestures, he attempted to communicate the danger of her situation to her. To gain her trust, he showed her a notebook containing a pressed leaf, a memento of their shared past. He then began a staged conversation aloud for the benefit of any listeners, telling Ou that Kondo Masao admired her and wished for her to join their "peace movement."
Ou scornfully rejected this proposal, calling them afraid of war and reminding him of the Bombing of Chongqing and the Nanjing Massacre as examples of Japanese brutality that had devastated Chinese families and left countless people displaced. Zhou argued that these were matters between nations and ordinary people should focus on their own families, citing Suzhou's peace as a benefit of their current path.
Ou retorted by stating that thirty-nine members of her family of forty had died in Japanese bombings, leaving her the sole survivor, and she felt compelled to seek revenge. Zhou called her stubborn and "stuck in her old ways," urging her to set aside personal grudges and join them. Ou refused, saying if she changed, the person she held dear would no longer be in her heart. She told him to get to the point.
Zhou, acknowledging her refusal to join, asked for a small favor in exchange for seeking leniency from Kondo Masao. Ou agreed to help him, but on the condition that she never had to see his face again, delivering a parting insult by calling him a "filthy traitor." Zhou accepted the deal.
He then asked how the CBIS had learned Jiang Boxian was at Willow Garden, noting that infiltration was their specialty and asking if they had a mole at No. 90. Ou confirmed there was one mole. Zhou guessed several names, finally naming Huang Xinzhai. Ou confirmed it was Huang, calling him a "bastard" and saying she must kill him. Zhou thanked her for her cooperation, reaffirmed his promise of leniency, and stated they would never see each other again.
Ou repeated that she never wanted to see him again. Zhou Zhifei returned home carrying a heavy heart. Yuqing tried to talk to him, mentioning household matters and asking about his work and if the one surnamed Ou had returned to Suzhou, quickly dropping the subject as agreed. She informed him that Mr. Li had called and was in Suzhou, asking Zhou to meet him.
When Zhou met with Mr. Li, Mr. Li expressed dissatisfaction that Jiang Boxian had escaped and been taken by the CBIS, citing pressure from the Mei Agency and reminding Zhou that he had advised eliminating Jiang if necessary. Zhou apologized, stating the situation was complicated. Mr. Li questioned Zhou's actions, calling him meticulous and wondering what was wrong, possibly implying it was related to his son. Zhou denied this and asked about Ou Xinping.
Mr. Li confirmed his informant reported Jiang Boxian was back in Chongqing. He then brought up Zhou's past relationship with Ou in 1927, noting he nearly married her and truly cared for her, asking if Zhou could bear the outcome. Mr. Li revealed that Kondo Masao had found Zhou's "weakness" and the Japanese viewed Ou as useless. He confirmed he had approved their requests for her execution, scheduled for the following day.
He asked if there was any chance of persuading her again, but Zhou said he had tried and she refused. Mr. Li offered to send Zhou to Shanghai on a pretext, but Zhou declined. Mr. Li asked if Zhou was going to the execution ground, perhaps to help, and concluded that the next day would be a major test for Zhou. Gu Yizhong visited Ou Xinping in prison, bringing Cantonese small dishes that Haimo had prepared.
Ou immediately recognized Haimo's gesture and began eating, noting it was likely her last meal. She implored Gu to take care of Haimo, calling her a good girl with a tragic background who was now completely alone. She asked him to prevent Haimo from becoming homeless or being bullied and to cherish Haimo's sincere feelings. Gu promised to treat Haimo like his own sister. Ou responded that he didn't understand women and told him to disregard what she said.
She also asked him to tell "Mr. Huang" that she regretted not taking his advice and would see him in the next life. On the execution ground, Ou Xinping faced her fate. Zhou Zhifei was present. He recalled a day in 1927 when he went boating in Suzhou with a woman, describing it as the happiest day of his life. A gunshot ended Ou's life.
Later, a subordinate presented Zhou with a 200-yuan payment, explaining it was the standard bounty for executing a Chongqing agent, specifically calling it "Ou Xinping's head money." Zhou took the money silently. Gu Yizhong met with Mr. Huang and described the events at Willow Garden as a massacre. He explained he had acted unilaterally due to the emergency, a decision Mr. Huang approved as it prevented Jiang Boxian's capture.
Gu confessed his profound exhaustion and desire to quit his work, feeling he had lost his sense of self and could no longer distinguish truth from falsehood, fearing he would break down. He apologized for not persevering, but Mr. Huang said he respected Gu's decision. Gu stated he absolutely could not return to the "hellhole" of No. 90 and wanted to leave Suzhou immediately, seeking a burden-free life on a hopeful path.
Mr. Huang agreed he also desired this and believed that day would come, concluding with "China will win." Haimo happily told Gu that he was coming with them to the base, showing him a note confirming his decision. She acknowledged he needed a break after all he'd endured.
They discussed alternative routes out of the city, planning to travel by water disguised as fishermen from Shui Sheng's place early in the morning and locating their troops, possibly the 18th Brigade near Mount Maoshan. Haimo later asked Gu if Ou Xinping suffered when she died. Gu told her that Zhou Zhifei had personally executed Ou. Haimo was shocked, questioning how Zhou could kill Ou, who loved him deeply, calling him inhuman.
When Haimo asked if Ou had left any message, Gu fabricated one, saying Ou called Haimo a good girl, that the situation was Ou's fault for involving her, and Ou was sorry. Haimo realized he was lying but said she liked hearing it. Gu then informed Haimo he was leaving Suzhou and wouldn't be back soon.
Haimo offered to look after the house, but Gu insisted she must leave too, warning that No. 90 would search for him, putting her in danger. He suggested she go to Hong Kong where he had connections to help her settle. Haimo asked if she could accompany him, stating she had nowhere else to go. Gu refused, explaining his situation was complex and would involve a lengthy investigation at the base, causing her hardship.
He felt she had suffered enough and should stay away from these conflicts to live a better life. Haimo questioned what her "proper life" was, describing her current existence of performing and forcing smiles as no different from being dead. Gu urged her to believe that the War of Resistance would ultimately be won and the Japanese expelled from China.
Haimo agreed they would win but expressed doubt about whether they would ever see each other again before saying goodbye to Mr. Gu. On the early morning of December 7, 1941, 183 Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor from six carriers, causing immense damage to the American fleet and facilities. This surprise attack, described as achieving great results, drastically altered the international situation. Kondo Masao received the news, but despite someone calling it tremendous news, his mood was low.
Kondo argued that going south to fight the British and Americans was not the optimal strategy for the Empire; he believed Japan should have attacked the Soviet Union to the north. The other person reacted with anger. Later, at No. 90, someone showed Kondo Masao a portrait found at Huang Xinzhai's house. They noted they hadn't paid attention to it before but now realized it strongly resembled Gu Yizhong's butler, Fu Gui, questioning why Huang Xinzhai would have drawn him.
Episode 25 Recap
Captain Zhang Jiping examines a painting found in Huang Xinzhai's possession. He identifies the brushwork as belonging to Painter Li from the Fourth Branch, known for creating portraits of suspects. Captain Zhang realizes the painting is a likeness of Fu Gui, Gu Yizhong's butler, whom he believes was the mastermind behind the tunnel operation. Captain Zhang suggests to Zhou Zhifei that capturing Fu Gui would expose Gu Yizhong's activities.
Zhou Zhifei agrees with the plan, noting Captain Zhang's aspiration for the Vice Director position. He promises to support Captain Zhang's promotion when the time is right, though he expresses concern that the Japanese might have different personnel plans for No. 90, suggesting the Director ultimately decides personnel matters there. Zhou Zhifei orders Captain Zhang to proceed to Dingjue Temple, where Fu Gui is located, and apprehend him to force a reaction from Gu Yizhong.
Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong is summoned to meet Kondo, who expresses his admiration for Suzhou gardens. Kondo reveals his intention to establish the Sino-Japanese Cultural Association, aimed at cultural exchange including architecture and fostering growth between Chinese and Japanese children, and offers Gu Yizhong the position of President. Gu Yizhong initially declines, citing his relative inexperience and lower rank compared to Director Zhou and other heads within No. 90, feeling he would struggle to gain their respect.
Kondo perceives this as a concern about Zhou Zhifei, stating his own dislike for Zhou Zhifei, whom he sees as self-serving rather than dedicated to the peace movement, predicting Zhou Zhifei has no future. Kondo praises Gu Yizhong's educational background, knowledge of architecture, and skills, contrasting him with others in the station. He assures Gu Yizhong that he is capable of the President role and suggests that with effort, Gu Yizhong could eventually become the Director of the agent station.
Gu Yizhong accepts the appointment as President of the Sino-Japanese Cultural Association. At Dingjue Temple, Fu Gui is praying when Captain Zhang Jiping arrives with No. 90 agents and Japanese Military Police. Captain Zhang orders Fu Gui to return with them to No. 90. As agents attempt to apprehend him, Fu Gui resists. During the struggle, he declares that Chinese will not be traitors for the Japanese.
He then activates a hidden hand grenade, sacrificing himself and killing several Japanese soldiers and agents in the process. Upon hearing of Kondo's proposal to Gu Yizhong and then receiving Captain Zhang's report of Fu Gui's death, Zhou Zhifei's anger escalates. Determined to assert his authority within No. 90 and pressure Gu Yizhong, he orders the arrest of Haimo, claiming she is a CBIS agent from Chongqing.
He specifies she be taken to the interrogation room and subjected to torture, joking about the prison being full and suggesting sending her to someone's house if there's no space. Gu Yizhong confronts Zhou Zhifei, demanding Haimo's release and accusing him of framing her, stating that their affairs have nothing to do with her. Zhou Zhifei insists their investigation confirms Haimo is Zhang Haimo, a CBIS agent from Chongqing and a subordinate of Ou Xinping, whom Zhou Zhifei personally executed.
He coldly warns Gu Yizhong to cooperate, implying Haimo will confess under torture just as Ou Xinping did, threatening her hands with electric shock. Kondo arrives during the confrontation. Zhou Zhifei presents his evidence, including travel records and a CBIS payroll book listing "Zhang Haimo," arguing she is a spy.
Gu Yizhong vehemently denies this, stating Haimo is his fiancée, bound by an engagement made fifteen years prior between their fathers, and that she is a simple lady performer of storytelling, not involved in politics. He points out inconsistencies in the payroll book, suggesting her name was added last, like it was temporary, and the signature is not hers.
Gu Yizhong argues Haimo has primarily stayed in his garden caring for his late father since arriving in Suzhou, only occasionally visiting a storytelling venue, and was even given the property's title deed by his dying father. Gu Yizhong insists Haimo is naive and could only be involved if manipulated. Zhou Zhifei proposes torturing Haimo to verify her identity.
Gu Yizhong offers his life as a guarantee that Haimo is innocent, while Zhou Zhifei offers his life to guarantee she is a spy. Kondo questions why they haven't married if there's an engagement and mutual affection, and Gu Yizhong explains they delayed due to his father's recent death, deeming marriage during the mourning period inappropriate. Kondo dismisses such formalities in wartime. Convinced by Gu Yizhong's earnest pledge, Kondo decides to order Haimo's release.
Following Huang Xinzhai's death, Kondo seeks to balance the internal power dynamic within No. 90. Kondo then suggests that Gu Yizhong and Haimo get married, viewing it as a positive event for No. 90, and instructs Zhou Zhifei to allocate funds to arrange a proper, dignified, Western-style wedding with station funds. Later, in private, Zhou Zhifei attempts to recommend Captain Zhang for the vacant Vice Director position.
Kondo dismisses Zhou Zhifei's recommendation, revealing he has already decided, stating he has other plans for Gu Yizhong. He presents an appointment letter signed by Mr. Li, officially appointing Gu Yizhong as the Vice Director of the Suzhou Agent Station. After their meeting, Zhou Zhifei sarcastically congratulates Gu Yizhong. He warns Gu Yizhong that Kondo is likely pushing the marriage to sever his ties with the Communist Party, comparing it to Kondo forcing him to execute Ou Xinping.
Zhou Zhifei advises Gu Yizhong to understand the Japanese's motivations to survive in No. 90, noting their difficulty in truly trusting Communists due to their strong beliefs, contrasting them with turncoat KMT/CBIS agents who are more easily trusted. He observes Kondo seems to trust Gu Yizhong for now. Gu Yizhong confronts Zhou Zhifei about the arrest and reveals he killed the sniper Zhou Zhifei had positioned at Willow Garden, viewing the act as retribution for the sniper's excessive killing.
Zhou Zhifei acknowledges Gu Yizhong's presence that day, noting Gu Yizhong's ability to see far with his father's German military binoculars. Gu Yizhong retrieves Haimo after her release. She expresses her confusion and notes his somber mood. Gu Yizhong tells her to wait at home while he goes to meet someone. Gu Yizhong meets with his contact, who confirms his appointment as Vice Director was requested by the Japanese.
Gu Yizhong feels the Japanese are deliberately dragging him deeper into their affairs, just as they did with his father. His contact explains he has two paths: leave No. 90 or go along with the flow and marry Haimo. His contact informs him of Fu Gui's death; he fought back against the agents who came to arrest him and died with them.
Gu Yizhong is devastated, refusing to believe Fu Gui was still in Suzhou after arrangements were made for him to leave with Xiao Ruotong. His contact explains Fu Gui's refusal to abandon his hometown, unwilling to stand by as his home was surrendered to the Japanese, choosing to fight back and die instead.
Gu Yizhong reads a letter from Fu Gui expressing unwavering loyalty to the Gu family name and his commitment to dying for Suzhou, stating he was a soldier who should have died in battle and felt shame for living longer, and promising to take care of Gu Yizhong's master (likely Gu Yizhong's father) in the afterlife and see the Japanese driven out of Suzhou. Heartbroken, Gu Yizhong asks for guidance.
His contact suggests a fake marriage with Haimo as a necessary tactic in their undercover work, referred to as 'zuo jiguan', which is an invaluable opportunity allowing Gu Yizhong to potentially gain access to critical intelligence as Vice Director. Gu Yizhong is reluctant, having proposed to Xiao Ruotong, stating he doesn't want this.
Gu Yizhong speaks to Haimo, explaining he must remain in No. 90 to earn Kondo's complete trust and continue his work for their cause, which requires cutting off his past connections and fully solidifying his identity within No. 90. He emphasizes the dire state of the country and their need to fight with all their might. He then asks Haimo to marry him.
Haimo senses his feelings for Xiao Ruotong but tells him she is willing to follow his lead and listen to him. Gu Yizhong clarifies that it must be a fake marriage for their operation, not a real one. Haimo, though aware his heart belongs to Xiao Ruotong, agrees to the fake marriage, expressing confidence in her ability to play the role of the wife but jokingly doubting his ability to play the husband convincingly given his true feelings.
She also states her only wish is to avenge Gu Yizhong's father, cousin, and Fu Gui. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruotong is knitting a scarf for Gu Yizhong, expecting him to join her soon as they planned to leave. His contact visits and tells her Gu Yizhong cannot leave with them for the time being. When she presses for an explanation, despite his contact's reluctance, he eventually reveals that Gu Yizhong is getting married.
Xiao Ruotong is shocked and disbelieving, questioning how he could marry someone else when she believed he was with her, and insisting she will go find out why. A Western-style wedding ceremony is held in a church for Gu Yizhong and Zhang Haimo after two days. Kondo receives an invitation and attends, presenting a gift of fine fabric.
Agents at No. 90 also discuss the wedding invitation, speculating about Haimo's identity and whether the marriage is genuine, noting she is not the Communist woman they heard about. Recognizing Gu Yizhong's new position as Vice Director and his favor with Kondo, they decide to send significant gifts, despite their doubts, reasoning it is better to have a friend and that their gift should be genuine even if the marriage isn't.
During the ceremony, the officiant presides as Gu Yizhong and Haimo exchange vows and rings, committing to each other as husband and wife, before the officiant suggests the groom kiss the bride.
Episode 26 Recap
Gu Yizhong orchestrated a wedding ceremony to gain the Japanese's trust, inviting Zhou Zhifei and specifically Kondo Masao as witnesses. Following Western customs, he and Haimo exchanged vows in a church wedding. Xiao Ruotong attended as a guest, heartbroken by the sight and focusing on the familiar pen on Gu Yizhong's chest. Deeply distressed, she left before the ceremony ended and later tearfully asked her brother why Gu Yizhong hadn't confided in her about the marriage.
Her brother tried to reassure her that it was a pretense and they needed to trust Gu Yizhong, but Xiao Ruotong remained troubled. Later, Gu Yizhong and Haimo were alone in their room. Haimo warned that his leaving the room would arouse suspicion and suggested they stay in the room overnight to maintain appearances. She offered to sleep on the sofa while he took the bed, but Gu Yizhong insisted on taking the sofa himself.
They ultimately lay in the room, with blankets separating them. The following morning, Gu Yizhong and Haimo visited his father's shrine to pay respects. Haimo initially called his father "Uncle Gu," but Gu Yizhong corrected her, telling her to call him "Dad" to get used to it and avoid raising suspicion. Haimo complied, calling him "Dad." When Gu Yizhong asked if his father had left any instructions for her, Haimo replied she could not say, adding "Why the secret?"
before changing the subject to ask what their next steps should be. Gu Yizhong simply instructed her to continue paying respects. Gu Yizhong recalled his last meeting with his contact, Lao Huang, who was also known by the code name Yuanwai. Yuanwai informed him that their current liaison point was being shut down. Gu Yizhong was given a new code name, "Lonely Boat," inspired by lines of poetry, and provided with a new method for future contact and codes.
During this meeting, the two addressed each other by their code names, "Lonely Boat" and "Yuanwai." Gu Yizhong also recalled shaking Yuanwai's hand. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruotong was back at the New Fourth Army base, showing significant improvement in her training. She was informed of a new mission requiring her return to Shanghai under a different identity.
This new role meant shedding her military appearance, wearing qipaos, portraying a sophisticated lady, and needing to make her skin fairer and gain some weight. Xiao Ruotong asked the officer briefing her (likely Wang 科长) if he had inquired about Gu Yizhong's affiliation, expressing her unwavering belief that he was on their side and hoping their mission might involve assisting him.
To prepare for the role, she was instructed to stay indoors for five days to improve her complexion, which she agreed to despite initially suggesting a week. It was later revealed that Junxia would be her partner for the Shanghai mission. In Suzhou, Mr. Li met urgently with Zhou Zhifei. They discussed the recent Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the resulting increase in Japanese arrogance in Suzhou.
Mr. Li shared the significant news that Lin Sen, representing the National Government in Chongqing, had officially declared war on Japan, Germany, and Italy. Mr. Li explained that this move by Chiang Kai-shek aimed to demonstrate China's will and ability to fight to the US and UK, hoping to draw them into the war and leverage their power against Japan.
He contrasted this with Wang Jingwei's Nanjing government, which had also declared war on the US and Chongqing but was dismissed by the Japanese as insignificant due to its lack of military strength. Through this discussion, Zhou Zhifei understood Mr. Li's emphasis on the critical need for them to build their own armed forces to have influence in the future.
Mr. Li then assigned Zhou Zhifei and Junxia a crucial mission to infiltrate the Peace Army's 33rd Independent Division in Shanghai. Their target was the division's commander, Luo Wuqiang, and their task was to interact with personnel and work to bring Luo Wuqiang and his troops into the Anti-Japanese National United Front. By 1943, the international situation was shifting. Kondo Masao discussed the formal dissolution of the Comintern.
When asked for his view, Gu Yizhong analyzed its likely impact on local communist forces, predicting their eventual collapse. Gu Yizhong also analyzed Soviet Russia's situation, suggesting their struggles against Germany would compel them to seek aid from the US and UK, potentially leading to a threat against Manchuria. Kondo Masao confirmed the Japanese strategy involved withdrawing troops from Southeast Asia and moving them north to counter Soviet Russia.
Before this redeployment, however, he stressed the need to eliminate the New Fourth Army forces in the Suzhou area, specifically in Wu County, Changshu, Kunshan, and Taicang, to consolidate their "pacification" efforts. He assigned Gu Yizhong to draft a detailed blockade plan for this operation, stating he did not trust Zhou Zhifei and wanted Gu Yizhong to take more responsibility for station matters henceforth.
Later, Kondo also questioned Gu Yizhong about the long delay in his father's burial, mentioning a rumor about a will stating the burial must wait until the Japanese leave Suzhou. Gu Yizhong offered excuses based on traditional Chinese customs requiring finding an auspicious date, time, and location through feng shui, insisting he too wished for an early burial but the process was ongoing. Kondo assertively declared that Japan would never relinquish Suzhou, viewing it as their Kyoto in China.
Leaving Kondo Masao's office, Gu Yizhong encountered Miao from the telecommunications section, who delivered his magazine. Miao mentioned the extensive checks being conducted on all station communications by Japanese inspectors. Upon returning home, Gu Yizhong used chemical means to reveal a hidden message in the magazine: an urgent request from Yuanwai to meet this Sunday at 3 p. m. at the Yong'an Department Store in Shanghai.
His son, Junsheng, reminded Gu Yizhong that it was Haimo's birthday, a fact he had forgotten. Using Haimo's birthday as a pretext, Gu Yizhong called Zhou Zhifei to request leave for the weekend to take Haimo to Shanghai for shopping, claiming she had long been asking. While also disciplining his own child, Zhou Zhifei dismissed the request as trivial and told Gu Yizhong he no longer needed to ask for such small matters, effectively granting the leave.
He also suggested Gu Yizhong handle more station affairs, claiming a sore back. Immediately after the call, Zhou Zhifei contacted Wan Lilang at Shanghai's No. 76, instructing him to watch Gu Yizhong. Zhou Zhifei also received a report from a subordinate, nicknamed Mazi, about new Japanese neighbors at Gu Yizhong's residence, noting their frequent visitors and Japanese belongings, indicating Zhou Zhifei's active surveillance of Gu. In Shanghai, Gu Yizhong took Haimo and Junsheng to the Yong'an Department Store.
While Haimo and Junsheng shopped, Gu Yizhong managed to evade surveillance and meet secretly with Yuanwai in a fitting room. Yuanwai confirmed that Zhou Zhifei remained suspicious of him. Gu Yizhong passed on intelligence, reporting Kondo Masao's orders for an expanded blockade and sweep operation in the Suzhou region, which he interpreted as a significant counterattack following the failed "pacification" efforts.
Yuanwai explained the urgent meeting was for a new mission based on reliable intelligence: Lieutenant General Kobayashi Nobuo had replaced Major General Di as commander of the 60th Division and was implementing an operation called "Armed Work." Gu Yizhong's critical task was to infiltrate the Japanese Kobayashi Division's Suzhou command headquarters to obtain the specific plan, goals, and details of this operation, a task Gu Yizhong noted was seemingly impossible as only Japanese personnel were allowed inside.
Yuanwai provided funds for Junsheng's living expenses, urging Gu Yizhong to find a way, given his unique position. Haimo, meanwhile, bought two identical scarves, remarking to Gu Yizhong that buying them was the price for accompanying him on his liaison trip, clearly indicating her awareness of his true purpose. Back at home, Gu Yizhong learned from Wang Ma about new neighbors who had recently moved in next door, noting frequent visitors and Japanese belongings.
Gu Yizhong was also aware they were being watched by someone near the wonton stand across the street. Wang Ma also received rice balls (sushi) as a gift from the new neighbors. Later, Haimo deliberately played the piano loudly, which led a Japanese man from the neighboring house to visit, confirming their Japanese identity and raising Gu Yizhong's suspicion about their purpose (likely surveillance).
Episode 27 Recap
Haimo hosted Mr. Ono, a Japanese gentleman from across the street, offering him tea. Ono expressed his admiration for Suzhou ballads, especially the Yu tune, which he had studied briefly in Shanghai years ago.
He was particularly impressed by Haimo's singing and playing, recognizing it as a unique rendition of the Yu tune and quickly deducing she was a student of the renowned Master Zhang Yuquan, whom he had previously sought to visit in 1924 but found had left the region. He felt honored to hear her direct transmission. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong, tasked with intelligence gathering, returned home bearing the strong odor of garbage, having sifted through discarded materials to uncover military secrets.
Haimo eagerly told him about Ono's visit, mentioning his interest in pingtan. Gu Yizhong calmly revealed he had already investigated Ono, identifying him as Ono Jiro, an Osaka rice merchant working at the Suzhou office of Asai Trading. He cautioned Haimo that this was only his public identity and that he had heard Ono was previously involved with the military, suggesting he could be an agent.
Haimo expressed concern and suggested finding a reason to turn Ono away, but Gu Yizhong advised against it, explaining that outright rejection would make them look suspicious. He instructed her to maintain their normal routine, stating that if Ono had ulterior motives, they would eventually reveal themselves. Gu Yizhong suggested he would meet Ono himself later if the opportunity arose.
He then noted the pile of shredded paper Gu Yizhong brought home from the trash heap, commenting on the overwhelming smell. Kondo Masao summoned Gu Yizhong, informing him that Zhou Zhifei's current training manual for new agents was outdated, based on methods from 1932 copied from Gu Shunzhang's classes in the Zhongtong internal system. He instructed Gu Yizhong to create a new, more innovative curriculum.
Kondo explicitly stated his intention to prevent Zhou Zhifei from monopolizing agent training and provided Gu Yizhong with a confidential manual from the General Staff outlining the latest intelligence work guidelines as reference, emphasizing it must not leave the premises of Building 90. Gu Yizhong accepted the materials and discreetly photographed them. Separately, while Captain Zhang was massaging Zhou Zhifei's back, Zhang revealed Kondo's decision to have Gu Yizhong write the training materials.
Zhou Zhifei dismissed Gu Yizhong's capabilities, claiming everything Gu Yizhong knew was taught by him. However, he admitted Kondo's order was strange, especially appointing Gu as the lead instructor, fearing Kondo was overly favoring him and might eventually make him the Director. Zhang advised caution. Later, Gu Yizhong visited Zhou Zhifei, offering to let Zhou continue as the lead instructor due to his own perceived lack of knowledge.
Zhou Zhifei, feigning poor health due to back pain and high blood pressure, declined the offer and insisted Gu Yizhong take on the role, telling him to teach the students everything Zhou had taught him. He gave Gu Yizhong a piece of scarce Japanese Meiji chocolate received from Mr. Li as a gesture of goodwill, telling him to feel free to ask for help if he encountered difficulties while teaching, and suggested he might participate as a guest lecturer later.
Zhou Zhifei’s family faced personal issues as his son, Youfei, prepared to return to Japan. Youfei’s immersion in Japanese culture since returning to China had created significant friction with his father, evident when Youfei performed Japanese bows with his classmates.
While supervising Youfei's packing, including Suzhou snacks, medicine, a mink fur coat, and a kimono (despite Zhou’s previous dislike for him wearing it in China), Zhou Zhifei instructed his son to wear the kimono "in Japan" to make the Japanese lower their guard. He also told Youfei to stop writing coded letters and use telegrams instead if he had problems, asserting that the Japanese wouldn't dare tamper with official communication.
Zhou Zhifei also gave Youfei two books, ensuring the suitcase was full. Zhou's assistant, Xie Wenchao, was present during this emotional farewell. From his carriage, Gu Yizhong witnessed Youfei's departure with Ono present, noting Ono was a merchant yet seemingly had ties to the Japanese military vehicle visible nearby, suggesting he might be an old-school professional agent if he also practiced bowing to Chinese. Gu suggested sending pastries back to Ono's home.
Meanwhile, Haimo had been dealing with financial difficulties at Gu Garden. She mentioned pawning front room vases last year to pay a Shanghai debt. Gu revealed he needed money again to send to Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin in Lizhuang, who were struggling, and Mr. Lin needed money for lung medicine. Haimo noted everything was pawned and criticized Gu for spending money on agents from Building 90. She suggested pawning the family bronze ding.
Gu was initially reluctant (ancestral treasure) but agreed, planning to redeem it later. Haimo was skeptical. Gu specifically warned her not to pawn it at the Japanese-run shop on Guanqian Street, suggesting Wang Zemin's shop to show they were not getting outside subsidies. Haimo later revealed she did not pawn the ding as she found enough money by pawning her bracelet, a sacrifice she made willingly.
Haimo also experienced social pressure from Mrs. Zhou and other wives about why she and Gu had no children after two years, leading to speculation about Gu's fertility. Haimo politely deflected, claiming she was taking Chinese medicine. Mrs. Zhou complained about her husband's obsession with catching communists, even mentioning his recent involvement with Haimo's Hwa Hsia magazines and calling Xie Wenchao from Shanghai.
Later, Haimo told Gu about this, commenting on their two-year "fake couple" arrangement and asking when his "task" would end, to which Gu deflected. Gu and Haimo subsequently visited the Ono family, bringing Haimo's homemade pastries and cured meats. Gu asked Ono about his profession (import/export) and Ono offered assistance with scarce materials. Gu inquired specifically about obtaining Indian rice, noting its importance and scarcity due to government control.
Ono confirmed his company had rice, mostly rough rice, and offered to look for white rice suitable for children. Haimo asked about soap, which was also scarce. Mr. Ono offered soap from their home. Ono Jiro (Mr. Ono's son) conveyed his father's deep admiration for Haimo's pingtan singing. Mr. Ono then asked Haimo if she would be willing to teach him pingtan.
Haimo, stating she only knew a little and wasn't a teacher, nevertheless agreed to welcome him to Gu Garden if he was interested. After the visit, Haimo expressed concern about the encounter, calling it reckless and regretting agreeing to teach Ono, citing his complex identity, military ties, and the scarcity of the soap he offered. Gu disagreed, viewing the pingtan lessons, initiated by Ono, as an excellent opportunity for contact without arousing suspicion, and revealed he had planned this.
Haimo accused him of looking down on her like other wives. Gu denied this, stating his concern was for her safety. Haimo asserted her role as his wife and her willingness to undertake the task if he deemed it necessary. Gu accepted her stance. A letter with photographs brought a new lead to Zhou Zhifei. The photos, showing the back of a person, appeared similar in two different instances.
Zhou Zhifei suspected they depicted the same individual and that this person was the one Gu Yizhong had met with twice recently, indicating they had made a mistake and potentially exposed themselves. He instructed Xie Wenchao to return to Shanghai and secretly investigate the person's identity. Zhou Zhifei noticed a "Hwa Hsia" logo in the background of one photo, leading him to suspect the person worked at The Hwa Hsia magazine.
He ordered Xie Wenchao to screen everyone on the editorial staff list found on the magazine's last page, using only their own trusted personnel, as he suspected No. 76 might be infiltrated, possibly connected to Wan Lilang, whom Mr. Li was also investigating. Zhou believed this person was likely Gu Yizhong's superior in the Communist Party due to their single-line contact and apparent high cultural level, suggesting a high rank within the party.
Xie Wenchao also reported hearing about a Japanese "Wu Plan" operation in Suzhou from his army contacts, though the plan details were unknown. Zhou Zhifei, hearing about Xie Wenchao's sick grandfather (suffering from ascites), gave him money to buy ginseng before he left for Shanghai, reminding him to visit his grandfather first before going to the magazine office. Xie confirmed he would leave the next day and Gu's superior would not escape. Meanwhile, the Communist Party was facing difficult circumstances.
The New Fourth Army leadership had reported the increased hostility from the enemy after the "pacification" operation in the Suzhou-Changshu-Taicang area, emphasizing the need to understand the Japanese military's "Wu Plan" to reduce casualties. Zhou Zhifei mentioned that his connections were not in the Kobayashi HQ and thus it was difficult for him to obtain information about the Wu Plan, but believed "he" (presumably Gu Yizhong, who was tasked by the Japanese) could get the information.
The difficult struggle led the Jiangsu Provincial Committee to decide to disperse and retreat to the northern Jiangsu base area, leaving only a few comrades to remain. Huang Qiushou was on the list for this evacuation. An investigation of "Huang Zuchong" at The Hwa Hsia magazine revealed a suspect who matched the description (architecture editor, Hokkaido University graduate, single, resident behind Hua An Company on Nanjing Road, connected to Hengdeli Western Firm).
Zhou Zhifei confirmed his name was Huang Qiushou, someone he knew from the early days of the Communist Party Special Branch (First Section, intelligence), who had gone to Japan in 1932 and later worked on a case with Wang Sicheng in 1936, at which time he had a Northeast wife. Huang Qiushou's cautious lifestyle (single, no drinking, routine) and residence in an office building with multiple exits suitable for escape suggested he was a professional agent.
He was instructed to quickly transfer his contacts to a new comrade within two days, including briefing the Suzhou contact who trusted him. He also reported being followed by two tails and receiving a warning (from "Lonely Boat") that Zhou Zhifei was investigating The Hwa Hsia magazine. He was told to avoid the magazine office and prepare for evacuation, with the specific time and route to be provided by liaison Baoqing.
Zhou Zhifei's men, tailing Huang Qiushou, discovered a cigarette case hidden in an alley. Believing it might contain intelligence, they retrieved it but found nothing, realizing it was a decoy and their cover was blown. Zhou immediately called Wan Lilang in Shanghai. He informed Wan Lilang that Huang had escaped but they had apprehended his liaison officer.
He told Wan Lilang that Xie Wenchao was on his way to Shanghai and asked Wan to hand the liaison over to Xie for interrogation, noting Xie still worked for Building 90 despite being in Shanghai. Zhou then asked Wan Lilang to capture Huang if possible and hand him over to Zhou in Suzhou just long enough for identification, promising Wan Lilang the credit for the capture.
Gu Yizhong, passing by Zhou Zhifei's office while carrying hairy crabs, overheard this phone conversation. He quickly contacted the underground via a phone booth at Jiayou Stationery Store, using the codename "Lonely Boat" to warn "Yuanwai" that he was exposed and needed to evacuate immediately. The liaison, rushing to Huang Qiushou's location to warn him, saw agents waiting downstairs. Thinking quickly, the liaison used a mirror to flash a signal, attempting to divert the agents.
While the agents were distracted investigating the light, Huang Qiushou was not there, having already escaped. Wan Lilang's team went upstairs but found nothing. However, the liaison continued signaling and was subsequently apprehended by the agents. Huang Qiushou had taken refuge in a busy noodle stall. As he was about to eat his noodles, he spotted agents approaching. Without hesitation, he tore up papers, presumably intelligence, mixed them into his noodles, and quickly ate them.
Xie Wenchao arrived shortly after and forced open Huang Qiushou's mouth but found nothing, the intelligence having been destroyed. In the aftermath of Huang Qiushou's capture, Zhou Zhifei began planning the next steps. He instructed Xie Wenchao to escort the prisoner back to Suzhou.
He then specifically told Captain Zhang to "invite" Gu Yizhong to his office later that night, emphasizing that the second half of the night, when people's willpower is at its weakest, would be the opportune time for the interrogation.
Episode 28 Recap
As a prisoner named Huang Qiushou was being transported, he suddenly attacked the driver, causing the scene to become chaotic. Meanwhile, Station Chief Zhou Zhifei, in his office, was interrupted by Xie Wenchao who brought the news that Huang Qiushou was dead and had the body brought to the interrogation room. Captain Zhang arrived at Gu Yizhong's residence late at night, stating it was an urgent official matter. Despite the late hour, he insisted Gu accompany him immediately.
Gu agreed but asked to change clothes first. Captain Zhang brought Gu Yizhong to the interrogation room at Unit 90 where Zhou Zhifei and Xie Wenchao were present. Zhou Zhifei expressed frustration that Huang Qiushou was dead, stating the original plan was for Huang to identify Gu Yizhong. With Huang dead, Zhou proposed they could have Gu identify Huang instead. Facing Huang's body, Gu Yizhong suppressed his inner shock and grief while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Zhou asked Gu if he knew the deceased. Gu stated he did not recognize the man. Zhou then identified him as Huang Zuchong, editor for Shanghai Hwa Hsia Illustrated, revealing his real name was Huang Qiushou, a senior agent of the CPC.
Zhou claimed Huang had died in a car accident and spoke at length about his past connection with Huang Qiushou in the Special Agent Section, describing him as a kind, sincere, dedicated communist, even sharing a personal memory about Huang making hand-pulled noodles. Zhou then revealed his suspicion that Gu Yizhong was Huang Qiushou's downline, codenamed "Lonely Boat," stating his basis was their shared architectural background, studying abroad, and Gu's subscription to Hwa Hsia Illustrated.
Gu calmly pointed out that many people subscribed to the magazine, including Zhou's own wife, effectively deflecting the accusation and noting that Zhou seemed to have been investigating him. Zhou, seemingly unfazed, asked Gu to examine the fatal wound on Huang Qiushou's neck to determine if he died from excessive blood loss, specifically trying to test Gu's reaction. Gu replied that he was not knowledgeable in medicine and couldn't do so. Zhou concluded his questions, and Gu prepared to leave.
As Gu departed, Zhou provocatively said, "Goodbye, Mr. Lonely Boat," and offered to share more about Huang Qiushou someday, but Gu declined, stating he wasn't interested. Zhou then commented to Captain Zhang that Gu Yizhong's lack of reaction to the body was identical to Zhang's own lack of sadness, finding it suspicious. Captain Zhang stated he wasn't sad because he didn't know the man.
Later, Zhou Zhifei met with Mr. Li and reported his certainty that Gu Yizhong was the "Lonely Boat" mole, adding he intended to "deal with him." Mr. Li cautioned him against acting rashly, noting Kondo Masao's recent closeness to Gu. Mr. Li suggested that if Gu was indeed the mole, Kondo's actions might be strategic, indicating the Japanese were also seeking a way out given the current stage of the war.
He advised Zhou to prioritize probing and winning over the 33rd Independent Division, led by Luo Wuqiang, who commanded significant forces with formidable equipment, mentioning that Zhou Fohai was also trying to recruit him into the Tax Police. Mr. Li saw "Lonely Boat" as potentially useful later, like a "nail" to "hang something on," and suggested letting him remain in place for now.
Mr. Li then brought up a personal matter concerning Lyuzhu, a friend in the Kun Opera world, who was causing trouble for his wife in Nanjing. He needed a place for Lyuzhu to stay. Zhou Zhifei offered to arrange for Lyuzhu to come to Suzhou, suggesting its pleasant environment would suit her. Mr. Li agreed and tasked Zhou with handling the matter.
Zhou Zhifei later expressed worry about this task to Yuqing, explaining Lyuzhu was a difficult woman; two previous men who handled her – Zhang Dabao from the Garrison Command and Xie Changle, Deputy Director of Jiangsu District – had been executed by shooting or shot to death by random bullets under Mr. Li's hand after being suspected of issues with her. Yuqing, recognizing the problem, cunningly suggested Zhou pass the "hot potato" responsibility to Gu Yizhong.
She reasoned that Zhou was too rough and didn't know how to handle women, but Gu was adept at it, citing his popularity with women at a cultural committee party. Yuqing explained that if Gu handled Lyuzhu well, Zhou would get credit for arranging it, but if Lyuzhu caused trouble or made advances towards Gu, Mr. Li might use his hand to have Gu also shot to death, effectively removing him. Zhou praised Yuqing's ruthless plan.
Following Yuqing's suggestion, Zhou Zhifei visited Gu Yizhong in his office under the pretense of just looking around and seeing if he needed anything. After some small talk about the office, Zhou revealed the real reason for his visit, referencing the matter they discussed by phone the previous night about Mr. Li. Gu feigned ignorance about the matter.
Zhou Zhifei then referenced the recent incident where Gu was accused of communist collusion, claiming it was a misunderstanding caused by Unit 76, and that he had even called Wan Lilang to complain about such distrust between "comrades." Gu cautiously brought up the surveillance at the wonton stand near his home, suggesting that might also be Unit 76.
Zhou evaded this directly and steered the conversation back to Mr. Li, emphasizing that as their superior, Mr. Li's matters needed their help. Zhou finally asked Gu to take care of Lyuzhu, claiming Gu was better suited for the task due to their similar age and Gu's perceived ability to interact with women, contrasting himself with his own strict wife. Gu expressed understanding of Zhou's predicament but initially claimed he was unable to help.
Zhou persisted, offering Gu Longjing tea and emphasizing that Mr. Li greatly admired Gu, had mentioned him several times, and hoped Zhou would promote him. Zhou stressed that taking care of Lyuzhu was the best opportunity for Gu to build a connection with Mr. Li and advance his career. Gu eventually agreed to take on the task.
Zhou was pleased, thanked Gu profusely, and promised to have Captain Zhang remove the surveillance from the wonton stand immediately, adding that Gu's safety after that would be up to himself. Gu Yizhong met Lyuzhu and began accompanying her. After a day of shopping, Lyuzhu complained about her legs and demanded Gu massage them, even acting coquettish and flirting.
Gu politely declined, asking her to respect herself and suggesting he find a professional masseur, a blind masseur, or a famous bone-setting master instead, which Lyuzhu dismissed, rudely commenting about blind people and cripples. She commented on his apparent knowledge and noted that Zhou Zhifei had cleverly passed the task given by Mr. Li onto him, calling Zhou a "sly" and "damned Station Chief."
Lyuzhu inquired about plans for the next day, dismissing suggestions of visiting gardens or listening to ballads as boring but showing some interest in Suzhou embroidery, noting his knowledge of its technique. She instructed him to pick her up at seven that evening to go to a dance hall. That evening, Gu Yizhong accompanied Lyuzhu to a dance hall. When a Japanese Colonel, Ito, aggressively demanded Lyuzhu dance with him and pour him a drink, she refused, angering him.
Ito became aggressive, drew a pistol, and threatened to shoot. Just as the situation escalated, Ono intervened, recognizing Ito. Ono explained that Lyuzhu was his friend's friend and reminded Ito that Commander Kobayashi Nobuo might be displeased if he heard about the incident. Ono persuaded Ito to put the gun away, and Ito left after apologizing to Ono. Ono advised Gu and Lyuzhu to leave the potentially dangerous place.
Afterward, Gu scolded Lyuzhu for being reckless in provoking the Japanese officer, warning her they were ruthless killers. Lyuzhu retorted mockingly whether he was afraid and lacked courage, stating she was not afraid of the Japanese, claiming Mr. Li had said the Japanese couldn't operate in China without their help. Gu warned her against saying such things publicly and against being willful, insisting he had to ensure her safety as he was tasked with being loyal to his assignment.
Lyuzhu dismissed his concerns, telling him he couldn't tell her what to do and calling him spineless and like the others. Gu returned home late that night, finding Haimo waiting up for him. He told her not to wait up and to rest. Haimo had prepared lotus seed and Gordon Euryale seed soup for him. At dinner, there was only plain food, and Haimo explained it was better for Gu's stomach as he'd been drinking daily.
She then pointedly criticized his frequent drinking and associating with women from Nanjing and Shanghai at places like amusement parks and dance halls, calling them scummy places. She implied she was aware of his activities and felt disrespected, despite their marriage being merely an arrangement, stating he should at least show some respect. Zhou Zhifei visited Gu Yizhong again, complaining that Lyuzhu's expenses were exorbitant, totaling 3,000, and joking that he might have to sell Gu Garden.
Gu agreed to reimburse him, expressing surprise at the amount ("Three thousand? A bit much ah") and asking for a few days to get the money, acknowledging Zhou was "wronged" by this task.
Zhou encouraged Gu to continue taking good care of Lyuzhu, reiterating that she could praise him and "whisper sweet nothings" about him to Mr. Li when he returned, which would lead Mr. Li to see Gu as "one of his own" and be a significant boost for his career. Gu thanked him, and Zhou reiterated his support, addressing Gu as "little brother."
Later, Ono visited Haimo, praising her skill in Pingtan, specifically Tanci, and stating he felt he had learned all he could from her. He mentioned a friend was holding a birthday party and wanted him to sing Tanci, but his skill wasn't sufficient. He then requested Haimo accompany him to the party to perform. Haimo asked if the friend was Chinese or Japanese; Ono confirmed he was a Japanese military officer.
Haimo expressed hesitation about getting too close to Japanese officers as ordinary people, fearing misunderstanding. Ono then revealed that his friend was not just any officer, but His Excellency Commander Kobayashi Nobuo. Gu Yizhong was within earshot and reacted with subtle inner joy upon hearing the name, seeing it as an opportunity and feeling anticipation for the meeting.
Episode 29 Recap
Following Ono's departure, Zhang Haimo inquired about the identity of Gu Yizhong's Japanese acquaintance. Gu Yizhong revealed he was Mr. Kobayashi Nobuo, the highest-ranking Japanese commander in Suzhou and head of the division. Gu admitted he had been trying to contact Kobayashi and saw the upcoming birthday party as a potential opportunity. Haimo questioned why he had refused Ono's invitation.
Gu explained that agreeing too readily would arouse suspicion, and he also suspected Ono might be testing them, though Haimo thought Ono seemed like an ordinary person. Gu maintained that caution was necessary as Ono was still Japanese and promised to find a way to accept the ballad performance invitation later.
Haimo expressed a desire to learn about his work, including using a camera, but Gu refused, stating it was dangerous and he didn't want to involve her in special agent work. Haimo compared herself to Xiao Ruotong, questioning why she couldn't do what Miss Xiao could, which prompted Gu to state she wasn't Haimo. Haimo then mused about her identity, questioning why she often felt like Haimo but had to portray Zhang Haimo.
Gu decided that his wife, Mrs. Gu, would accept the invitation for the ballad performance, and Haimo agreed to go with him, but insisted that he follow her arrangements. Gu Yizhong was later given a book containing "Errata," a book that had belonged to the recently deceased comrade, Lao Huang. According to Lao Huang's instructions, if Gu Yizhong were compromised or lost contact, he was to use this book for a new contact.
The organization would arrange another person who would carry an identical copy of a specific poetry collection. The designated meeting place was the Pavilion of Surging Waves, during the monthly Surging Waves Poetry Society held on the first day of each lunar month between eight and eleven in the morning. Gu Yizhong followed these instructions and went to the Pavilion on the appointed day, but the designated contact did not appear.
Meanwhile, Gao Hu privately informed Gu Yizhong that Zhou Zhifei and others at the station were investigating him but had not found any incriminating evidence. Gao Hu spoke highly of the recently sacrificed Mr. Huang, calling him a real man. Gao Hu then directly asked if Gu Yizhong was a member of the Communist Party or the New Fourth Army. Gu Yizhong countered by asking Gao Hu what he would do if that were the case.
Gao Hu declared his unwavering loyalty, stating that regardless of Gu Yizhong's identity, he would remain loyal to him like a brother. Gu Yizhong dismissed his concerns and denied being a Communist, but Gao Hu vehemently swore his allegiance, emphasizing his absolute trust. Xiao Ruotong, using the alias Lu Junnuo, arrived in Suzhou as the governess and teacher for Commander Luo Wuqiang's sons.
Luo Wuqiang personally welcomed her to the hotel and ensured her accommodation was satisfactory, overriding her modesty about the luxurious room. He expressed gratitude for her dedication in teaching his children and, noticing her cough, insisted on finding the best doctor in Suzhou for her. His attendant, Bingmei, confirmed that Dr. Wang of Jimin Clinic, renowned for treating coughs, was available. Luo Wuqiang also ordered pear soup to be prepared.
He proudly showed Ms. Lu a handwritten note in English from his youngest son, expressing affection and wishing for her speedy recovery. Ms. Lu corrected a minor spelling error and translated the child's sincere message, further impressing Commander Luo, who expressed a desire to learn English from her as well. He instructed Bingmei to ensure Ms. Lu was well cared for before leaving.
An attendant, discreetly an underground party member (Bingmei), informed Ms. Lu (Xiao Ruotong) that contact with local comrades had been successfully made and a meeting was scheduled for the following afternoon. Simultaneously, Captain Zhang reported Commander Luo Wuqiang's arrival in Suzhou to Zhou Zhifei, detailing his security detachment and mentioning the accompanying governess, a woman named Lu. Zhou Zhifei examined a file for "Lu Junnuo," noting her Shanghai origin and background.
Zhou Zhifei found her face familiar and showed her file to Captain Zhang. After dismissing Zhang, Zhou Zhifei reviewed another file, labelled as Xiao Ruotong's, and noticed the critical absence of a photograph. Later, Captain Zhang confirmed that their investigation into Xiao Ruotong's former residence and school indicated that the information in her file had been deliberately altered.
Zhou Zhifei also noted the continuous surveillance around Luo Wuqiang's hotel by suspicious individuals, appearing to be agents from his own organization, along with Japanese gendarmes, suggesting close monitoring of Luo, or perhaps even himself. Luo Wuqiang's presence in Suzhou also drew unwelcome attention from both the Japanese and elements within the Wang regime. Japanese officers, like Kondo Masao, regarded Luo Wuqiang with contempt for his inaction against the Communists and considered taking action against his forces.
However, others cautioned that figures like Li Shiqun, representing the Wang Jingwei government, were also vying for control of Luo Wuqiang's army and that care should be taken. Later, Li Shiqun presided over a ceremony where he officially conferred the rank of Lieutenant General upon Luo Wuqiang on behalf of the Wang government, acknowledging his supposed contributions.
In a private conversation following the ceremony, Li Shiqun revealed that the award had a deeper purpose and probed Luo Wuqiang's views on the political climate. Li suggested that China's destiny would ultimately be decided by those who held military power and proposed an alliance among Chinese forces. He mentioned Luo's possible transfer to Zhou Fohai's command but implied a higher rank was fitting.
Li then offered Luo Wuqiang a substantial sum of thirty million dollars in financial backing to secure his loyalty and control of his troops. Luo Wuqiang expressed hesitancy, citing his previous commitments to Zhou Fohai and the need to consult his eight thousand soldiers who had risked their lives with him. Li Shiqun urged him to consider the offer at his leisure, stating that all terms were negotiable.
An urgent summons from Chairman Wang requiring Luo Wuqiang's immediate return to Nanjing interrupted their discussion. Luo agreed to depart but promised to return soon. After Luo left, Li Shiqun informed Zhou Zhifei that Luo had not explicitly accepted or rejected the offer, noting his cunning nature. He also mentioned that the Japanese, including Iwaii, were closely monitoring Luo. Li instructed Zhou Zhifei to keep Luo in Suzhou until his return, reaffirming his determination to gain control of Luo's troops.
Feigning a cough, Ms. Lu visited a Chinese medicine clinic. There, she met her contact, Junxia (Sixth Brother), disguised as a doctor. Xiao Ruotong reported to Junxia on Luo Wuqiang's indecisive position, emphasizing that Li Shiqun's enticing offer presented a significant risk of Luo siding with him and potentially fighting against the New Fourth Army, given Luo's pragmatic nature and regard for wealth despite some patriotic sentiment.
Xiao Ruotong proposed revealing her true identity as a member of the New Fourth Army immediately to try and sway Luo Wuqiang and prevent him from committing to Li Shiqun, stressing the urgency of the situation. However, Junxia advised extreme caution, stating that such a crucial step required authorization from higher command. He reminded her that her current mission was to maintain her cover as the governess and not reveal her identity unless absolutely necessary.
Junxia also cautioned her that she might encounter Gu Yizhong in Suzhou, previously referring to him as "Xiao Jiu," and instructed her to avoid any contact with him for security reasons, emphasizing it was for the safety of both of them. Zhou Zhifei decided to host a dinner and inquired about popular local dishes. The guest list included Commander Luo Wuqiang and his governess, as well as Gu Yizhong and his wife, among others.
Later, Zhou Zhifei learned that Luo Wuqiang had purchased a conspicuously large diamond, a "six-carat pigeon egg" he had previously seen. Zhou Zhifei was surprised to discover that Luo had bought this expensive item for his governess, Ms. Lu, remarking that he wouldn't even buy such a gift for his own wife.
Examining a file specifically labeled as "Xiao Ruotong's file," Zhou Zhifei noted that while both Xiao Ruotong and Lu Junnuo were listed as being from Shanghai, the details in their respective files did not align. Crucially, Xiao Ruotong's file lacked a photograph. Captain Zhang confirmed that their investigation into Xiao Ruotong's former residence and school indicated that the information in her file had been deliberately altered.
Zhou Zhifei also noted the continuous surveillance around Luo Wuqiang's hotel by suspicious individuals, likely agents from his own organization, along with Japanese gendarmes, suggesting close monitoring of Luo, or perhaps even himself. Ms. Lu received a delivery of flowers and was told they had been sent an hour prior with a message wishing her a swift recovery.
Based on this, she concluded that Zhou Zhifei was likely already suspicious of her, confirming her fears that their continued stay in Suzhou was increasingly perilous. Luo Wuqiang invited Ms. Lu to a casual dinner. He mentioned her excellent teaching and promised to show her the sights of Suzhou once her health improved.
He shared that he had read in the newspaper about Li Shiqun personally conferring his rank, suggesting that figures like Li were already positioning themselves for the future. He then revealed that Li Shiqun had offered him thirty million dollars for control of his 33rd Independent Division.
Luo explained the immense value of the sum but expressed anguish over the prospect of leading his eight thousand men, many of whom were patriotic veterans who had fought the Japanese, into conflict against fellow Chinese forces like the New Fourth Army and the Loyal and Righteous Army. He stated he did not want his brothers to suffer or become traitors. Ms. Lu apologized for her initial misjudgment, praising him as a rare and principled general in such turbulent times.
Luo Wuqiang confided that his military career had left him feeling rootless, but her presence as his children's tutor over the past year had brought him a sense of home and warmth, stating that his three children loved her and that he liked her too. He then presented her with a large diamond ring, insisting she accept it despite her hesitation and assertion that she was merely a governess and it was too valuable.
An urgent phone call from Nanjing for Luo Wuqiang interrupted their meal, requiring his immediate departure, though he promised to return soon. After he left, Xiao Ruotong, visibly distressed as her greatest fears were materializing, confided in Bingmei. She instructed Bingmei to find Junxia immediately, report everything that had happened, and request urgent instructions from their superiors, adding that she personally sought extraction due to the escalating danger.
She explained that their original mission was to observe Luo's division and potentially persuade him to defect, but having spent a year with him and witnessing his loyal and perceptive character, she was now even more concerned about their passive and increasingly precarious situation. Bingmei agreed to convey the message to the organization. In a separate encounter, Gu Yizhong met Junxia.
Junxia expressed relief at seeing him and mentioned it had been over a year since they last met, during which many significant events had occurred, and he had often wished to contact him. While Junxia had previously cautioned Xiao Ruotong about contacting Gu Yizhong ("Xiao Jiu") for safety, he took the risk to contact Gu now because their operation in Suzhou urgently needed his support.
When Gu Yizhong asked about his purpose in Suzhou, Junxia replied he couldn't disclose it, but revealed he had suspected Gu's identity. Junxia shared the news that the Jiangsu Provincial Committee had evacuated and Mr. Huang (Teacher Huang) had sacrificed his life. He then stated his need to establish formal contact with Gu Yizhong, explaining that their operation in Suzhou required Gu's support and asked for his trust. Gu Yizhong responded with a cryptic question, asking if Junxia read poetry.
Confused, Junxia asked if this was a secret code. Gu Yizhong then started to leave, but Junxia stopped him, confirming that Xiao Ruotong was also in Suzhou, having arrived with him. Junxia reiterated his need for Gu's help and again asked for Gu's trust. Zhou Zhifei extended an invitation to Gu Yizhong and Zhang Haimo to attend the dinner with Commander Luo Wuqiang and his governess, specifying that both should attend.
Gu Yizhong informed Haimo about the invitation and insisted that she accompany him, arguing that their specific inclusion meant refusing would appear suspicious. Haimo expressed her deep reluctance to attend, calling Zhou Zhifei a cunning veteran spy who made her incredibly nervous, and suggested they avoid him to prevent trouble. Despite Haimo's suggestion to claim illness, Gu Yizhong maintained that attendance was mandatory, as Zhou Zhifei had personally extended the invitation and stressed his presence.
Gu Yizhong acknowledged it could be a potential trap orchestrated by No. 90 but believed they must go, as not attending would raise further suspicion, and the dinner presented a valuable opportunity to gauge Luo Wuqiang's true intentions. He confirmed that agents from Zhou's organization and Japanese gendarmes were still actively monitoring the hotel, potentially watching Luo Wuqiang or even himself.
Gu Yizhong attempted to reassure Haimo, reminding her she would be portraying Lu Junnuo and that he would be present to protect her. Haimo teased him about how effective his disguise was, saying Zhou Zhifei must be blind not to have exposed him in two years. Gu then unexpectedly embraced her, causing Haimo to be startled, blush, and quickly withdraw, feeling flustered.
At the dinner party hosted by Zhou Zhifei at a friend's residence, Gu Yizhong and Zhang Haimo were welcomed. Zhou Zhifei's wife, Ji Yuqing, was also present. Commander Luo Wuqiang arrived and was formally introduced by Zhou Zhifei to Ji Yuqing, Gu Yizhong, and Gu Yizhong's wife, Zhang Haimo. Luo Wuqiang in turn introduced his companion as Miss Lu Junnuo, his children's governess and teacher.
As they settled in, Zhou Zhifei welcomed Luo Wuqiang again, mentioning Li Shiqun's instructions to provide him with any necessary assistance in Suzhou. Luo Wuqiang complimented Gu Yizhong, stating he had heard positive things about him and recognized a connection through Gu Yizhong's father, Master Gu Xixing.
Luo Wuqiang revealed that he had studied briefly at the Huangpu Academy and had been taught by Gu Xixing, whom he highly praised as a loyal and upright member of the "Four Talents of Huangpu," respected for his significant military achievements during the Northern Expedition, fighting from Shaoguan to Jinan. Luo Wuqiang expressed his sadness about the current state of affairs.
Episode 30 Recap
At a dinner party hosted by Yuqing and Zhou Zhifei, attended by guests including Commander Luo Wuqiang, Lu Junnuo, Gu Yizhong, Haimo, Wang Zemin, and Lyuzhu, featuring authentic Suzhou cuisine, Yuqing had previously mentioned to Zhou Zhifei the story of a valuable diamond ring she desired but couldn't afford, which ended up with Commander Luo, reportedly given to a teacher named Lu.
This detail prompted Zhou Zhifei's interest and was part of the reason for the dinner, which Yuqing aimed to strengthen ties between Luo, Lu, and the Gu family. During the dinner, Director Zhou Zhifei engaged Lu Junnuo in conversation about her education, learning she attended Soochow University in Shanghai.
He then specifically brought up Gu Yizhong's former acquaintance, Xiao Ruotong, who also attended Soochow University and was later identified as a female communist, causing trouble for Gu Yizhong by being noted in his files. Zhou Zhifei's line of questioning clearly aimed at probing both Gu Yizhong and Lu Junnuo, hinting at suspicion about Lu Junnuo's identity or connections.
Commander Luo Wuqiang quickly intervened, deflecting the conversation and stating that Lu Junnuo was a distinguished person not to be compared to Xiao Ruotong. Zhou Zhifei playfully denied being suspicious, saying he'd be acting like he was at No. 90 if Commander Luo wasn't present, prompting complaints from others about his interrogation habits and suggesting the dinner felt like a trap. The conversation later shifted to the ongoing World War.
Gu Yizhong, drawing on his American education, predicted Italy's eventual collapse following the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, suggesting difficulty for the Axis powers and a potential rise in the U. S. dollar. Wang Zemin agreed, advising continued investment in dollars. After the dinner, some female guests, including Yuqing and Haimo, played mahjong. Lyuzhu, observing, asked Haimo about Lyuzhu herself, and Haimo identified Lyuzhu as being associated with Mr. Li.
Lyuzhu then speculated that this meant Lyuzhu was also a female agent. Separately, in a private conversation between Haimo and Xiao Ruotong (in her guise as Lu Junnuo), Haimo commented on Lu Junnuo's demeanor and excellent performance, noting that if she hadn't known Lu Junnuo's true identity beforehand, she would have been completely convinced. Haimo also denied feeling jealous but expressed concern for Gu Yizhong.
In a private conversation between Zhou Zhifei and Yuqing, Zhou instructed Yuqing to gather all their legal tender, Japanese yen, and military tickets to be exchanged for U. S. dollars in Shanghai. He expressed a lack of confidence in the current situation and wanted to prepare for potential economic turmoil, suggesting either Wang Zemin or Yuqing's brother handle the exchange, as he didn't fully trust Wang Zemin with such a large sum.
Utilizing Haimo's scheduled performance as a ballad singer at General Officer Kobayashi's residence as a diversion, Gu Yizhong accompanied her under the pretense of being her husband and taking photos to document the event. While Haimo performed, Gu Yizhong accessed General Officer Kobayashi's office and photographed important documents related to the "Wu Plan." During his escape, he fell and was discovered by Ono. Ono confronted Gu Yizhong about the camera and its contents, which could be life-threatening.
Gu Yizhong challenged Ono by highlighting the Japanese occupation and exploitation of Chinese resources, arguing that their actions constituted the real theft and greater crime. Despite the tense encounter, Ono ultimately returned the camera and did not report Gu Yizhong. Gu Yizhong later told Haimo he had obtained the photos and needed to develop them urgently. The organization dispatched Wang Mingzhong to meet Gu Yizhong in Suzhou.
However, shortly after Wang Mingzhong arrived in Suzhou and checked into Room 203 of the Zhaowen Hotel, men from No. 90, led by Captain Zhang, apprehended him. Wang Mingzhong was taken to No. 90 for interrogation but refused to cooperate, remaining completely silent despite Captain Zhang's efforts. Captain Zhang reported to Director Zhou Zhifei that their prisoner was proving very difficult, but Director Zhou insisted he must not die during interrogation.
Xiao Ruotong (as Lu Junnuo) discussed Wang Mingzhong's arrest with Xiao Junxia (Liu Ge). Junxia noted that according to organizational rules, their group, being Wang Mingzhong's direct operatives, should immediately cease all activities and withdraw. However, Xiao Ruotong refused to abandon their mission and insisted on rescuing Wang Mingzhong. She informed Junxia that she had telegraphed Director Lin of the Ministry of Political Affairs to request approval for a rescue plan.
Following the plan, Xiao Junxia met with Commander Luo Wuqiang, accompanied by two of Luo's trusted men, including Lin Guoping. Junxia presented a note from Director Lin and introduced himself as a special agent from the New Fourth Army's Suzhou-Shanghai Liaison Office. He requested Commander Luo's assistance in rescuing Wang Mingzhong from No. 90. Initially, Commander Luo reacted hostilely, even ordering Junxia killed.
He contrasted the offers he received from the Wang regime (Zhou Fohai offering status as tax police, Mr. Li offering 30 million) and demanded to know what the New Fourth Army could offer. Junxia appealed to Commander Luo's sense of honor and his relationship with his troops, arguing that only by cooperating with the New Fourth Army could they live honorably and avoid being labeled traitors by history.
He spoke of the national united front against Japan and the success of the New Fourth Army in Southern Jiangsu. Commander Luo, visibly affected, rescinded the order to kill Junxia and released him, asking how long Wang Mingzhong had been held. Gu Yizhong had planned to meet a contact at Canglang Pavilion using a poetry book as identification, but the rendezvous failed, likely because his intended contact, Wang Mingzhong, was arrested.
After developing the intelligence photos, Gu Yizhong went to Canglang Pavilion again but still found no contact. He later learned from Gao Hu at No. 90 that Captain Zhang had captured a very tough prisoner, who was likely the contact he was waiting for. Later, while walking, Xiao Ruotong (in her guise as Lu Junnuo) encountered Gu Yizhong.
Gu Yizhong urgently informed her that he had acquired crucial intelligence regarding a Japanese plan but didn't know who to contact within his network. He revealed that the Japanese, specifically the Kobayashi Division, planned to disarm Commander Luo Wuqiang's 33rd Division in a surprise attack code-named "the Wu Plan." He added that Shanghai Deng troops had been urgently redeployed to reinforce Kobayashi's division, and the attack was scheduled for the following morning.
Gu Yizhong handed her a newspaper containing the detailed intelligence, instructing her to deliver it to Commander Luo as quickly as possible so he could prepare or leave Suzhou before the attack. As Lu Junnuo (Xiao Ruotong) took the newspaper and reached inside to retrieve the hidden message, another hand suddenly covered it, leaving the situation tense and uncertain.
Episode 31 Recap
Gu Yizhong received a newspaper, and his fingertips briefly touched Xiao Ruotong's. He quickly withdrew his hand. Xiao Ruotong expressed how she missed him every minute and every second. Faced with her deep affection, Gu Yizhong remained silent, knowing he could not respond due to his identity.
He explained that he had made a solemn promise to someone who saved his life and must keep it, stating that they must fight without concern for themselves as the country was on the brink of survival. Elsewhere, Zhou Zhifei held a collection of poems given to him by Wang Mingzhong, but he struggled to understand its meaning. He decided to use their childhood friendship to try and influence Wang Mingzhong. They had known each other since they were young.
Zhou Zhifei recalled his stepfather often beat him after his mother remarried, and during those times, Wang Mingzhong's mother would invite him over and cook for him, which he deeply remembered. By reminding Wang Mingzhong of this old kindness, Zhou Zhifei hoped to elicit some cooperation. Seeing Wang Mingzhong's severely injured state, Zhou Zhifei was furious. He ordered his subordinates to find a doctor immediately and took Wang Mingzhong to his office, where food and drink had been prepared.
At the office, Zhou Zhifei expressed concern and asked Wang Mingzhong about his injuries. He then spoke of their past and the difficulties of his childhood, referencing their visit to a Mr. Xu who survived the Hundred Days' Reform by "going with the flow," a philosophy that had guided Zhou Zhifei for over twenty years. He said that as long as one is alive, there is hope.
Zhou Zhifei then revealed he knew Wang Mingzhong was in Suzhou to meet a Communist operative code-named "Lonely Boat." He appealed to their old friendship and his gratitude for Wang Mingzhong's mother's help, promising Wang Mingzhong safe passage if he provided the contact information, location, and password for "Lonely Boat." Wang Mingzhong, however, remained evasive, claiming to be just a small businessman and not understanding what Zhou Zhifei was talking about.
Increasingly frustrated, Zhou Zhifei lost his temper and flipped the table. At that moment, Luo Wuqiang arrived with his men, surrounding the location and demanding Wang Mingzhong's release. Kondo Masao was informed and, despite hearing that Wang Mingzhong was suspected of being a Communist intelligence head, ordered Zhou Zhifei to release him to avoid escalating the situation. Under pressure from his superior's order and his own desire for information, Zhou Zhifei ultimately conceded.
As Wang Mingzhong was about to leave, Zhou Zhifei lunged to snatch the poetry collection from his hand, believing it contained hidden information. In the struggle, Wang Mingzhong was killed. To cover up the death, Zhou Zhifei immediately claimed Wang Mingzhong was mistakenly shot by a subordinate and publicly executed the subordinate as a form of accountability to Luo Wuqiang.
On their way out of No. 90, Luo Wuqiang and his entourage were ambushed by Japanese Military Police outside the Chang Gate. Just as they were in peril, Gu Yizhong and Six Brother arrived. Gu Yizhong handed Luo Wuqiang detailed intelligence regarding the Japanese "Wu Plan," scheduled for 2 a. m. the next day, aimed at forcing Luo Wuqiang's division to surrender their weapons.
Six Brother selflessly chose to provide cover, telling Gu Yizhong to take Commander Luo and complete the mission while he held off the Japanese soldiers. Six Brother was killed heroically in the exchange of fire, ensuring Gu Yizhong and Luo Wuqiang's escape. Kondo Masao was informed that Luo Wuqiang had apparently escaped the ambush.
He immediately issued a stern order to the Japanese Military Police Captain, Sall Well: Luo Wuqiang must not escape Suzhou, demanding he be found alive or dead. The Captain confidently replied that the city's exits were all blocked with checkpoints, making escape impossible. Zhou Zhifei learned of Luo Wuqiang being attacked and called Mr. Li to report. Mr. Li was enraged, calling the Japanese incompetent for causing trouble instead of preventing it.
Zhou Zhifei also mentioned hearing that Lyuzhu's car was seen entering Luo Wuqiang's barracks in Changshu, assuming she had been taken hostage. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong sought help from Lyuzhu to borrow her car to get Luo Wuqiang out of the city. Lyuzhu playfully suggested Gu Yizhong spend the night with her as a condition, finding his awkwardness amusing. Ultimately, Lyuzhu agreed to help. She arranged for Gao Hu to drive her car to assist Luo Wuqiang's escape.
Before Luo Wuqiang left, Lyuzhu kissed him on the cheek, joking that the lipstick mark would be his protective charm. Gao Hu drove them towards the Qi Gate. When stopped by the guards, Lyuzhu had instructed Gao Hu to say that Mr. Li urgently needed to leave the city tonight. The guards, seeing the lipstick mark on Luo Wuqiang's face and recognizing the car, mistook him for Mr. Li and let them through.
Luo Wuqiang and Gu Yizhong successfully used Lyuzhu's car to leave Suzhou. Separately, Lu Junnuo, accompanied by Bingmei and Company Commander Meng, also attempted to leave Suzhou. After the ambush at Chang Gate, they learned that other city gates were also blocked due to the curfew after 8 p. m. and roadblocks. Company Commander Meng suggested trying the Pan Gate water city gate as small boats could pass at night. However, before they reached Pan Gate, they were stopped.
Luo Wuqiang returned to his headquarters in Changshu and was greeted by his soldiers. He learned that 67 officers and soldiers from the Guard Company had sacrificed themselves to save him during the ambush outside Suzhou. He told his men it was not the time for immediate revenge but for preparation.
He issued orders, directing the Twenty-first Independent Brigade towards Kunshan for defense against the expected Japanese advance under the "Wu Plan," ordering the Ninety-eighth and 99th Regiments to support them, and the 101st Regiment and the Guards Regiment to strengthen defenses in Changshu against attack from Shanghai. He declared to his division that they would never surrender their weapons while they were alive.
He also instructed his staff to immediately contact Director Lin Guoping of the New Fourth Army's 6th Division by radio. Following these events, Mr. Li received a phone call from Luo Wuqiang. Luo Wuqiang confirmed his safe return to Changshu and asked about Lu Junnuo, confirming his concern for her safety. Mr. Li confirmed that he knew about the situation.
Later, speaking with Zhou Zhifei, Mr. Li revealed that Lu Junnuo was under his control and had been watched by two special operations groups from No. 76. He corrected Zhou Zhifei, stating that Luo Wuqiang was concerned about Lu Junnuo's safety, indicating they could still use her as leverage. Mr. Li ordered Zhou Zhifei to personally guard Lu Junnuo at Lyuzhu's house and ensure she does not leave.
Separately, Zhou Zhifei spoke with someone else, confirming Six Brother's death and Xiao Ruotong's disappearance, having searched for her all night, noting how difficult it was to leave the city. Lu Junnuo is shown at Lyuzhu's house, speaking to the guards, confirming that she is being held there and cannot make calls without permission from Mr. Li, effectively under house arrest.
Episode 32 Recap
Lu Junnuo, held captive, was initially cared for by a woman she identified as Aunt Liu. Lu deduced that Lyuzhu had previously lived in the same location based on the presence of opera costumes. Lu inquired about Lyuzhu's whereabouts, but Aunt Liu claimed ignorance, stating her sole duty was to attend to Lu.
During this time, Lu realized that "Aunt Liu" was actually Liu Xiujuan, a 76 agent serving as her guard, likely on Mr. Li's orders, having recognized her from a newspaper photo. The woman posing as Lu Junnuo also explicitly revealed her true name was Xiao Ruotong to Liu Xiujuan. Simultaneously, Mr. Li contacted Luo Wuqiang, informing him that Lu Junnuo had been found safe in Suzhou.
Luo demanded Lu's immediate return to Changshu for his children, expressing reluctance to revisit Suzhou due to the Japanese having killed sixty-seven of his men there. Mr. Li made counter-offers, including meeting in Shanghai or Nanjing and mentioning approval from Chairman Wang for Luo's previous requests regarding funds and weapons. Luo dismissed these, proposing an exchange: Mr. Li safely return Lyuzhu to Suzhou in exchange for Luo safely returning Lu Junnuo to Changshu.
Mr. Li dismissed Lyuzhu's importance compared to Lu and warned Luo against trusting the Communist Party, promising to return Lu unharmed at their next meeting and urging Luo to consider his position. After the call, Luo Wuqiang told Director Lin that Mr. Li was a contemptible individual. He insisted that the safe return of Lu Junnuo was a non-negotiable condition for his forces to change allegiance, even while acknowledging that it was the optimal time for an uprising.
Director Lin reported on the scouting efforts regarding Xiao Ruotong, revealing she was held under strict guard by No. 76 personnel, including Zhou Zhifei, in Villa No. 3. Director Lin decided they would focus on rescuing Xiao Ruotong as quickly as possible while continuing efforts to persuade Luo Wuqiang towards an uprising.
Ms. Wu visited Gu Yizhong to inform him that Xiao Ruotong had been captured by No. 76 and was imprisoned in Villa No. 3, the former residence of Lyuzhu. She mentioned their squad was in Suzhou and prepared to launch a forceful attack if necessary.
Gu Yizhong explained the extreme difficulty and high cost of such an attack, detailing the heavy security around Villa No. 3, its proximity to the Suzhou Head Office of the Pacification Operation Committee and the notorious collaborator Wang Manyun's guarded residence, as well as surrounding sentries and nearby Japanese Military Police. Acknowledging the urgency, especially with Commander Luo's planned uprising imminent and Mr. Li holding Xiao hostage, Gu assured Ms. Wu he would find a way to rescue her.
Gu Yizhong presented urgent intelligence to Kondo Masao, proposing a strategy to gain control over Luo Wuqiang's forces by leveraging Luo's apparent relationship with his governess, Lu Junnuo. Gu revealed Lu Junnuo was secretly held by Mr. Li and guarded by Zhou Zhifei, noting Zhou had concealed this fact from Kondo. Gu portrayed Mr. Li as aiming to build his own army against Japan, hindering the Pacification Operation and maintaining contact with Chongqing.
Gu then exposed Zhou Zhifei's illicit activities, detailing how Zhou, using his brother-in-law Ji Yuping's Shengyoulong Trading Co., had repeatedly resold military provisions like rice, cotton, and medicine, profiting substantially and causing severe price inflation detrimental to Japan's reputation. Gu argued that attempting to retrieve Lu Junnuo directly from Mr. Li was risky and could result in her death, referencing the 1941 Jiang Boxian case.
He urged Kondo to act decisively to take Lu from Mr. Li and asked for Sergeant Iwai's immediate assistance, stating he had an informant who knew where Lu was held. Kondo agreed to the plan but issued a grave warning: if Gu's information proved false, Kondo would retaliate against Gu's wife Haimo, their child, and burn Gu's Garden. Gu confirmed his understanding. Accompanied by Japanese soldiers led by Sergeant Iwai, Gu Yizhong went to Villa No. 3.
Ignoring the guards' attempts to impede him, Gu asserted his authority, stating he was acting under Kondo's direct orders and was there to retrieve someone. He encountered the woman held captive, who had been posing as Lu Junnuo and had already revealed her true identity as Xiao Ruotong to Liu Xiujuan, the 76 agent guarding her. Liu Xiujuan attempted to prevent them from leaving, citing Mr. Li's instructions, but Gu disregarded her.
Zhou Zhifei confronted Gu, who stated he was acting under Kondo's direct orders. As Gu and the soldiers escorted Xiao Ruotong out, Zhou Zhifei again tried to intervene, asking Gu to turn Xiao over to him, but Gu cited Kondo's explicit command as preventing him from doing so. Zhou warned Gu against overconfidence. As Gu Yizhong and the escort party moved outside and approached a vehicle, a shot rang out. Xiao Ruotong was struck by a sniper's bullet.
Critically wounded, she clutched a letter and urged Gu to deliver it to Commander Luo, stressing its importance. Despite Gu's attempts to seek medical help, Xiao Ruotong died moments later. Upon returning home, Gu Yizhong was asked by Haimo about Xiao Ruotong. Gu informed her of Xiao's death. Saddened, Haimo went outside, looking at the sky and weeping silently. Inside, Gu withdrew to his room, visibly grieving as he looked at a photograph of Xiao Ruotong and remembered her.
Luo Wuqiang anxiously awaited news. Director Lin arrived, informing him that "Teacher Lu" (Lu Junnuo) had perished. Director Lin then revealed that Lu Junnuo's real name was Xiao Ruotong and that she was a comrade of the New Fourth Army. Luo reacted with shock but said he had suspected something, mentioning another comrade named Xiao who had saved him and confirming they were siblings. Luo expressed profound distress, feeling responsible for their deaths.
Director Lin presented Luo with a letter Xiao Ruotong had written specifically for him. Reading the letter, Luo learned Xiao's identity was indeed Xiao Ruotong, and her dying wish was to sacrifice for the anti-Japanese cause. She thanked him for his care but stated her heart belonged irrevocably to another. She appealed to his sense of duty as a soldier, urging him to recognize the greater cause of defending the nation against the invaders rather than fighting his own people.
Deeply affected by the letter's message, Luo Wuqiang immediately issued an order for his entire 33rd Independent Division to join the New Fourth Army and the Anti-Japanese National United Front to resist Japan definitively. News of the division's defection spread rapidly. Amidst these developments, Gao Hu decided to enlist in the New Fourth Army. Lyuzhu inquired about her own fate.
Gao Hu gave her a note from Gu Yizhong, instructing her to find Lu Hantian, the general manager of the Gu family's Shanghai Trade House, in Shanghai, who would arrange her future. Luo Wuqiang confirmed Lyuzhu's intention to return to Suzhou and arranged for a driver to transport her safely back, also giving her ten thousand legal tender as a personal thank you for saving his life.
Returning to Suzhou, Lyuzhu went to her home, only to find Mrs. Li present. Mrs. Li recognized her, confirming she was from Shanghai and married to Mr. Li. Lyuzhu was unable to escape and was quickly apprehended by Mrs. Li's people. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhifei and his brother-in-law, Ji Yuping, discussed the military rice situation. Ji Yuping was panicked after Gu Yizhong and a Japanese sergeant visited their Shengyoulong Trading Co. and asked questions, suspecting they knew something.
Zhou was initially dismissive but became furious when Ji revealed they still had over one thousand dan of military rice stored in a Suzhou warehouse, kept back hoping for a price increase. Zhou angrily ordered Ji to dispose of the rice immediately. Ji suggested bribing Gu Yizhong, but Zhou stated it was futile as Gu hated him for the death of Xiao Ruotong. Soon after, Japanese soldiers arrived and arrested Ji Yuping.
A subordinate reported to Zhou Zhifei about Ji's arrest concerning the military rice case and that Sergeant Iwai and Military Police had gone to Zhou's office, suspecting Ji had confessed. Zhou went to investigate. Sergeant Iwai reported to Kondo Masao that Ji Yuping had easily confessed to reselling military supplies including rice, cotton, and medicine. Enraged, Kondo ordered Zhou Zhifei's secret arrest. Sensing his capture was imminent, Zhou Zhifei frantically told his wife, Yuqing, to gather valuables for an escape.
Their attempt was cut short when Sergeant Iwai and Japanese Military Police broke into their residence and arrested Zhou Zhifei, taking him for interrogation. In the interrogation room, Zhou Zhifei, trying to save himself and his wife, offered to trade information about a high-level communist agent codenamed "Lonely Boat" operating within the Suzhou Agent Station.
Admitting to the military rice sales but claiming he was tricked by Gu Yizhong, Zhou offered to identify and deliver "Lonely Boat" in exchange for freedom for him and Yuqing to live in the countryside. Kondo agreed. Zhou identified Gu Yizhong as his suspect. He claimed Wang Mingzhong, the communist liaison who had died at No. 90 after being sought by Luo Wuqiang, was "Lonely Boat's" superior, and a book of poems found on Wang was a liaison token.
Zhou proposed a plan: stage a contact call to Gu Yizhong, claiming a communist contact with a poem collection was seeking him, to verify if Gu possessed the matching book, thereby confirming his identity as "Lonely Boat." Zhou instructed Sergeant Iwai where to find the book of poems in his office. Kondo found Zhou's plan clever.
Episode 33 Recap
Upon receiving a phone call inviting him to appraise a poetry collection, Gu Yizhong, believing it was a work-related appointment, went to the Lion Grove Garden. There, he met a man who asked about his appreciation for poetry and then took the book Gu was holding, which was 'Commentary on 'Dream of the Red Chamber' by Zhiyanzhai'. The man revealed he had invited Gu to discuss poetry.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zhifei, upon seeing Iwai arrive with the book and fearing Gu had been captured, became distraught and exclaimed in frustration. He then urgently requested to see Mr. Li. After returning home, Gu Yizhong sought out Kondo Masao for a discussion but encountered Japanese military police harassing Lyuzhu, claiming she was a gift from Mrs. Li to the gendarmes. Gu intervened, telling the soldiers to release Lyuzhu and stating it was none of their business.
Despite his efforts, one soldier persisted aggressively. In desperation, Lyuzhu grabbed a gun from a soldier, shot one dead, and then took her own life. Gu Yizhong quietly approached, removed his jacket, and gently covered Lyuzhu's face. Yuqing later arrived and addressed Lyuzhu as sister-in-law. Yuqing, distraught upon hearing of Zhou Zhifei's arrest, rushed to seek help from Mr. Li.
However, upon her arrival, Mrs. Li informed her that Mr. Li was gravely ill with a strange sickness involving continuous coughing and diarrhea, comparing his symptoms to someone who had been poisoned, similar to the late Wu Sibao. Mrs. Li recounted that Mr. Li had attended a dinner hosted by Kondo and had eaten only half a meat pie, later trying and failing to expel it.
Given Mr. Li's critical state and unable to secure his help for Zhou, Yuqing declared her decision to travel immediately to Nanjing, also mentioning that Mr. Li had entrusted her with other crucial matters that needed attention. Aware of Yuqing's action, Kondo Masao, fearing complications, ordered Zhou Zhifei's execution for the following day, noting that Zhou's wife had gone to Nanjing to seek help and any delay would cause unnecessary trouble.
Before the planned execution, Zhou Zhifei was granted a brief audience with the ailing Mr. Li by Iwai. In the inner room, Mr. Li confirmed he was poisoned by Kondo and, with his dying breaths, entrusted Zhou with the vital task of finding his wife and retrieving specific important items to be delivered to Dai Li.
Zhou, understanding the gravity of the situation and his own peril, promised to find a way to fulfill the request and urged Mr. Li to hold on. As his time with Mr. Li ended, Zhou, addressing Iwai as a former colleague, made a final plea to be allowed to return home once more before his execution to pay respects to his ancestors and bid farewell to his wife.
He even offered Iwai Li Bai's 'Ascending Mount Yangtai' calligraphy in exchange for the favor. Iwai escorted Zhou Zhifei to Yuqing's home, where Yuqing and Ji were present. Zhou instructed Ji to go to the study and get five gold bars and the Li Bai painting for Iwai, knowing Ji knew their hiding place.
While Iwai waited to receive the items, Zhou lit incense for his ancestors, apologizing for tarnishing their name and praying for his son Youfei's safety in Japan. During this diversion, Yuqing quickly drew a gun and shot the Japanese guards. A struggle ensued, resulting in the deaths of the Japanese escorts. In the aftermath, a shaken Yuqing expressed concern for Youfei, who was still with the Japanese.
Zhou reassured her he had a plan for Youfei and instructed her to quickly find Mrs. Li to retrieve the important items Mr. Li had entrusted him with. Later, news spread of Mr. Li's death from the strange illness. The cause of death was officially attributed, via a statement purportedly from Mrs. Li, to poisoning by an adulterer.
However, characters in Suzhou, including Gu Yizhong and Zhang, discussed this official explanation with skepticism, suspecting the Japanese were covering up their own poisoning of Mr. Li. After escaping, Zhou Zhifei sent a letter to Kondo Masao. In the letter, Zhou confirmed his departure and used Youfei as leverage.
He threatened to expose photographic evidence of Kondo's subordinates selling quinine and atropine to the New Fourth Army and smuggling military rice to high-ranking Japanese officials, including Divisional Commander Kobayashi Nobuo, Mr. Haruki in Beiping, and Lieutenant General Shibayama in Nanjing. Zhou warned Kondo that such exposure would lead to his forced relocation to Burma to fight the British in the jungle and end his life plagued by mosquitoes.
Faced with this dire threat, Kondo was compelled to agree to Zhou's terms regarding Youfei. Zhou Zhifei arrived in the suburbs of Chongqing, where he was met by representatives who welcomed him and informed him that his wife had been settled in a dormitory.
Zhou stated that the important items entrusted to him by Mr. Li – which included all critical incoming correspondence from Chongqing to Mr. Li and Chairman Wang, as well as secret letters between Generalissimo Chiang and the Japanese – were secured in a safe place and that he intended to deliver them personally to Mr. Dai.
He also conveyed Mr. Li's dying wish that his family be well cared for, which he was assured would be done by the Chongqing side. He was informed that Mr. Dai was waiting to meet him at Shangqing Temple. Meanwhile, in Suzhou, at the former No. 90 Agent Station, Wan Lilang, Chief of the Political Security Bureau of the Wang puppet government, arrived to announce significant organizational changes.
Finding Kondo Masao absent, Wan gathered the station personnel, including Gu Yizhong and Captain Zhang. By order of Chairman Wang, Wan announced the dissolution of the Agent Headquarters and its reorganization into the Political Security Bureau. Correspondingly, the Suzhou Agent Station was renamed the Political Security Bureau Suzhou Branch. Gu Yizhong was appointed Chief of the new branch, and Xie Wenchao was appointed Deputy Chief.
Wan introduced Xie to Gu, noting Xie's expertise in dealing with the CPC and familiarity with Suzhou, encouraging them to cooperate. Following the announcement, Gu Yizhong hosted a banquet for Wan Lilang at the Fengxiang Restaurant. Captain Zhang facilitated the preparation of gifts for Wan, which included gold bars, referring to them as "hard currency" and noting that Wan's secretary had hinted at the necessity of such gestures.
Zhang also commented to Gu that Wan Lilang seemed to perceive Gu as not adept enough at social niceties and gift-giving, suggesting this might be why Xie Wenchao was appointed Deputy Chief. Wan Lilang departed the banquet early due to his age and busy schedule, mentioning the extensive work involved in reorganizing agencies across different locations, starting with Suzhou. After Wan's departure, Gu was seen alone, drinking, and reciting a melancholic poem by Yang Wanli.
News of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Red Army's offensive against the Japanese Kwantung Army in Northeast China reached Suzhou, along with reports that the Japanese Emperor had accepted the Potsdam Declaration, signaling Japan's impending surrender to the Allied powers. Gu Yizhong, assessing the inevitable defeat of Japan, decided it was time for him and his family to leave Suzhou secretly.
He planned to send Haimo and Junsheng to Sanxiang Temple, where an old monk who was a relative of his father would provide refuge. However, their departure was delayed as Junsheng had a dentist appointment. Gu decided to go to the former 90 station first, ostensibly to handle some urgent documents, but also to prepare for potential danger. He left some money for Wang Ma for her retirement.
At the station, he found Captain Zhang complaining about Xie Wenchao's harsh orders, reportedly from Wan Lilang in Nanjing, to transfer and strictly punish captured CPC and New Fourth Army members from surrounding areas to the Suzhou main bureau, creating significant logistical and cost problems. Zhang also mentioned that Kondo Masao had become reclusive and agitated since the news of Japan's losses, leading Zhang to believe Japan was truly on the verge of defeat.
Sensing the heightened danger in the current climate, Gu retrieved a gun and armed himself before seeking out Kondo. Gu Yizhong met with Kondo Masao. Kondo questioned if Gu was a Communist or Kuomintang, both of which Gu denied, stating he was simply "an ordinary Chinese citizen."
Gu addressed the reality of Japan's impending defeat, reminding Kondo of his earlier prediction about the Chinese nation's resilience and highlighting the impact of the atomic bombings, the Soviet invasion, and the Emperor's acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Kondo acknowledged strategic missteps might be the cause of their failure. Gu argued that neither the Chongqing Kuomintang (who fight amongst themselves while claiming resistance) nor the Nanjing Wang regime represented China's future, describing them as corrupt and terrible.
He urged Kondo to acknowledge defeat and surrender Suzhou, not to these regimes, but to the vibrant Chinese Communist Party, whom Gu believed truly represented the majority of the Chinese people and China's future. He specifically asked Kondo to return Suzhou city to its own people. Kondo, after considering Gu's points, agreed to persuade Divisional Commander Kobayashi to surrender Suzhou to the New Fourth Army and asked Gu to make the necessary contact to accept their surrender.
They reached an understanding. Upon returning home, Gu Yizhong attempted to finalize the escape plan for Haimo and Junsheng, providing Haimo with a detailed map and instructions for reaching Sanxiang Temple and the contact there. He explained that he had urgent matters to handle and intended for them to go first without him. However, Haimo firmly refused to leave, stating that if he wasn't going, neither were they. She directed Junsheng away to Wang Ma and began to undo her packed bag, resolutely declaring that he couldn't get rid of her.
Episode 34 Recap
Haimo expressed visible distress, feeling like a temporary wife to Gu Yizhong and fearing he intended to abandon her now that victory was near, especially since she believed he still held feelings for a past love (implied to be Xiao Ruotong from the plot summary). Hurt, she insisted she would follow him everywhere. Gu Yizhong, aware of the heavy tasks ahead and motivated by Xie Wenchao's actions and the need to rescue a comrade, patiently persuaded Haimo.
He explained he had arranged for her and Junsheng to be secretly relocated to the countryside with the help of a temple abbot for their safety, promising to join them once his missions were complete. Gu Yizhong returned to No. 90, accompanied by Captain Zhang, and headed straight for the prison. However, Xie Wenchao's subordinates blocked their entry, citing the Deputy Chief's orders. Captain Zhang, enraged, struck a guard, emphasizing the Chief's superior authority.
The prison gate was opened, and Gu Yizhong urgently asked about the prisoner. Just then, Xie Wenchao arrived. Seizing the moment, Gu Yizhong used the identity of the prisoner, identified as Chen Anliang, a Staff Officer from the New Fourth Army and acquaintance of General Luo Wuqiang, to stage a deception. Chen Anliang, understanding the pretense, feigned anger and struggled with Gu Yizhong to mislead others.
After Xie Wenchao left, Gu Yizhong ostensibly prepared to take Chen Anliang to meet Kondo Masao but instead drove him to the outskirts, secretly arranging his escape. When Captain Zhang appeared confused, Gu Yizhong revealed the imminent defeat of Japan and advised Zhang to prepare for the future. Hearing this, Captain Zhang pledged his loyalty to Gu Yizhong and his future endeavors. After ensuring Chen Anliang's safe departure, a weary Gu Yizhong returned to Gu's Garden, intending to rest.
Unexpectedly, Xie Wenchao arrived with a group of men. Xie's attention was drawn to Gu Yizhong's muddy boots, prompting him to voice suspicions about the escape of the Communist prisoner. Gu Yizhong did not evade the accusation but openly admitted to assisting the escape. He then analyzed the current international and domestic situation, attempting to appeal to Xie Wenchao's conscience. However, Xie Wenchao remained resolute and insisted on taking Gu Yizhong into custody.
Seeing Xie Wenchao's determination, Gu Yizhong made a bold move. He led Xie to a grandfather clock, opened its back panel, and revealed a letter of appointment personally signed by Dai Li. This sudden evidence completely perplexed Xie Wenchao, leaving him unable to determine Gu Yizhong's true allegiance. Ultimately, he decided to detain Gu Yizhong for the time being and observe the situation. Inside the prison, Gu Yizhong unexpectedly discovered a group of imprisoned New Fourth Army soldiers.
He resolutely approached them and shared the thrilling news that Japan was on the verge of surrender. In this critical moment, Gu Yizhong proposed the idea of an uprising, but the soldiers initially met his suggestion with skepticism. At this crucial juncture, Captain Zhang, along with his subordinates carrying a large cache of weapons, breached the prison, responding to Gu Yizhong's earlier actions. After neutralizing some guards, they quickly organized the prisoners for an escape.
However, as they approached the main gate of No. 90, they were confronted by both Xie Wenchao's forces and Japanese soldiers. Tensions escalated, and a confrontation seemed imminent. Just as the situation reached its peak, a broadcast announced the Japanese Emperor's declaration of unconditional surrender. Japanese soldiers instantly lost morale, casting aside their weapons and weeping. Simultaneously, cheers and celebrations erupted across China. The trumpet of victory had sounded.
Gu Yizhong and the New Fourth Army soldiers joined forces, embracing this glorious moment for the entire nation. As Gu Yizhong prepared to leave and reunite with Haimo, several Japanese soldiers abruptly entered, conveying a summons from Kondo Masao. Upon meeting, Gu Yizhong was astonished to learn that Kondo intended to perform ritual suicide (seppuku/harakiri) and requested Gu Yizhong to serve as his kaishakunin (second who delivers the coup de grâce).
Gu Yizhong accepted the military sword, his heart a turmoil of conflicting emotions—national hatred and personal grievances surged within him. He nearly struck Kondo down then and there but reasoned that he should not grant his enemy such an easy end. Just as Kondo Masao was about to begin the ritual, an unexpected event unfolded. Kondo suddenly grabbed Gu Yizhong's hand, and the two struggled over the military sword.
At that moment, Zhou Zhifei appeared unexpectedly, leading Kuomintang soldiers who subdued Kondo Masao and announced that he would be escorted to Nanjing for trial. Gu Yizhong realized with a shock that Zhou Zhifei had betrayed his previous affiliations and joined the Military Intelligence Bureau. Zhou Zhifei declared himself Dai Li's special envoy and the commander of the Suzhou Special Operations Group.
Acting on behalf of the National Government, he announced the takeover of Suzhou and even threatened to prosecute Gu Yizhong, branding him a traitor, in the name of the people. With that, he ordered Gu Yizhong's arrest. Faced with this sudden reversal, Gu Yizhong's heart churned, but he knew he was in grave danger.
Later, Zhou Zhifei arrived at a residence, which his subordinate identified as having been occupied by Yu Bailu from the Civil Affairs Bureau of the Wang Regime for the past two years. Addressing his subordinates, Zhou Zhifei remarked that the house felt dirty after being occupied by Yu and he would find a new place instead. His men acknowledged him as "Commander."
Episode 35 Recap
Gu Yizhong was paraded through the streets before being taken to prison, subjected to the misunderstanding and humiliation of the Suzhou public. Upon arriving at Shizikou Prison, when asked by the guard to write a confession, he cleverly wrote a note promising a substantial reward and begged the guard to deliver it to Dr. Lu Zhaohe. Lu Zhaohe received the letter and acted quickly, using connections via Monk Yiren from a local temple to pass the message to Haimo.
Filled with anxiety, Haimo urgently contacted Luo Wuqiang of the New Fourth Army and also used her personal resources, throwing all her efforts into rescuing Gu Yizhong. Yuqing returned to Suzhou with Zhou Youren (formerly Zhou Zhifei). Their former residence was no longer suitable for their elevated status, so Zhou Youren brazenly took over Gu's Garden, transforming it into "Zhou Garden."
He became a prominent figure for the Kuomintang in Suzhou, his house bustling with visitors bringing a constant stream of gifts that nearly filled two large safes, showcasing his immense power. They also set up a radio antenna to communicate with Chongqing. Haimo, burdened by worry, sought out Yuqing and pleaded for her help in getting Gu Yizhong released.
Haimo still habitually used Zhou Youren's old name, Zhou Zhifei, which Yuqing quickly corrected, emphasizing that he had changed his name to Zhou Youren and his status was now completely different, holding multiple high positions. Although she felt some obligation due to their past friendship, Yuqing claimed she was unaware of Gu Yizhong's situation or where he was imprisoned. On her way back, Haimo saw a newsboy whose loud calls caught her attention.
She bought a newspaper and found a "Missing Person Notice," which was actually a coded signal she had arranged with the New Fourth Army. Soon after, Director Lin Guoping and Chief of Staff Chen from the New Fourth Army arrived as planned. Chief of Staff Chen revealed that he was the person Gu Yizhong had helped rescue that night with Captain Zhang. Division Commander Luo Wuqiang was engaged in other urgent duties and had sent them to provide support.
They explained that due to the negotiations between the Kuomintang and Communist parties in Chongqing, they had decided to temporarily withdraw from the Jiangsu and Shanghai areas, with the New Fourth Army in South Jiangsu moving to North Jiangsu and the Dabie Mountains. They assured Haimo that the withdrawal was temporary and they would return. They acknowledged Gu Yizhong as a discontinued contact worker and promised the organization would not abandon him.
After some investigation by the underground network, they learned that Gu Yizhong was imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou High Court, located at Shizikou. To try and see him, Haimo disguised herself as a family member and attempted to approach the heavily guarded facility. In front of the prison gate, Kuomintang soldiers stood in formation, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering. Fortunately, a guard secretly assisted her, taking a bribe and quietly leading Haimo to a nearby building.
The courtyard of this building was filled with families of the detained prisoners, who stood on a second-floor balcony overlooking the prison's backyard. From there, they could see the prisoners during exercise time. Haimo's heart tightened as she watched Gu Yizhong, her eyes filled with worry and determination. During the brief viewing time, she managed to call out to him and request he ask for an architecture book, "The Ways to Build," from his desk drawer.
She promised to rescue him and assured him that his son was safe with Mrs. Lu. Zhou Youren meticulously arranged a banquet, inviting Xie Wenchao, Wu County Magistrate Wang Zemin, and other high-ranking officials from the Wang's puppet regime to his mansion. At the banquet, he appeared cordial but had a hidden agenda. Once the guests relaxed, he suddenly ordered their arrest.
Zhou Youren coldly revealed that despite having accepted their bribes, he was powerless to help them because they were all on Dai Li's blacklist, and the purge was based strictly on their positions under the Wang regime, with differing sentences for different ranks (e. g. , death penalty for provincial level, life for ministerial level, 7-10 years for vice-ministerial, 3-5 years for bureau level). Meanwhile, with the assistance of the underground network, Haimo successfully visited Gu Yizhong in prison.
She brought him a glimmer of hope, informing him that the underground organization had hired a renowned lawyer from Shanghai and was planning to find witnesses from No. 90 to help clear him of the traitorous charges. She also delivered a letter from Luo Wuqiang, promising rescue efforts. However, upon learning of this, Zhou Youren became worried that Gu Yizhong might expose the truth in court. He decided to visit Gu Yizhong personally in prison.
As the prosecutor and Suzhou Commissioner of the Military Statistics Bureau, Zhou Youren offered Gu Yizhong a deal, promising to do his best to secure a light sentence (estimated 3 years, with early release possible in 1-1. 5 years) based on the rank-based purge criteria, if Gu Yizhong remained silent in court and didn't reveal details of his time at No. 90.
But Gu Yizhong stood firm on his principles, flatly refusing any deal with Zhou Youren, angrily accusing him of committing heinous crimes like killing KMT agents. Faced with Gu Yizhong's resolute stance, Zhou Youren sneered and threatened, "You just wait and see." A confrontation between justice and evil quietly unfolded in the undercurrents of Suzhou. In the solemn courtroom, Judge Jin Jichang asked the prosecutor Zhou Youren to detail the charges against Gu Yizhong.
The courtroom erupted in an uproar when Zhou Youren falsely accused Gu Yizhong of personally killing his patriotic general father, Gu Xixing, to gain favor from the Japanese at No. 90. Gu Yizhong, suppressing his grief, revealed the truth: his father committed suicide to save his life and the family's reputation after being threatened by Zhou Youren and the Japanese at No. 90 to become Wu County Magistrate.
However, as he was the only witness, it was difficult to prove his innocence. Zhou Youren then presented evidence alleging Gu Yizhong supported the Wang regime's campaigns, promoted Japanese culture, and participated in suppressing loyalist and KMT forces.
Gu Yizhong countered, stating that he had been working undercover for the New Fourth Army, but the prosecutor highlighted that his handler died in 1943 and there had been no contact since, arguing that proving his underground status legally required verification from the Military Intelligence Bureau. This claim, lacking supporting witnesses or official proof, seemed weak and unsubstantiated in court.
Outside the courtroom, Haimo watched anxiously through the falling snow, her eyes fixed on the door that would decide Gu Yizhong's fate. The north wind whistled, and snowflakes fell, covering her face with a mixture of melted snow and tears, her heart filled with worry and helplessness over Gu Yizhong's destiny.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
During the court proceedings, just as Judge Jin Jichang was preparing to deliver an unfavorable verdict against Gu Yizhong, Haimo and Luo Wuqiang unexpectedly entered the courtroom, bringing a turning point to the case. Luo Wuqiang, serving as a representative of the CPC Delegation at the Nanjing Military Mediation Committee and former Deputy Division Commander of the New Fourth Army's 6th Division, stepped forward.
He testified to Gu Yizhong's innocence, declaring that while Gu Yizhong was officially part of No. 90, he was, in fact, an inner line contact for the Communist Party. Luo Wuqiang recounted how Gu Yizhong had saved him and his comrades multiple times from attacks by No. 90, enabling eight thousand soldiers to formally join the Anti-Japanese National United Front.
Luo Wuqiang presented a report from Huang Qiushou, an underground member of the Communist Party who sacrificed his life, stating it proved Gu Yizhong had consistently worked for the United Front. He appealed to the court to immediately declare Gu Yizhong innocent and release him, stating he was framed and wrongly accused.
However, Zhou Zhifei, representing the prosecution, pushed back, arguing that Luo Wuqiang's testimony only proved Gu Yizhong's past assistance but did not clear his name from more recent, heinous crimes. He presented documentation alleging Gu Yizhong had personally planned the murder of Ou Xinping, the Jiangsu District Director of the CBIS, and several CBIS agents. As witnesses were called, a man named Ou Maochun dramatically burst forward, expressing immense grief over the death of his sister, Ou Xinping.
He vehemently accused Gu Yizhong of being a traitor who colluded with the Japanese, responsible for the deaths of his sister and over a dozen CBIS agents. Overcome with emotion, Ou Maochun attempted to physically attack Gu Yizhong but was restrained. He identified himself as Ou Xinping's younger brother from Meixian, Guangdong, presenting identification documents as proof. The courtroom erupted, and the judge, unable to maintain order, was forced to declare a recess. Gu Yizhong was taken back to prison.
Zhou Zhifei appeared before Gu Yizhong in the prison, stating he had previously offered Gu a way out, which Gu refused, implying Gu had chosen a path leading to his demise within the prison walls. Haimo visited Gu Yizhong in prison again, expressing her deep concern. She informed him that Luo Wuqiang mentioned the underground party planned a prison break to rescue him, though they were constrained by discipline.
Gu Yizhong strongly objected, explaining that escaping under these circumstances would only solidify the traitor label against him, his father, and Gu's Garden. He insisted on being cleared and walking out as a patriot from the Kuomintang's prison the same way he was brought in. He then asked Haimo about her relationship with Ou Xinping. Haimo recounted meeting Ou Xinping in Hong Kong and how they often discussed their families.
She specifically mentioned that Ou Xinping never spoke of having a brother and had told her that her entire family, over thirty people, had been killed in an explosion, with Ou Xinping being the sole survivor. This detail immediately raised Gu Yizhong's suspicions about the identity of Ou Maochun. He instructed Haimo to ask their lawyer to investigate Ou Maochun, suggesting he could be an impostor.
He believed that proving Ou Maochun was fake would dismantle all of Zhou Zhifei's fabricated evidence and witnesses. Haimo expressed her understanding, promising to follow up on the investigation. Meanwhile, Captain Zhang Jiping and his daughter were having a quiet moment when they were suddenly attacked. His daughter's quick reaction saved his life, but Captain Zhang was still injured. The underground organization acted swiftly, investigating Ou Maochun and revealing his true identity.
He was not Ou Maochun but a man surnamed Ding, hired by Zhou Zhifei to impersonate Ou Maochun and testify against Gu Yizhong as part of a scheme to frame him. Inspired by the Communist Party, Ding, the impostor Ou Maochun, experienced a change of heart. He bravely went back to court and publicly exposed Zhou Zhifei's plot. As Zhou Zhifei tried to deny the accusations, Luo Wuqiang introduced another crucial witness: Captain Zhang Jiping.
Despite being injured, Captain Zhang appeared in court. He not only accused Zhou Zhifei of being a traitor but also presented original documents from the No. 90 Suzhou Agent Station, including a detailed report on how Ou Xinping and other agents were betrayed.
These documents, bearing Zhou Zhifei's personal signature and identified as being written by him under his alias Zhou Youren when he was the station chief at No. 90, served as irrefutable evidence, leaving Zhou Zhifei with no room for denial. Judge Jin Jichang reviewed the evidence provided by Captain Zhang, gaining a clear understanding of Zhou Zhifei's culpability.
However, Zhou Zhifei made a final attempt to leverage his position, claiming he was the chief commissioner of the Suzhou Traitor-purging Committee appointed by Mr. Dai to assist with their work and ordering Judge Jin Jichang to quickly convict traitors. Judge Jin Jichang was unmoved, instead ordering Zhou Zhifei's arrest, dismissing his protests and threats to report to Nanjing and have Mr. Dai send troops. Yuqing visited Zhou Zhifei in prison. Zhou Zhifei remained outwardly calm, analyzing his downfall.
He believed it was due to his former superior, Xu Enzeng (of the CBIS), who held a grudge because Zhou Zhifei didn't return to the CBIS after defecting from No. 90 but instead joined Dai Li's Military Bureau (often referred to as the NBIS). He instructed Yuqing to find Jiang Boxian, a well-connected individual known for his greed, who was said to be a distant relative of Chiang Kai-shek and close to both Xu Enzeng and Dai Li.
Zhou Zhifei hoped Jiang Boxian could intercede with Xu Enzeng on his behalf, making it easier for Dai Li to arrange his release. Following Zhou Zhifei's instructions, Yuqing used all their family assets to try and bribe Jiang Boxian. Jiang Boxian greedily accepted not only the substantial gifts but also insisted on taking Yuqing's personal jewelry, including a valuable heirloom she was wearing.
Only then did he reveal shocking news: Dai Li's plane had crashed into Daishan near Nanjing the day before, and he was dead. This devastating news, also reported in the newspapers, crushed Zhou Zhifei's hopes of rescue and signaled his impending doom. Zhou Zhifei said his final goodbyes to Yuqing, assuring her he would be out soon, despite knowing his fate was sealed. Yuqing expressed her love for him, which he acknowledged he had heard.
Zhou Zhifei then asked to see his son, Youfei. He gave Youfei final instructions, urging him never to engage in activities that would betray their country, take care of his mother, finish his studies, and grow up to be an outstanding man. Adding to the grim developments, Kondo Masao, who was awaiting repatriation, was suddenly attacked and killed by assailants. Before dying, he learned this was arranged by Zhou Zhifei.
Zhou Zhifei requested to see Gu Yizhong in prison for a final meeting. He said it had been five years and it was time to settle their grudge, noting the ironic reversal of their positions since their last meeting in the same cell. He still blamed his downfall on Dai Li's death, calling it a case of fate intervening.
He pointed out that Gu Yizhong was still incorrigible, suggesting Gu Yizhong would use the gun he had hidden in his hat, a trick Zhou Zhifei claimed to have taught him in agent training, to kill him. Zhou Zhifei challenged Gu Yizhong to shoot him personally, saying he wanted to die by Gu Yizhong's hand rather than that of the prison guards, believing it would be worth it.
Gu Yizhong refused, stating he was different; the people's bullets and the public trial of history held greater significance as a warning than a personal act of revenge. Zhou Zhifei questioned how Gu Yizhong could endure five years of being labeled a traitor, losing his family and home, and still reach this point. Gu Yizhong responded by quoting Mr. Sicheng's architectural philosophy: "Arches above are beams, arches below are columns. Beams and columns are straight, only arches are curved.
Straight and curved intermingle, hence the strength is infinite." This suggested he achieved his goal by adapting and using indirect means, unlike Zhou Zhifei's straightforward approach. Zhou Zhifei claimed Gu Yizhong "used curves against straight lines" to defeat his own "being flexible." Gu Yizhong corrected him, stating it was faith. He concluded that Zhou Zhifei lacked faith and was not worthy of being human.
As Zhou Zhifei was led away for execution after being sentenced to death for collaborating with an enemy nation and attempting to betray his country, he asked Gu Yizhong one last question: if he was "Lonely Boat." After Zhou Zhifei's execution, Gu Yizhong tearfully buried his father, feeling a mix of sorrow and relief and noting that justice had been served. Following the funeral, his cousin Lu Zheng asked about his future plans.
Gu Yizhong decided to reopen the Yizhong Architecture Research Society and focus on repairing the many ancient buildings in Suzhou damaged during the war, preserving the city's historical memory, acknowledging this work was more suited to him than being a spy. Despite his work, Gu Yizhong often found himself thinking of Haimo. While repairing Gu's Garden, Lu Zheng's comments about missing Haimo made him realize the depth of his feelings.
He went to listen to Pingtang ballads, thinking of her and reciting poems related to the concept of a "lonely boat" and yearning for home, accepting that some people, once missed, cannot be brought back. Leaving the Pingtang performance, Gu Yizhong felt a sense of anticipation, hoping for contact from the New Fourth Army. As he walked, he heard the distinct melody of Suzhou Pingtang, different from the performance hall but familiar.
Following the sound, he was surprised to see Haimo descending from a boat. She spoke a secret code phrase. Gu Yizhong, recognizing it, was overcome with emotion, grasping her hand and addressing her as "Comrade Haimo." She corrected him, revealing her real name was Lin Shujuan. In that moment of reunion, they silently acknowledged their shared revolutionary mission, ready to continue their work together.
