A Lonely Hero's Journey Episode 29 Recap
> A Lonely Hero's Journey 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.
