A Lonely Hero's Journey Episode 34 Recap
> A Lonely Hero's Journey 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."
