THE REBEL Episode 20 Recap
> THE REBEL Recap
Lin Nansheng believed Chen Moqun had been betrayed and was deeply concerned for his safety, urging immediate rescue. However, Wang Shi'an deliberately delayed, claiming he had exhausted all contacts, but none were willing to intervene with the Japanese military police. He suggested they wait and observe Chen Moqun's movements within the gendarmerie.
Gu Shenyan cautioned that it was not the time to investigate the underlying cause, but Lin Nansheng questioned if this was to avoid finding the truth, insisting that someone wanted Chen Moqun dead and prevented him from returning to Shanghai. Wang Shi'an then reported Chen Moqun's arrest to Commissioner Dai. Desperate to relay information, Gu Shenyan quickly published a coded personal advertisement in the newspaper to arrange a meeting with Ji Zhongyuan.
Gu Shenyan shared the news of Chen Moqun's arrest and expressed his fear of defection, advising Ji Zhongyuan to prepare for the worst. Ji Zhongyuan revealed his concerns about the Pudong Detachment possibly aligning with the puppet government. He recounted how the New Fourth Army's Songhu Detachment was ambushed by Military Intelligence's Pudong Detachment after their attack on Longhua Airport.
He pointed out that the Pudong Detachment's captain was Chen Moqun's former secretary, who had been marginalized by Wang Shi'an, and confirmed their contact with the puppet government, seeking positions and salaries. Gu Shenyan determined he must make Wang Shi'an aware of the seriousness of the situation to initiate an investigation into the Pudong Detachment. At the Japanese Military Police Command, Chen Moqun remained calm and composed.
Colonel Takahashi Senbei treated him as an honored guest, offering a fresh suit and pastries, hoping to recruit the veteran Military Intelligence Bureau agent. Chen Moqun tasted the tea but preferred his hometown's spring tea, dismissing Takahashi's tea as "specious" and destined for mediocrity. He clearly stated they were on different paths. Takahashi attempted to sway Chen Moqun by highlighting his past marginalization, suggesting they could offer him appreciation and a place to contribute to the Chinese people.
After failing to persuade him, Takahashi ordered Chen Moqun's release. He explained to his subordinate that the "friend" who had tipped them off about Chen Moqun's travel route likely wanted him gone, and this situation would force that person to take further action. Late that night, Lin Nansheng secretly interrogated a cook from the Japanese Military Police Command. He learned that Chen Moqun was alive, not tortured, and had been served good food, indicating he was being treated well.
Lin Nansheng warned the cook not to reveal their conversation. Simultaneously, the main liaison station of the Nationalist Loyal Salvation Army in Shanghai was bombed by the Japanese. Wang Shi'an received news of the bombing and immediately suspected Chen Moqun, given the timing. He ordered the incident to be reported to Chongqing and increased security at the station. The next day, Chen Moqun appeared at a Military Intelligence Bureau contact point.
He asked for a gun for self-defense and specifically requested Lin Nansheng to meet him alone at Room 204 of the Hengyuan Hotel in the French Concession. He mentioned that Chongqing had sent him back for security reasons, without revealing the station's exact address, and alluded to an "incident" upon his arrival. Upon hearing Chen Moqun was safe, Lin Nansheng was eager to go, despite Wang Shi'an's suspicion about why the Japanese had released him and fear of a trap.
Wang Shi'an scolded Lin Nansheng for his impulsiveness, but Gu Shenyan suggested bringing Chen Moqun back first and offered to accompany Lin Nansheng with a few men, arguing that the French Concession wasn't entirely safe. Wang Shi'an agreed, but secretly called an agent, ordering him to go with Lin Nansheng and "kill him" if there was any problem.
He then sent an urgent telegram to Chongqing, stating Chen Moqun was released unharmed, implying he had betrayed the Loyal Salvation Army, and requested immediate instructions. At the Hengyuan Hotel, Chen Moqun saw Lin Nansheng arrive with other agents and appeared disappointed, having specifically asked him to come alone. Lin Nansheng explained he brought men for Chen Moqun's safety. Lin Nansheng entered the room alone, placing his gun on the table to show he meant no harm.
He informed Chen Moqun that Wang Shi'an had reported his situation to Chongqing. Chen Moqun confirmed his travel route was top secret, yet Japanese agents had tracked him from Hong Kong and arrested him before he disembarked, leading him to conclude he had been betrayed. Lin Nansheng then revealed the Loyal Salvation Army's main liaison station had been bombed the previous night.
Chen Moqun realized he was being framed and felt he would be unable to clear his name, especially with the bombing. Lin Nansheng pleaded with him to return, believing he could explain his innocence, but Chen Moqun questioned what guarantees Lin Nansheng, a mere captain, could offer against someone determined to harm him. An agent outside called Lin Nansheng for an "emergency."
As Lin Nansheng stepped out to take the call, other agents stormed the room, attempting to kill Chen Moqun. Chen Moqun quickly returned fire and escaped through a window. Lin Nansheng, realizing the ambush, ordered his own men to retreat to avoid involving the local police. He pursued Chen Moqun, demanding he return and explain. Chen Moqun confronted Lin Nansheng, asking who ordered his death.
Lin Nansheng swore he was only ordered to bring him back and knew nothing of the shooting order. Still feeling there was no way back for him, Chen Moqun refused to return and fired a warning shot at the pursuing Gu Shenyan to emphasize his resolve before disappearing into the streets. Lin Nansheng returned to the station to report to Wang Shi'an. Wang Shi'an furiously chastised him for speaking to Chen Moqun alone and failing to bring him back.
Lin Nansheng reported Chen Moqun's denial of involvement in the bombing and his belief that he had been betrayed by an insider. Wang Shi'an scoffed at this, then produced an execution order from Chongqing headquarters for "Traitor Chen Moqun," authorizing immediate execution without prior approval. Lin Nansheng was aghast, calling the decision irresponsible given the lack of clear investigation and criticizing Chongqing for it.
Enraged, Wang Shi'an accused Lin Nansheng of doubting both the Shanghai section and Chongqing, then ordered Lin Nansheng's gun confiscated, his captain post dismissed, and him confined for insubordination. Gu Shenyan attempted to intervene, but Wang Shi'an asserted his authority. Lin Nansheng defiantly declared that if Chen Moqun was indeed betrayed, he would uncover the truth, asserting that betraying a comrade was more despicable than being a traitor.
Fearing retaliation from Chen Moqun, Wang Shi'an immediately ordered an increase in security, doubling guards, weapons, and ammunition at his firm, and assigning two bodyguards to accompany him at all times outside the building.
