THE REBEL Episode 36 Recap
> THE REBEL Recap
Lin Nansheng suggested that since Liao Tong had made no significant progress, it would be better to transfer Xiao Yun's case to the intelligence department without delay. However, Wang Shi'an hesitated, revealing that Liao Tong had already traced Xiao Yun's hometown to Baoying County, which surprisingly aligned with earlier information from Chen Moqun. Wang Shi'an then dispatched Liao Tong's team to Baoying County to bring back Xiao Yun's family, hoping to use them as leverage.
Upon learning this, Lin Nansheng immediately informed Ji Zhongyuan. He explained that any further interference with Xiao Yun's case would arouse Wang Shi'an's suspicion. Ji Zhongyuan noted that they were in a passive position, and it was too late to arrange the transfer of Xiao Yun's family from Baoying County. In response, Lin Nansheng proposed a risky strategy, which would require Ji Zhongyuan's full cooperation.
Meanwhile, Wang Shi'an went to Chen Moqun's residence to personally withdraw the appointment letter issued during the war of resistance. Chen Moqun subtly tried to threaten Wang Shi'an, reminding him of their "little secret" and suggesting he wouldn't reveal it even if the central government turned on him. Wang Shi'an dismissed his concerns, assuring him the central government still needed experienced leaders. After obtaining the letter, Wang Shi'an instructed his men to closely monitor Chen Moqun.
He believed Chen Moqun was intelligent and, realizing his precarious position, would not passively await his fate. Therefore, if Chen Moqun showed any signs of fleeing Shanghai, they were to shoot him as a fugitive. After Wang Shi'an departed, Chen Moqun promptly contacted Meng Annan for an urgent meeting. Chen Moqun acknowledged that without the appointment letter, his words held no weight with the central government, which now considered him a traitor.
He told Meng Annan that while others might have guns and men, he had Meng Annan. He revealed a change in Meng Annan's mission, instructing him to quickly uncover core Communist Party members and crucial intelligence. This information would serve as Chen Moqun's bargaining chip in negotiations with Chongqing, ensuring both their protection. Meng Annan expressed difficulty in penetrating deeper due to strict party discipline, suggesting Zhu Yizhen was his only direct contact.
Chen Moqun dismissed this, telling Meng Annan to use his brain and act quickly, as time was running out. Later, Meng Annan returned home and frantically searched for the watch Chen Moqun had given him. Zhu Yizhen, who had tidied his room, calmly retrieved it from a cabinet, explaining she had put it away for safekeeping. Relieved that she hadn't discovered anything amiss, Meng Annan lied, claiming it was his brother's death anniversary and the watch was a cherished memento.
Zhu Yizhen, filled with sympathy, believed him. To further allay her suspicions, Meng Annan decided to leave the watch with her. At a dinner for the high-ranking officers of the Shanghai division, Liao Tong arrived late, having just returned from his mission. He announced a major breakthrough: Xiao Yun's real name was Weng Xian Rong, and he had successfully brought back Weng Xian Rong's wife. Liao Tong declared his intention to interrogate Weng Xian Rong immediately that night.
However, Wang Shi'an intervened, suggesting they focus on the celebration, as it was a memorable day for the Shanghai division, and postpone all work until the next day. Lin Nansheng, feigning a toast with tea due to a prior injury, supported Wang Shi'an's sentiment. Before Liao Tong could begin his interrogation, Lin Nansheng personally visited Weng Xian Rong in the interrogation room.
While appearing to simply chat, Lin Nansheng used Morse code, tapping out a message on the table to Weng Xian Rong. The message indicated, "Comrade 301, Fisherman sent his greetings," confirming Lin Nansheng's identity as a Communist agent. Weng Xian Rong, shocked and tearful, silently acknowledged the message, exchanging a meaningful glance with Lin Nansheng. Lin Nansheng discreetly instructed him to cooperate with the upcoming rescue plan.
Concurrently, Ji Zhongyuan informed Zhu Yizhen about an urgent and critical cover mission in Chengjiaqiao Town, instructing her to find a discreet, lived-in-looking deserted house. Zhu Yizhen then relayed the urgency and details to Meng Annan, stressing that no mistakes could be made. They were also told that two comrades from the labor movement group would join them, with Zhu Yizhen responsible for the overall arrangement and finishing touches.
Later, Liao Tong brought Weng Xian Rong's wife into the interrogation room, hoping to pressure him into confessing. She maintained she knew nothing about her husband's activities or his harpoon tattoo, claiming it was from a childhood gang. Wang Shi'an arrived to observe the interrogation. Becoming "impatient" with the wife's persistent denial, Lin Nansheng, in front of Wang Shi'an and others, appeared to shoot and kill Weng Xian Rong's wife, a deliberate act of intimidation.
Weng Xian Rong, terrified, finally broke and acknowledged his identity. Wang Shi'an, witnessing Lin Nansheng's ruthless methods, was visibly shocked and expressed his apprehension, remarking on how the former scholar had become even more brutal than himself. Lin Nansheng justified his actions by stating that the severity of the crime dictated the boundaries. Lin Nansheng then offered Weng Xian Rong a chance at reform and a promotion if he cooperated.
Weng Xian Rong "confessed" to being a Communist liaison and provided a location for a fake liaison station. Meng Annan, unaware of the true nature of the Chengjiaqiao Town operation, was involved in setting up the "liaison station." He secretly observed the situation as Liao Tong's team raided the location. The team was caught in an ambush, and many military intelligence agents were killed by grenades. Meng Annan realized the operation was specifically targeted at the Military Intelligence Bureau.
He promptly called Chen Moqun, informing him of the incident. Chen Moqun, who had intended to flee Shanghai by boat, immediately changed his plans upon receiving this valuable intelligence. He instructed Meng Annan to maintain his cover, anticipating more crucial information. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Zhou Yaoting arrived in Shanghai. He announced the imminent traitor purging campaign and appointed Wang Shi'an as Chairman and Lin Nansheng as a member of the Shanghai Committee of Traitor Purging.
He further revealed that Commander Xia's military police would be stationed in Shanghai that night, and arrests would be made directly at a roundtable meeting the following morning. Wang Shi'an, now deeply entrenched in the purging committee, recognized he could no longer have any contact with Chen Moqun and instructed his subordinates to do the same.
Chen Moqun, having received an invitation to the roundtable meeting, contemplated how to use the information he had, including the disappearance of Director Song from the Press Office, an old unsolved case, to his advantage. He realized that exposing Wang Shi'an's past involvement in that incident could turn the tables.
