How to pronounce "作用"

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 8]

Sir.

If you feel uncomfortable about this,

we don't have to go.

Nonsense.

If I wanted to feel good,

I would have stayed in Fuzhou and joined the uprising

rather than coming to Taiwan.

I must first

know the situation in the Southwest regions inside out,

so I can understand what Mr. Chiang and the Japanese

are planning strategically for the Southwest.

Where's my Yunnan map?

It's here.

Since Mr. Chiang personally handed me the knife,

I must help Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping

take the Southwest.

I'll make sure the White Group is completely useless

and Gu Zhutong's forces will collapse.

I want Mr. Chiang to know

that using Japanese war criminals as advisors

is utterly shameful and ridiculous.

Please get some rest, Sir.

Honey, why are you sitting here?

Did you stay up all night?

I did sleep.

I slept sitting on the floor for a while.

I'm sorry, Honey.

Was there some urgent military business?

Not really.

Then why in the middle of the night

did you rush to the office to work?

I suddenly remembered something important

that needed to be done quickly.

Couldn't you have told me?

Weren't you sleeping with the children?

You could have left me a note.

Your handwriting is so beautiful.

I'm sorry, Honey.

I didn't think it through.

You just agreed to my conditions,

but which one have you actually followed?

You said you'd come home on time.

Yes.

I did promise to come home on time every night,

but I never said I couldn't go to work early.

Fine.

Then I'll add one more condition.

Every morning before 6 o'clock,

you're not allowed to go to work.

Honey, that's 6 conditions now.

Do you agree, Wu Yuxun?

Alright,

I agree.

Come on now.

Don't sit here anymore.

The floor is cold.

Leave me alone.

Fine.

I'll sit with you for a while.

Chief.

What is it?

I heard from a colleague on night duty yesterday

that Deputy Chief Wu was dealing with the Southwest issue

and worked all night in his office without sleep.

The President's birthday is approaching.

Senior should prepare in advance

and present the Southwest outline of the operational plan

on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.

This is an honor for our entire Ministry of Defense.

Yes.

However,

Deputy Chief Wu has always deeply hated the Japanese,

yet he changed his mind overnight.

It's truly puzzling.

Of course,

the Deputy Chief always prioritizes the bigger picture.

Perhaps I'm being narrow-minded.

But Deputy Chief Wu now has access to

the party's most crucial strategic information.

If anything goes wrong,

I'm concerned you might be implicated.

Good morning, Adjutant Nie.

Morning.

You got off work?

Where have you been?

Did you go to pick me up after my night shift?

No.

Had some work at the Ministry of Defense.

Just finished.

I just saw that American officer again.

Yes.

He dropped me off for my night shift

and came back to pick me up after work.

He stayed up all night.

Mei.

I'm sorry.

Sorry for what?

I just feel that you've

been carrying too much.

Maybe you should quit this job.

Enough. Don't say anything more.

This isn't what I want to hear.

Stop talking.

I'm tired.

I want to move somewhere else.

Where do you want to move to?

Somewhere closer to work.

Mei.

I work at the Ministry of Defense.

This is the Ministry of Defense dormitory.

It's not easy to change accommodations.

I meant I'm the one moving.

I'm moving.

The training

has been completed today.

[Yongchuntang in Hong Kong]

Wan.

After these two days of training,

I actually feel less confident.

Do you think I'm up to it?

Time is tight and the mission is urgent.

In just these few days,

you've done very well.

Really?

If you feel it's too difficult,

you can still choose to return to Shanghai.

I'll find another way to handle the courier matter.

I don't think you have a better way.

It's more suitable for me

to go to Taiwan.

This is the token

for your rendezvous after arriving in Taiwan.

Keep it safe.

I wish you a swift and successful return.

Don't worry.

With the East Sea Team in Taiwan

and you in Hong Kong,

I'll be safe.

A man should stride boldly through life.

Can a woman not also be as mighty as a whale crossing the sea?

This is a poem Comrade Wenhan

gave to my old classmate Chen Xiuliang.

Ms. Zhu, you now

are equally worthy of these words.

Wan, you flatter me.

The new courier hadn't arrived yet.

Wu Shi understood

that even if he used his position as a translator for the White Group

to obtain intelligence about the Southwest operations,

he couldn't send it out in time.

So he decided

to exploit Chiang Kai-shek's unwillingness to admit defeat,

as Chiang still wanted to keep

both Chengdu and Chongqing.

By drafting in advance

a plan that combines defense and offense,

he wanted Chiang to

accept it gladly,

so that the PLA

could break through the Nationalist defenses step by step.

What's wrong with your Second Department?

You can't even prepare a weekly report properly.

I'm sorry.

How could you write this report like this?

How are the superiors supposed to read this?

I understand. I'm sorry.

Take it back and redo it.

Yes, sir.

What's wrong?

The Second Department staff

made a complete mess of their weekly report.

I just made a few comments about it.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I just get so angry

when I see people from the Second Department.

They caused us so much trouble in Hong Kong.

How long has it been since we returned from Hong Kong?

Three or four days.

Then it's about time.

Go buy a copy of Sing Tao Daily.

Okay.

[BIS Agents Showed Up Uninvited at Peninsula Hotel]

Senior, you were in Hong Kong helping with frontline issues.

Yet these petty officials from BIS

were monitoring and following you.

As both Chief and your junior,

I had no idea about this.

Senior.

I'm truly ashamed.

Chief.

I can't do it anymore.

What can't you do anymore, Senior?

Translating for the President

and completing the strategic conception report

on the Southwest Campaign.

I can't do it anymore.

No.

You can't quit, Senior.

The Southwest defense plan is crucial.

It involves too many factors.

The President values it highly.

I need to access various materials.

I'm afraid

if something goes wrong,

I would be targeted by the BIS again.

They'll use it as an excuse

to link me with Communist spies.

The real danger is when things keep recurring.

At that time, even if I'm full of words,

I won't be able to explain.

Senior.

I know.

You're naturally modest.

If you've been wronged

or upset about something,

you keep it all bottled up inside.

But you really mustn't quit.

You must help me.

Do you know

why the President asked you to be the translator?

What he really wants

is for you to provide him

with the outline of the operational plan for the Southwest Campaign afterwards.

This is a matter

that no one else in our Ministry of Defense

can handle but you.

The President's birthday is coming soon.

This would be the best birthday gift

that the Ministry of Defense could offer.

Senior.

You can't quit.

Don't worry, Senior.

Whatever materials you need in the future,

just come to me directly.

I'll fully cooperate with you.

This way...

Yes, Chief.

You are the Chief.

I am your deputy.

I'll do whatever you ask me to do.

No, no, Senior.

That's not what I meant.

Don't worry, Senior.

I'll get revenge for you.

I'll make sure Mao Qiwu severely

punishes that Gu fellow,

so I can give you a proper explanation.

That should be acceptable, right?

Fine.

Chief, since you're so considerate,

I will quickly prepare

the outline of the operational plan for the Southwest Campaign.

Thank you for your effort, Senior.

I'll take my leave.

Connect me to Mao Renfeng at the BIS.

Sir.

You arranged this in Hong Kong already?

Why didn't you tell me?

That's so satisfying.

Gu Zhengwen is in big trouble now.

We've finally dealt with

a major threat.

We can't be that optimistic yet.

Gu Zhengwen took a silent loss this time.

He might seek revenge furiously afterward.

Though Gu Zhengwen is just a colonel,

he has Chiang Ching-kuo backing him up.

Chiang Ching-kuo and Mr. Chiang

are our real opponents.

Gu Zhengwen.

What trouble did you stir up in Hong Kong?

Look. See how the Hong Kong press

[Is it the Nationalist Government's wariness of the U.S.,]

[or is there another dark secret behind it?]

is attacking our BIS.

Chief Zhou just called me

and gave me an earful.

Don't you think I have

enough problems already?

If Deputy Chief Wu resorted to such a roundabout method,

that actually suggests

my suspicions are probably correct.

Have you lost your mind?

Your trip to Hong Kong -

besides causing me trouble,

what else did you bring back?

Any findings? Any evidence?

On the ship back to Taiwan,

I encountered a woman.

She attempted to enter Taiwan

with a forged pass,

and jumped overboard to kill herself when discovered.

I believe

she must be

the courier sent to Taiwan to replace Zhang Hao.

Can you find evidence

to prove

that her handler is Wu Shi?

This time,

Chief Zhou has spoken.

You can't escape this.

I await your decision, Director.

You're suspended until further notice.

Seal all of Zhang Hao's files.

As for whether you'll be sent to Chongqing,

Guiyang,

or the mountains of Taichung...

Choose for yourself.

The mountainous area of Taichung

is the armed base of the Communist Taiwan Work Committee.

I'm willing to go to the Taichung mountains

to conduct infiltration reconnaissance.

The assignment in the Taichung mountains

is the most difficult.

You chose it yourself.

Yes, Director.

I will do my best to gather evidence

and return as soon as possible to continue investigating cases.

[Keelung Harbor, Taipei]

[Keelung Harbor]

[Communist Spies Who Surrender Will Be Exempt from Past Offenses]

Ju!

Mom!

Mom.

Give me a hug.

Mom.

Ju.

You seem to have lost weight.

[Ju, Zhu Feng's foster daughter]

Has Changcheng not been taking good care of you?

I...

Hello, Changcheng. Nice to meet you.

Hello, Mom.

[Wang Changcheng, Zhu Feng's son-in-law, Director of the Telecommunications Office]

You look a bit heavier

than in your photos.

Doesn't he?

He's always out eating and drinking

and never takes care of me.

Where's the baby?

We wanted to bring the baby

to pick you up.

But the baby is too young,

and we were worried about it catching cold outside.

So we asked our neighbor to look after it.

Now that Mom is here, I can help you

take care of the baby, right?

I've been wanting to write to you,

but I was afraid you'd be too busy with work in Hong Kong.

I hope your visit hasn't disrupted your work in Hong Kong.

My company transferred me back to Shanghai.

I happen to have some time off,

so I wanted to come see you all.

That's wonderful!

Make way! Move aside!

Mom, let's move to the side.

Let me go!

Get moving!

Why are you arresting me?

Move!

Get out of the way!

Let me go!

Move!

Make way up front!

Mom, I'm sure you've heard

how tense the situation in Taiwan is right now.

Try to stay home as much as possible,

and always carry your ID when you go out.

Alright.

The prisons in Taiwan are already overcrowded.

Mom, let's get in the car quickly.

Okay.

You can't catch me.

Young Master.

Yuxun.

How do I look in this outfit?

Beautiful.

Don't just say that.

Does it really look good?

You look good in anything.

If you go to the Dou's Mansion like this,

you'll outshine everyone there.

But I don't really want to go.

You don't want to go,

yet you're dressed so beautifully?

It's all because of you.

Ever since you got promoted to Deputy Chief,

those Army officers' wives

are all flocking to me

like fish swimming upstream.

Some come to build connections.

Some come to fish for information.

You know what I'm like.

I get such a headache

from these complicated social relationships.

I just can't handle it all.

Chief Zhou Zhirou's wife loves playing mahjong.

Those Directors' wives

are always hovering around her.

It wouldn't be appropriate if I didn't go.

She is your superior's wife after all.

I'm afraid Zhou might hold it against you.

Mom, we're home.

So this is it.

Finally home.

Mom, take it slow.

Ju,

you're finally back.

The baby must be hungry.

Been crying all afternoon.

Thank you, Mei. Sorry for the trouble.

Don't mention it. We're neighbors.

All right.

This is...

This is my mom.

Hello, ma'am.

Hello.

I heard you're also from Shanghai.

Yes, that's right.

Me too.

You're from Shanghai?

Yes.

I have a small gift for you.

This is the latest rouge from Hong Kong.

Hope you like it.

Oh no, I can't take it.

This is too much.

Don't mention it. Please take it.

Then I'll accept it.

Take it.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Come here, Bao. Let grandma hold you.

Go to grandma.

What's wrong? Are you upset?

You're upset.

Alright. What's the matter?

We're home, aren't we?

Where have we been?

Mei's husband

is Changcheng's colleague at the Telecommunications Office.

We came to Taiwan around the same time,

and were assigned housing next to each other.

They're a nice couple.

They've helped us a lot.

Bao is so well-behaved.

How can a baby be so well-behaved?

Let's sit for a while.

So well-behaved.

Yes.

Look.

I've noticed

that when the baby is with you,

it hasn't fussed at all from downstairs up until now.

You two must have a special connection.

Of course your child and I have a connection,

don't we?

Oh no, I forgot to buy the formula.

Didn't I specifically ask you yesterday

to buy it on your way home from work?

How could you forget the baby's food?

Yes, I...

I was only thinking about the eggs you asked for.

I bought the eggs but forgot the formula.

I'll go buy it now.

No, no, Changcheng, Changcheng.

Wait, wait.

Here, Ju.

What a coincidence.

I just happened to bring you

two cans of formula from Hong Kong.

Hold it tight. I'll go get them.

I never expected

they'd come in handy so soon.

This...

Here, Changcheng.

Mom, you're really saving us.

I'll go boil some water.

I must have been out of my mind

to think he was talented and capable,

and to fall in love with him.

He was fine back on the mainland.

But since coming to Taiwan,

after two of his colleagues were implicated through relatives

tied to the communists,

he's been more and more absent-minded,

distracted all day.

When I ask him to do something,

he can only remember one thing at a time,

like some kind of fool.

Ju.

A couple should love and care for each other.

Talk things through properly.

Don't get upset.

I've tried talking to him properly,

but he can't remember a single thing.

Next time he forgets,

write everything down on paper

and stick it on his forehead,

see if he can remember then.

Ju, come here.

Mom has a gift for you.

Ju.

Look.

What a beautiful necklace.

You were getting married during the war.

I couldn't attend your wedding then.

Now I'm making it up to you.

Come, let me put it on you.

I spent a long time choosing this necklace.

I think this style suits you perfectly.

My daughter looks so special wearing it.

Beautiful and elegant.

I'm already a mother now.

Why care about looks anymore?

Being a mother is hard work.

That's why you need to love yourself even more.

This is

what I got for the baby,

a longevity lock.

What do you think?

Is the design pretty?

It's beautiful.

Come, let's put it on Bao.

Isn't it just perfect, Bao?

Do you like it?

Does it look nice?

It's pretty.

It's beautiful.

Ju, what's wrong?

It's nice to have a mother.

Mom.

I brought a gift for Changcheng too.

Changcheng.

Mom.

I picked out a tie for you.

I think this color

goes well with your clothes.

See if you like it.

I like it.

Mom, you really shouldn't have spent so much.

Not at all.

Mrs. Wu.

You're finally here.

They've all been waiting anxiously.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Dou.

I had to take care of my children first.

Look.

We needed a fourth player and were waiting for you.

Qing, prepare some tea.

Right away.

Seven of Bamboo.

Mrs. Wu, you must treat us to a meal.

Five of Dots.

Why would I treat everyone for no reason?

I'm the loser today.

Look at her, still pretending not to know.

Don't worry. We won't make you spend much.

Just all of us having a good time together,

and celebrating a bit.

Wait, what is there to celebrate?

Celebrate what?

Didn't your Deputy Chief Wu tell you?

He rarely tells me

about his work matters.

At yesterday's military meeting at the Ministry of Defense,

the President publicly praised Deputy Chief Wu.

Said he relieved the burden of the party

and did an excellent job translating for the White Group.

So,

Chief Gu personally hosted a dinner last night.

Ostensibly a farewell dinner,

but actually to commend Deputy Chief Wu.

No wonder he came home so drunk last night.

Wait, what does White Group mean?

It's the Japanese Military Advisory Group.

The group's Japanese leader

adopted a Chinese name,

Bai Hongliang. "Bai" means "white".

So everyone calls them the White Group.

Yuxun.

Why are you working as a translator for the Japanese?

If Mrs. Zhou hadn't told me today,

were you planning to keep this from me?

Bikui, I'm sorry.

I have work that must be done.

I'm going to take a nap.

Perhaps in my dreams,

I can still see Jingcheng.

After you arrive in Taipei,

the superiors will use the radio

to send contact instructions to the Taiwan Work Committee.

For 3 consecutive nights, from 11 p.m. to midnight,

the signal will be embedded

in the advertisement for Yushan Tea House.

Afterward, if you see Chen Li's notice

looking for his brother in the People's Daily,

you can go to the Taiwan Work Committee's contact point

and rendezvous with them.

Classic street-roasted treats.

Rustic local flavors.

Tradition of mastery continues.

Classic street-roasted treats.

Rustic local flavors.

Tradition of mastery continues.

Today's newspaper.

Take a look at today's newspaper.

I'd like this daily newspaper.

Mom.

Changcheng.

Where's Mom?

Isn't Mom in her room?

She's not in her room.

Not there?

Go look for her quickly.

Make sure she hasn't wandered off.

I'll go look.

Mom.

Mom.

I went to buy a newspaper.

And got some breakfast.

Steamed buns and fried dough sticks.

That's so much trouble for you,

going out so early to buy breakfast.

You're always spending money on us.

Not at all.

Fried dough sticks barely cost anything.

Go ahead and eat.

It's fine. We'll wait for you, Mom.

Coming.

Changcheng.

This tie looks nice.

Yes, it suits me perfectly.

It looks good on you.

Yes.

Thank you for the gift, Mom.

By the way, Mom.

Were you listening to the radio last night?

I was probably too excited yesterday.

So I couldn't sleep well at night.

I just wanted to listen

to something nice.

I didn't disturb you, did I?

No, not at all.

That's good.

Changcheng.

Ju.

I don't love salted duck eggs as much as you do.

I remember you used to eat salted duck eggs with porridge

and could finish two bowls, right?

Really?

Ju, eat up.

Mom, my taste has become milder since I had the baby.

You have it.

Here.

Ju, have this.

Mom's is here.

Ju, Changcheng.

I want to discuss something with you.

I think starting from today,

let me

take care of the food expenses.

Is that okay?

After all,

I came here to support you.

Right?

You need to raise a baby.

And your expenses are high.

Please don't.

We don't have much to offer you.

We already feel embarrassed.

How could we spend your money?

Yes, you came from so far away to help us.

And you're always worrying about our livelihood.

This really isn't appropriate.

At my trading company in Hong Kong,

I'm the financial director.

My income is quite substantial.

Besides, if I don't

spend this money on you, who else?

Should I just let it gather dust in the suitcase?

I can't just stay and eat at your place for free.

Right?

Mom.

That will make Changcheng and me feel embarrassed.

Ju.

You're family but talking like strangers.

If you keep being so formal,

I'm going to be upset.

Okay, I won't be so formal with you, Mom.

Thank you, Mom.

Good. That's better.

Let's eat now.

Mom hasn't started eating yet.

I was going to give this to Mom.

Here, Mom.

I already have some. Well, okay. Thank you.

Mom, now that you're here,

you should stay for a while, right?

I'm worried Mom might leave soon.

That's why I'm trying to put Mom's mind at ease.

You...

I'll stay as long as you want me to.

I came here to help you anyway.

Mom, of course I hope you can stay longer.

Yes, I hope so too.

We were just talking about it.

Since Mom arrived,

Ju's condition has improved a lot.

If you welcome me,

I'll stay a bit longer.

[Telecommunications Office, Taiwan Provincial Police Department]

Director.

Busy?

Director.

Morning.

Leader.

Come in.

The car is ready.

Good.

By the way,

have someone take this suitcase downstairs.

Leader, are you really going to the Taichung mountains?

What's wrong?

Chongqing and Guiyang may be closer to the Communist Army,

but at least they're cities.

Up in the Taichung mountains, it's such a godforsaken place

that only the birds bother to take a dump there.

What's worth going there for?

Isn't Liu Kangfu from the Taiwan Work Committee?

I believe Deputy Chief Wu's upcoming work

will definitely involve the Taiwan Work Committee.

Getting to know their grassroots operations

can't hurt, right?

At a time like this,

you're still thinking about the case?

You don't understand.

Leader.

Please.

Mr. Gu,

why haven't you left yet?

What a situation this is.

The Director asked me to temporarily

take over the Counterintelligence Section.

I deliberately timed my arrival

to avoid making you uncomfortable,

but I still came too early...

Mr. Ye.

That's not how we drive in Counterintelligence Section.

How should I drive then?

Watch your tone.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

It's good I came early.

I'll see you off.

No need.

That's thoughtful of you. Thanks.

Uh...

Mr. Ye, I'd like to ask you a favor.

You see,

these men

all came from the Operations Division,

and you know them all.

They'll be working under you now,

so please

take good care of them.

No need to be so formal.

We're brothers.

Yes, yes.

We all used to be in the same division.

I am a man of principles.

I'll never play favorites.

Yes, yes.

Pickled beans with rice will be plentiful,

but as for bonuses,

that depends on their own luck.

Yes, yes.

Did you all hear that?

Work hard under Mr. Ye,

and you'll definitely be treated well.

Alright.

Get in the car quickly.

Get in the car.

Director.

We can't find the file of Zhang Hao's case.

It's not in the archives room or the file cabinets.

That's right.

It's best if he takes

this hot potato with him.

Nie Xi, I've moved out.

Your lies about our child

are something I can't forgive.

Perhaps I can sleep better somewhere else.

I've left you

a photo of our child.

I hope when you see her face,

you'll miss her as much as I do.

Mei.

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 8]

Sir.

If you feel uncomfortable about this,

we don't have to go.

Nonsense.

If I wanted to feel good,

I would have stayed in Fuzhou and joined the uprising

rather than coming to Taiwan.

I must first

know the situation in the Southwest regions inside out,

so I can understand what Mr. Chiang and the Japanese

are planning strategically for the Southwest.

Where's my Yunnan map?

It's here.

Since Mr. Chiang personally handed me the knife,

I must help Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping

take the Southwest.

I'll make sure the White Group is completely useless

and Gu Zhutong's forces will collapse.

I want Mr. Chiang to know

that using Japanese war criminals as advisors

is utterly shameful and ridiculous.

Please get some rest, Sir.

Honey, why are you sitting here?

Did you stay up all night?

I did sleep.

I slept sitting on the floor for a while.

I'm sorry, Honey.

Was there some urgent military business?

Not really.

Then why in the middle of the night

did you rush to the office to work?

I suddenly remembered something important

that needed to be done quickly.

Couldn't you have told me?

Weren't you sleeping with the children?

You could have left me a note.

Your handwriting is so beautiful.

I'm sorry, Honey.

I didn't think it through.

You just agreed to my conditions,

but which one have you actually followed?

You said you'd come home on time.

Yes.

I did promise to come home on time every night,

but I never said I couldn't go to work early.

Fine.

Then I'll add one more condition.

Every morning before 6 o'clock,

you're not allowed to go to work.

Honey, that's 6 conditions now.

Do you agree, Wu Yuxun?

Alright,

I agree.

Come on now.

Don't sit here anymore.

The floor is cold.

Leave me alone.

Fine.

I'll sit with you for a while.

Chief.

What is it?

I heard from a colleague on night duty yesterday

that Deputy Chief Wu was dealing with the Southwest issue

and worked all night in his office without sleep.

The President's birthday is approaching.

Senior should prepare in advance

and present the Southwest outline of the operational plan

on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.

This is an honor for our entire Ministry of Defense.

Yes.

However,

Deputy Chief Wu has always deeply hated the Japanese,

yet he changed his mind overnight.

It's truly puzzling.

Of course,

the Deputy Chief always prioritizes the bigger picture.

Perhaps I'm being narrow-minded.

But Deputy Chief Wu now has access to

the party's most crucial strategic information.

If anything goes wrong,

I'm concerned you might be implicated.

Good morning, Adjutant Nie.

Morning.

You got off work?

Where have you been?

Did you go to pick me up after my night shift?

No.

Had some work at the Ministry of Defense.

Just finished.

I just saw that American officer again.

Yes.

He dropped me off for my night shift

and came back to pick me up after work.

He stayed up all night.

Mei.

I'm sorry.

Sorry for what?

I just feel that you've

been carrying too much.

Maybe you should quit this job.

Enough. Don't say anything more.

This isn't what I want to hear.

Stop talking.

I'm tired.

I want to move somewhere else.

Where do you want to move to?

Somewhere closer to work.

Mei.

I work at the Ministry of Defense.

This is the Ministry of Defense dormitory.

It's not easy to change accommodations.

I meant I'm the one moving.

I'm moving.

The training

has been completed today.

[Yongchuntang in Hong Kong]

Wan.

After these two days of training,

I actually feel less confident.

Do you think I'm up to it?

Time is tight and the mission is urgent.

In just these few days,

you've done very well.

Really?

If you feel it's too difficult,

you can still choose to return to Shanghai.

I'll find another way to handle the courier matter.

I don't think you have a better way.

It's more suitable for me

to go to Taiwan.

This is the token

for your rendezvous after arriving in Taiwan.

Keep it safe.

I wish you a swift and successful return.

Don't worry.

With the East Sea Team in Taiwan

and you in Hong Kong,

I'll be safe.

A man should stride boldly through life.

Can a woman not also be as mighty as a whale crossing the sea?

This is a poem Comrade Wenhan

gave to my old classmate Chen Xiuliang.

Ms. Zhu, you now

are equally worthy of these words.

Wan, you flatter me.

The new courier hadn't arrived yet.

Wu Shi understood

that even if he used his position as a translator for the White Group

to obtain intelligence about the Southwest operations,

he couldn't send it out in time.

So he decided

to exploit Chiang Kai-shek's unwillingness to admit defeat,

as Chiang still wanted to keep

both Chengdu and Chongqing.

By drafting in advance

a plan that combines defense and offense,

he wanted Chiang to

accept it gladly,

so that the PLA

could break through the Nationalist defenses step by step.

What's wrong with your Second Department?

You can't even prepare a weekly report properly.

I'm sorry.

How could you write this report like this?

How are the superiors supposed to read this?

I understand. I'm sorry.

Take it back and redo it.

Yes, sir.

What's wrong?

The Second Department staff

made a complete mess of their weekly report.

I just made a few comments about it.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I just get so angry

when I see people from the Second Department.

They caused us so much trouble in Hong Kong.

How long has it been since we returned from Hong Kong?

Three or four days.

Then it's about time.

Go buy a copy of Sing Tao Daily.

Okay.

[BIS Agents Showed Up Uninvited at Peninsula Hotel]

Senior, you were in Hong Kong helping with frontline issues.

Yet these petty officials from BIS

were monitoring and following you.

As both Chief and your junior,

I had no idea about this.

Senior.

I'm truly ashamed.

Chief.

I can't do it anymore.

What can't you do anymore, Senior?

Translating for the President

and completing the strategic conception report

on the Southwest Campaign.

I can't do it anymore.

No.

You can't quit, Senior.

The Southwest defense plan is crucial.

It involves too many factors.

The President values it highly.

I need to access various materials.

I'm afraid

if something goes wrong,

I would be targeted by the BIS again.

They'll use it as an excuse

to link me with Communist spies.

The real danger is when things keep recurring.

At that time, even if I'm full of words,

I won't be able to explain.

Senior.

I know.

You're naturally modest.

If you've been wronged

or upset about something,

you keep it all bottled up inside.

But you really mustn't quit.

You must help me.

Do you know

why the President asked you to be the translator?

What he really wants

is for you to provide him

with the outline of the operational plan for the Southwest Campaign afterwards.

This is a matter

that no one else in our Ministry of Defense

can handle but you.

The President's birthday is coming soon.

This would be the best birthday gift

that the Ministry of Defense could offer.

Senior.

You can't quit.

Don't worry, Senior.

Whatever materials you need in the future,

just come to me directly.

I'll fully cooperate with you.

This way...

Yes, Chief.

You are the Chief.

I am your deputy.

I'll do whatever you ask me to do.

No, no, Senior.

That's not what I meant.

Don't worry, Senior.

I'll get revenge for you.

I'll make sure Mao Qiwu severely

punishes that Gu fellow,

so I can give you a proper explanation.

That should be acceptable, right?

Fine.

Chief, since you're so considerate,

I will quickly prepare

the outline of the operational plan for the Southwest Campaign.

Thank you for your effort, Senior.

I'll take my leave.

Connect me to Mao Renfeng at the BIS.

Sir.

You arranged this in Hong Kong already?

Why didn't you tell me?

That's so satisfying.

Gu Zhengwen is in big trouble now.

We've finally dealt with

a major threat.

We can't be that optimistic yet.

Gu Zhengwen took a silent loss this time.

He might seek revenge furiously afterward.

Though Gu Zhengwen is just a colonel,

he has Chiang Ching-kuo backing him up.

Chiang Ching-kuo and Mr. Chiang

are our real opponents.

Gu Zhengwen.

What trouble did you stir up in Hong Kong?

Look. See how the Hong Kong press

[Is it the Nationalist Government's wariness of the U.S.,]

[or is there another dark secret behind it?]

is attacking our BIS.

Chief Zhou just called me

and gave me an earful.

Don't you think I have

enough problems already?

If Deputy Chief Wu resorted to such a roundabout method,

that actually suggests

my suspicions are probably correct.

Have you lost your mind?

Your trip to Hong Kong -

besides causing me trouble,

what else did you bring back?

Any findings? Any evidence?

On the ship back to Taiwan,

I encountered a woman.

She attempted to enter Taiwan

with a forged pass,

and jumped overboard to kill herself when discovered.

I believe

she must be

the courier sent to Taiwan to replace Zhang Hao.

Can you find evidence

to prove

that her handler is Wu Shi?

This time,

Chief Zhou has spoken.

You can't escape this.

I await your decision, Director.

You're suspended until further notice.

Seal all of Zhang Hao's files.

As for whether you'll be sent to Chongqing,

Guiyang,

or the mountains of Taichung...

Choose for yourself.

The mountainous area of Taichung

is the armed base of the Communist Taiwan Work Committee.

I'm willing to go to the Taichung mountains

to conduct infiltration reconnaissance.

The assignment in the Taichung mountains

is the most difficult.

You chose it yourself.

Yes, Director.

I will do my best to gather evidence

and return as soon as possible to continue investigating cases.

[Keelung Harbor, Taipei]

[Keelung Harbor]

[Communist Spies Who Surrender Will Be Exempt from Past Offenses]

Ju!

Mom!

Mom.

Give me a hug.

Mom.

Ju.

You seem to have lost weight.

[Ju, Zhu Feng's foster daughter]

Has Changcheng not been taking good care of you?

I...

Hello, Changcheng. Nice to meet you.

Hello, Mom.

[Wang Changcheng, Zhu Feng's son-in-law, Director of the Telecommunications Office]

You look a bit heavier

than in your photos.

Doesn't he?

He's always out eating and drinking

and never takes care of me.

Where's the baby?

We wanted to bring the baby

to pick you up.

But the baby is too young,

and we were worried about it catching cold outside.

So we asked our neighbor to look after it.

Now that Mom is here, I can help you

take care of the baby, right?

I've been wanting to write to you,

but I was afraid you'd be too busy with work in Hong Kong.

I hope your visit hasn't disrupted your work in Hong Kong.

My company transferred me back to Shanghai.

I happen to have some time off,

so I wanted to come see you all.

That's wonderful!

Make way! Move aside!

Mom, let's move to the side.

Let me go!

Get moving!

Why are you arresting me?

Move!

Get out of the way!

Let me go!

Move!

Make way up front!

Mom, I'm sure you've heard

how tense the situation in Taiwan is right now.

Try to stay home as much as possible,

and always carry your ID when you go out.

Alright.

The prisons in Taiwan are already overcrowded.

Mom, let's get in the car quickly.

Okay.

You can't catch me.

Young Master.

Yuxun.

How do I look in this outfit?

Beautiful.

Don't just say that.

Does it really look good?

You look good in anything.

If you go to the Dou's Mansion like this,

you'll outshine everyone there.

But I don't really want to go.

You don't want to go,

yet you're dressed so beautifully?

It's all because of you.

Ever since you got promoted to Deputy Chief,

those Army officers' wives

are all flocking to me

like fish swimming upstream.

Some come to build connections.

Some come to fish for information.

You know what I'm like.

I get such a headache

from these complicated social relationships.

I just can't handle it all.

Chief Zhou Zhirou's wife loves playing mahjong.

Those Directors' wives

are always hovering around her.

It wouldn't be appropriate if I didn't go.

She is your superior's wife after all.

I'm afraid Zhou might hold it against you.

Mom, we're home.

So this is it.

Finally home.

Mom, take it slow.

Ju,

you're finally back.

The baby must be hungry.

Been crying all afternoon.

Thank you, Mei. Sorry for the trouble.

Don't mention it. We're neighbors.

All right.

This is...

This is my mom.

Hello, ma'am.

Hello.

I heard you're also from Shanghai.

Yes, that's right.

Me too.

You're from Shanghai?

Yes.

I have a small gift for you.

This is the latest rouge from Hong Kong.

Hope you like it.

Oh no, I can't take it.

This is too much.

Don't mention it. Please take it.

Then I'll accept it.

Take it.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Come here, Bao. Let grandma hold you.

Go to grandma.

What's wrong? Are you upset?

You're upset.

Alright. What's the matter?

We're home, aren't we?

Where have we been?

Mei's husband

is Changcheng's colleague at the Telecommunications Office.

We came to Taiwan around the same time,

and were assigned housing next to each other.

They're a nice couple.

They've helped us a lot.

Bao is so well-behaved.

How can a baby be so well-behaved?

Let's sit for a while.

So well-behaved.

Yes.

Look.

I've noticed

that when the baby is with you,

it hasn't fussed at all from downstairs up until now.

You two must have a special connection.

Of course your child and I have a connection,

don't we?

Oh no, I forgot to buy the formula.

Didn't I specifically ask you yesterday

to buy it on your way home from work?

How could you forget the baby's food?

Yes, I...

I was only thinking about the eggs you asked for.

I bought the eggs but forgot the formula.

I'll go buy it now.

No, no, Changcheng, Changcheng.

Wait, wait.

Here, Ju.

What a coincidence.

I just happened to bring you

two cans of formula from Hong Kong.

Hold it tight. I'll go get them.

I never expected

they'd come in handy so soon.

This...

Here, Changcheng.

Mom, you're really saving us.

I'll go boil some water.

I must have been out of my mind

to think he was talented and capable,

and to fall in love with him.

He was fine back on the mainland.

But since coming to Taiwan,

after two of his colleagues were implicated through relatives

tied to the communists,

he's been more and more absent-minded,

distracted all day.

When I ask him to do something,

he can only remember one thing at a time,

like some kind of fool.

Ju.

A couple should love and care for each other.

Talk things through properly.

Don't get upset.

I've tried talking to him properly,

but he can't remember a single thing.

Next time he forgets,

write everything down on paper

and stick it on his forehead,

see if he can remember then.

Ju, come here.

Mom has a gift for you.

Ju.

Look.

What a beautiful necklace.

You were getting married during the war.

I couldn't attend your wedding then.

Now I'm making it up to you.

Come, let me put it on you.

I spent a long time choosing this necklace.

I think this style suits you perfectly.

My daughter looks so special wearing it.

Beautiful and elegant.

I'm already a mother now.

Why care about looks anymore?

Being a mother is hard work.

That's why you need to love yourself even more.

This is

what I got for the baby,

a longevity lock.

What do you think?

Is the design pretty?

It's beautiful.

Come, let's put it on Bao.

Isn't it just perfect, Bao?

Do you like it?

Does it look nice?

It's pretty.

It's beautiful.

Ju, what's wrong?

It's nice to have a mother.

Mom.

I brought a gift for Changcheng too.

Changcheng.

Mom.

I picked out a tie for you.

I think this color

goes well with your clothes.

See if you like it.

I like it.

Mom, you really shouldn't have spent so much.

Not at all.

Mrs. Wu.

You're finally here.

They've all been waiting anxiously.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Dou.

I had to take care of my children first.

Look.

We needed a fourth player and were waiting for you.

Qing, prepare some tea.

Right away.

Seven of Bamboo.

Mrs. Wu, you must treat us to a meal.

Five of Dots.

Why would I treat everyone for no reason?

I'm the loser today.

Look at her, still pretending not to know.

Don't worry. We won't make you spend much.

Just all of us having a good time together,

and celebrating a bit.

Wait, what is there to celebrate?

Celebrate what?

Didn't your Deputy Chief Wu tell you?

He rarely tells me

about his work matters.

At yesterday's military meeting at the Ministry of Defense,

the President publicly praised Deputy Chief Wu.

Said he relieved the burden of the party

and did an excellent job translating for the White Group.

So,

Chief Gu personally hosted a dinner last night.

Ostensibly a farewell dinner,

but actually to commend Deputy Chief Wu.

No wonder he came home so drunk last night.

Wait, what does White Group mean?

It's the Japanese Military Advisory Group.

The group's Japanese leader

adopted a Chinese name,

Bai Hongliang. "Bai" means "white".

So everyone calls them the White Group.

Yuxun.

Why are you working as a translator for the Japanese?

If Mrs. Zhou hadn't told me today,

were you planning to keep this from me?

Bikui, I'm sorry.

I have work that must be done.

I'm going to take a nap.

Perhaps in my dreams,

I can still see Jingcheng.

After you arrive in Taipei,

the superiors will use the radio

to send contact instructions to the Taiwan Work Committee.

For 3 consecutive nights, from 11 p.m. to midnight,

the signal will be embedded

in the advertisement for Yushan Tea House.

Afterward, if you see Chen Li's notice

looking for his brother in the People's Daily,

you can go to the Taiwan Work Committee's contact point

and rendezvous with them.

Classic street-roasted treats.

Rustic local flavors.

Tradition of mastery continues.

Classic street-roasted treats.

Rustic local flavors.

Tradition of mastery continues.

Today's newspaper.

Take a look at today's newspaper.

I'd like this daily newspaper.

Mom.

Changcheng.

Where's Mom?

Isn't Mom in her room?

She's not in her room.

Not there?

Go look for her quickly.

Make sure she hasn't wandered off.

I'll go look.

Mom.

Mom.

I went to buy a newspaper.

And got some breakfast.

Steamed buns and fried dough sticks.

That's so much trouble for you,

going out so early to buy breakfast.

You're always spending money on us.

Not at all.

Fried dough sticks barely cost anything.

Go ahead and eat.

It's fine. We'll wait for you, Mom.

Coming.

Changcheng.

This tie looks nice.

Yes, it suits me perfectly.

It looks good on you.

Yes.

Thank you for the gift, Mom.

By the way, Mom.

Were you listening to the radio last night?

I was probably too excited yesterday.

So I couldn't sleep well at night.

I just wanted to listen

to something nice.

I didn't disturb you, did I?

No, not at all.

That's good.

Changcheng.

Ju.

I don't love salted duck eggs as much as you do.

I remember you used to eat salted duck eggs with porridge

and could finish two bowls, right?

Really?

Ju, eat up.

Mom, my taste has become milder since I had the baby.

You have it.

Here.

Ju, have this.

Mom's is here.

Ju, Changcheng.

I want to discuss something with you.

I think starting from today,

let me

take care of the food expenses.

Is that okay?

After all,

I came here to support you.

Right?

You need to raise a baby.

And your expenses are high.

Please don't.

We don't have much to offer you.

We already feel embarrassed.

How could we spend your money?

Yes, you came from so far away to help us.

And you're always worrying about our livelihood.

This really isn't appropriate.

At my trading company in Hong Kong,

I'm the financial director.

My income is quite substantial.

Besides, if I don't

spend this money on you, who else?

Should I just let it gather dust in the suitcase?

I can't just stay and eat at your place for free.

Right?

Mom.

That will make Changcheng and me feel embarrassed.

Ju.

You're family but talking like strangers.

If you keep being so formal,

I'm going to be upset.

Okay, I won't be so formal with you, Mom.

Thank you, Mom.

Good. That's better.

Let's eat now.

Mom hasn't started eating yet.

I was going to give this to Mom.

Here, Mom.

I already have some. Well, okay. Thank you.

Mom, now that you're here,

you should stay for a while, right?

I'm worried Mom might leave soon.

That's why I'm trying to put Mom's mind at ease.

You...

I'll stay as long as you want me to.

I came here to help you anyway.

Mom, of course I hope you can stay longer.

Yes, I hope so too.

We were just talking about it.

Since Mom arrived,

Ju's condition has improved a lot.

If you welcome me,

I'll stay a bit longer.

[Telecommunications Office, Taiwan Provincial Police Department]

Director.

Busy?

Director.

Morning.

Leader.

Come in.

The car is ready.

Good.

By the way,

have someone take this suitcase downstairs.

Leader, are you really going to the Taichung mountains?

What's wrong?

Chongqing and Guiyang may be closer to the Communist Army,

but at least they're cities.

Up in the Taichung mountains, it's such a godforsaken place

that only the birds bother to take a dump there.

What's worth going there for?

Isn't Liu Kangfu from the Taiwan Work Committee?

I believe Deputy Chief Wu's upcoming work

will definitely involve the Taiwan Work Committee.

Getting to know their grassroots operations

can't hurt, right?

At a time like this,

you're still thinking about the case?

You don't understand.

Leader.

Please.

Mr. Gu,

why haven't you left yet?

What a situation this is.

The Director asked me to temporarily

take over the Counterintelligence Section.

I deliberately timed my arrival

to avoid making you uncomfortable,

but I still came too early...

Mr. Ye.

That's not how we drive in Counterintelligence Section.

How should I drive then?

Watch your tone.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

It's good I came early.

I'll see you off.

No need.

That's thoughtful of you. Thanks.

Uh...

Mr. Ye, I'd like to ask you a favor.

You see,

these men

all came from the Operations Division,

and you know them all.

They'll be working under you now,

so please

take good care of them.

No need to be so formal.

We're brothers.

Yes, yes.

We all used to be in the same division.

I am a man of principles.

I'll never play favorites.

Yes, yes.

Pickled beans with rice will be plentiful,

but as for bonuses,

that depends on their own luck.

Yes, yes.

Did you all hear that?

Work hard under Mr. Ye,

and you'll definitely be treated well.

Alright.

Get in the car quickly.

Get in the car.

Director.

We can't find the file of Zhang Hao's case.

It's not in the archives room or the file cabinets.

That's right.

It's best if he takes

this hot potato with him.

Nie Xi, I've moved out.

Your lies about our child

are something I can't forgive.

Perhaps I can sleep better somewhere else.

I've left you

a photo of our child.

I hope when you see her face,

you'll miss her as much as I do.

Mei.