Episode Summary
The year is 1943, and as the global war turns against the Axis, Chen Shouzheng makes a power grab, demanding the communists submit to his authority. He and Sun Yulin plot an ambush, but Zhuang Qifeng foresees it. Wang Yu is caught in the trap and nearly defeated until Qiu Jiasheng's cavalry saves the day. In the aftermath, Sun Yulin is killed, and Chen Shouzheng is captured. While Wang Yu recovers from her severe injuries, Qiu Jiasheng's feelings for her become clear. Instead of executing him, Zhuang Qifeng imprisons Chen Shouzheng, forcing him to witness the strength and unity of the communist village, which begins to challenge his own beliefs.
Spoiler Alert
Our Homeland Episode 31: Recap
Alright, let's get into it. This episode kicks off in 1943, and things are getting messy in Gucheng. Japanese soldiers are getting picked off left and right, with over forty killed in a string of attacks. Their commander, Satoshi Yamashita, is furious. He orders his men to stay on base unless they're moving in a full squad. He knows the area is a death trap.
The bigger picture is also shifting. The Soviets are on the counterattack after their win at Stalingrad. Italy just surrendered. The whole Axis alliance is starting to crumble, and Japan is losing ground in the Pacific. Back in China, the communist-led forces are finally launching major counteroffensives against the Japanese and their puppet troops.
Chen Shouzheng's Power Play
This is where Chen Shouzheng decides he's the main character. After reading a book by Chiang Kai-shek, he gets some big ideas. He sends a letter to Zhuang Qifeng and the others. In it, he demands they dissolve their local communist governments. He says his Nationalist government office should be in charge of all appointments. He also insists their army must obey his command. If they don't, he'll brand them as traitors to the anti-Japanese cause.
Zhuang Qifeng gathers his people to discuss the letter. Just then, he gets a secret message from Qi Menglong. The note warns him that Chen Shouzheng is secretly planning an attack with Sun Yulin. So, Zhuang puts his guard up and starts watching Chen's every move.
The Ambush at Zhuangjiabao
Sure enough, Chen Shouzheng and Sun Yulin plot an attack on the Qingshankou base. But Zhuang Qifeng already knows it's coming. He sends out a warning to all units to steer clear of the area.
Unfortunately, Wang Yu never gets the message. She's already on her way to Zhuangjiabao for a meeting with other unit captains. When Qiu Jiasheng finds out, he immediately leads his troops to go help her.
At Zhuangjiabao, Wang Yu senses that something is wrong. She calls off the meeting and organizes a defense. Her group is completely outnumbered, though, and the fight is brutal. She gets seriously wounded but refuses to stop commanding her soldiers.
Chen Shouzheng and Sun Yulin order their forces to close in for the final push. It looks like it's all over for Wang Yu. Then, the cavalry battalion arrives just in time. They charge in, fighting alongside the other district's forces. They manage to turn the battle around and secure a win.
The Aftermath and a Budding Romance
Chen Shouzheng is livid about the loss. He starts screaming at Sun Yulin, blaming him for poor command and messing up their chance. As they're arguing, Qi Menglong and his soldiers storm the city. They shoot Sun Yulin dead and capture Chen Shouzheng alive.
Meanwhile, Wang Yu's injuries are getting worse. The hospital is a long way off. Qiu Jiasheng personally escorts her. On the way, he tells her not to blame herself for what happened. He even gives her his own blood to keep her alive long enough for surgery. The operation is a success.
When Wang Yu wakes up, she sees flowers by her bed. She finally realizes Qiu Jiasheng is the one who has been sending them to her. Later, Qiu Jiasheng reports back to Zhuang Qifeng. Zhuang is relieved to hear Wang Yu is safe. He also picks up on Qiu's feelings for her and offers to act as a matchmaker. After a moment, Qiu Jiasheng seriously agrees.
Chen Shouzheng's New Prison
Chen Shouzheng is dragged in front of Zhuang Qifeng, shaking because he's terrified he'll be executed. But Zhuang has other plans. He says just killing Chen would be too easy. Instead, he orders his men to lock Chen up. He wants Chen to watch, step by step, as his reputation is destroyed and he's defeated politically and militarily. He wants Chen to admit his own failure.
That night, Chen tries to escape but gets caught. The Eighth Route Army doesn't punish him. They just keep treating him with respect and giving him food. The next day, he walks through the village with a guard. He sees women and children learning to read. He sees people of all ages taking part in revolutionary activities. The whole village is alive and united. The sight shakes him to his core.
