The story takes place during the War of Resistance Against Japan.
The protagonist, Yao Gui, is strolling around the market when he happens upon Cao Xin, a Japanese agent. Seeing that Yao Gui's bicycle is a Japanese brand, Cao Xin claims it for himself. When Yao Gui resists, Cao Xin's men subject him to all kinds of humiliation. Yao Gui vows to avenge the insult. He joins an agent unit under the jurisdiction of another district and begins building up his strength for revenge.
By nature, he is kind-hearted and does not want to become an enemy of the Eighth Route Army or the local revolutionary forces. During several clashes, he cleverly fools the Japanese and even saves the life of a commanding officer. Before he knows it, he has become a revolutionary comrade.
After liberation, the local government mistakenly believes he is a traitorous agent, and officials arrest him. Unable to prove his innocence, he can only survive on the run.
Fortunately, the officer whose life he once saved learns of his situation and writes a letter to vouch for him to the local village committee. The village Party secretary has a personal grudge against Yao Gui and withholds the letter of proof twice, forcing Yao Gui to suffer several more years of undeserved hardship.
Later, Yao Gui goes straight to the officer himself, and only then is the truth finally brought to light.
The plot is moving and full of twists and turns. I hope you'll enjoy reading it.
This story is based on real events, with some literary flourishes added in the telling. It's well worth a read.
