Zhang Yi: As you see, he was seizing the time to make radio stations as soon as he arrived in Xi’an in September, 1936. Was there any political climate or political situation that led him to think if there was going to have something happening? Why so urgent?

Shenghua: He was a professional spy. His job to do was exactly following the order given by his boss. Anything else was not his business.

Zhang Yi: Spoke no more than necessary and asked no more than needed?

Shenghua: Correct. 

    After Li Bai’s arrestment, Tu Zuochao was facing the most serious crisis ever.

Shenghua: (My father said to my mother) “In future if and when the CCP is in power but I fail to return home, then you go to see Mao Zedong and ask him for myself. Mao Zedong is our leader. He will take care of all of your livelihood.

What was the reason his story has been so unknown to most people? The Past Program is now airing The Legendary Carpenter’s Ups and Downs in the Sea of Secrets Part 2.

After the peaceful settlement of the Xi’an Incident, Tu Zuochao followed Pan Hannian and returned to Shanghai that was occupied by the Japanese troops. His job was to prepare and restore the CCP radios in Shanghai. The Story of The Eternal Wave therefore began.

Screen: Pan Hannian’s photo.

Shenghua: On December 31, 1936, Li Kenong first and Zhou Enlai second summoned Tu Zuochao for a talk:＂You go to Shanghai. Your next boss is Xiao Kai (or young boss or young master, code name for Pan Hannian). He was Pan Hannian. Secondly, both Zhou Enlai and Li Kenong said that the Carpenter had raised the issue that our underground operators in Shanghai dare not run such a risk whereas they even do not have a normal job. If this is the case then the probability for exposure is too high.

Zhang Yi: They must find a way out to hide their true identity. Correct?

Shenghua: Yes. They must have a job in the society. The identity was a must for them. Thirdly, they said that the Carpenter in that year was 34 years old. “You the Carpenter must get married.” “And Xiao Kai is responsible for this.” So when in Shanghai, Pan Hannian talked to my father: “Now you are going to get married. A woman, our own CCP member, for you. She will not get pregnant for sure.” Pan Hannian felt confident that Tu Zuochao would agree with this for sure. But it so happened that Tu Zuochao disagreed.