In the fiery years of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, there was a legendary figure named Yuan Shu, who was known as a rare "five-faced spy" in the espionage world. On the ever-changing stage of spy warfare, he relied on his outstanding wisdom and extraordinary courage, and at the same time had the five identities of the Communist Party, the Central Committee of the Kuomintang, the Military Commandery, the Japanese Agency in China, and the Qinghong Gang, and became a force to be reckoned with during the War of Resistance Against Japan. The character of Ming Lou in the TV series "The Pretender" is based on this legendary character.
Yuan Shu was born in Qichun, Hubei Province, in a family of eunuchs, moved to Shanghai with his mother since he was a child, and grew up under the influence of the bustling city. In 1927, he resolutely joined the Northern Expedition and joined the National Revolutionary Army as a political instructor. However, during the purge movement, he was expelled from the party for various reasons, which was undoubtedly a major blow in his life. But Yuan Shu was not depressed, but strengthened his beliefs and pursuits.
In 1931, Yuan Shu joined the Chinese Communist Party and began his revolutionary career. With his professional background in journalism and outstanding communication skills, he gradually got acquainted with Iwai Eiichi, vice consul of the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai, and thus broke into the Japanese intelligence agency. At the same time, he also used his relationship with Wu Xingya, a high-ranking member of the Kuomintang military command, to obtain a large amount of valuable information. In addition, he also maintained close ties with Du Yuesheng, an old friend of the Green Gang in Shanghai, and others, thus obtaining multiple identities such as the Party, the Kuomintang, Japan, and the Qinghong Gang.
During the Sino-Japanese War, Yuan Shu's spy career reached its peak. With these identities, he was able to maneuver between various forces, skillfully transmit information, and made great contributions to the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan. He took advantage of his position as a military commander to form a series of pseudo-organizations, such as the "Xingya Founding Alliance", which appeared to be a small leader of a "traitor" on the surface, but in fact he went deep into the Japanese army's position to conduct reconnaissance and snooping, and handed over precious military information to Pan Hannian in its entirety.
In the occupied area of Shanghai, Yuan Shu established a secret operation group, punished a large number of traitors and Japanese puppeteers, and blew up the arsenal of the Japanese army. He also used the money obtained from the "Iwai Mansion" to set up a radio station and provide funds for the activities of the Chinese Communist Party. These actions not only dealt a blow to the enemy's arrogance, but also greatly boosted the morale of the anti-Japanese soldiers and people.
During his tenure as head of the Qingxiang Political Work Group and director of the Jiangsu Provincial Pseudo Education Department, Yuan Shu always maintained his loyalty to the party and his belief in the revolution. He skillfully maneuvered between the forces of all sides and reported a large amount of important information on the strategic situation in the Far East to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Party organizations. This information played a crucial role in the CCP's underground party in rescuing captured comrades, building secret communication routes, and Li Yu's troops escaping the "fence wall" siege.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Yuan Shu was transferred to the liberated area and continued to contribute his strength to the revolutionary cause. He successively worked in the Central China Liaison Department and other local work, and made indelible contributions to the victory of the Liberation War and the establishment of New China. However, in 1955, Yuan Shu was arrested and imprisoned for his involvement in the "Pan Hannian case", and it was not until 1982 that Zhaoxue was completely rehabilitated.
In 1987, the legendary spy was laid to rest at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Beijing. His life is full of legends and heroic deeds, and has become an immortal monument in the history of Chinese spy warfare. His story will forever be etched in history, inspiring generations to strive for the prosperity and strength of the motherland.