Around the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China, numerous undercover Communist Party of China (CPC) members sacrificed their lives in Taiwan to advance the island's liberation. The heroic deeds of martyrs like Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, Chen Baocang and Nie Xi have been widely revered since their stories were declassified. Recently, the TV series Silent Honor reignited public interest in this part of history, with many viewers delving into historical archives to uncover more details about Wu and other covert agents. Zheng Li, the TV series' historical advisor and author of the biography Cold Moon, Silent Word: The Life of Wu Shi, disclosed lesser-known facts about Wu in an exclusive interview with Global Times.

The broadcast time of Silent Honor carries special significance: It premiered on September 30, which is China's 12th Martyrs' Day; on October 25, the drama was rebroadcast, still maintaining high popularity, and that day coincided with the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. Zheng believes that connecting these two important dates through the drama has a special meaning - the unknown heroes who went to Taiwan, represented by Wu, always had a deep affection for the island.

"As long as they had a breath left, they would dedicate themselves to the cause of national reunification. They clearly knew the road ahead was full of dangers, but they moved forward firmly," Zheng said.

'Bringing Taiwan back to motherland'

Historically, Wu was a rare blend of military prowess and scholarly intellect in the Kuomintang army. According to historical documents, during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), he distinguished himself with exceptional strategic skills. In the War of Liberation (1945- 49), he chose to support the CPC, leveraging his position to transmit core military intelligence, protect underground CPC members and develop organizational networks. In August 1949, he made a critical decision: To continue undercover work in Taiwan island.

Zheng pointed out that Wu was well aware of the great risks of this trip, but he knew that when the CPC moved to liberate Taiwan next, the People's Liberation Army(PLA), which had weak naval and air forces, was in urgent need of accurate intelligence from Taiwan.

"Wu thought he still had a lot to do, this choice was a sacrifice of his life for a noble cause," Zheng said.

As a native of Fuzhou in East China's Fujian Province, Wu felt a natural connection to Taiwan, which lies just a strait away. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, he consistently advocated to "bringing Taiwan back to the motherland." Zheng's research revealed that as early as August 1940, Wu published an article analyzing Taiwan's strategic value in geography, military and economy. After the Chinese government officially declared war against Japan in December 1941, he actively participated in preparations to restore Taiwan. In 1944, he convened meetings to establish the "Fujian-Taiwan Association," underscoring his persistent emphasis on Taiwan's significance.

Great hidden dedication

After going to Taiwan in 1949, in addition to conducting intelligence work, Wu also planned a pre-battle uprising to support the PLA's landing operations. "He once sent someone to send the uprising plan and deployment back to the mainland; the process was thrilling, but there are still relatively few public research materials on this period of history," Zheng revealed.

On June 10, 1950, the Kuomintang Special Military Court secretly tried Wu, sentenced him to death. At 57, his life came to a standstill on that Taipei afternoon. Due to the need for confidentiality, Wu's deeds were not made public until the 1990s.

During the interview with the Global Times, Zheng also disclosed the details of the CPC's rescue efforts for Wu after the intelligence team was destroyed, however, Zheng pointed out that the rescue was hindered due to the turbulent situation at that time. According to China's Ministry of State Security, after Wu's death, Premier Zhou Enlai issued relevant instructions requiring the proper protection and resettlement of Wu's family. Li Kenong, the then head of the General Intelligence Department of the Central Military Commission of the CPC, stayed up for several days to coordinate and arrange follow-up matters. The CPC also entrusted He Kang, a CPC member in Shanghai, informed Wu's children of their father's sacrifice and instructed them to keep Wu's underground activities confidential to protect their families in Taiwan and other undisclosed comrades.

While Silent Honor has vividly brought Wu's story to the screen, Zheng noted that artistic constraints limited the portrayal of certain events and figures. "But a good literary and artistic work can guide the public to further explore historical truths," he said.

Following the series' broadcast, many residents in Beijing visited the Xishan National Forest Park in Haidian district to lay flowers in tribute to Wu and other unnamed heroes who sacrificed their lives on the CPC's covert front in Taiwan during the 1950s. In Fuzhou, Wu's former residence also saw a surge in visitors, with people paying their respects spontaneously.

When talking about the current "regret," Zheng mentioned that the ashes of the three martyrs Wu, Zhu and Chen have been returned to their hometowns, but the ashes of Martyr Nie are still stranded in Taiwan island.

"Chinese people believe that 'falling leaves return to their roots;' Nie's journey home has been too long. I call on people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to work together to promote this matter," Zheng said.

Zheng noted that the TV series features a theme song titled "Reunion." "The greatest consolation for Wu and other unnamed heroes would be the eventual reunion of both sides of the Taiwan Straits - the cause they pursued with their lives," he said.