但这田本昌还留在南京
“But since Tian Benchang is still staying in Nanjing,”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
我也能理解
“that they want revenge.”
但这田本昌还留在南京
“But since Tian Benchang is still staying in Nanjing,”
想必他留有后手
“he must have a backup plan.”
“His presence makes no sense unless he has a backup plan ready.”
In Chinese narrative and political games, staying behind rather than retreating usually signifies having a contingency plan or secret trap prepared.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
to stay behind in / remain at
Standard directional construction indicating remaining in a specified location.
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“where is Tian Benchang?”
“Tian Benchang wants to be an official so badly that he is willing to risk his life.”
“All of Tian Benchang's excuses are just shirking responsibility.”
“Tian Benchang will be even more suspicious. Only by falling into his trap”
“Tian Benchang, what are you doing?”
“Keep a close eye on Tian Benchang.”