Episode 15
My brother is the nicest person to me.
If I can't find his bones, I won't return.
Fulin is huge. How are you going to search? Let us help you.
What is the matter?
We spotted a few Japanese soldiers. We're searching the area now.
Did you see three teenagers, two boys and one girl, on a horse cart?
Officer, we just arrived and didn't see anyone here.
If you found them, inform the office. I will take care of it.
Yes.
What now?
Xiangshui, what are you doing?
Officer.
- What do you want? - We have a cart, we can transport the injured soldiers to the hospital.
Give us a ride?
- Xiangshui, are we not going to Fulin today? - No, we are still going there.
He has been treated. He just need to get some rest.
We still have other tasks. Thanks.
Get moving.
Officer.
Which team are you guys from?
Lil Bro, we still have other matters to attend to.
Excuse us.
Move.
We can give you a ride for real.
Move. Faster.
What's the matter? We can save them.
They are Japanese.
Japanese?
I've heard Japanese speak in Mandarin before. They have an accent.
Besides the leader, the rest do not know how to speak Mandarin.
No wonder the way they speak is so weird. They are Japanese.
Does this mean they are spies?
Must be.
We have to inform the officers.
Xiaoman, can you go inform the officers? I will follow them.
What are you talking about? It's us who should be following them.
You two don't know anything. How are you going to tail them? I am familiar with all the alleys here.
What do you know? You should leave now.
Wait a second. I will make sure that they don't notice me.
I will make sure to leave signs and marks for you.
They are Japanese. They will kill.
Move faster.
Get on the cart. Faster.
Move.
Xiangshui.
Xiangshui, come back.
Xiangshui.
Get up.
Get up. Come with me.
Let go of me.
Do you think we don't know you are tailing us?
Lil kid, you are a local.
Do you know how to get to Xiangtan?
You are Japanese.
If you don't want to die, show us the way.
Good. Bring us there.
[A nursery rhyme] The moon, a grandpa comes out from it.
The grandpa went grocery shopping, then a grandma comes out from it.
[The rest of the nursery rhyme]
You have been reciting this along the way. What is it?
I heard you say the word "moon".
There is also a moon in Japan.
The moon in Japan is very beautiful.
Then why don't you just stay in Japan, look at your moon and recite your nursery rhyme?
We have conquered China. Your moon is ours now.
The Chinese people will be proud to be the subject of our Japanese emperor.
That day will never come.
You won't be able to get out of here.
[Nursery rhyme] The moon...
Xiangshui.
Gu Qingming, over there.
Xiangshui led the Japanese into the land mine zone.
Don't run. Be careful of the land mines.
Xiangshui.
Great uncle.
Great uncle, this is my fault.
It is my fault.
Our ancestors.
I have no choice.
But to warn the descendants with the rules of our family.
Make a vow not to join the army and fight in the war.
Not to go to the battle frontline.
If you disobey, our ancestors will be furious.
Swear
I want to join the army.
You bastard. I am going to break your legs.
And see which team is willing to take you.
My brother has been killed. If I don't avenge, I am nothing compared to animals.
Xiangping Bro, please be considerate.
Do you wish to die? I will hit you until you are dead.
At least your dead body will be intact.
Great uncle.
Great uncle, please hit me.
As long as I am still alive, I will crawl to join the army if need be.
You bastard.
Everyone in this house, the old and the young, the living and the dead.
No one listens to what I say anymore.
I must have created a lot of bad karma during my past life.
That's why in the present life the Hu family is cursed.
Mr. Hu. Calm down. Don't be angry.
Mr. Hu, come with me.
Come with me.
I have arranged for the food supply to be sent.
Don't be worry. There will not be any problem this time.
Xiaoqiu have informed me about it.
The office is making preparations now.
Mr. Hu.
I would like to thank you once again.
At the meantime, please take good care of yourself.
My condolences.
Officer Gu, can you do me a favor?
Please say.
Xiangping insists on joining the army and fighting in the battle.
There is no way I can stop him.
Can you go talk to him.
Mr. Hu, I know what you mean.
But in light of the current situation,
I need to tell you the truth.
Xiangping's current situation.
Is very similar to my situation a few years ago.
Officer Gu, what are you trying to say?
What I'm trying to say.
My dad couldn't stop me from joining the army.
Similarly, I don't think you will be able to stop Xiangping.
You guys the young generation.
You guys are being too naive.
Have you ever thought of why your dad.
Wanted to stop you?
After my son's death.
My wife cried for a few months.
And passed away too.
Now I am the only one left.
Loneliness, misery and nothing else.
Mr. Gu, I'm sure you know.
Our family does not have many male descendants.
After Xiangning's and Xiangshui's deaths.
We are left with only Xiangping and Xiaoman.
I have to make sure nothing happens to them.
Mr. Gu, I beg you.
Mr. Gu, please don't beg me.
I promise you.
Big bro.
Gu Bro, can you let me join the army?
I am not in a position to advise you.
I have consecutively lost your siblings, everyone is very sad.
Who doesn't have parents?
Whose heart won't hurt?
I cannot take you with me.
Gu Bro.
I am addressing you as my brother.
Because I know you understand how I feel.
In the past, I am very passionate myself about joining the army.
But now please let me join the army on behalf of my dead siblings.
Listen to me.
Your family needs you the most now.
Did great uncle tell you to not let me join?
Your family members are dead.
Those who are still alive are living in misery.
Gu Bro.
Gu Bro, please bring me along.
Gu Bro.
Please connect me to Chongqing, the number is 5977.
Hi.
Father, it's me.
Qingming.
Why are you calling me now?
Are you well?
I am well. Why did you ask?
Did anything bad happen?
Where are you now?
Don't be worry. I'm fine.
Father, I am now in charge of logistics in the Fifth team.
Seems like.
I have been able to contribute to the war of resistance.
Father. If there is nothing else, I will talk to you another time.
Take care of your health.
Wait a second.
Son.
I have been wanting to tell you something.
I am proud of you.
The Japanese have invaded the north bank of the Laodao river.
They are advancing to the northern part of Changsha.
The Chinese army have fought bravely to stop the invasion.
- Mom. - Armies from both sides are in deep war.
Why does it take you so long to return from the post office?
There are many people who are waiting to collect money.
The end of the queue is about three blocks from the post office.
Seems like everyone is living a hard life.
I guess they have to depend financially on relatives and friends from other cities.
Have you been able to bring back food supply for Junshan's team?
Yes.
Mom.
Mom, let's eat.
Xiuxiu, go get Big Sis.
When Xiangxiang and Xiaoman are around.
We complain they are making too much noise.
Now that they are not here.
the house is eerily quiet.
Come sit down and eat.
Let's eat.
Xiuxiu, didn't I ask you to tell your brother to have meals together? Why isn't he here?
I went to the hospital. He said he is too busy to leave.
How about this? After our meal, I can cook him some food.
And deliver it to him.
Alright. Let's eat now.
Open your mouth.
I think we shouldn't amputate first, let's use the safer treatment.
If he can stand,
That is more important than anything else.
You can return to your job now.
Xiangjun, why are you here? Injured soldiers are all over here.
I won't be staying for long.
Grandma made some breaded meat and a few side dishes.
But there is only one piece of meat.
This couldn't compare with what we used to eat in the past. I hope you won't mind.
Grandma always think about me.
Make sure she gets enough rest and does not get exhausted.
You rescue so many injured people every day.
Is there any news about Junshan?
I don't have any news about him yet.
Don't be worry. He will be fine.
Dr. Liu.
I need to carry out an operation now.
Alright. I'm leaving.
Does it hurt?
I am fine. Are you okay?
Xiangping fears being in pain the most.
Every time I pinch him,
He would cry "ouch".
I hate it.
Whatever he achieves, I can achieve it too.
What are you trying to do?
Jingfeng is correct.
It's only when blood is splattered across one's face one feels the sadness.
It's only when a bullet hits one's body one feels the pain.
I have decided to go learn nursing in Yuanling.
I will go there tomorrow.
We haven't separated since we are born.
What about me after you leave?
Can you try to do something constructive?
You are a man. You need to stay put in Changsha.
You have to help manage the family.
Since you can do what you want, why can't I?
You stay home. I will join the army.
Go if you dare.
Gu Xiangxiang, are you being reasonable?
If you have the guts, why should I be afraid?
Hu Xiangjiang, I am a female.
My shoulders cannot bear weight. My arms cannot carry stuff. How do you expect me to support the family?
The current situation in Changsha is a mess.
And brother in law has offended so many people.
If there is no man in the family,
What happens if the baddies come to the house and threaten us?
Are you going to let the young and the old to bear with it themselves?
Great uncle.
Great uncle, Xiangxiang and Xiaoman.
They left a letter informing us they have gone back to Changsha.
Should we get them back here?
No need to do so.
Make sure they are well taken care of on their way home.
Don't let something bad happen to them.
Xiaoqiu.
I don't expect you to do anything for me. After I am dead,
If there is still no news about them,
You will be in charge of the memorial tablets of the ancestors.
The ancestors of Hu family are like my ancestors.
My good buddies here are like my real siblings.
With your words,
I feel relieved.
Xingyan, Shuilan.
Great master, please order us to do whatever pleases you.
When Xiangping is back,
We will hold your weddings at the same time.
There is a restaurant. Let's go get something to eat.
Faster.
Here.
If you don't feel like leaving then don't go learn nursing.
Our family has orchards and lands. We can feed you.
I don't need you to feed me.
Then don't act like this. I get panicky.
Why are you here?
Where are you guys going?
We are going back to Changsha.
I am going to become a nurse at the hospital and take care of injured soldiers.
Make a contribution toward the war of resistance.
I won't allow you.
I don't need your permission.
What are you doing?
I want to join the army.
Will great uncle agree to this?
Whether he agrees or not, I am going.
My siblings are dead. I need to seek revenge.
Where are you going to join the army?
I have inquired about this. The fifth team has just been established.
They are recruiting. I am going to try.
If that does not work out I will go to Changsha.
If you go to Changsha, you can go see my brother in law.
There is nothing he can't help with.
Boss, we did not order this dish.
This is a free treat from me.
Luckily we have Bro Hu.
Have a look.
I didn't expect such detailed insider information about the Japanese army.
This map is more detailed than ours.
Yes. Getting rid of spies is an urgent matter.
You don't have to worry about this.
I have informed the district government.
Tell everyone to be on alert.
Don't let them find out our weaknesses.
Right.
I heard you interfered.
By refusing to let an educated teenager join the army.
Do you know we need people now?
Isn't your interference a bit inappropriate?
That teenager's surname is also Hu.
He is the elder brother of the young hero.
Hu family has lost two children consecutively.
Alright. I understand.
I will issue an order.
To tell all recruitment centers to not recruit him.
You can go now.
Thanks head officer.
Next person.
Officer, I would like to join the army.
I am 18 years old and have previously attended high school.
Good. We need educated people like you.
Here. Fill in the form yourself.
You cannot join the army.
Why? Officer.
This is an order from the senior soldiers. I don't know the reason either.
There must be a reason.
This is the reason.
How dare you!. Get him out of here.
What valid reason do you have to refuse to let me join?
I want to join the army. Don't push me.
Get out.
- Don't cause us trouble. - I want to join the army.
Grandma, open the door. Mom.
- We're coming. - Mom, open the door.
My children, you guys are back.
What is the matter? What happened to the two of you?
Did great uncle mistreat you?
- Speak slowly. - Great uncle did not mistreat us.
- What happened? Speak slowly. Grandma.
Xiangping Bro died in the battle.
Xiangshui was killed by the Japanese.
How did this happen?
Grandma.
Eat slowly. Careful not to choke yourself.
My pitiful grandchildren.
Why is it so easy for them to lose their lives?
You've had a hard time, my brother.
It's my fault.
If I stop them in time, they won't die.
My foolish children.
These are misdeeds committed by the Japanese, why should you blame yourselves?
The current situation is too messy. Don't go anywhere from now on.
Be obedient and stay at home. Go study and write with your dad.
No, I want to go learn nursing in Yuanling.
Xiangning and Xiangshui were killed by the Japanese.
I cannot just do nothing. I have decided.
But now it's war everywhere.
How can you guys go out? If something bad happens to you, how will I live?
Mom, there is a nursing school in Changsha too.
If she really wants to become a nurse,
Just let her study nursing in Changsha. After she has completed her studies, we can ask Minghan to find her a job.
Be a nurse in Changsha.
Then there is no need for her to go to Yuanling. It's closer to home as well.
We will also be less worried.
Alright. As long as I can become a nurse, I am fine staying back in Changsha.
Grandma, don't worry. I will protect her.
Officer Xue is not around.
Not around? When will he be back?
I am not sure.
Officer, can you inform him when he is back? I am the younger brother of his wife.
I will wait for him at the nearby inn.
- Okay. I understand. - Thanks.
Do you have a cheaper room?
What kind of room are you looking for? The dormitory is the cheapest. It's seven cents per day.
The best room costs three dollars five cents per day.
- Is there any other cheaper room? - We don't have anything cheaper than that.
I beg you. Can you help me?
Isn't this the young master from the Hu family?
Who are you?
I work for Officer Xue.
Do you remember your last visit to the Hu family? I saw you there.
You were this tall at that time. Do you recall?
Are you referring to my brother in law Xue Junshan?
Correct. Come with me.
Waiter, brew us a pot of good tea. I will pay for it.
Good.
You are bringing a luggage. Put it down.
Bro, I'm sorry for not recognizing you.
I am so ugly. My mom can't even recognize me on the streets.
You're not ugly.
Young master, are you here to see our officer?
Our officer has recently been promoted. He is attending a meeting to plan war strategies.
Sometimes he returns after three to five days.
- Young master Gu. - Brother, you are older than me. Just call me Xiangping.
I am just an unimportant tagalong.
We tag along the leader hoping to earn some money.
Xiangping little brother, are you here because something bad happened to the family?
I am thinking of joining the army with the help of brother in law.
Joining the army?
Go to the battle frontline. Kill the enemies.
Your family is wealthy. No need to worry about food and clothing. What is your reason?
I want to kill the Japanese.
Young master, are you sure you are capable of doing so?
Brother, the Japanese killed my siblings.
As long as I can go to the frontline, I don't mind becoming a cook or a carter.
Young master, you are ambitious.
You don't have to be a cook or a carter. Leader Xue will take care of us. You just need to tag along.
We will stick together and take care of each other on the battlefield.
Brother, I don't want to be an army in Hunan. I want to go to some other places, the farther the better.
That's not a problem.
I have a few vacancies. You just need to pick one.
I can even pick?
There are many vacancies, more than suffice for you to pick.
Right now except for the only son, all men across the country have to join the army.
But some are not as passionate as you are. They are unwilling to enlist.
They gave me some money to find a substitute.
Really?
Young master, I know you are educated.
Can you accommodate? How about joining the artillery squad? This is a good vacancy.
As long as I can go to the frontline, I am willing to do anything.
You cannot use your real name. You have to use the name of the person you are substituting for.
Will they find out?
That won't happen. I have done this many times and not been discovered even once.
Brother, are you a middle man for finding army substitutes?
I spend a lot. My wage from the army position is not enough.
Sometimes I try to earn side income.
Officer, the telegram has been sent.
Come over. Send this too.
Help me translate this telegram.
Alright. I understand. You guys have to protect...
Officer. The telegram.
The situation at the frontline is gloomy. The Japanese army has arrived at the borders of Changsha.
Why did you send the telegram?
Head officer, please read ahead.
Want us to send more supplies to the frontline?
What intention are you harboring this time?
Head officer, it took me a lot of effort to obtain the army supply.
Hence I am wondering whether the task of sending the supplies,
Can I do that too?
Can you just be honest and stop fooling around?
Even if it's just only for one day.
Head Officer, when I brought back the supplies yesterday, you said you are going to reward me.
I am wondering if this task can be my reward.
Alright.
Don't you want to get some fresh air outside?
Listen carefully.
After the supplied are handed over, come back immediately. Don't waste even one minute.
Thanks head officer.
Gu Xiangping.
You stop moving.
What now? Have you forgotten me in such a short time?
Officer, you might have mistaken me for someone else.
Stop pretending. Tell me, how did you get in here?
Officer, is there any problem?
There is no one whose surname is Hu and whose hometown is Xiangtan here.
Is his name Hu Xiangping? Is Xiangtan his hometown?
The senior officer told us not to take anyone from the Hu family.
There is no arrangement for anyone from the Hu family.
Then who is he?
Officer, I am Heshan from Zhuzhou.
Officer, the accents of Zhuzhou and Xiangtan are very similar.
People from these two places look very similar too.
Stop faking!
You join the army, what am I supposed to say to your grandfather?
Come with me.
I am not going back. My name is Heshan. I am not Hu Xiangping.
Officer. We are from the artillery squad. We just received an order.
To arrive at the specified location before noon.
If we are late by a minute, it's very likely the location will be invaded by the Japanese.
Then tell me, who allow you to join the army?
Tell me and I will let you go.
I don't know who he is either.
I only know he works under Xiaoman's brother in law.
People call him Xiaohei.