Episode 19
Comrades,
in my opinion,
everyone of you is a great hero.
I think a hero should
have courage and be loyal to his friends.
Why did you join the Eighth Route Army?
You’ve joined to defend our country,
to fight against Japs.
Yes.
Life conditions here are harsh.
It’s hard for you to adapt to it,
and you’ve had a difficult time.
I understand how you feel.
But,
a real hero
should be frank and forthright.
You shouldn’t have gone on the sly.
You should’ve told me about it.
When you came,
we welcomed with sincerity.
Now that you wanna leave,
the Eighth Route Army
will also see you off with friendliness.
As a matter of fact,
Weiguo is just like me.
What?
I mean Weiguo is fearless.
His character is just like mine.
Chief of Staff, do you mean
you won’t punish Weiguo?
Of course not.
He will receive his punishment.
So will you.
Regimental Commander, we've been waiting for you.
Something has gone wrong.
Shall we go back?
No. In the stronghold ahead, there are
only 5 to 6 Japs and a dozen puppet solders.
We’ll launch an attack after sunset.
I knew you would come back.
I have been waiting for you
in the yard for a long time.
For the sake of me and my comrades,
you would come back. I knew it.
Platoon Leader Zhu,
let me know if you have any difficulty,
or if you have any complaint.
I’ll sort it out for you.
Just don’t leave here by stealth.
Regimental Commander,
Weiguo Zhou and Hu Xu left at noon
and no one knows their whereabouts.
Where could Weiguo have gone?
Will he come back?
Before leaving,
Weiguo asked Daling and Shoutian
to wait for him at home.
Weiguo will be back.
Maybe, Weiguo had some good idea.
Commander Qiu, will Weiguo be in danger?
Weiguo is too good at fighting
to be in danger.
-Jie Zhao. -Here.
Pass my order
when Weiguo comes back,
ask him to see me immediately.
Yes.
Sit down, please.
Take it easy.
Commander. Thank God. You are back.
Where is Yi Chen?
Xiaoyu, what’s the matter with Yi Chen?
Tell me.
She disappeared last night.
Both Weiguo and I thought
she was worried that
if you wouldn’t be back today
things would get worse.
So we thought she went to find you.
But she wasn’t back now.
How can we find her?
And Weiguo and Huzi
were also gone.
Chief of Staff Li,
ask Guangrong Xu to set out immediately,
together with a platoon, to look for Yi Chen.
Remember.
Bring Chen Yi back safe and sound.
Yes.
What about Weiguo?
Rest assured.
It was your fault.
If you had not
left Eighth Route Army with your group,
we wouldn’t have these troubles.
Xiaoyu.
Yes.
I order you to go back to your dwelling place.
As soon as Yi Chen is back,
come to see me in regiment headquarters.
Yes, sir.
Calm down, Platoon Leader Zhu.
Sit down here.
-I’ll look for Weiguo. -No.
Weiguo will be fine.
Trust me.
Platoon Leader Zhu,
could you stop walking around? Sit down.
I cannot just sit here doing nothing.
Weiguo must have gone to find Ms.Chen.
Sir,
Yi Chen is back.
Yi Chen, did you go out to find me?
Yes, I did.
You ran several blockades.
Yeah.
How brave you are!
Did you get into danger?
No.
Leader Zhu, Weiguo'll be all right.
Be assured.
What happened to Weiguo and Hu?
They went out at noon.
Being worried, they went to find you.
No wonder.
What did you say?
No, nothing.
I’ll check it out.
No.
Commander Qiu, let me go.
Don’t worry.
I cannot help worrying about them.
Rest assured. Trust me.
I promise they’ll be fine.
Weiguo is back.
Get in. Hurry up.
Move.
Behave yourself.
Squat down.
Commander, are you waiting for me?
What’s up?
Sir,
Weiguo and I
seized the Dagukou Stronghold.
The two of you seized the Stronghold.
Yes.
Two carts of grain and five horses are outside.
Weiguo Zhou,
do you think
I’m your master?
Of course.
Are you still the Second Master of our village?
Sure.
You sent me away with deception.
and then you did such a big thing.
Did it occur to you
what’d happen if you’d got injured?
Should others know about it,
how would they think of me?
Master, what you've just said
is unfair to me. It’s a slander.
First,
I didn’t deceive you.
Second,
it was no big deal.
No big deal.
If you insist,
I have nothing to say.
You.
What about
my apologizing with kowtow?
I won’t accept it.
I know you’re insincere.
I’m not insincere.
Ok. Pardon him.
Master.
Oh. He did mean it.
Mr. Zhou.
Mr. Zhou. Thank God. You are back.
Yi Chen, why did you leave alone?
I was worried to death.
I’m fine.
Don’t worry.
Mr. Zhou, I heard Hu and you
captured Japs’ stronghold.
It is fantastic.
You’re making a storm out of a teacup.
It is no big deal.
But I’ve been busy for a whole day
without eating anything.
I’m starving.
You should be blamed
for leaving the army without permission.
Yet, you deserve a reward
for destroying the stronghold.
I’ll not only treat you to dinner
but also buy you a drink.
Yes.
Jie Zhao, Hu Xu, take them away.
-Yes. -Yes.
Master, let’s have a drink.
Weiguo.
Was it you who saved me?
It was dangerous for a single girl
to roam about on horse. Don’t do it again.
He is somebody.
Chief of Staff, what do you mean?
I mean you are nobody.
I...
Comrades from Cool Breeze Village,
I understand how you feel.
The poor life in Eighth Route Army
is not what’re accustomed to.
I totally understand.
You are all great heroes.
You’ve come to Hill Hutou to join the army.
I should be blamed
for not providing for you properly.
Here, on behalf of the Eighth Route Army,
I’ll see you off.
I believe,
though you’ll leave us,
you’ll continue fighting the Japs.
You’ll still fight for the united front.
Master,
from now on, we are friendly forces.
So long as you don’t fight for the Japanese,
your people will always be our ally.
You will always be my friend.
Commander Qiu, I’m sorry.
Although I’m gonna leave today,
I promise
in the future
if there’s anything we can do for you
let us know.
My comrades
will do anything for you
whenever you need us.
Ok. Thanks.
Jie Zhao.
Commander Qiu,
what’s this?
Master,
it is a small gift for you.
It is arms and ammunition.
I wish you’ll need it.
Thank you, Commander Qiu.
In fact,
it is not that I cannot stand the hard life here,
but that I’m ashamed of myself.
We used to have hundreds of people.
Now, only over 20 of them are left.
I promise
within a year or so
more people will join us.
We’ll grow to as large a group as before.
At that time,
we’ll join the army again.
It’s a deal.
See you later.
See you.
Salute.
Weiguo,
I discussed with Chief of Staff
about 4th Platoon, where only 12 men are left.
You’ll stop being the Deputy Leader.
You were once Regimental Commander in KMT.
(KMT or Kuomingdang refers to Nationalist Party.)
In Eighth Route Army,
we cannot give you such a high rank.
You once saved my life.
As long as I can fight the Japs,
I’d like to be an ordinary soldier.
Ok.
Then
I’ll add 20 recruits to 4th Platoon.
You are appointed to Platoon Leader.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Zhao,
you wish to join the Eighth Route Army.
We’re glad to have you.
You’ll be the Deputy Leader of 4th Platoon.
Thanks, sir.
Sit down.
Weiguo, sit down.
Now that you’ve joined our army with sincerity,
you should abide by the rules
of Eighth Route Army.
I will.
Ok. Sit down.
We’ve received an order
that headquarters will be moved to Village Zhao.
The move will benefit
the founding of our base in Taifeng.
The arsenal will remain in Village Yang.
This means
only the 3rd Company will be in Village Yang.
You have a tough job.
I see. I’ll handle it.
I order you
to set blockage in all directions
around Hill Hutou
and to conduct a mop-up operation
so as to drive back the Eighth Route Army.
You must find out the whereabouts of Weiguo.
Yes, sir.
Commander,
according to your order,
we’re prepared for the siege.
I can’t wait anymore.
It is time to set out.
Watanabe, may you succeed.
Ok.
Zhu. Check it out.
Ok.
Shuisheng, you are a sharpshooter.
It’s noon. It’s time to go back.
Why should we go back so early?
Are you missing your wife?
You bastard.
Oh. Shuisheng.
You’ve gained something,
but we have nothing.
Could you go over two more hills with us?
Yes. Shuisheng, please.
Let’s go over two other hills.
Ok. I’ll follow you guys.
Ok. Let’s go.
Officer,
Village Long is ahead.
March on.
Yes, sir.
March on.
Here it is.
Fuck.
Stop it.
Son of a bitch.
“Greater East Asia Co-prosperity”
-Understand. -Yes.
Sorry, sir.
Boy.
Hello. I’m Watanabe.
I’m an officer among these people.
We’ve come here
to set up friendship with the Chinese
and build Great East Asia Co-prosperity sphere.
As you see
the soldier who showed no politeness
got his punishment.
Now I would express my apology
to the whole family of the little boy.
We’ve come here
for some information about Eighth Route Army.
It’s said that they brought you many troubles.
The Imperial Army has came to protect you.
If you know anything about Eighth Route Army
like the location of the headquarters
the site of the arsenal
please tell us.
You’ll be rewarded.
Oh. I also heard that
there’s a commander named Weiguo Zhou
who was a bandit before
and made harassments every now and then.
The Imperial Army will help you fix him.
If you know anything about him,
feel free to tell us.
It seems thst you don’t quite know us now.
It doesn't matter.
Whenever you have useful information,
you can get rewards from the Imperial Army.
Now, to foster our friendship,
I’ll ask my soldiers
to pay a visit to every family.
Move. Hurry up. Move.
Can I visit your home?
Please lead the way.
Hurry up.
This way, please.
Let’s go.
I can see that the Chinese live in great poverty.
No. It’s not like that.
You’re a liar.
Don’t be afraid.
The Imperial Army cares about you genuinely.
We’ll be visiting you frequently
and send you grains and flour.
Yeah.
You two get out.
Stay outside until I call you.
Ok.
Don't stand here.
Get him a drink.
Water.
Now, Japanese will befriend the Chinese.
Sir,
let me go.
Son of a bitch, let me go.
Let me go.
Sir, I beg your mercy.
Spare her.
Sir, I beg your mercy.
Please.
Spare her, sir.
Please spare her.
She is a mother.
Spare her, sir.
Sir.
I know about Weiguo Zhou.
Fuck.
Spare her.
What did you say?
Weiguo, Weiguo is in Village Yang.
He’s a Platoon Leader.
And the arsenal of Independent Regiment
is also located there.
Really?
Yes, I am sure.
How did you know about it?
Sir, I often went to Village Yang.
I saw it with my own eyes.
It’s near to our village.
It’s 10 miles east to our village.
That’s where they are.
I beg your mercy.
Good.
You’ve offered us important intelligence,
so you’ll be rewarded.
I beg your mercy.
You killed my husband.
Dad. Dad.
You killed my dad.
Oh, my darling.
Son of a bitch.
Let me go. Fuck you.
Let me go.
Officer,
the young girls in this village
look appealing.
Assemble the troops.
I know where Weiguo is.
Yes.
Also,
take away all the girls in the village.
Our soldiers are hardworking.
-They need some comfort. -Yes.
Sir, I beg your mercy.
Sir, spare her.
Pretty girls, dazzling girls.
Sir,
it is a long way to Laiyang.
Can I find something to eat
before I set out?
You’re charmed by the girls.
No. No.
Go ahead. Be quick.
-Come back soon. -Yes.
-Guard the door. -Yes.
Well.
You’re the most charming girl in the village.
It’s something.
You’ve hunted so many animals.
But we have not got any game.
Yeah. Guys,
my wife will cook the rabbits for you later.
Good.
What’s up? Shuisheng.
Zhu, listen.
Shuisheng.
Japs have invaded the village.
Let’s go.
Juanzi.
Juanzi. Juanzi.
Juanzi. It's over.
It’s over.
It’s all right. Juanzi.
I’m sorry. It’s Shuisheng.
Juanzi. I’m sorry.
Juanzi.
It’s over.
It’s Shuisheng. I’m here.
Where is dad?
Dad.
Juanzi.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Fuck the Japs.
Juanzi.
I’ll revenge for you.
I must revenge for you.
I’ll be back soon.
My poor son.
Dad.
How could I live without you?
My poor son.
How could my life go on without you?
Shuisheng, Japs attacked our village just now.
Zhu’s parents were killed.
Tao was taken away.
If these girls
should be taken to Laiyang by the Japs,
they’ll never come back alive.
How many Japs were there? When did they leave?
50 to 60 Japs. They left a moment ago.
Shuisheng, please revenge for us.
Zhu.
Get to your feet.
Comrades, let's chase the Japs.
Save the girls. And revenge for our people.
Revenge.
Ok. We’ll cut across the village
and take the byway.
Then we should be faster than Japs
and arrive at Stone Valley earlier.
Zhuzi, go back to Village Yang.
Ask Eighth Route Army to send reinforcements.
No.
I want to go with you to fight the Japs.
I want to revenge.
Zhuzi.
If you wanna revenge for your parents,
you should listen to me.
You’re the fastest runner among us.
It’s impossible for us to resist the Japs.
If reinforcements should come late,
none of the girls will be saved.
Hurry up.
Dad.
May you rest in peace. I’ll revenge for you.
Take the byway. Let’s go.
Shuisheng. It’s Stone Valley.
Japs are coming.
We’ll fight them here.
Ok.
Come with me.
The 4th Platoon is full of recruits.
But you’ve make great progress in training.
You are hardworking,
and your training methods
should be praised and promoted.
So I’ve decided 4th Platoon
will be set as an example in the company.
Comrades in Eighth Route Army.
Comrades.
Who are you?
I’m Zhuzi, from Village Long.
Japs. Japs are coming.
What? Japs.
What happened?
Please save us.
Japs came to our village,
killed numerous people,
and took away many women.
How many Japs were there?
About 50 to 60 Japs.
They left the village right before I came here.
Shuisheng, with several hunters,
went to Stone Valley to fight them.
Comrades. Let’s go.
Wait a second. Where are you going?
Well. I am gonna fight the Japs.
Fight the Japs. There are 50-60 Japs,
but we've got only a platoon of recruits.
We’re doomed.
What we should do
is to go back for the main troops.
When main troops arrive, Japs’ll be in Laiyang.
Yes. Let’s go now.
If Japs go past Stone Valley, we can’t catch up.
No, you can’t go.
Weiguo, if you fight the Japs with these man,
you won’t be able to save the villagers,
and you’ll be risking their lives.
Death won’t stop a soldier from doing his duty.
You cannot go. It is an order.
Weiguo.
Weiguo. I’ve just rewarded 4th Platoon.
This is not the Nationalist Army,
but the Eighth Route Army of Communist Party.
You’re not to disobey the rules here.
Sorry, Commander Xu,
I have no time to discuss about the rules.
-Well. Safeguard. -Yes.
Deprive them of the guns.
Dare you move.
What’re you doing? You wanna rebel.
Don’t just stand here. Arrest him.
Listen to the Platoon Leader.
Weiguo, do you wanna rebel?
Platoon Leader.
What shall we do?
-Tie him up. We’ll handle it later. -Yes.
Weiguo.
There are dozens of Japs.
We cannot fight them with so few people.
What shall we do now?
Well, you will stay here.
I’ll go to the other side of the path.
So we can make a pincer attack.
And it’ll be difficult for the Japs
to figure out where we are.
Ok. I see, Shuisheng.
When I fire,
Japs must head for me.
You’ll shoot them with arrows from the back.
I see, Shuisheng.
Remember,
don’t use the gun until the last minute.
The smoke will reveal your location to the Japs.
Ok.
Comrades, move after each shot,
so that it’s hard for Japs to tell where you are.
Let’s go.
Shit.
Search in that direction.
Fuck. Take cover.
Fuck the Eighth Route Army. Fire.
Shit. Turn back.
Machine guns.
Cartridges.
Come on. Capture the ones alive.