During the early War of Resistance Against Japan in Baiyangdian, Hebei, the Yanling Squad, led by Communist Party member Hei Lao Cai, conducted effective guerrilla warfare. Yang Xiaomei, fleeing abuse from her husband Zhang Jinlong, joined the squad and developed feelings for farmer Niu Dashi. Zhang Jinlong, unable to change, defected to the Japanese. As Japanese sweep operations intensified, Xiaomei, Dashi, and Zhang Jinlong faced different paths in the conflict.

Militiaman in Lü Liang Shan actively organize to fight enemies.

Ma Lan (Qin Yi), who was born in the city, was unwilling to be a mediocre housewife and determined to take part in the surging socialist construction. Her parents did not agree with her plans, but she resolutely goes to the construction site. There others look at her strangely, but Ma Lan does not care. The master Hu Agen looks down on women, dismissing Ma Lan, who decides to learn to drive a loader. Even in secret if she must.

During the War of Resistance Against Japan, a CCP army unit guarding the southwest border follows what is ostensibly a trading caravan and discovers that these traders are actually smuggling arms and spy equipment to Chiang Kai-shek and his American allies.

After the major campaigns, the Liberation War’s focus shifted to the northwest. Hu Zongnan retreated south, and Fang Zhiqiao led his remnants to Mount Hua, known for its rugged terrain. Fang deployed forces at key passes, but a military intelligence officer, with herbalist Chang Shenglin’s help, cut off enemy communication by reaching the North Peak. A political offensive led to the surrender of the enemy at Qianshi Zhuang, controlling all passages between the North and West Peaks. Trapped, Fang Zhiqiao’s troops, with shattered morale, launched a futile counterattack, leading to his despairing lament.

The story of three generations of a family in Shanghai against the backdrop of tumultuous times.