During the most difficult years of the Anti-Japanese War in 1941, the Japanese invaders and the Kuomintang's forces colluded with each other harassing the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia border area. Because of this, people faced many difficulties. A charcoal burning team of Eighth Route Army in Yan'an responded to the call of the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao to "do it yourself, get enough food and clothing". Under the leadership of the captain Zhao Changlong, they rush to the deep mountains and old forests to cut through thorns, camp, and dig kilns to burn charcoal.

A young soldier must balance the difficulties of being a military dog handler with his own personal life.

First part of the two series about Senior General Gen Chen of the People's Liberation Army

Marshal Zhang Xueliang, Commander of the North Eastern Army, grows progressively disillusioned by Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek's policy to engage the Chinese Communist Party rather than fight the Japanese invaders which are occupying Manchuria. Despite numerous pleas, Chiang does not budge. After discussing with fellow general Yang Hucheng, the two take events into their own hands and place Chiang Kai-shek under arrest on December 12, 1936, forcing Chiang into a coalition with the CCP.

Early life of Senior General Geng Chen of the People's Liberation Army