Episode 1 recap: Chinese Volunteer Army Crosses the River to Resist America and Aid Korea

In the first episode, we’ll set aside the story of 1851 to discuss a key battle during the Korean War. This took place after the fifth campaign against the Americans, when the 15th Army of the Volunteer Army received orders to relocate and rest, moving towards Jinhu. However, unexpected events occurred: they were suddenly ambushed by American airstrikes, resulting in significant losses in personnel and supplies.

Seeing the situation, Chief of Staff Duan Xian Feng was furious and wanted to retaliate with machine guns, but the enemy aircraft were too fast and high to hit. The troops had to focus on immediate needs, salvaging undamaged supplies. Even Army Commander Qin Ji Wei joined in, pushing destroyed vehicles down the slope to clear a path.

Next, Qin Ji Wei convened a meeting with his staff to discuss strategies. At that time, the American forces were taking advantage of gaps in the Volunteer Army's defenses, charging through the central front, which was in chaos, while the eastern front was also in a precarious situation. Should they retreat or counterattack? Duan Xian Feng suggested launching a defensive battle in Zhipuli to prevent the eastern front from becoming too passive. Qin Ji Wei agreed with this idea.

Just then, a telegram arrived from Commander Peng De Huai, instructing the 15th Army to hold Zhipuli for at least seven days. Qin Ji Wei was pleased to see that this aligned with their thoughts, and he promptly responded: "Not just seven days; we can hold for ten!"

Upon receiving the order, the soldiers sprang into action. Third Company Commander Feng Bai Sheng was thrilled at the prospect of battle. Qin Ji Wei took the time to speak with him, emphasizing that they needed strategy when engaging enemy aircraft—waiting for them to fly lower before firing. Eighth Company Instructor Hu Man Cang was also resourceful, rallying the troops with inspiring words, and Qin Ji Wei entrusted him with a significant responsibility.

In the eighth company was a skilled marksman, Squad Leader Chai Yunzhen, who caught Qin Ji Wei's attention. The battle at Zhipuli was exceptionally tough. The Americans had seized the road, with constant reinforcements and far superior equipment. The pressure was immense on the eighth company, and Duan Xian Feng suggested they draw on previous combat experiences and voluntarily join the fight.

Qin Ji Wei decisively sent Feng Bai Sheng’s third company for reinforcements, with Duan Xian Feng as the deputy. They planned to split their forces: one group would directly support the eighth company while the other would flank the enemy from the high ground.

Throughout the battle, Qin Ji Wei was deeply concerned. Soldiers fell one after another, and Chai Yunzhen bravely sacrificed himself to protect Hu Man Cang. Yet, the eighth company did not waver; they held their ground for ten days, thwarting the American plan to cut off the eastern front and providing valuable time for the main force to regroup.

Just as the battlefield stabilized, negotiations began again. Our side insisted on a ceasefire along the 38th parallel, while the opposing side continuously attempted to play tricks. Colonel Li Kenong remained calm, engaging in a battle of wits with the Americans, but the negotiations stalled multiple times.

By 1952, Peng De Huai emphasized at the Volunteer Army headquarters that relying solely on negotiations was insufficient; they needed to demonstrate strength on the battlefield. He ordered Qin Ji Wei to lead the 15th Army to Mount Wusheng, taking over defense from the 26th Army. Mount Wusheng was a strategic location, and losing it would have dire consequences.

Upon arriving at Mount Wusheng, Qin Ji Wei quickly inspected the front lines to assess the enemy situation. Across the mountain, American Eighth Army Commander Van Fleet was also watching closely.

The two commanders, separated by the mountain, were poised for a fierce confrontation. The Volunteer Army soldiers were prepared, vowing to defend this land at all costs.