Episode 16

Due to the lack of materials in the tunnels, especially the shortage of water resources, Qin Jiwei learned that the soldiers had been drinking the so-called Glory Tea for three consecutive days. He was extremely anxious and immediately ordered that 60,000 kilograms of apples must be sent in, and promised that anyone who could bring a basket ofThose whose apples are safely delivered to the tunnel will be directly awarded second-class merit.

In a conversation with guard Wang Lu, Qin Jiwei recalled that he was appointed company commander at the age of seventeen. Most of his peers were regimental commanders, but he was full of enthusiasm and not afraid of difficulties.There was now a vacancy for the commander of the guard company. Qin Jiwei asked Wang Lu if he dared to take on this role, and emphasized that they would no longer be limited to guard duties, but would go to the front line to fight in person.

At the same time, Aunt Xu, the mother of the martyr, deeply missed her son. She walked alone from the Taihang Mountains and arrived at the front line of the Five Sacred Mountains with a condolence group, just to see her son Xu Xiao.Knowing that Xu Xiao belonged to the Eighth Company, Qin Jiwei promised to hand over the apple and specially tied a red ribbon for identification.

Later, Qin Jiwei inspected the guard company that was ready to go. Looking at these soldiers who had fought side by side for many years, Qin Jiwei felt mixed emotions in his heart.Before leaving, he encouraged everyone to successfully complete the mission and return safely. He gave his pen to Wang Lu and told him to personally hand over Aunt Xu's apple to Xu Xiao.

On the other side, Shuangxi deeply reflected on Duan Xianfeng and asked to fight again to support the guard company.Seeing that he was determined, Duan Xianfeng not only approved his request, but also signed his application for party membership, praising his pursuit of progress, which was also the expectation he shared with Hu Mancang.

On the way up the mountain, the guard company was unfortunately ambushed by Korean machine guns and suffered heavy losses. Almost all the apples were lost. Company commanders Jin Dazhi and Wang Lu died one after another.Shuangxi led Xu Xiao and others to come to the rescue. Xu Xiao died heroically and blocked the bullet with his body. He was unable to taste the apple sent by his mother before he died.

Xu Xiao's apples were brought into the tunnel, and Duan Xianfeng emphasized that they were not only supplies, but also the care of the military and Aunt Xu's motherly love.He organized the wounded to eat the only apple together and called on everyone to regard Aunt Xu as their common mother.

When Ge Dawang learned that his younger brother Ge Sanwang had died, he was heartbroken and recalled the scene of his brothers' separation.Li Desheng asked Cui Jiangong if he was willing to change defenses. Cui Jiangong said that the guard company had been sent to the front line and he would hold on until the end unless he received an order to retreat.

Duan Xianfeng contacted Du Wenjin to report the encounter of the guard company and the enemy's hidden fire points, requesting that they must be found and destroyed.Qin Jiwei personally informed Aunt Xu of the news of Xu Xiao's sacrifice. Although Aunt Xu was heartbroken, she still firmly stated that she would let the soldiers eat apples and vowed to win the battle and expel the American emperor.Qin Jiwei promised to fulfill his mission and advised Aunt Xu to take care of her health.

Zhang Wenzhou, acting chief of staff of the Volunteer Army, discussed the frontline situation with Deng Hua and was thankful for the timely reinforcements from the Twelfth Army.Deng Hua considered that the enemy might counterattack if they knew that the Fifteenth Army was insufficient in strength, so he decided that if the Twelfth Army participated in the war, it should also act in the name of the Fifteenth Army to confuse the enemy.

Qin Jiwei returned to the headquarters of the 15th Army and discussed the counterattack plan for the 28th with Li Desheng.The two agreed and decided to focus on Position 3. They would first secretly attack Position 0, then surprise positions 10 and 9 to cut off the enemy's reinforcements to Position 3, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive victory. They were full of confidence in this.