Ace Troops Episode 18 Recap
> Ace Troops Recap
Han Chunyu embraced Gao Liang, urging him to return safely. Gao Liang assured her he would. Jiang Nanzheng also came over, placing two milk candies in Gao Liang's hand. She thanked him for looking after her father and cautioned him to take care of himself on the battlefield, not to do anything rash, and to return in one piece, or she wouldn't forgive him. Gao Liang replied, "Don't worry." He then playfully suggested they should hug too.
Meanwhile, Qin Hanyong attempted to embrace Zhao Hongying. She rebuffed him, promising that if he returned triumphantly without disgracing Chinese soldiers, she would publicly hug him ten times. Qin Hanyong eagerly agreed. Regiment 720 arrived at their designated position, all soldiers poised for battle. The order to advance was delayed, causing Song Jianshe some concern.
Colonel Chen Dashan explained that the division had committed significant resources, with three rounds of intense shelling planned over 60 minutes, followed by prolonged firing, so they would have to wait. A report soon came in, stating that Division Command required Regiment 720 to send two soldiers to cover the Communication Company while they installed wires. Chen Dashan assigned this task to the Ninth Company. Zhang Fei instructed Gu Yiye to take Jiang Weixing.
However, Gao Liang volunteered, arguing that his extensive time at the division headquarters made him more familiar with the Communication Company's operations. Gu Yiye supported Gao Liang's reasoning, and Zhang Fei ultimately allowed Gu Yiye and Gao Liang to go together to provide support. Amidst the shelling, Jiang Nanzheng and Han Chunyu bravely laid wires for the Division Commander to ensure continuous communication for Division Command. A staff officer brought Jiang Nanzheng to Zheng Yuan.
Zheng Yuan had specially prepared water and food for her. He observed her drinking water and showed deep concern, then pulled out his handkerchief to wipe mud and gunpowder from her face, his own medicine accidentally falling out. Jiang Nanzheng, feeling her father's love, began to cry. Zheng Yuan, aware of the battlefield's unpredictable nature, reflected that this separation might be their last. That night, Zheng Yuan issued combat orders to Regiment 720 via phone.
He commanded them to launch attacks ten minutes after the artillery ceased firing, to have no reservations, avoid entanglement with the enemy, directly penetrate their rear to destroy their second line of defense, and then hold the position firmly. Colonel Chen Dashan relayed the orders, sternly warning that any mistakes would be met with severe punishment upon their return. All officers and soldiers of Regiment 720 then plunged into the fierce battle, but the war's brutality far exceeded their imagination.
The First Company, serving as the vanguard, encountered an enemy minefield, resulting in heavy casualties. Colonel Chen Dashan was informed that the Sharp Knife Company had entered the minefield, with over half of the Sapper Platoon injured by pressure and tread land mines. He ordered a new minesweeping team to use detonating cords to clear the mines within half an hour.
He also dispatched Song Jianshe to assess the First Company's casualties and arranged for the wounded to be transported back. When the Ninth Company passed through, they saw smoke everywhere and the bloody, mangled bodies of their comrades, including communication soldiers helplessly pounding their communication equipment. The grim scene profoundly shocked Gu Yiye, Gao Liang, and the others, making them ponder what awaited them. Enemy actions had destroyed the communication lines, preventing support from the rear.
Zheng Yuan, receiving reports that Regiment 700's attack was progressing but the Artillery was offline, ordered the Communication Company to reconnect the lines within half an hour, as the penetration force would otherwise lose artillery support. He stressed the urgency, noting that three contact attempts with the Reconnaissance Company had failed due to radio silence. Jiang Nanzheng and Han Chunyu set out on their mission. Han Chunyu discovered an old wire, but Jiang Nanzheng identified it as an enemy line.
Their discovery led to a crucial intelligence breakthrough: the enemy had anticipated their army's penetration route between Highland 36 and Highland 486, setting up obstacles and preparing extensive artillery fire. Zheng Yuan immediately requested the military command for the Third Artillery Division to provide heavy artillery cover to destroy enemy artillery positions, stating that they would "exchange shells for our soldiers' lives." While advancing, the Ninth Company was ambushed.
This was the moment new recruits, who had never been on the battlefield, vividly experienced bullets whizzing past and piercing flesh, finally realizing the brutality of war. As more soldiers fell, the Ninth Company's fighting spirit was ignited, and they charged forward fiercely, fighting desperately. During a brief rest, the soldiers discovered Jiang Weixing staring at Tong Bing's photo.
He explained that having her picture gave him a reason to live, imagining her touching his forehead if he were injured, welcoming him at the triumphal arch if he returned victorious, and being the last person on his mind if he died. His words plunged the others into a somber mood, and their emotions became particularly low. Seeing this, Gu Yiye began playing his harmonica. In the melancholic melody, each soldier thought of loved ones far away and fallen comrades.
Colonel Chen Dashan ordered the Ninth Company to defend their main position without retreating, not an inch, until reinforcements arrived. Song Jianshe reported to Chen Dashan that the First Company suffered 34 dead and 91 wounded, with 13 soldiers missing. He ordered them found, emphasizing that "not a single one is allowed to be lost." Since the First Company had too many casualties to spare men, the Ninth Company was assigned the task.
Zhang Fei informed Gu Yiye that he and another squad leader would lead their squads to search for the wounded or fallen comrades. Gu Yiye vehemently refused, stating he had fought hard to reach the front lines to engage the enemy directly, and going back would be shameful. Gao Liang supported Gu Yiye, declaring they were vanguards and should be on the front line, suggesting other squads handle the rescue.
Zhang Fei, infuriated, reprimanded them for bargaining during such a critical time. He asserted that they would go regardless and announced that he would lead the squad himself, ordering them to prepare to depart in ten minutes. On their way back, Gu Yiye and Gao Liang's team found a wounded soldier from the First Company.
It was one of the soldiers they had previously fought with in the bathhouse; though they had a heated argument then, now, facing life and death, they were exceptionally close. The soldier ravenously devoured the food given to him. Gao Liang considered giving him the milk candy Jiang Nanzheng had given him but ultimately put it back in his pocket. He then promised the injured soldier that he would safely bring him back to the unit.
As they escorted the wounded, they were attacked again. Regiment 700 had successfully captured the main peak, causing large numbers of enemy troops to retreat, coincidentally running into Gu Yiye's group. After intense fighting, casualties mounted. Zhang Fei realized they were surrounded by retreating enemy forces, their firepower too strong, blocking all their escape routes. He had wanted to order a retreat, but it was impossible. In this desperate situation, soldiers' fighting spirit was ignited.
Some comrades, disregarding their own safety, drew enemy fire, sacrificing their lives to create a path for others. Time passed, and few soldiers remained in the Ninth Company's Third Platoon. Sergeant Mao and Zhao Hongliu were killed in action. Zhang Fei was also hit by shrapnel. Jiang Nanzheng and Han Chunyu, risking their lives, had successfully reconnected the communication line, and Zheng Yuan immediately sent artillery support to Area 3.
Facing overwhelming enemy fire, Gao Liang decided to draw the enemy's attention alone to ensure Gu Yiye could lead the others to safety. Gu Yiye knew this was a suicidal act but, with no other option, handed all his hand grenades to Gao Liang. Gao Liang, holding the grenades, called out to his mother in his heart, apologizing for not being a dutiful son and asking her to wait for him in the next life. He then charged forward, yelling for the enemy to target him, as Gu Yiye ordered a retreat.
