Ace Troops Episode 22 Recap
> Ace Troops Recap
The Communication Company party branch announced the academy quotas. Company Commander Zhao Hongying informed Han Chunyu that out of three spots for the company, one for their squad was allocated to her. Jiang Nanzheng, despite her Second-class Merit, was assigned to take over Han Chunyu's position as squad leader. Han Chunyu advocated for Jiang Nanzheng, highlighting her wish to further her education after witnessing a comrade's death.
Zhao Hongying, however, stated that many other meritorious soldiers also didn't receive quotas and that while military district policy generally allowed Second-class Merit holders to study, unit-level implementation was complex and allowed for flexibility. Han Chunyu then offered to cede her spot to Jiang Nanzheng.
Zhao Hongying immediately rejected, emphasizing it was a party branch decision and highlighting Han Chunyu's four years of service, model status, and Third-class Merit from the recent battle, stating the company would not let such a distinguished soldier suffer a loss. Jiang Nanzheng interjected, refusing Han Chunyu's offer, and remarked that Han Chunyu, being younger, would have other chances. Zhao Hongying supported this, asking Han Chunyu to understand the collective decision.
Deeply saddened, Jiang Nanzheng left, followed by a guilt-ridden Han Chunyu, who apologized. Jiang Nanzheng replied, "Squad leader, you don't need to feel apologetic. If anything, I should be apologetic to you. Every time in such a situation, you always show the spirit of dedication first, truly making me feel ashamed." Jiang Nanzheng, in tears, confided in Gao Liang about losing her academy spot.
Gao Liang tried to cheer her up, assuring her that he would stay with her, but Nanzheng cautioned him not to act rashly on her behalf, knowing his impulsive nature. Meanwhile, Jiang Weixing returned from the hospital. Niu Mancang greeted him with a warm hug, and Tong Bing expressed concern for his recovery, though Jiang Weixing claimed his injuries were minor.
Niu Mancang then revealed to Jiang Weixing that Tong Bing had visited him multiple times in the hospital, crying outside his window but not daring to enter, which Tong Bing shyly denied. Jiang Weixing sent Tong Bing off, then spoke privately with Niu Mancang, who updated him on the grim quota situation, noting that even Gao Liang didn't get a spot and questioning their own chances.
Political Commissar Xing arrived early from a military district meeting, which he had shortened due to personal matters, and immediately brought up Division Commander Zheng Yuan's recent outspoken criticisms. Zheng Yuan defended his views, arguing that military training must adapt to modern warfare realities, not old patterns. Xing Commissar then informed Zheng Yuan that Jiang Nanzheng's academy quota had been reallocated to a four-year sergeant, a decision affecting over a hundred soldiers in their division.
He stressed the importance of reassuring these deserving soldiers, who had "contributed to the people and bled for the country," and tasked Zheng Yuan to "hold it first" and prevent morale issues. When Zheng Yuan stated he didn't want to get involved in his daughter's situation, Xing Commissar criticized his detachment, especially given his eighteen-year absence from Nanzheng's life, and assigned him the task of counseling her, subtly implying that other cadres might intervene if Zheng Yuan didn't.
Gu Yiye returned to the unit after escorting Zhang Fei’s ashes. He reported to Qin Hanyong about the difficult living conditions of Zhang Fei's family, mentioning that while they accepted the regiment's subsidies, they refused money collected by the company’s comrades. Qin Hanyong acknowledged the need for continued support. Gu Yiye requested and was granted half a day's leave. He then gave Gao Liang chili sauce from Xiu, who had specifically asked him to deliver it.
Gao Liang teased Gu Yiye about finally "letting go" of his guilt, but Gu Yiye responded that he would never forget Platoon Leader's sacrifice or let go of his responsibility. Gao Liang then directly urged Gu Yiye to call Jiang Nanzheng, stating she was in trouble and thinking of him. Gu Yiye, finding Gao Liang’s suggestion odd, asked his Company Commander, Qin Hanyong, about Gao Liang’s behavior.
Qin Hanyong, however, simply told Gu Yiye to make the call, teasing him that as a "Comrade Quasi-Officer," he would soon be able to openly pursue relationships. Gu Yiye called Jiang Nanzheng, learning that her academy quota had been revoked due to leadership decisions and company difficulties. Jiang Nanzheng expressed her deep sadness, while Gu Yiye, also empathetic, reflected on his recent escort mission.
He told her that he had "experienced something he had never known or dared to imagine," feeling as if he had "a completely different life." He recounted how Zhang Fei's blind mother wished for Xiu to move on, but Xiu remained devoted to caring for her. He was deeply moved by the villagers' respectful reception of Zhang Fei’s remains and their selfless nature.
Gu Yiye confessed to Jiang Nanzheng that he felt he "came back with something missing," his heart still lingering with the platoon leader's family and their struggles. Political Commissar Xing and Division Commander Zheng Yuan engaged in a discussion about military reform, prompted by the recent military district meeting. Zheng Yuan emphasized the need for the army to adapt to modern warfare, identifying worthy opponents and building "ace" forces, rather than clinging to outdated methods.
Xing Commissar agreed, highlighting that top military powers were already undergoing technological transformation and military revolution, urging their own forces not to fall behind. He also mentioned that the upcoming military slimming would be unprecedented, aiming to enhance technological capabilities and combat effectiveness. Finally, Xing Commissar reminded Zheng Yuan that military academies now offered an enrollment plan in addition to the traditional recommendation system, with only three days left for registration.
Gao Liang sought out Division Commander Zheng Yuan, directly appealing to him "to complain for Jiang Nanzheng" and help her secure an academy spot, despite acknowledging Zheng Yuan's strict integrity. Zheng Yuan questioned how he could offer preferential treatment without being unfair to others and asked if Gao Liang, whose own spot was also cut, needed help.
Gao Liang refused, asserting he would excel in the military regardless, but insisted Nanzheng's situation was different, initially saying it was "a matter of two people" before quickly correcting himself. Suspicious, Zheng Yuan accused Gao Liang and Jiang Nanzheng of secretly dating, referencing Gao Liang's frequent visits to the Communication Company and constant talk of Nanzheng.
Jiang Nanzheng, who had been listening, burst in to clarify, admitting she was in a relationship with a soldier but adamantly denying it was with Gao Liang, fearing Zheng Yuan's authoritarian reaction would "ruin his future." Gao Liang defended Nanzheng, explaining that while she was in a relationship, it was purely emotional, had not affected her duties, and that military discipline allowed for feelings, even if not open relationships.
Zheng Yuan, as Nanzheng's father, became enraged, jokingly threatening to shoot Gao Liang. Jiang Nanzheng then spoke to Zheng Yuan directly, expressing her approval that he hadn't used his influence to secure her academy spot, stating she would have been "disappointed" if he had. She remarked that this integrity was why her mother, despite decades of "hating" him, still "couldn’t let go."
Nanzheng then advocated for Gao Liang, questioning if Division 234's talent cultivation standards were flawed if a "role model of the whole army" like him was denied a chance to study. She pleaded for the leadership to consider the aspirations of grassroots soldiers. Finally, she implored Zheng Yuan, as her father, to understand and bless her relationship, especially since it was already unapproved in the military.
Zheng Yuan, torn, admitted his fury and struggled to offer his blessings, demanding to know her boyfriend's identity. Gao Liang, still present, dramatically refused to disclose the information, offering to face punishment or even death to protect Nanzheng's love. Zheng Yuan, exasperated, dismissed Gao Liang but then called him back, instructing him to go to the cadre section to inquire about military academy application requirements.
Later, Jiang Nanzheng confronted Gao Liang about keeping his own cut quota a secret, emphasizing that as her "best friend," he should share his burdens. She also lightly scolded him for almost implicating her in front of her father. Gao Liang, however, revealed he was no longer despondent because Zheng Yuan had informed him of two pathways to military academies: either through military recommendation or by taking the unified entrance examination.
This news brought a renewed sense of hope to Jiang Nanzheng. On the day of the military academy entrance exam, Gao Liang accompanied Jiang Nanzheng to the test center. He exuded confidence, telling Nanzheng that he was a "celebrity" there and wished her luck, urging her to achieve a score that would "shock" all their superiors, including her father. He promised her a victory celebration with braised pork. Gao Liang claimed his test room was elsewhere.
After ensuring Jiang Nanzheng entered, he then went to the cadre section, quietly inquiring about the application requirements, specifically if someone who hadn't graduated from junior high school was eligible. Four hours later, when Jiang Nanzheng emerged from her exam, she was surprised to find Gao Liang still waiting outside and realized he hadn't taken the test.
Gao Liang confessed he hadn't qualified for the exam because he hadn't even graduated from junior high, whereas a high school diploma was required. When Nanzheng questioned why he had waited for her for four hours, he explained that watching her take the exam felt like he was taking it himself. He admitted to withholding the truth to avoid "affecting her mood" and performance, claiming her "tiny mood fluctuation" felt "like the mountain's shaking" to him.
Deeply touched by his selfless gesture, Jiang Nanzheng began to cry, much to Gao Liang's flustered embarrassment amidst the crowd. She playfully called him "I hate you," still shedding tears. The military exam results were soon announced. Political Commissar Xing informed Zheng Yuan that Jiang Nanzheng had passed, achieving the third-highest score in the entire military district, bringing great honor to Division 234.
Zheng Yuan, despite his earlier reluctance to intervene, proudly claimed that his daughter "won't be disappointing even if she tried." Xing Commissar then delivered more surprising news: Gao Liang had also been admitted. Although Gao Liang was ineligible for the exam due to his lack of a junior high diploma, Director Wang of the Army Academy had reviewed his file and deemed him a "rare scout-to-be," one of a kind in the entire army.
The Academy had directly contacted the military district, insisting on his exceptional recruitment due to his intelligence and combat experience. Xing Commissar further elaborated on Gao Liang’s remarkable initiative, detailing how he independently sought out and acquired a foreign book on special forces tactics, using his connections to get it from a comrade's girlfriend studying in America, an achievement that rivaled the military's intelligence department.
Zheng Yuan, recognizing Gao Liang's extraordinary potential, acknowledged that Xing Commissar had found a "kindred spirit" in him, and that the future of the military rested on such talented young individuals. Qin Hanyong called Gao Liang, instructing him to go to the Division Commander's office and bring two bottles of wine, which Qin Hanyong had already procured.
En route in the car, a nervous Gao Liang sat alongside Zheng Yuan, who shared the joyous news of Gao Liang's special recruitment to the Army Academy. Zheng Yuan further revealed that ten additional academy spots had been granted to their division, all thanks to Deputy Commander Xiao, making Gao Liang immensely excited for his comrades.
Their journey to the military district was interrupted when a soldier, Li Ziguo, informed them that Deputy Commander Xiao had unexpectedly gone to Regiment 720, prompting Zheng Yuan to change their destination. At Regiment 720, Deputy Commander Xiao, whose full name was Xiao Changsheng, explained that he had come to revisit his old company out of nostalgia and wished to speak with Zheng Yuan privately.
He then recognized Gao Liang, whom Zheng Yuan introduced as his capable former public servant, who was recommended to the Army Academy. Deputy Commander Xiao decided to join them for a meal. During their conversation, Xiao Changsheng shared a poignant memory, explaining that he always spoke loudly because, as a new recruit, he was terrified of death until his old squad leader, while fatally wounded, promised to protect him even as a ghost. This instilled immense courage in him.
Zheng Yuan lamented Xiao’s departure, noting that his former subordinates believed he would remain in Beijing and continue to safeguard them, also mentioning his need for funds for a combat readiness road. Deputy Commander Xiao articulated his decision to retire, stating that it was essential for military reform. He highlighted the army's transformation from horse-drawn transport in the 1960s to motorization, yet stressed that more change was needed, advocating for faster, more adaptive, and innovative forces.
He humbly stated that while he had superior connections, the younger generation surpassed him in learning and revolutionary spirit, making his retirement and the entry of ten new officers into military academies "a great deal." Zheng Yuan, with Gao Liang by his side, paid tribute to Deputy Commander Xiao, thanking him for altering the destinies of ten young soldiers and future officers, expressing his belief that their growth would profoundly change the People's Liberation Army.
The narrator then described the emotional scene of Deputy Commander Xiao declining a headquarters appointment to retire alongside a million other soldiers during the disarmament, describing the autumn and winter that year as filled with military vehicles disappearing, an act of "solemn and stirring" sacrifice. Later that day, both veterans drank heavily.
Zheng Yuan witnessed Xiao Changsheng standing by a window, tears streaming down his face, saluting outside and repeatedly calling out "Squad Leader," reporting his "final mission assigned by the army is leaving" and promising to "finish this mission no matter what," expressing how much he missed his old squad leader. Many years later, Gao Liang reflected on the profound and astonishing impact of the 1985 massive military reduction on the history of the People's Liberation Army.
To forge a strong, modern, and revolutionary military, thousands of officers and soldiers shed their uniforms almost overnight. Many units with decades of esteemed traditions were disbanded, including those who had just returned from the front lines and were undergoing intensive training. This era saw two distinct uniforms coexisting in military compounds: the new 1985 pattern for those who remained, and the old 1978 pattern for those preparing to leave, symbolizing their divergent fates. Though many were losing their shared title of Liberation Army, they understood their collective sacrifice was for a singular goal: to build a stronger army for the nation.
