The story of fifteen-year-old shepherd Gu Xiao, who ran away from his landlord to the mountains. There he met scouts from the People's Liberation Army and helped them find the right path. The shepherd then took part in an important combat operation. For his courage and resourcefulness, Gu Xiao was enlisted into the ranks of the soldiers at the request of the company.

China 1839. Because the British imports of opium into Southern China are creating such widespread medical and economic problems, the weak Manchu emperor Tao Kuang is forced to take action that precipitates the 'Opium War'.