The Red Detachment of Women

In September 1930, the CPC establishes a division on Hainan Island, giving birth to the Red Detachment of Women. The unit forms as a company of female soldiers prepared to fight feudal oppression. Its creation marks a bold step for women in the revolution.

Hong Changqing travels to Nan Batian under a disguise as an overseas businessman. He aims to win Batian over with CPC backing to expand his armed forces. The encounter sets the stage for further covert operations.

During the visit, Changqing notices a maidservant suffering under Batian's torture. He uses a simple pretext to take her away and free her from oppression. The maidservant is Wu Qionghua, who dreams of joining the fight against feudal landlords.

Guided by Hong Changqing, Qionghua and another young woman, Fu Honglian, travel to the Red Detachment encampment. They are welcomed by the unit for their poor backgrounds and shared revolutionary spirit. The two recruits begin training as part of the women's division.

On a reconnaissance mission, Qionghua spots Nan Batian and fires at him, violating military discipline. Batian is wounded and the mission fails to disrupt his operations. The Red Army's commander rebukes the breach while Hong Changqing reminds Qionghua of her duties.

In a second operation, Hong Changqing and Wu Qionghua disguise themselves again as a businessman and his maidservant to slip into Nan Batian's fort as spies. They enter with inside help and set the stage for the fort to be occupied. Nan Batian is captured alive but escapes through a tunnel.

Following the fort operation, Qionghua actively participates in peasant movements and applies to join the Chinese Communist Party. Her commitment grows as she witnesses oppression and the need for organized resistance. The Red Detachment leadership recognizes her potential.

Nan Batian reports to the government and the Kuomintang mobilizes a brigade to attack the Red Army on Hainan Island. The Red Army retreats into the mountains to avoid annihilation. The campaign shifts into a defensive struggle.

During the retreat, Hong Changqing is wounded and captured alive by the enemy. He refuses to surrender and dies bravely, inspiring his comrades. Qionghua witnesses his sacrifice and its impact hardens her resolve.

After Changqing's death, Qionghua returns to the encampment and becomes the new CCP representative. She organizes an operation to destroy Nan Batian's forces once the KMT brigade leaves. The Red Detachment reoccupies Batian's fort and sentences Nan Batian to death.

Under Wu Qionghua's leadership, the Red Detachment of Women continues marching toward a brighter future. The unit strengthens its revolutionary identity and expands its influence among peasant movements. The story ends with the detachment moving forward.