In 1948, colonial rule is oppressive and severe. The British army issues emergency decrees to crush progressive forces, while overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia respond to the May Day Call from China and waves of patriotic resistance erupt. The Takeda brothers live through this turbulent era, turning their backs on the Kuomintang, their father's faction, and joining the armed struggle. The elder brother uses traditional strategic wisdom to direct guerrilla operations, while the younger draws on his knowledge of chemistry to develop weapons and explosives. Father and sons find themselves on opposite sides. Their father is ordered to collude with the colonial authorities and uses family ties to set a trap for his sons. The brothers see through the scheme, foil the enemy's plot with classical strategies, sever their family bonds, and stay true to their beliefs. Through the history of overseas Chinese resistance in Southeast Asia, the story examines the harm wrought by colonial powers and explores moral choices in turbulent times and the power of Chinese wisdom in struggle.
