Li Xida

Once upon a time there was young Yang Luchan, degraded into slavery and robbery, who at last became the Yang Tai Chi master... this is his story.

In Japanese-occupied Harbin, young officer Feng Jiangchu investigates a mysterious "Ghost House" after a thief is found dead inside. Undeterred by warnings, he delves deeper into the case, uncovering a complex web of intrigue involving the Japanese forces and resistance fighters.

After school, Xinhua Primary School was quiet until Principal Lin Zheng heard arguing between fifth-graders Hua Xiaochuan and Fang Mingzhu. Fang was supervising Hua, who was late, as he did chores. Hua’s friend Zhang Chen wanted to help, but Fang refused, causing an argument. Principal Lin believed labour as punishment was ineffective and should be replaced with work-study programs, as instructed by the municipal party committee. He assigned Hong Dawei to lead the program, but Teacher Jiang opposed it, emphasising classroom education. Despite initial resistance, students participated in tire-moving labour, training teachers, parents, and students. Three students took sick leave, fueling Teacher Jiang’s objections. Principal Lin and the academic director found some parents were overly indulgent. Secretary Liu commended their efforts and encouraged them to continue.

In a fierce battle against the British invasion, the commander of the Chinese army sacrifices his life on the line of duty. The British celebrate their victory by hanging his head out on a conquered fortress. To end such humiliation, the commander's daughter seeks help from the leader of the local rebels, Benjamin. Their attempts to steal the head enrage the British. The British conceal the head in one of a dozen identical boxes, and gather intelligence on Benjamin's moves from a spy who disguises as a priest. Knowing little about the modern warfare, the rebels are frustrated by their well armed counterpart in several bloody confrontations. Benjamin resorts to ambush the British commanders in a forest and the explosive final attack is launched.

A group of criminals call themselves the "Northern Detachment". They commit several major crimes on the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. The Public Security Bureau sends Ma Xiaolong after them.