• Communist Red Army: Ousted from Jiangxi in 1934 and took on a massive trek, the Long March, to Yan’an.
• Reason for the March: To dodge the GMD's attacks and strategically place themselves to combat Japanese in Manchuria.

• Comintern's Message (1935): "Hey CPC, team up with GMD again!"
• Why this sudden change? Think of it like two school rivals realizing they've a bigger bully (Japan) to tackle.
  • Jiang's Perspective: Forming bonds with the Soviet Union could mean backup against Japan, especially if a worldwide fight breaks out.

• In front of the world, Jiang boasted about the GMD's success in suppressing the CPC.
• However, secret chitchats led to a decision: The Red Army would wear a new hat and become the Eighth Route Army under GMD’s umbrella.

• Main Characters
  • 'Young Marshal' Zhang Xueliang: Scared of losing his power and frustrated with Jiang's procrastination against Japan.
  • General Yang Hucheng: Also nervous about his position.
• Plot Twist: Zhang and Yang nabbed Jiang Jieshi during a routine check in Xi’an in 1936!
• Result: Jiang was free only when the Second United Front (the epic team-up of Communists & GMD against Japan) was publicly proclaimed.

Real-world Example: Imagine two co-captains of a sports team, worried about their positions, plotting to kidnap their coach to change the team's strategy!