Episode Summary
Zichuan Xiu and Liu Fengshuang separate after fighting off attackers. At the main camp, Bai Chuan uses Zichuan Xiu's "empty city" strategy to trick the suspicious General Lu Di into retreating. In the capital, Di Lin suspects Zichuan Xiu is the "King of Light" and learns the Liufeng family wants Liu Fengshuang captured. Liu Fengshuang hides in a brothel where she coincidentally meets a disguised Zichuan Xiu, who saves her from pursuers by cleverly making her the star performer. Zichuan Xiu's attempt to buy grain is complicated by an official investigation into smuggling led by Di Lin. However, Di Lin figures out Zichuan Xiu is back, helps him secure some grain, and arranges a bittersweet, semi-hidden reunion with their other sworn brother, Si Yilin, on the eve of his wedding. During the wedding, Zichuan Xiu watches from the shadows as a heartbroken Zichuan Ning is comforted by another man, Ma Wei.
Spoiler Alert
Eternal Brotherhood Season 2 Episode 14 Recap: A Secret Return and a Bittersweet Reunion
This Episode , "Eternal Brotherhood" dives deep into the intricate web of secrets and alliances in the Capital. Zichuan Xiu makes a clandestine return, sworn brothers are reunited under the most unusual circumstances, and a wedding brings both joy and heartache, setting the stage for major conflicts to come.
The King of Light's Gambit and a Surprise Victory
The episode picks up with Zichuan Xiuand Liu Fengshuangfending off another attack from the Black Tiger Gang. After successfully repelling their assailants, the two part ways. Liu Fengshuang, before leaving with her own people, leaves a letter for Zichuan Xiu, affectionately addressing him as "Third Brother," solidifying the bond forged in battle.
Meanwhile, the overzealous General Lu Di is preparing to lead his troops to storm the camp of the so-called "King of Light" . Following a contingency plan left by Zichuan Xiu, his loyal subordinate Bai Chuan puts on a desperate show. Waving a white flag of surrender, she tearfully announces that the King of Light has abandoned them and invites Lu Di to enter the city.
Lu Di, however, is suspicious, fearing he's walking into the legendary "empty city" trap. He cautiously listens for sounds of an ambush and, convinced he hears enemy troops lying in wait outside the walls, orders a full retreat. He proudly declares his "victory" in seeing through the ruse, leaving Bai Chuan utterly bewildered at how they managed to win without a single fight.
A Web of Intrigue in the Capital
Back in the Zichuan Capital, the political machinations are in full swing. Di Linconfides in his sworn brother Si Yilinthat he suspects the masked King of Light is none other than Zichuan Xiu, which is why he has kept the information from the Zichuan leadership.Their conversation is interrupted by a message from the Liufeng family, who request Di Lin's help in capturing Liu Fengshuang, now on her way to Zichuan territory. In exchange, they promise a three-year truce. While Di Lin and Si Yilin are unimpressed by the offer—knowing the Zichuan forces are in no position to attack them anyway—they agree that capturing the formidable warrior princess could be advantageous.
Unaware she's a wanted woman, Liu Fengshuang arrives in the capital and seeks refuge in a brothel. There, she spots a disguised Zichuan Xiu and is startled to see a jade pendant at his waist—a unique emblem of the Liufeng family. She immediately suspects it's connected to how her location was exposed.
Zichuan Xiu also sees her and begins to follow. When the Black Tiger Gang corners Liu Fengshuang, he acts fast, pulling her behind a red curtain where a group of courtesans are performing. Thrown into the dance, the warrior princess, who has no idea how to be graceful, unsheathes her sword and performs a mesmerizing sword dance instead. To get her out safely, Zichuan Xiu cleverly declares her the new star courtesan of the house and whisks her away under everyone's noses.
An Unlikely Alliance and a Brother's Aid
Zichuan Xiu calls on an old acquaintance, the brothel madam Mingyue, who agrees to help him secure much-needed grain for his forces. She connects him with a merchant, Boss Feng, who is initially hesitant, fearing retribution from the authorities. Zichuan Xiu reassures him that he will handle all the transportation himself, keeping Feng's name out of it, and the merchant agrees.
However, the Zichuan family is facing its own grain crisis. Lord Can Xing learns that the powerful Lin family has been secretly smuggling grain to the rival Liufeng family. He tasks Di Lin and his Supervisory Office with cracking down on the smuggling operations. The investigation spooks Boss Feng, who quickly backs out of his deal with Zichuan Xiu.
Forced to find another way, Zichuan Xiu devises a clever plan. He sends the courtesans from the brothel to patronize the shop owned by Di Lin's wife, Lin Xiujia. The unusual activity is a clear signal, and Di Lin immediately deduces that his sworn brother is back in the city.
It doesn't take long for Di Lin to find Zichuan Xiu. The two share a tense but heartfelt reunion, where Di Lin quickly pieces together that Zichuan Xiu is the infamous King of Light. After some playful begging from his younger brother, Di Lin agrees to use his personal funds to buy some grain for him. However, for the large quantity Zichuan Xiu needs, he must go through the proper Zichuan family channels. Di Lin urges him to meet with Si Yilin, but Zichuan Xiu refuses, afraid of placing their brother in danger. At this, Di Lin drops a bombshell: Si Yilin is getting married the very next day.
A Wedding of Joy and Sorrow
That night, Di Lin arranges a special reunion for the three brothers.He drinks with Si Yilin while Zichuan Xiu hides in an adjoining room, listening in. Though Si Yilin is unaware of his presence, the bond of their brotherhood transcends walls. At Di Lin's prompting, Si Yilin raises his cup and toasts in the direction of the hidden room, sending a drink to his brother in the distance.
The next day, Si Yilin and Li Qing are married in a grand ceremony officiated by Can Xing himself. Watching from the shadows, Zichuan Xiu feels a mix of pride and sorrow. Zichuan Ningis also present, her heart heavy with longing for both Zichuan Xiu and her friend Kadan. She is lost in memories of a time when they were all together, and tears stream down her face.
As snow begins to fall, Zichuan Ning steps outside. From a nearby window, Zichuan Xiu sees her, his heart aching, but he dares not reveal himself. His pain deepens when he sees Ma Weiapproach Zichuan Ning, gently place a cloak over her shoulders, and lead her inside.The sight of another man caring for her leaves Zichuan Xiu with a bitter taste, watching the woman he loves from an impossible distance.
