Episode Summary
In Episode 16, Zichuan Xiu masterfully outwits Lu Di by using psychological warfare and guerrilla tactics. He creates a decoy army to lure Lu Di's forces, while his own troops conduct a series of raids to steal supplies and weapons, ultimately crippling Lu Di's campaign. Meanwhile, Liu Fengshuang returns home with reinforcements from the Lin family to confront her rebellious brother, Liu Fengming, who has imprisoned their father and wounded their other brother. She successfully resolves the family crisis, sparing her brother's life but ensuring he is contained.
Spoiler Alert
Eternal Brotherhood Season 2, Episode 16 Recap: The Art of War
This Episode , Zichuan Xiu proves that battles are won not with brute force, but with cunning, psychological warfare, and a well-timed nap. While he masterfully plays a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with Lu Di, Liu Fengshuang returns home to confront a rebellion born from childhood trauma.
Recap: A Masterclass in Deception
The episode opens with Liu Fengshuang being rescued by Lin Yunfei, an elder from the Lin family. In what he declares is his 79th confession of love, Yunfei pledges his life to her, insisting she is the most precious thing to him in the face of death. However, his profound declaration is met with a gentle but firm rejection; Liu Fengshuang tells him she only sees him as a dear friend, or as she puts it, a "sister."
Meanwhile, the war takes a strategic turn. Lu Di abandons his direct assault on the King of Light's forces and instead targets Sun Shi's outpost. This is a critical position, but it only has enough supplies to last three days. Zichuan Xiu's commanders are anxious, and their attempt at a diversionary tactic is easily seen through by Lu Di. Confident in his strategy, Lu Di plans to wipe out all the smaller strongholds surrounding Bulu Village, ensuring no one can come to its aid.
Just as Sun Shi is about to lose faith in the King of Light for leaving them on the front lines, Zichuan Xiu makes a timely return. In a brilliant move to stabilize morale, he presents a convoy of "grain," promising Sun Shi a personal delivery and vengeance against Lu Di. The promise works, and Sun Shi stands down, unaware that the real grain shipments have yet to arrive.
With his own forces placated, Zichuan Xiu lays a trap. He correctly deduces that Lu Di is desperate to locate his main army. Zichuan Xiu creates a small, highly visible decoy force and has them march under the King of Light's banner, knowing Lu Di will assume it's the primary target. At first, Lu Di is suspicious; the terrain is all wrong for a main encampment. But when he hears reports that this "army" is marching around noisily, beating drums and gongs, his anger gets the better of him. He orders a full-scale attack, only to realize moments later that he's likely being baited.
Despite his momentary clarity, Lu Di ultimately falls for the ruse. Zichuan Xiu's guerrilla tactics begin to dismantle Lu Di's war effort piece by piece. Budan leads successful raids, capturing weapons. Lu Di’s supply lines are severed, his grain is stolen, his troops are ambushed, and several of his commanders are assassinated and beheaded. The constant, unpredictable attacks leave Lu Di’s forces unable to defend themselves. Overwhelmed by his losses, Lu Di breaks down completely, his hatred for the King of Light now burning hotter than ever.
Having successfully crippled his enemy and seized the weapons and food he needed, Zichuan Xiu has earned his army a much-needed period of rest.
Subplots and Strategies
In a quieter moment, Ma Wei presents Zichuan Ning with a custom-made crossbow for her protection and offers to teach her how to use it. However, the ever-watchful Li Qing steps in, taking over the lesson and denying Ma Wei the opportunity to get close. Once Ma Wei is gone, Zichuan Ning has the weapon put away. She reassures Li Qing, telling her that she knows Li Qing’s loyalty is true, and because of that, "anyone you don't like, I won't like either." Li Qing is visibly relieved.
Back at camp, Zichuan Xiu holds a debriefing with his men, explaining his core strategy: since they are weaker than Lu Di, they cannot engage in direct combat and must rely on surprise attacks. His lecture is cut short when he suddenly falls asleep in his chair from sheer exhaustion. His men, amused, wake him by shouting "King of Light!" causing him to jolt awake and seamlessly continue the discussion.
From that day on, Zichuan Xiu establishes a training program for the various clan leaders, having his own experts teach specialized skills in military tactics, finance, and more. He cheekily shares his ultimate secret to victory: "If you can't win, run away!"—a piece of advice that the elder Old Delun finds surprisingly profound. His leadership style is as caring as it is unconventional. Having overheard that two men were suffering from an upset stomach and eczema, he personally brings them medicine, further solidifying their loyalty. He later boasts to Bai Chuan that he is, without a doubt, the best leader.
Spoilers: A Family's Reckoning
The episode pivots to the deeply troubled Liu family. Liu Fengming confronts his brother, Liu Fengsen, consumed by resentment for their father. He recounts a traumatic childhood memory of being locked up without food for a mistake, an event that left him convinced his father never loved him. Liu Fengsen argues their father was merely showing tough love due to the high expectations he had for him. Enraged and refusing to listen, Liu Fengming stabs his brother.
At that moment, Liu Fengshuang makes a grand return to the city, leading the troops she borrowed from the Lin family. She wants everyone to know she is back. Hearing the news, a panicked Liu Fengming orders his men to capture her.
Liu Fengshuang, however, knows her brother well. She guesses he hasn't killed their father but has imprisoned him in the very same room where he was confined as a child. She goes there alone and calls out "Brother," a name that always brought him out of hiding when they were children. The old trick still works. Liu Fengming emerges from behind a chair.
Instead of seeking vengeance, Liu Fengshuang has her brother imprisoned, her heart aching as she tends to the wounded Liu Fengsen. Their father, now freed, believes he is to blame for his son's dark path, seeing it as the consequence of his own past actions. He spares Liu Fengming's life but banishes him to his residence, decreeing they will never see each other again.
With her family's affairs in order, Liu Fengshuang formally thanks Lin Yunfei and sends him and his men home, closing a painful chapter for her family.
