Episode Summary
In Episode 18 of "Eternal Brotherhood Season 2," Lu Di falls for a decoy granary trap set by Zichuan Xiu but is surprisingly spared after a brief confrontation, with Xiu deeming him a useful "training partner." In the Imperial Capital, Di Lin accuses The Three Ministries of corruption related to the Wa Yun province, but they successfully deflect the allegations during a council meeting. To shift blame, The Three Ministries then instigate a refugee riot, turning the crowd's anger against General Si Yilin and Inspectorate Division's Ge Shan, leading to a violent confrontation where Si Yilin protects Ge Shan and endures the refugees' anger.
Spoiler Alert
Eternal Brotherhood Season 2, Episode 18: Traps, Lies, and Shifting Blame
This week, the intricate web of political maneuvering and military strategy tightens across the continent, from the battle-scarred lands of Yuanzhou to the treacherous courts of the Imperial Capital. While Zichuan Xiu plays a long game with a rival, Di Lin confronts corruption head-on, only to find the enemy is more slippery than he imagined.
The Decoy Granary
The episode opens with Lu Di celebrating what he believes is a major victory: the discovery of a massive grain supply. His joy is short-lived, however, as he rips open a sack to find it filled with sand. He's been played. Before he can react, the doors slam shut, and the chamber begins to flood with water. It’s a sophisticated trap, and he’s caught in the middle of it.
After managing a narrow escape from the flooded stronghold, a weary Lu Di finds his path blocked by Zichuan Xiu and his forces. Lu Di defiantly claims that in a fair fight, Zichuan Xiu would be no match for him. Instead of finishing him off, Zichuan Xiu simply plucks a decorative feather from Lu Di's belt, declaring the encounter over. He lets a bewildered Lu Di leave, explaining to his confused men that a formidable opponent like Lu Di is the perfect "training partner" for their army. He's too valuable to eliminate just yet.
Political Firestorms in the Capital
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, Di Lin intercepts a delegation from the Wa Yun province. They have traveled to the capital to report the corruption of The Three Ministries. Di Lin initially intimidates them, but seeing their unwavering determination to risk death for justice, he is satisfied and allows them to proceed.
Armed with their testimony, Di Lin goes before Zichuan Can Xing. He presents a damning case against The Three Ministries, accusing them of secretly raising a private army and deliberately mismanaging the construction of the Wa Yun pass, leading to chaos and the displacement of refugees. Can Xing, alarmed by the report, agrees to summon The Three Ministries to the council hall for a direct confrontation.
The dire situation in Wa Yun is further illustrated through the eyes of a local noodle shop owner, Chuan Nan. He explains to disgruntled customers that his high prices are a result of the state's forced conscription of laborers for the pass construction. With so many men taken, those left behind must operate in secret to avoid being drafted, driving up costs. He reveals that the promised government subsidies for the laborers never materialized; instead, they were confined to squalid refugee camps.
In the council, the confrontation Di Lin wanted finally happens. Ma Wei, speaking for The Three Ministries, offers a hollow apology for his "lack of supervision." Censor Xiao echoes the sentiment. Seizing the moment, Di Lin calls for a complete restructuring of The Three Ministries, openly accusing its members of protecting each other through a web of nepotism. Censor Xiao fires back, presenting account ledgers and arguing that while there were minor issues in Wa Yun, Di Lin is exaggerating the crisis to attack them. As the debate heats up, Luo Minghai suggests a full investigation before any action is taken, and Can Xing, feigning indecisiveness, temporarily suspends the discussion.
Uprisings and Manipulations
Frustrated by the political stalemate, the Wa Yun refugees take to the streets, demanding justice and the return of their stolen relief funds. The protest catches the attention of Princess Zichuan Ning. She confronts Ma Wei directly, aiming a crossbow at him and demanding to know his role in the Wa Yun affair. Ma Wei coolly admits his administration's failures, blaming the outcome on his inability to personally oversee every detail. He walks toward her, placing his chest against the tip of her crossbow bolt and challenging her to shoot. Overwhelmed, Zichuan Ning lowers her weapon.
Later, Luo Minghai expresses his concern to Zichuan Can Xing that Ning, as the project's official supervisor, could be implicated. Can Xing assures him he has a plan to protect her and grimly predicts that The Three Ministries will now turn their attention to silencing the refugees.
His prediction comes true swiftly. In the refugee camp, agitators begin spreading dissent, redirecting the crowd's anger toward two new targets: Ge Shan of the Inspectorate Division and the respected general, Si Yilin. Ge Shan is accused of preventing the refugees from reclaiming their land, while Si Yilin is painted as a failed general who still enjoys a privileged status. The incited mob turns violent, attacking and injuring Ge Shan. Si Yilin arrives just in time to rescue her, both understanding that this riot was orchestrated by The Three Ministries to shift the blame.
Later, a group of refugees—men Si Yilin recognizes from his own campaigns—corner him. Disappointed that even Di Lin has failed to get them justice, they are filled with rage. Si Yilin, remembering their service and sacrifice on the battlefield, does not defend himself. He stands and takes their blows, urging them to leave quickly and to have faith. He promises them that Di Lin will, in time, deliver the justice they deserve.
Zichuan Xiu's Distant Gambit
Far away in Yuanzhou, Zichuan Xiu and Bai Chuan review the region's finances. With its high income, Xiu plans to return control of Yuanzhou to Elder Budan, proposing a generous 80/20 split of the revenue, with his forces keeping only 20 percent. His larger strategy involves uniting with Yuanzhou's autonomous territories to create a unified front against Lu Di. However, his initial outreach fails, as all of his messengers are denied entry into the autonomous cities. The path to unifying Yuanzhou will be more difficult than he anticipated.
