Episode Summary
In "Eternal Brotherhood Season 2" Episode 20, Zichuan Ning is strategically appointed as the head of the Inspectorate Division by the manipulative Three Ministries. Despite initial fear, she successfully quells a massive public protest by connecting with the citizens, winning their support and the allegiance of military leaders like Di Lin. Meanwhile, Zichuan Xiu continues his charade as the "King of Light," deceiving Liu Fengshuang with the help of his friends. The episode concludes with Di Lin proposing a high-stakes alliance with Luo Minghai to investigate the corrupt Three Ministries.
Spoiler Alert
Eternal Brotherhood Season 2, Episode 20: Recap & Spoilers
The political chess match in the Imperial Capital intensifies as the Three Ministries Platform makes a bold move during a council meeting with Regent Can Xing. They propose the dismissal of Ge Shan and the appointment of Zichuan Ning as the new head of the Inspectorate Division. Can Xing immediately sees through their scheme: Zichuan Ning's inexperience makes her a perfect puppet. Should any crisis arise under her leadership, the blame would fall squarely on the family heir, allowing the Three Ministries to sidestep all responsibility. When Can Xing pushes back, citing her lack of experience, the council members corner him by referencing the historical precedent of Yang Minghua, leaving him with little room to refuse. Seizing the moment, the ever-astute Ma Wei suggests a compromise: appoint Ge Shan as Zichuan Ning's deputy to guide her. Left with no other choice, Can Xing reluctantly agrees.
Later, a furious Luo Minghai vents his frustration over the Three Ministries' arrogance. Can Xing confides in him, admitting his hands were tied but also noting that Ma Wei is far more cunning than he appears. Can Xing then meets with Zichuan Ning, laying bare the council's intentions. Unfazed, Zichuan Ning understands the precarious position she's in but is filled with resolve. She declares that she will not be a pawn in their game and will earn her position through merit, a response that greatly pleases the Regent. As she prepares to take office the next day, her loyal friend Li Qing arrives to offer support, and a grateful Zichuan Ning asks her to stay the night.
Meanwhile, far from the capital's intrigue, Liu Fengshuang has a chance encounter. She saves a member of the Dragon Clan named Laido, who has had one of his horns brutally severed. He cannot identify the medicine on a list she shows him, but he offers to take her to a gathering in Jialai City.
Nearby, Zichuan Xiu spots Liu Fengshuang. Quickly ditching his mask, he approaches her, claiming to be a subordinate of the "King of Light." He introduces Bai Chuan, who can only watch in amusement, knowing her friend is up to his old tricks. When Liu Fengshuang asks for an audience with the King of Light, Zichuan Xiu orchestrates another charade, having Luo Jie pose as the "King." To sell the performance, Li Nong and Aze publicly petition the fake King for a raise in military pay and benefits. The "King" grandly agrees, much to the real Zichuan Xiu's financial agony. Liu Fengshuang then explains the plight of the Dragon Clan, and the "King" delegates the task of helping them to "Zhang Asan"—Zichuan Xiu's alias. However, Liu Fengshuang is sharp; observing the dynamics, she correctly guesses that this unassuming "Zhang Asan" is the true King of Light.
Back in the Imperial Capital, Zichuan Ning faces her first major challenge. Luo Minghai submits a proposal to prioritize paying death benefits to the families of fallen soldiers. Zichuan Ning argues that treating the wounded should come first. Ge Shan provides a harsh lesson in political reality: the sick and injured are too weak to cause trouble, but the grieving families are the ones fueling public unrest. Failing to appease them first would escalate the conflict and make the Inspectorate Division appear incompetent. Heartbroken but understanding the grim logic, Zichuan Ning signs the order.
Despite this, the unrest in the capital boils over into a massive protest. Di Lin prepares to make an example of the ringleaders, but Si Yilin persuades him to stand down, arguing that the people are merely speaking their minds and should not be met with violence. Di Lin relents, ordering his men to pacify the crowd peacefully.
The crowd is a volatile mix of refugees, grieving families, and desperate citizens. Zichuan Ning insists on facing them herself, telling a worried Can Xing that it is her duty. He agrees, placing her under Ma Wei's protection. Initially terrified, Zichuan Ning is handed a cheat sheet of talking points by Ma Wei. The crowd is hostile, shouting that Can Xing is a coward for sending a young woman. As they begin throwing objects at her, Ma Wei steadies her, urging her not to retreat. A sudden memory of a childhood moment with Zichuan Xiu gives her strength.
Tossing aside Ma Wei's script, Zichuan Ning walks directly into the furious crowd. She doesn't make excuses; instead, she speaks from the heart, sincerely apologizing for their suffering and acknowledging their pain. She promises that she will secure compensation and protect the people of Zichuan from further hardship. In a powerful turn, she reminds them that their true enemies are the foreign invaders, not each other, and calls for unity. Her raw emotion and courage win them over, and the crowd's angry jeers turn into chants of solidarity. At that moment, Di Lin and other military leaders arrive, pledging their full support—and their own military funds—to help her fulfill her promises.
In the aftermath, Can Xing is overjoyed with Zichuan Ning's triumph. Ma Wei quietly congratulates her by buying her a basket of flowers, a gesture acknowledging her victory over her own fear. The episode closes with a significant development: Di Lin approaches Luo Minghai with a bottle of wine and a proposition—an alliance to investigate the corruption of the Three Ministries. He makes an incredible offer: if they succeed, Luo Minghai takes all the credit; if they fail, Di Lin takes all the blame. Luo Minghai agrees to cooperate but refuses to share a drink just yet. Di Lin leaves the wine, confident that the day will come when they will.
