Episode Summary
Blinded after a mission, Zichuan Xiu faces an assassination attempt ordered by his own regent, Canxing. He mercifully forgives the would-be assassins, his own men acting under duress. Now branded a traitor, Zichuan Xiu rallies his demoralized troops with a powerful speech, securing their absolute loyalty. Meanwhile, in the capital, Di Lin privately believes in Zichuan Xiu's innocence but refuses to act publicly, while Zichuan Ning's attempts to intervene are thwarted. Zichuan Xiu leads his men to the Guchi Mountains, seeking a cure from his master and solidifying his position as an independent leader abandoned by his family.
Spoiler Alert
Eternal Brotherhood Season 2, Episode 6: Recap & Spoilers - An Oath of Loyalty in the Dark
A recap of the key events from the sixth episode of Eternal Brotherhood Season 2.
The episode opens in the aftermath of Zichuan Xiu's heroic, yet costly, sacrifice. Bai Chuan watches over him, her heart breaking as tears fall for her commander, now blinded from his injuries. She laments his reckless decision to risk everything for Lei Hong, but Zichuan Xiu remains resolute. For him, the price was worth it; he never expected to return from that mission alive.
His new vulnerability is immediately tested when assassins creep into his room under the cover of darkness. However, even without his sight, Zichuan Xiu’s senses are sharp. He recognizes the distinct sound of a whistle belonging to Xiao Shaozi, one of his own men. Bai Chuan and the others quickly subdue the attackers and discover an official order from Canxing on their person: Zichuan Xiu is to be killed on sight.
The captured men, led by Xiao Shaozi, reveal their tragic dilemma. They had been dispatched to Wayun, only to find their entry barred. The only condition for their return home was to assassinate Zichuan Xiu. Overcome with despair, Xiao Shaozi believes he can never go home now. While an enraged Gu Lei is ready to execute the traitors, Zichuan Xiu shows remarkable mercy. He orders them released, seeing Xiao Shaozi not as a traitor, but as a child caught in an impossible situation. Before leaving, a tearful Xiao Shaozi places his signature whistle on the table—a final, painful farewell. Zichuan Xiu's compassionate smile in the face of this betrayal underscores his character, but leaves him wrestling with a devastating question: Is he a traitor, or has his own family, the house of Zichuan, completely abandoned him?
Meanwhile, in the capital, the political machinations continue. A worried Zichuan Ning approaches Di Lin, pleading with him to investigate the order against Zichuan Xiu.Despite his outward refusal, Di Lin privately holds firm in his belief of Zichuan Xiu's innocence.
Undeterred, Zichuan Ning remains fixated on clearing her beloved's name. Her persistence forces Canxing to assign Li Qing to monitor her. Li Qing lays out the harsh reality: any attempt by Zichuan Ning to investigate will only deepen Canxing's animosity toward Zichuan Xiu, a warning that finally makes the princess hesitate.
Back with the Xiu-zi Camp, morale has hit rock bottom. Aze, furious that the family they serve wants to murder their commander, moves to burn their military banner in protest. Zichuan Xiu intervenes, delivering a powerful and impassioned speech. He reminds his men that even if the House of Zichuan has cast them out, the blood of Zichuan flows in their veins and the banner represents their homes and their heritage. He reignites their spirit with the same fiery rhetoric he used to recruit them, promising that they will not only return to Zichuan, but they will do so with their dignity and accomplishments intact. Inspired, Bai Chuan leads the men in renewing their oath: they will follow Zichuan Xiu forever, loyal unto death. Zichuan Xiu drapes the sacred banner over his shoulders, a king accepting the fealty of his devoted followers.
With his men's loyalty secured, Zichuan Xiu has a new plan. He has Bai Chuan guide him into the remote Guchi Mountains. He navigates the treacherous terrain with an uncanny familiarity, pointing out hidden traps and the locations of torches. He reveals that this is the secret home of his master, the legendary Zuo Jiaming. Zichuan Xiu has come seeking a cure for his blindness. He also notes the location's strategic value, as it provides a secret path back to Zichuan territory.
As they venture deeper, Zichuan Xiu suddenly vanishes. A frantic Bai Chuan searches for him, only for him to reappear moments later, calmly stating that he has met with his master. However, a quick test from Bai Chuan confirms her suspicion: his eyes have not been healed.
In the capital, Di Lin receives reports from the six agents he dispatched to investigate. The news is unanimously grim: Zichuan Xiu has been named a Grand Commander by the enemy and has turned traitor. The perfect uniformity of the reports makes Di Lin and Si Yilin suspicious. They surmise this isn't a simple betrayal, but a sophisticated psychological attack—a "war of the heart"—waged by the Divine Emperor. Si Yilin suggests they could bring Zichuan Xiu back and clear his name, but Di Lin grimly concludes that after a major military defeat, a scapegoat is needed.
The issue comes to a head during a formal assembly. Canxing declares that they cannot pursue Zichuan Xiu, as Yuanzhou is now outside their jurisdiction. At that moment, Zichuan Ning storms into the hall, challenging the council's inaction. She views their refusal to seek out Zichuan Xiu as a form of abandonment and declares her intention to personally lead a force to bring him home. Canxing, irritated, has Li Qing escort the princess out.
Away from the court, Li Qing's tone softens. She praises Zichuan Ning's courage, admitting that while her outburst was futile, it was better than helpless tears. Zichuan Ning expresses her frustration, realizing her old methods of getting her way with Canxing no longer work. Li Qing offers a new path, telling the princess that there is much she can do to help Zichuan Xiu, but it begins with strengthening herself and truly preparing for the day she might face him again.
