"Eternal Brotherhood" is a costume drama directed by Zhang Meng and Wei Lizhou, written by Tian Liangliang, starring Yang Xuwen and Liu Yuning, with special guest appearance by Zhang Ming'en. It premiered on February 27, 2024. Adapted from the original novel "Zi Chuan" by Lao Zhu, the story unfolds on the Xi Chuan Continent, where various family forces are in constant turmoil.
The plot follows the efforts of Zichuan Xiu, along with his sworn brothers Di Lin and Siyi Lin, to protect the Xiuchuan family from internal and external threats, restore order, and defend against external enemies. Through the baptism of blood and fire, and the clash of blades, the three brothers evolve into heroes with ambitions to change the world.
Amid the chaos on the Xi Chuan Continent, tensions rise between the Zichuan and Sairong tribes. In this turbulent era, war looms on the horizon, where those around you could be either trusted allies or long-planted moles. Friends may wear smiles to your face but wield knives behind your back. Those entangled in power play a dangerous game, akin to walking on the edge of a blade, with each step filled with peril.
Zichuan Xiu (portrayed by Yang Xuwen), stationed in Hengchuan, commands his troops to withstand a thirty-thousand-strong army of the Northern tribe with a mere five thousand soldiers, achieving a resounding victory. The miraculous success in the face of such overwhelming odds raises eyebrows and astonishment. While Zichuan Xiu slumbers in his tent, his warriors valiantly fight on the front lines. Even in deciding whether to pursue the retreating enemy, Zichuan Xiu's whimsical approach is evident as he allows three subordinates to determine the course of action through a game of rock-paper-scissors, displaying a lack of commanding authority.
Though physically present on the battlefield, Zichuan Xiu's mind wanders elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of the spoils of war from the Northern tribe. As they secure the battlefield, they capture the escaping Northern tribe princess, Kadan (played by Cai Zhuoyin). The peculiar victory raises suspicions within the Xiuchuan faction, prompting an urgent recall to the imperial capital. Despite his lackadaisical conduct on the battlefield, Zichuan Xiu shows no signs of restraint upon returning to the capital.
Being the adopted son of Zichuan Yuanxing, Zichuan Xiu is considered unreliable in the absence of Yuanxing. With Zichuan Ning (played by Li Mozhi) still young and inexperienced to assume leadership, temporary governance is entrusted to Yuanxing's brother, Zichuan Canxing (portrayed by Ma Shaohua), until Zichuan Ning matures into her role. While Zichuan Xiu is nominally the son of Yuanxing, his unruly nature and impure lineage deem him unfit for such a significant responsibility. Though he does not actively vie for succession, his presence unsettles the courtiers in the royal court.
Seven years ago, Yang Minghua (portrayed by Zhang Fan) orchestrated the exile of Zichuan Xiu on false charges of illegal mutiny and unauthorized troop movements, sending him to a distant land. Subsequently, under the orders of his master, Ge Yingxing (played by Xiu Qing), Zichuan Xiu was stationed at Hengchuan on the border and never returned.
His recent victory at Hengchuan has sparked speculations of possible collusion with Ge Yingxing. Externally, the conflict between Zichuan and the Northern tribe persists. Internally, the attention of many is fixed on the future ruler of Zichuan. It is feared that not only Yang Minghua and Ge Yingxing, but even Xiuchuan Canxing, who currently oversees Xiuchuan, harbors ambitions for the throne.
Under the pretext of safeguarding the nation, Canxing has strategically divided the powers of the two, assigning Yang Minghua to guard the imperial capital and Ge Yingxing to oversee the distant land. They are meant to balance each other and protect Zichuan together. Despite this facade, the power struggle between the two has never ceased. While Canxing appears indifferent to political affairs and entrusts everything to Yang Minghua, in private, he subtly instigates conflicts between Yang Minghua and Ge Yingxing, remaining secretive. Only when they both suffer losses can Canxing ensure his own safety. The situation is dire, with every influential figure having their own spies planted within the enemy's camp, showcasing intricate schemes that leave one in awe.
Zichuan Xiu has a sworn brother, Di Lin (portrayed by Liu Yuning), who has remained by Yang Minghua's side. Seven years ago, Di Lin betrayed Zichuan Xiu to Yang Minghua, leading to Zichuan Xiu's exile, while Di Lin pledged allegiance to Yang Minghua and has since remained dormant. Pretending discord, Zichuan Xiu's return to the capital prompts Di Lin to secretly arrange his capture. Ostensibly an arrest, it serves as a means of communication. Yang Minghua, not easily deceived, harbors ambitions for power and thus mistrusts the surrendered Di Lin, seldom involving him in crucial operations, continuously attempting to marginalize him or test his loyalty.
Within the court, Zichuan Xiu has another brother, Siyi Lin (portrayed by Zhang Ming'en), who follows closely by the side of the current Zichuan leader, Canxing. Serving as both a bodyguard and a surveillance agent, Siyi Lin, Zichuan Xiu, and Di Lin act in unison, akin to the right and left arms of Ge Yingxing. Particularly as a disciple of Ge Yingxing, Zichuan Xiu remains unsettled, as Yang Minghua is always on guard. Zichuan Xiu's recall to the capital for duty serves as a pretext to incriminate him or perhaps orchestrate his demise. To achieve this, Xiao Long from the Ministry of Law has been enlisted to ensure Zichuan Xiu's downfall.
Zichuan Xiu knows the danger of this journey, yet he marches on without hesitation. If he were to retreat now, it would be his master Ge Yingxing who would suffer, and he cannot escape this reality. While YGe Yingxing may follow the will of the army, it is Xiao Long who holds the hearts of the people. Yang Minghua makes no secret of his ambition for power, pressing forward relentlessly. Failing in his attempts at assassination, he now seeks to frame multiple charges against Zichuan Xiu.
Though the evidence against him is abundant, Zichuan Xiu stands his ground with reason and evidence to refute each claim. In doing so, he also uncovers Yang Minghua's spy. Both Yingxing and Zichuan Xiu may have their own informants around them, but so can others. Beside Zichuan Xiu stands his trusted subordinate Bai Chuan (portrayed by Huang Haoyue), who diligently records his every word and deed, reporting them to Yang Minghua. Knowing his unique position, Zichuan Xiu has always feigned a carefree demeanor, which is his survival strategy.
Only in this way can he evade the enemy's schemes and keep Yang Minghua and his allies off guard. However, their chances of success seem slim at the moment, as Yang Minghua has established a strong presence in the capital, while Yingxing and Zichuan Xiu remain stationed outside. Despite having loyalists within the court, they are clearly no match for Yang Minghua.
In "Eternal Brotherhood," the political intrigue ranges from power struggles among the elder statesmen to territorial disputes between nations, all with hidden undercurrents. The power struggles among the elders involve planting spies everywhere to disrupt the situation, testing the loyalty of undercover agents, where trust or betrayal can change in the blink of an eye.
The conflicts between nations show that anyone can become a sacrificial pawn for their country, from soldiers to a princess. In their quest to find a pretext for rebellion, the northern tribe doesn't hesitate to put a defenseless princess on the battlefield, who becomes a captive of Zi Chuan. Furthermore, the northern tribe never had any intention of negotiating with Zi Chuan. If the princess survives, they secretly send someone to kill her and blame it on Zi Chuan. If the princess dies, they use it as a reason to launch an attack on Zi Chuan.
Even though the chieftain of the northern tribe is the princess's brother, he is willing to sacrifice one person for the greater good of the nation, showing the ruthless nature of war. Within Zi Chuan's circle, there are no clear distinctions between good and bad; differing stances make enemies of each other. Currently, Yang Minghua has initiated a rebellion, and Zichuan Xiu, along with Emperor Lin and Si Yilin, must join forces to navigate this perilous situation. The neighboring countries are watching closely, posing a significant challenge for the three heroes of Zi Chuan as they strive to protect their homeland and their loved ones.
