Brotherhood Episode 23: Fullmetal Alchemist:

Explain the that Al starts to learn.

Ling Yao and a severely injured Lan Fan hide from the authorities. Lan Fan, having lost her arm to escape Bradley, proves her unwavering loyalty to Ling, who is devastated by her sacrifice.

We see the heavy price Lan Fan pays for her clan and the psychological weight Ed carries knowing Winry is in danger because of him. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 23

Ed and Al realize that to find a way to get their bodies back—and to investigate the "Immortal Army"—they must head to the freezing fortress of Briggs in the North, commanded by the fearsome General Olivier Mira Armstrong. Key Themes

After the brutal encounter with Gluttony and the reveal of Father's lair, Winry is used as a "hostage" by Bradley to keep the Elrics in line. Edward and Alphonse are forced to continue their research while under the watchful eye of Central’s military. Explain the that Al starts to learn

The plot follows Scar as he continues his crusade, eventually crossing paths with May Chang. This sets the stage for the "Rentanjutsu" (Alkahestry) research that Al becomes fascinated with.

The episode highlights how deeply the homunculi have infiltrated the military hierarchy. If you'd like, I can: We see the heavy price Lan Fan pays

Give you a to see how they got here.