And the Winner Is Love Episode 17 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Having accepted her father's counsel, Lin Fengzi finally recognized the depth of Xia Qingmei's devotion to her. She approached him to convey her heartfelt thanks for his unwavering care over the years, acknowledging that she had taken his efforts for granted. Seeing her recover, Xia Qingmei assured her that getting the medicine from the Shark Sect was a minor task, as he worried about her constantly.
He responded that her understanding made everything worthwhile before gently urging her to rest further, as she had just recovered and the weather was still cold. Meanwhile, Shangguan Tou informed Zhong Xuezhi that he would not return to the Hall of Flames with her. He felt compelled to go to Dongdu first to apprise his father, Shangguan Xingzhou, of the entire epidemic situation, hoping to leverage the court's power to combat it.
Zhong Xuezhi, though recognizing the greater good, was reluctant to part with him and voiced concern for his existing injuries and the long journey ahead. Shangguan Tou reassured her that imperial physicians would tend to his wounds and instructed her to take meticulous care of herself. When she asked where she could find him, he promised to return to Moon Valley once his duties were complete.
Before they parted, he earnestly advised her to be steadfast in her affections and firmly stay with the person she liked, so as not to live with regrets, like Hongxiu. Xia Qingmei confided in Hong Sheng, revealing his disquiet after having used the fifth move of the Nine Moves of Lotus God, which regrettably resulted in fatalities. Hong Sheng expressed awe at Xia Qingmei's extraordinary talent, noting his rapid mastery of the move in just one year.
However, he warned that the higher the level of the Nine Moves of Lotus God, the stronger the inner demon, and without the Lotus Sutra to guide him, Xia Qingmei risked demonization. Xia Qingmei despaired, fearing he might be stuck at the fifth move and unable to become a supreme martial arts master. Hong Sheng then proposed a risky solution: to acquire other internal heart method manuals from the Sutra Library at Luduan Temple.
He explained that while these might not be as potent as the Lotus Sutra, they could serve as a viable substitute to help Xia Qingmei aim for the ninth move. Hong Sheng, claiming intimate knowledge of the temple's layout and security, offered guidance on how to bypass the patrolling guards, enter the library, and locate the necessary texts. Convinced, Xia Qingmei agreed to the endeavor.
Zhong Xuezhi returned to the Hall of Flames, bringing Feng She with her to help create the antidote. Her subordinates recognized Feng She as a former associate of Man Feiyue and a thief, recalling his involvement in the death of a Huashan Sect disciple at the hero's assembly. Zhong Xuezhi, however, insisted that Feng She was their only hope for creating the Flu antidote, as Man Feiyue, the original purveyor of the cure, was now dead.
She instructed Liuli to oversee Feng She's work, though Liuli remained suspicious and kept a watchful eye on him. Zhong Xuezhi then hurried to Yuwen Muyuan's chamber, finding him gravely ill, pale and weak. Despite his own suffering, Yuwen Muyuan's first thoughts were for Zhong Xuezhi's safety. While relieved by her safe return, he seemed momentarily troubled upon learning that Shangguan Tou and his two friends had assisted her in the perilous journey to the Divine Spirit Temple.
Nevertheless, he ultimately expressed profound relief that she was back unharmed, stating it was all that truly mattered. Feng She finally produced the antidote, but only after being pressed, confessed he had initially forgotten to add "rootless water," a crucial ingredient for its efficacy. Once added, he gave the medicine to Yuwen Muyuan, who, after tasting it, immediately fainted. Zhong Xuezhi's companions were furious, accusing Feng She of poisoning him.
Feng She calmly explained that Yuwen Muyuan's prolonged illness had caused hot and cold energies to clash within his body, and the antidote was prompting a vigorous reaction that would resolve after a night's rest, allowing the internal energies to merge. Liuli's subsequent check confirmed an improvement in Yuwen Muyuan's pulse, bringing a sigh of relief to Zhong Xuezhi.
She then dispatched Zhu Sha to distribute the antidote to the major sects and Chequ to notify local clinics in Anping County, while Liuli was tasked with preparing more for the infected disciples within the Hall. Later that night, Zhong Xuezhi was found drinking alone, lost in thought. Feng She joined her, taking a sip of her wine.
Zhong Xuezhi mused that as a child, she found wine bitter and astringent, much like the many painful realities she now faced in the martial arts world. Feng She, in turn, saw drinking and life as an enjoyable cycle of interaction, advising her to be more carefree. Zhong Xuezhi confessed her deep self-loathing for feeling useless and relying on others to bear her burdens.
Feng She countered by expressing his envy, sharing his own story of abandonment by his father and subsequent exploitation by Man Feiyue, feeling his existence was meaningless until he met her. He gently reminded Zhong Xuezhi of all she possessed—the formidable Hall of Flames, her father, her brother Yuwen Muyuan, and her supportive friends—claiming she already had the happiness most people only dreamed of.
He advised her against self-pity, urging her to remember that her choices were guided by her true self, independent of right or wrong. His words profoundly impacted Zhong Xuezhi, making her feel much better. The next morning, Yuwen Muyuan had sufficiently recovered to leave his bed, eager to resume his duties at the Hall of Flames, with Zhong Xuezhi offering her assistance.
He then went to see his grandfather, acknowledging Zhong Xuezhi's monumental efforts in finding the antidote, which not only saved his life but also countless others. His grandfather conceded that she had "finally done something right." Yuwen Muyuan implored his grandfather to abandon their long-standing feud, arguing that the blame for his foster father killing his father should not fall upon Zhong Xuezhi, especially given she had now saved his life.
He concluded that "vengeance breeds vengeance" and it was time to let go. His grandfather, though indicating understanding, simply stated he was too old to continue these matters. News quickly spread throughout the martial arts world that Zhong Xuezhi had, during her seclusion, mastered the Nine Moves of Lotus God and the Lotus Sutra, successfully dismantled the Divine Spirit Temple, and discovered the cure for the Flu.
At Sword Manor, Lin Zongxing was impressed by her rapid ascent, predicting she would soon master the ninth move, which would significantly enhance her standing among the people and restore the Hall of Flames' influence. However, his musings were interrupted by members of the Shark Sect, who arrived bearing the corpse of their leader, Tie Xiao. They accused Zhong Xuezhi of the murder, citing a five-petal lotus imprint on the body as definitive proof, and demanded Lin Zongxing deliver justice.
Lin Zongxing promised a thorough investigation to apprehend the killer but strictly forbade any rash accusations against Zhong Xuezhi without solid evidence. Later, in a private conversation, Lin Zongxing questioned Xia Qingmei about Tie Xiao's death, momentarily disregarding the lotus imprint. Xia Qingmei, maintaining his composure, suggested that Tie Xiao's narrow-minded and crude nature might have led to an enemy killing him, or perhaps a refusal to hand over the "Green Spring Elixir" could have provoked the murderer.
He emphasized a meticulous investigation, asserting that if Zhong Xuezhi was indeed guilty, she should face the consequences, but if Tie Xiao was found to be at fault, Zhong Xuezhi should not be wrongly accused.
Lin Zongxing absorbed his words, but then voiced his deep concern over Zhong Xuezhi's growing power, particularly her mastery of the unrivaled fifth move of the Nine Moves of Lotus God, acknowledging the widely held belief that "He who controls the Nine Moves of Lotus God will rule the world." After his secret procurement of heart method manuals from Luduan Temple, Xia Qingmei diligently studied texts such as "Five Aggregates and Delusion," "Universal Vajrapani Heart Methods," and "Vimalakirti Sutra."
He recalled Hong Sheng's advice to cultivate with a calm mind, like still water, and not to rush, as a single manual could not replace the comprehensive Lotus Sutra. Hong Sheng had carefully selected a few books for him to begin with, cautioning against impatience to avoid internal stagnation. Later, upon returning to Sword Manor, Xia Qingmei was surprised to find Lin Fengzi waiting with a meal she had personally prepared.
She explained that she wanted to do something for him. Deeply touched, Xia Qingmei revealed that his only desire was for her lifelong health and happiness, expecting nothing in return. They shared a moment of lightheartedness when they realized she had forgotten to add salt to her cooking. In Dongdu, the Crown Prince paid a visit to Shangguan Xingzhou, commending him for his efforts in combating the plague.
Shangguan Xingzhou, in turn, humbly attributed the success to his son, Shangguan Tou, who had uncovered the epidemic's source at the Divine Spirit Temple and found the antidote. Impressed by Shangguan Tou's heroic spirit, the Crown Prince offered him the prestigious position of Assistant in the East Palace. Shangguan Tou respectfully declined, stating his lack of political ambition and preference for a life unburdened by official duties, as he was used to a free and unrestrained life.
Though Shangguan Xingzhou attempted to intercede, the Crown Prince understood Shangguan Tou's "indifference to fame and wealth" and "aspirational" nature, ultimately respecting his decision while hoping he might reconsider in the future. After the Prince departed, Shangguan Xingzhou noticed Shangguan Tou's lingering injuries. Shangguan Tou dismissed them as minor but explained that the imperial physicians could not heal them, necessitating his return to Moon Valley to consult with the Herbal Medicine King.
He politely declined his father's suggestion to rest at home, preferring his accustomed free-spirited life. Back at the Hall of Flames, Feng She was caught by Zhu Sha and other disciples for various acts of mischief, including climbing over walls at night and disorganizing the pharmacy. Feng She attempted to defend himself, claiming he was simply seeking entertainment and medicine for swollen gums.
Zhong Xuezhi intervened, acknowledging Feng She's unruly temper and many bad habits but reminding her disciples that he had nearly been killed by Man Feiyue and had significantly contributed to the antidote's creation, thus having put in hard work. She urged them to grant him time to adjust, appealing to their understanding. Shortly after, Lin Changran arrived at the Hall of Flames, receiving a warm welcome.
He congratulated Zhong Xuezhi on her accomplishments, including eradicating the Divine Spirit Temple and finding the Flu cure, noting her widespread recognition as a "Saintess" by the common people. Sensing a deeper purpose to his visit, Zhong Xuezhi inquired further, and Lin Changran confirmed his intention to stay for a few days to observe her leadership. He then revealed that, with no outsiders present, he had crucial information regarding past events to share with both Zhong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan.
He explained that while he had once believed it best to keep them ignorant of their parents' history, as knowing it might make their lives harder, he now felt it imperative for them to know the full truth. Yuwen Muyuan, however, wondered if it was better to simply let go of past grievances if they couldn't change them.
