And the Winner Is Love Episode 19 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Zhong Xuezhi and Shangguan Tou were in a medicinal spring, undergoing a medicated bath for healing. Outside, some observers commented on the unusual number of bubbles rising from the water. Zhong Xuezhi, despite becoming increasingly weak and nearly collapsing, insisted on continuing the treatment. Thanks to her efforts, Shangguan Tou's condition significantly improved, but Zhong Xuezhi herself was left severely depleted of inner energy. He tenderly carried her back to Moon Valley.
Once she was settled, Shangguan Tou held her hand, expressing his heartfelt wish for them to be like a pair of birds flying together, an affectionate couple growing old with children and grandchildren. Zhong Xuezhi reciprocated his loving sentiments. Meanwhile, Feng She returned to the Hall of Flames empty-handed. Che Qu, eagerly awaiting a gift for Zhu Sha, was dismayed to learn that Feng She had gambled away all the money given to him.
Feng She claimed he had intended to win more to buy an even better gift, assuring Che Qu he would recover the money and ensure Zhu Sha received her present. Che Qu, though angry, was left without recourse. In Sword Manor, Xia Qingmei bought a pair of bracelets, intending to give them to Lin Fengzi. Lin Zongxing, Lin Fengzi's father and Xia Qingmei's master, had long discerned Xia Qingmei's affection for his daughter.
Pleased with his intelligent disciple, Lin Zongxing agreed to betroth Fengzi to Xia Qingmei, contingent on Fengzi's consent. That evening, Lin Zongxing spoke with Fengzi, advising her not to choose a husband based solely on looks, specifically cautioning her against a frivolous man like Shangguan Tou. He then presented the bracelets from Xia Qingmei, hoping to gauge her feelings. Fengzi, who had always viewed Xia Qingmei as an elder brother, found it difficult to accept his romantic intentions.
Unbeknownst to them, Xia Qingmei overheard their conversation from outside, feeling both disappointed and resentful, and resolved to dedicate himself more intensely to practicing the Nine Moves of Lotus God. Later, Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xuezhi enjoyed the moonlight together. Zhong Xuezhi voiced her concern about having been away from the Hall of Flames for over half a month, sensing that the mystery behind the cold and fever disease and the Divine Spirit Temple incident was far from over.
Shangguan Tou reassured her, promising to investigate fully once he had recovered. They discussed Hongxiu, who had buried Zhongtao and was now heartbroken. Shangguan Tou reflected on life's uncertainties and the profound fortune of their meeting, urging them to cherish each other, especially after both having lost loved ones. He told her she had not only healed his body but also his heart.
Zhong Xuezhi then asked him about his desires for a future life, to which Shangguan Tou expressed a simple wish: to be with her forever. He then asked for the most important thing she could give him, revealing that he wanted her future, her "rest of my life," to be intertwined with his. Zhong Xuezhi, deeply moved, happily agreed.
Feng She later approached Che Qu and Zhu Sha, claiming to have discovered a large iron mine with high-purity ore in the Hall of Flames' back mountain. Skeptical but hopeful for resources, they followed him to a deep cave. Feng She lowered them into the cave, then pulled up the rope, leaving them trapped. As the night grew cold, Che Qu and Zhu Sha huddled together, finally confessing their long-held feelings for each other.
They then realized Feng She had taken money from both of them under the pretense of helping them woo each other. Feng She eventually returned, tossing a rope down to release them, clearly having orchestrated the entire situation to bring them together. Upon their return, the Chief Guardian questioned Che Qu and Zhu Sha about their absence and punished them for dereliction of duty, making them squat for four hours.
They secretly found amusement in the situation, as no one was actually watching them. Lin Zongxing instructed Xia Qingmei to represent him at the Anzhou Magistrate's 60th birthday celebration, also arranging for Lin Fengzi to accompany him. Xia Qingmei promised his master he would protect his junior sister. During their journey, Xia Qingmei shared his gratitude for Lin Zongxing, reflecting on how his life would have been uncertain had his master not taken him in.
Lin Fengzi, in turn, praised Xia Qingmei's achievements as the Sword Manor's top disciple and the Hero Assembly champion. When Lin Fengzi's feet developed blisters from the long travel, Xia Qingmei gently carried her. Elsewhere, Liu Li met secretly with a member of the Emei Sect, reporting on Zhong Xuezhi's status. It was revealed that Liu Li was a spy sent by Abbess Ciren.
She confirmed that Zhong Xuezhi had mastered the Nine Moves of Lotus God, but emphasized her good nature and lack of ambition to harm the martial world. Liu Li expressed her desire to return to Emei, but was instructed to await Abbess Ciren's decision and remember her duties. Feng She witnessed Liu Li's clandestine meeting but did not expose her. Instead, he advised her to confess her true identity to Zhong Xuezhi for her own peace of mind.
Soon after, Feng She announced his departure from the Hall of Flames, explaining that he did not belong there and intended to wander the martial world to find his true home, possibly at the Huashan Sect. Che Qu offered him travel money, and Liu Li wished him a safe journey. Back at Moon Valley, Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xuezhi played Gomoku. Zhong Xuezhi taught him a new game.
She playfully won, and then they engaged in a light sparring match, testing Shangguan Tou's recovered skills. When Shangguan Tou asked if she regretted teaching him the Hibiscus Heart Sutra, she teased him, saying she did, but then clarified that she felt incredibly lucky to have come to Moon Valley. They then flew onto a rooftop, where they shared a tender moment and kissed deeply under the clear moonlight, their love shining as brightly as the moon itself.
