And the Winner Is Love Episode 20 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
During their journey to Anzhou, Lin Fengzi injured her foot because her shoes were ill-fitting. Without a word, Xia Qingmei carried her, a gesture that deeply moved Fengzi. Upon their return to Sword Manor, Fengzi sought out her father, Lin Zongxing, and expressed her willingness to marry Xia Qingmei. Lin Zongxing was delighted by her decision, exclaiming, "Fantastic!" Meanwhile, Lin Changran returned to Moon Valley, where he was pleased to note Shangguan Tou's rapid advancement in internal energy.
Shangguan Tou confirmed that the Lotus Sutra was indeed extraordinary, as his internal energy was almost fully recovered, and even before mastering half of it, he could feel a surge of true energy purifying his body. Lin Changran explained that the Lotus Wing was renowned as the world's foremost manual for good reason.
He clarified that the Nine Moves of Lotus God were of the yang element, while the Lotus Sutra was of the yin, and it possessed additional functions beyond aiding the Nine Moves and boosting internal energy. He expressed a wish, however, that Shangguan Tou would never need to use those other functions, hoping he would "never use those in your whole life." Shangguan Tou was curious but did not press for details.
He then informed Lin Changran that Zhong Xuezhi was returning to the Hall the following day and that he intended to take her to the Imperial Teacher’s Mansion soon to meet his father. He asked for Lin Changran's permission as Xuezhi's "uncle," assuring him of his serious intentions. Lin Changran approved, telling him, "Since you have made the step, don’t disappoint her." Just then, Zhong Xuezhi arrived with tea.
She was overjoyed to see Lin Changran, asking where he had been. Shangguan Tou and Xuezhi expressed their reluctance to part, with Shangguan Tou reaffirming his feelings, declaring he would marry no one but her, and proposing to take her to meet his father after she settles matters at the Hall. Xuezhi happily agreed. Soon after, a messenger from Sword Manor delivered an invitation for Fengzi's engagement banquet to Lin Changran.
However, after reviewing the invitation, Lin Changran decided not to attend. He explained that he and Lin Zongxing were not merely brothers in the martial world but imperial siblings. After the new emperor's ascension, their noble titles had been revoked, leading Lin Changran to live in reclusion while Lin Zongxing became the master of Sword Manor. Their paths diverged, yet an unwritten court rule still prohibited the two former princes from meeting. Thus, Lin Changran couldn't attend Fengzi's engagement.
Xuezhi questioned why Lin Zongxing would send an invitation then, but Lin Changran dismissed it, stating his disinterest in the mundane world. He suspected Lin Zongxing had ulterior motives for the grand banquet, noting that the invited guests were a "mixed bunch" and he was unclear about the true purpose, especially with the Lotus Wing incident causing turmoil in the martial world.
Later, as Lin Changran, Shangguan Tou, and Zhong Xuezhi shared a meal, Lin Changran suggested they attend the banquet at Sword Manor in his place. He stated Shangguan Tou was suitable to "maintain the order" due to his proximity to Dongdu, and Xuezhi's presence was crucial to "force out" the "poison" (metaphor for the hidden enemy) if there was an ulterior motive.
Shangguan Tou initially hesitated, wanting to go alone to protect Xuezhi from potential danger, but Lin Changran convinced him, arguing that Xuezhi's presence was logical as the Hall's leader, and that Sword Manor could be a vital ally for the Hall in the future. He also stated the journey was for three reasons: to bait the enemy, to congratulate his brother, and for Tou and Xuezhi to strengthen their bond, facing "hardships together."
Convinced, Shangguan Tou agreed to go with Xuezhi, adding a fourth reason: "it’s to set a date to marry Xuezhi and take her to my father." Lin Changran raised a toast to them. After Xuezhi had left, Shangguan Tou revealed to Lin Changran that he had been brought up in Sword Manor and that Lin Zongxing used to be his master.
He preferred not to elaborate on the "unpleasant things that happened," and Lin Changran respected his privacy, but advised him to always be honest with Xuezhi. Separately, Hong Sheng was furious upon hearing of Xia Qingmei's impending marriage to Lin Fengzi. He declared that practicing the Nine Moves of Lotus God required "ending feelings and desires, no desires, no wants," especially romantic entanglements.
He angrily told Xia Qingmei to "go away" and stated he would no longer teach him the Nine Moves, accusing him of having "impurity in mind" and thinking about "dirty business." Xia Qingmei, however, retorted that his desire to master the Nine Moves had always been to win Fengzi's affection, and being with Fengzi was "more important."
He contrasted his choice with Chong Ye, who was "obsessed with martial arts," and stated he did not want to become a "crazy man" who gives up everything for martial arts. He dismissed Hong Sheng's scorn, saying "getting by is better than going astray" as long as he was with Fengzi. He then left without looking back, further enraging Hong Sheng. Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xuezhi arrived at Sword Manor.
Xia Qingmei greeted Shangguan Tou as "senior fellow," which puzzled Xuezhi. Shangguan Tou explained that he had once studied martial arts at Sword Manor under Lin Zongxing but left after "some bad things happened." Xuezhi then commented, "I wondered why you gave way to Xia Qingmei on Hero Assembly," suggesting he had intentionally let Xia Qingmei win. Meanwhile, Feng Cheng secretly met with Yuan Shuangshuang, plotting how to eliminate Zhong Xuezhi. They agreed to first separate Xuezhi from Shangguan Tou.
Feng Cheng explained to Yuan Shuangshuang that Shangguan Tou's influence as Moon Valley Leader and the Imperial Advisor’s son, backed by the court, could obstruct their plans if he stood with Xuezhi. He also noted that Xuezhi's Lotus Wing power was already formidable, potentially surpassing his own martial arts. Feng Cheng worried, "If Shangguan Tou is on her side, when can I achieve my revenge?"
To this end, Yuan Shuangshuang approached Lin Fengzi, who was getting ready for her engagement, and subtly fueled her lingering feelings for Shangguan Tou. Yuan Shuangshuang informed Fengzi that Shangguan Tou and Xuezhi had arrived together looking very much "like lovers." She then pressed Fengzi, asking if she still couldn't "forget him completely," and suggested that if she couldn't, she should fight for him, reminding her that as long as she wasn't officially married, there was "still a chance."
