And the Winner Is Love Episode 21 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Lin Zongxing expressed his concern to Zhong Xuezhi upon learning she arrived with Shangguan Tou. He worriedly advised her that Shangguan Tou was promiscuous and not a proper gentleman, urging her to keep her distance from him. He also advised her to prioritize the Hall of Flames' stability, urging her to "set her sights high" and not dwell on matters of love.
He acknowledged her recent success in eradicating Divine Spirit Temple, which improved the Hall of Flames' standing among other sects, and hoped she would use this opportunity to reconcile with them, a sentiment for which she thanked him. He then noted with gratification her growth into the Master of the Hall. After this conversation, Zhong Xuezhi left to personally congratulate Lin Fengzi.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shuangshuang, who is Lin Fengzi's master, met with Lin Fengzi, encouraging her that "a girl only has one chance" in life and urging her to "move" now, promising help. Following this, Lin Fengzi approached Shangguan Tou, offering congratulations before asking to speak with him privately. Shangguan Tou invited her in but pointedly told her not to close the door.
Lin Fengzi grew emotional, recounting fond memories of their time together at Sword Manor, including talking, composing poetry, painting, practicing martial arts, playing chess, and their first shared drink. She then pleaded for his forgiveness, offering to compensate him if he felt she had harmed him. Shangguan Tou interrupted her, deeming it "improper" to discuss such things on the day of her engagement to Xia Qingmei, and stated he didn't resent her or need compensation.
However, Lin Fengzi insisted on speaking her mind, revealing that seeing him again made her realize he was still the only one in her heart and that her engagement to Xia Qingmei was not her true desire. Shangguan Tou firmly reiterated his refusal, stating his answer would always be the same. Lin Fengzi, attributing his rejection to Zhong Xuezhi, questioned what qualities he admired in her.
Shangguan Tou lauded Zhong Xuezhi's "rare explicitness and sincerity," declaring his decision to "spend this life with her." Lin Fengzi then asserted that she and Shangguan Tou were traditionally seen as a perfect match, having grown up together for nearly a decade, questioning how his few months with Zhong Xuezhi could outweigh their long history. She claimed Zhong Xuezhi would only be a "burden" incompatible with his free-spirited nature.
Shangguan Tou dismissed this, affirming his willingness to bear any burden for Zhong Xuezhi, stating that their bond was beyond her comprehension. As Lin Fengzi grew more insistent, she dramatically declared that she considered herself "his," and then shockingly reminded him of the night they "slept together." At Yuan Shuangshuang's instigation, Zhong Xuezhi was led to overhear the conversation, specifically Lin Fengzi's claim about sleeping with Shangguan Tou.
When Shangguan Tou saw Zhong Xuezhi, he immediately tried to explain, but she recoiled, stating she had heard everything. Yuan Shuangshuang seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, accusing Shangguan Tou of hypocrisy and challenging him to admit he had defiled Lin Fengzi, which led to his expulsion from Sword Manor.
Shangguan Tou angrily denounced the slander, recalling how he was similarly framed in the past, and insisted that while he had drunk that night, his mind was clear, and he "did not do anything to Lin Fengzi." Zhong Xuezhi, distraught, called him "too hypocritical" and pressed Lin Fengzi for confirmation about Shangguan Tou being in her bed, to which Lin Fengzi affirmed. Overwhelmed, Zhong Xuezhi declared the situation "inappropriate" and their "secret" revealed.
Lin Fengzi then pleaded with Zhong Xuezhi not to let this implicate Shangguan Tou, but Zhong Xuezhi, deeply hurt, declared their past connection "cleared" and that they were now "even," refusing to see him again. As Shangguan Tou desperately tried to explain, Yuwen Muyuan intervened, asserting that Shangguan Tou should not have committed such "shameful things" if he wanted them hidden and ordered him to leave Zhong Xuezhi alone.
Shangguan Tou retorted that it was a private matter between him and Zhong Xuezhi. Tearfully, Zhong Xuezhi stated that Shangguan Tou's explanations were owed to Lin Fengzi and the assembled guests, not her, before asking Yuwen Muyuan to escort her away. Shangguan Tou's calls for her went unanswered. Lin Zongxing then arrived, furiously dispersing the onlookers and confronting Shangguan Tou, accusing him of deliberately ruining his daughter's engagement due to some lingering grudge.
Shangguan Tou reiterated his innocence regarding Lin Fengzi and lamented being falsely accused, which now caused Zhong Xuezhi's painful misunderstanding. Xia Qingmei, enraged, grabbed Shangguan Tou, accusing him of pushing his luck despite their past camaraderie and demanding accountability. Shangguan Tou broke free and left, distraught. After Shangguan Tou's distraught departure, Lin Zongxing angrily reprimanded Lin Fengzi for her "disgraceful" behavior, lamenting how she had ruined her engagement and brought humiliation upon Sword Manor.
Despite his fury, Lin Fengzi remained resolute, apologizing to her father but firmly declaring her decision to cancel the engagement with Xia Qingmei, stating she simply "cannot marry" him. Meanwhile, a heartbroken Xia Qingmei was shown brooding over the decorated bridal chamber, the scene of his ruined hopes. Channeling his pain, he dedicated himself to training.
His master, Hong Sheng, observed Xia Qingmei's rapid progress in practicing the Nine Moves of Lotus God, pleased that he was now "devoted" and no longer distracted by other matters, assuring him that he would "achieve a lot within a few days." Upon her return to the Hall of Flames, Zhong Xuezhi collapsed, experiencing a fever, murmuring, and crying throughout the night.
Yuwen Muyuan diligently attended to her, feeding her medicine and wiping her sweat, as others expressed concern, noting that Liuli, a medicine expert, believed her ailment to be a "heart illness" beyond conventional cure. When Zhong Xuezhi finally awoke, Yuwen Muyuan reassured her that she was merely weak and gently offered her porridge. He then tenderly held her hand, comforting her and emphasizing that "it's not your fault" and that "it's over."
He pledged his unwavering support, reminding her that "this is your home" and that "everything will be alright" as long as she was there, promising to "do his best to protect her." Zhong Xuezhi apologized, and he urged her to focus on her recovery. He then assigned Chequ, a guardian, to diligently protect Zhong Xuezhi at Zhaoxue Tower and to notify him if anyone, especially Elder Yuwen, approached.
Despite understanding the bigger picture, Zhong Xuezhi remained deeply saddened by the events and sought solace by drinking with Yuwen Muyuan. She tearfully reminisced about her late father, recalling his final words to her, which were to "find a good husband" and "take care of herself." She expressed a yearning to have been "a normal girl," living simply with her father and finding true love, free from the world's intricate troubles.
In response, Yuwen Muyuan gently held her hand, vowing, "From now on, I would not leave you alone." Meanwhile, Yuan Shuangshuang met with Feng Cheng, who commended her efforts in creating discord for his plan. He noted that Zhong Xuezhi was now disoriented, making it "the best time to take action," declaring this "just the beginning." Following this, the Hall of Flames suffered a night raid by assassins.
While four intruders were killed by the Hall's disciples, the remaining attackers retreated quickly to avoid traps. Later, Feng Mo reported to his father, presenting a detailed map of the Hall of Flames' internal defenses. He outlined the guard rotations from the front square to the inner courtyards, noting that despite strict discipline, the Hall's rigid frontal deployment made it vulnerable, especially if leaderless during a sneak attack.
Feng Mo requested more time to identify a "deadly flaw" and planned to use a "divert the tiger from the mountain" strategy to "wipe out the whole Hall." His father praised his efforts, and Feng Mo acknowledged his father's strategic timing, which capitalized on Zhong Xuezhi's absence and the Hall's relaxed vigilance.
Feng Mo confirmed the loss of four disciples during the raid but assured his father that they had been disguised and left no discernible traces, making their identities untraceable by the Hall of Flames. Yuwen Muyuan, discussing the recent raid with Chequ, found it suspicious that nothing was stolen, suggesting it might have been a "deterrent," a "warning," or an attempt to "spy on their capacity."
He ordered portraits of the slain assailants to be created and sent to the local court. Soon after, Shangguan Tou arrived at the Hall of Flames, accompanied by Wuming, requesting to see Zhong Xuezhi. Yuwen Muyuan met him at the gate, asserting that Zhong Xuezhi "won't see" him. Shangguan Tou questioned Yuwen Muyuan's authority to make decisions for the Hall Leader, but Yuwen Muyuan brushed it off as internal Hall business.
He then advised Shangguan Tou to return to Sword Manor and "be responsible for Miss Lin." Shangguan Tou retorted that his beloved was not in Sword Manor and accused Yuwen Muyuan of "thinking about how to take over other's place." Yuwen Muyuan responded that no one in the Hall wished to marry Shangguan Tou, questioning how he could expect forgiveness after his "despicable actions."
Shangguan Tou defended his right to act freely, but Yuwen Muyuan concluded by warning him that his "dissolute" nature meant he could "never make her happy," urging him to "behave himself." Shangguan Tou remained outside the gate, waiting for Zhong Xuezhi for a full day. Informed of his persistent presence, Zhong Xuezhi indifferently stated she did not care. The following morning, Zhong Xuezhi, having learned that Shangguan Tou had remained outside all night despite Yuwen Muyuan's refusal, was conflicted.
She ventured out, only to find that Shangguan Tou "left before daybreak," leaving her with a profound sense of emptiness. Yuwen Muyuan then approached her, revealing a new lead in the recent raid on the Hall of Flames. He led her to the armory, where Chequ showed them a seemingly ordinary sword found on one of the slain assailants.
Chequ pointed out that, like all weapons made by the Hall of Flames, it bore the hidden mark of the craftsman, Liu Er, and the production date, April 21, the third year of Jianping. Yuwen Muyuan explained that by cross-referencing this information with the Hall's extensive records, they could identify the mastermind behind the attack. Recognizing the scale of the task, Zhong Xuezhi suggested deploying more disciples to expedite the search through the numerous records.
