And the Winner Is Love Episode 27 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Shangguan Zheng, concerned about the rift between her brother Shangguan Tou and Chong Xuezhi, expressed her worry to her husband, Lord Lu. She noted that Tou, not one to explain himself, wouldn't let her intervene despite her desire to help Chong Xuezhi. Lord Lu, aware of Tou's affection for Chong Xuezhi, suggested a solution. He proposed that Shangguan Zheng, as Tou's elder sister, invite Chong Xuezhi to Dongdu.
He reasoned that as her brother and sister-in-law, they could mediate the couple's misunderstanding. Once they reconciled, Tou could then introduce Chong Xuezhi to his father, and Lord Lu and Shangguan Zheng could return to Xiangzhou without concern. Shangguan Zheng initially worried about keeping it from Tou, but Lord Lu reassured her, saying Tou was like a child they always needed to look after. Convinced, Shangguan Zheng agreed to write the invitation to Chong Xuezhi.
Meanwhile, Wuming returned to Shangguan Tou, revealing he had been followed by one of Lord Lu's minor agents. He reported that Lord Lu had not directly troubled Shangguan Tou but had spoken subtly during a chess game. Shangguan Tou then inquired about Feng She, and Wuming confirmed his suspicions: Feng She was indeed Feng Cheng's son. Shangguan Tou immediately ordered Wuming to return to Huashan to closely monitor the Huashan Sect and not leave without his explicit instructions.
In Dongdu, a group of five martial artists from the Sanying Sect, claiming to be dispensing justice, caused a deadly incident outside Lord Lu's mansion, killing two people from another sect. Lord Lu, despite his officer's suggestion to avoid trouble, asserted that such actions were murder and ordered the perpetrators seized. The Sanying members protested, arguing they were avenging their master and removing bullies, proclaiming their actions as righteous.
Lord Lu vehemently rejected their claim, declaring that all territories belonged to the emperor, and killing "at the feet of the emperor" demanded confession. He dismissed their "killing to revenge death" as merely an "excuse for your own violence" and stressed that the "rule of law has no exception."
He further warned that if people sought to evade justice by committing violence in the martial arts world, chaos would ensue, and he would permit no one to be above the law. He asserted that even his domain, Xiangzhou, was part of the emperor's land, where "no world is beyond the control of the emperor."
Shangguan Tou, witnessing the scene, acknowledged that Lord Lu's actions were "properly and legally" handled but voiced concern that such direct intervention might provoke resentment among martial artists, who traditionally managed their own affairs. Lord Lu dismissed this, stating he was unafraid and uncaring, believing it his duty to protect the people and uphold the law's unshakable foundation.
Later, Lord Lu's advisor cautioned him against being too conspicuous in Dongdu, fearing it would attract the Crown Prince's attention and jeopardize his "great cause." Lord Lu, however, feigned innocence, angrily questioning what "great cause" the advisor implied. He proclaimed his familial bond with the Crown Prince, denying any ambition for the throne, and insisted he merely acted on his own desires.
He warned his advisor that if he continued to suggest such schemes, he should find another lord, as Lord Lu would not keep him. The humbled advisor profusely apologized. Lord Lu then instructed him to distribute invitations for an upcoming banquet, pointedly telling him not to "misunderstand things again." Chong Xuezhi received an invitation from Shangguan Zheng, Lord Lu's wife.
Yuwen Muyuan, however, strongly objected to her attendance, finding the timing suspicious given the urgent weapon production for the court and the Hall of Flames' fragile state. He worried about the impact on her disciples, but Chong Xuezhi, seeking answers to her many confusions, was determined to go. Yuwen Muyuan eventually conceded, insisting only that he accompany her for her safety.
Meanwhile, Feng Cheng also received an invitation from Lord Lu, who ostensibly sought to mediate the long-standing animosity between the Huashan Sect and the Hall of Flames. Feng She questioned his father's sincerity in making peace. Feng Cheng, feigning exhaustion from years of vengeance, claimed that finding Feng She had made him content and he no longer wished to perpetuate the hatred, especially if it meant ensuring the Huashan Sect's stability.
He promised to abandon the old grudges and noted that Chong Xuezhi would also be present. Believing his father, Feng She enthusiastically agreed to accompany him, eager to see Chong Xuezhi. Similarly, Lin Zongxing received an invitation from Lord Lu.
Although he was puzzled as to why he, from the Lingjian Mountain Villa, was summoned to mediate the dispute between the Hall of Flames and the Huashan Sect, he resigned himself to attending, feeling he "can’t do things on my will." Upon arriving in Dongdu, Chong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan encountered Feng She, who enthusiastically greeted Chong Xuezhi.
Feng She revealed that Feng Cheng was his father and that he had decided to acknowledge him due to "blood kinship" and a longing for a home. Chong Xuezhi, setting aside her animosity towards Feng Cheng, expressed happiness for Feng She if his father genuinely treated him well. Yuwen Muyuan, however, reminded Feng She to be mindful of Chong Xuezhi's position as a friend.
Feng She then stated that Feng Cheng was there to "make peace" with the Hall of Flames, a revelation that astonished Chong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan, as Shangguan Zheng's invitation had merely mentioned a "gathering." Chong Xuezhi realized that Lord Lu was the true orchestrator. Suspecting foul play, Yuwen Muyuan urged a quick departure after meeting Shangguan Zheng. At their meeting with Shangguan Zheng, Yuwen Muyuan explained his accompanying Chong Xuezhi due to the Hall of Flames' recent ambush.
Shangguan Zheng, seemingly having little specific to discuss, merely inquired about the ambush and complimented Chong Xuezhi's growth and her difference from Shangguan Tou. Lord Lu then appeared, feigning surprise at Chong Xuezhi's presence and greeting her warmly before acknowledging Yuwen Muyuan. He smoothly transitioned from "private matters" to "business," expressing his concern about the recent conflict between the Hall of Flames and Huashan Sect, citing their past contributions to disaster relief in Xiangzhou.
Chong Xuezhi defended the Hall of Flames' actions, admitting her father's past wrongdoings but emphasizing Huashan Sect's unprovoked aggression. Lord Lu reassured her that he harbored no blame and invited her, Feng Cheng, Shangguan Tou, and Lin Zongxing to a banquet to mediate their differences. Hoping for a genuine reconciliation, Chong Xuezhi reluctantly accepted. At the banquet, Shangguan Tou attempted to speak with Chong Xuezhi, but Lord Lu subtly intervened.
Lord Lu initiated the feast, ostensibly a farewell before returning to Xiangzhou. He presented a rare "Panlong Bird," or "tree chicken," describing its preference for solitude over a bustling city, a metaphor Shangguan Tou acknowledged as simpler than human "gathering for interests." Feng Cheng, attempting to humble himself, distanced himself from any regal connection.
Lord Lu then shifted to a discussion of "Balance the five tastes" from Chinese medicine, linking it to martial arts practice and the five attendees at the table, representing "one body" within the "five elements." When Feng Cheng asked for clarification, Shangguan Tou interjected, implying Feng Cheng's "fire inside your lung" would render health advice useless. Lord Lu agreed, subtly associating Feng Cheng's "Metal" element and the Huashan Sect's "governance of cleaning" with their aggressive tactics.
Chong Xuezhi retorted, questioning whose "grasses were being cut" when the Huashan Sect attacked the Hall of Flames. Lord Lu described Chong Xuezhi as "the flames" due to her name and sect, acknowledging her youthful intensity but also admitting the Huashan Sect's initial wrongdoing. Feng Cheng then took a drink as self-punishment. Lord Lu continued, assigning Chong Xuezhi to "Fire" (Heart), Shangguan Tou to "Wood" (Liver), and Lin Zongxing to "Earth" (Spleen), alluding to their roles and characteristics.
His advisor then flattered Lord Lu by assigning him "Water" (Kidney), representing his ability to "gather talents all over the world" and "adjust bad relations." Lord Lu then spoke of the balance of the five elements, noting two "inverse" positions at the table and his desire to "make them right" by achieving "unity." He proposed a toast. Shangguan Tou notably refused to drink. Lord Lu pressed Chong Xuezhi, asking if she was unwilling to reconcile.
Chong Xuezhi declared her sect's desire for peace but firmly refused to drink Lord Lu's toast, stating its "real intention" was clear to both of them. She explained that the Hall of Flames only forged weapons for the court and was "ignorant" of other matters, thus she "dare not drink this." As Lord Lu feigned indifference, Shangguan Tou intervened.
He drank the toast "on behalf of Hall of Flames" and vowed that if Feng Cheng insisted on conflict, he would first have to "crush Moon Valley." Chong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan then left the banquet, though Lord Lu attempted to detain Shangguan Tou. After leaving the banquet, Chong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan encountered Feng She. Chong Xuezhi confronted Feng She, expressing her growing suspicion of Lord Lu's intentions and the true nature of Feng Cheng's "peace-making."
Feng She, still believing his father, swore Feng Cheng had promised not to harm her. At this point, two different servants approached them. One informed Chong Xuezhi that Shangguan Zheng wished to see her at the Imperial Advisor's Mansion, with Feng She insisting on accompanying her. The other servant told Yuwen Muyuan that Lord Lu had summoned him to a side garden. Sensing further deception, Chong Xuezhi asked Feng She to accompany her, reiterating her need to question him.
Yuwen Muyuan, though hesitant, allowed them to proceed, cautioning Feng She to protect Chong Xuezhi. Yuwen Muyuan, who was still at Lord Lu's residence, heard the escaping Feng She warning about Chong Xuezhi being taken by the Huashan Sect, and immediately rushed off. Lord Lu feigned dismay, claiming he had been mistaken about Feng Cheng and cynically remarking that the fate of the Hall of Flames was of no consequence to him as a royal.
Simultaneously, Shangguan Tou, upon learning of the abduction, furiously confronted Shangguan Zheng for inviting Chong Xuezhi to Dongdu without his consultation, fearing Feng Cheng's sinister motives. Shangguan Zheng, tearfully defended her intentions, claiming she only wished to mediate and denying any conspiracy from Lord Lu. Meanwhile, in a carriage, Chong Xuezhi and Feng She were drugged. Lord Lu's advisor met with Feng Cheng, confirming Feng She's presence and urging Feng Cheng to complete the task to protect Lord Lu's reputation.
Feng Cheng, revealing Lord Lu's meticulous planning, ordered his men to kill the advisor, accusing him of treachery. The advisor, realizing he was a "pawn" sacrificed by Lord Lu, committed suicide. Feng She then discovered the carriage was filled with "poison" and, realizing his father's elaborate betrayal, fought back. He managed to create a smoke screen and escape to warn Yuwen Muyuan. Chong Xuezhi, weakened by the poison, valiantly resisted but was ultimately captured by Feng Cheng.
Feng Cheng dragged Chong Xuezhi to a secret chamber, gloating that he had finally captured her, a moment he had long anticipated. Chong Xuezhi, defiant, challenged him to kill her if he truly hated her. Feng Cheng, however, claimed he didn't hate her, merely seeing her as a "stupid, naive little girl" who was born into the "wrong family." He asserted that had she not been Chong Ye's daughter, she might have lived a peaceful life.
Chong Xuezhi, infuriated, accused him of feigning "filial piety" and using the guise of "killing bad" to mask his true ambition: to acquire the Lotus Wing manual. She branded him "shameless" and "despicable." Feng Cheng scoffed, claiming hypocrisy was inherent in the martial arts world, where "no hypocrite, no martial arts world." He insisted that strength, not morality, defined heroes, and that the Hall of Flames' power derived solely from the Lotus Wing, not Chong Ye's character.
Chong Xuezhi vehemently defended her father's integrity, stating Feng Cheng was "in no position to judge him." Feng Cheng dismissed her defense and demanded she reveal the "Nine Moves of Lotus God and the Lotus Sutra." He then introduced a "Western Region fire torture," warning her that even with her protective Lotus Sutra, she would become a "dried-up corpse" in four days unless she wrote down the Lotus Wing manual. Chong Xuezhi, unwavering, defiantly refused. Meanwhile, a physician assured Lord Lu that Feng She was recovering well from his ordeal. Yuwen Muyuan then approached Lord Lu, questioning him about a "piece of gold."
