And the Winner Is Love Episode 40 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Zhong Xuezhi awakens and immediately rushes with Lin Changran to the cliff base where Shangguan Tou fell. She desperately searches, calling out "Tou, where are you?" She remembers his promise to return in three days, but three days have passed with no sign of him. Overcome with grief, she sobs, believing he is lost or can't find his way home, and vows to bring him back. Finding no trace, she is heartbroken, convinced he is gone.
Xia Qingmei brings porridge, prepared by Lin Fengzi, to Lin Zongxing. However, Lin Zongxing, still vexed by Lord Lu's machinations, curtly dismisses him, saying he doesn't want to see him. Xia Qingmei, kneeling, expresses concern for Lin Zongxing's health and the future of Sword Manor. Lin Zongxing retorts, accusing Xia Qingmei of never truly caring about the sect and of committing monstrous acts that brought shame upon them.
Xia Qingmei attempts to justify his actions, claiming he only wished to bring honor to the sect, but Lin Zongxing cuts him off, calling it sophistry. Lin Zongxing bitterly recounts how he misjudged Xia Qingmei's ambition and competitive nature as mere childishness, only to find him cunning and sophisticated for secretly practicing the Nine Moves. He laments that the world will brand Sword Manor as unfortunate for having such a disciple.
Xia Qingmei defiantly declares he will kill anyone who slanders Sword Manor, prompting Lin Zongxing to label him a "rebellious disciple" who, if left undisciplined, would pose a grave threat to the martial arts world. Unable to tolerate his master's accusations, Xia Qingmei rises and boldly confronts Lin Zongxing.
He asserts that Lin Zongxing's anger stems not from his cultivation of the Nine Moves, but from the perceived disgrace Xia Qingmei brought upon him, exposing Lin Zongxing's vanity and obsession with Sword Manor's reputation.
He challenges Lin Zongxing's claims of benevolence, arguing that his master's reluctance to participate in the Hero Assembly was merely a ploy to appear virtuous, an act he deems futile since the world already implicates Sword Manor with Zhong Xuezhi and suspects Lin Zongxing of secretly mastering the Nine Moves himself. Lin Zongxing, trembling with rage, is interrupted by Lin Fengzi, who rushes in, pleading for calm and urging Xia Qingmei to apologize.
Lin Zongxing expresses deep regret, lamenting that marrying Fengzi to Xia Qingmei was his greatest mistake. Fengzi desperately begs Xia Qingmei to apologize, but he remains unrepentant. Lin Zongxing, his patience exhausted, declares that Sword Manor can no longer tolerate Xia Qingmei and orders him to leave. Lin Fengzi, distraught, asks what will become of her.
Xia Qingmei, resolute, states he can no longer stay at Sword Manor, accusing Lin Zongxing of expelling him out of fear that he would master the Nine Moves and surpass his master. Lin Zongxing is left speechless by this cutting accusation, and with finality, disowns Xia Qingmei as his chief disciple, ordering him to "get out."
Heartbroken and torn between her father and husband, Lin Fengzi declares that she must follow her husband, an act she acknowledges as unfilial, deeply wounding Lin Zongxing. Xia Qingmei and Lin Fengzi depart from Sword Manor. He reassures her, outlining his plan to rent a house in a village near Dongdu and temporarily settle there. With the money he brought, he expects to live for a while, and then plans to seek employment.
He confidently predicts that, with his abilities, prosperity is merely a matter of time, promising her a life far superior to what she experienced at Sword Manor. Lin Fengzi, however, expresses that she desires only a stable and peaceful life, not grand success. Xia Qingmei insists he will never let her suffer. Upon returning to Moon Valley, Zhong Xuezhi is consumed by sorrow.
She confides in Lin Changran that the valley, filled with her cherished memories of Shangguan Tou, only deepens her pain. She feels utterly lost, lamenting the destruction of Chong Huo Palace—her home—and the loss of Yuwen Muyuan, whom she once believed genuinely cared for her, although Lin Changran dismisses Yuwen Muyuan as unworthy of her tears. Lin Changran gently reminds her that if Shangguan Tou was family to her, then Moon Valley, being Shangguan Tou's home, is also hers.
Zhong Xuezhi, overwhelmed, describes how every flower, plant, and tree in the valley reminds her of Shangguan Tou, making it impossible to forget him. Lin Changran shares her grief for Shangguan Tou and reveals that even Wuming is now missing, expressing deep regret for not being with Wuming to aid Shangguan Tou. Zhong Xuezhi tearfully laments that Shangguan Tou will never witness her enduring sorrow. Lin Changran encourages her to remain strong, but she asks for solitude.
Later that night, she plays Shangguan Tou's guqin, the music evoking his past words to her, and she weeps. Unbeknownst to her, Shangguan Tou, rescued by the Crown Prince, is stirring awake, faintly calling her name in his dreams. Shangguan Tou awakens, disoriented, faintly calling out for "Xuezhi." Wuming assures him that Chong Xuezhi is safe, under the care of Lin Changran.
The Crown Prince enters, expressing immense relief that Shangguan Tou has finally recovered, emphasizing his good fortune that the stab wound inflicted by Yuwen Muyuan was not in a vital area, otherwise, even the most skilled doctor couldn't have saved him. Shangguan Tou thanks the Crown Prince for saving his life. The Crown Prince, however, expresses shame and guilt, admitting his surprise at Lord Lu's outrageous actions and lamenting his brother's transgressions, taking responsibility as the elder.
Shangguan Tou, in turn, blames his own impulsiveness for falling into Lord Lu's trap and states that, after Lord Lu publicly ordered his execution, "Shangguan Tou" can no longer exist in the world. He then urges the Crown Prince not to continue treating Lord Lu like an unrepentant child, warning that if Lord Lu's ambition is left unchecked, he will eventually face self-destruction. He implores the Crown Prince to make a swift and firm decision.
When asked if he believes Lord Lu has further schemes beyond the Sects Alliance, Shangguan Tou admits he is uncertain of Lord Lu's true intentions but volunteers to investigate the matter for the Crown Prince. Lord Lu tracks down Xia Qingmei in a remote area where he is practicing martial arts. Observing Xia Qingmei's struggle, Lord Lu notes he seems to be encountering a bottleneck.
He asks to speak privately, and when Xia Qingmei questions his presence in the wilderness, Lord Lu expresses his admiration for skilled martial artists. He subtly references his familial connection to Lin Zongxing, calling them "family," and, alluding to the story of Liu Bei, invites Xia Qingmei to serve him. Xia Qingmei, however, humbly declines, portraying himself as a mere martial artist unfit for such an association.
Lord Lu then openly acknowledges Xia Qingmei's practice of the Nine Moves and offers a compelling deal: in exchange for his allegiance, he promises not only immense wealth and glory but also his personal assistance in helping Xia Qingmei achieve the ninth and final move of the technique. Xia Qingmei firmly rejects the offer, stating his disinterest in riches and his intent to pursue martial arts on his own terms.
He reminds Lord Lu that the affairs of the imperial court and the martial arts world are separate. As Xia Qingmei departs, Lord Lu, unperturbed, observes his retreating figure, confidently asserting that "different paths will converge" and that Xia Qingmei's ambition will eventually compel him to seek out Lord Lu's aid. Lord Lu discusses his strategies with an aide.
The aide questions why Lord Lu doesn't simply inform Yuwen Muyuan about Xia Qingmei's secret practice of the Nine Moves, thereby allowing Yuwen Muyuan to forcibly retrieve the manual, which would be a more direct approach. Lord Lu explains his cynical "two tigers fighting" strategy: while he is content for strong individuals to clash, his ultimate priority is to secure the Nine Moves manual for himself.
Once he possesses the manual, he can then allow them to engage in internal conflicts as they wish. This confirms that Lord Lu has deliberately concealed Xia Qingmei's secret cultivation from Yuwen Muyuan, keeping him ignorant of Xia Qingmei's proficiency in the Nine Moves, all with the intention of acquiring the technique for his own nefarious purposes. Lord Lu discusses his plans with Yuwen Muyuan, who is recuperating from his injuries.
Lord Lu informs him that the dispersed disciples of Chong Huo Palace have been gathered and settled in a secure location, and he intends for Yuwen Muyuan to oversee the rebuilding and restoration of Chong Huo Palace once he has fully recovered. Lord Lu then assigns Yuwen Muyuan a new task: to visit a "stubborn friend," Xia Qingmei, who has recently moved nearby, and persuade him to join their cause.
Yuwen Muyuan expresses his confusion as to why Lord Lu values Xia Qingmei. Lord Lu explains that while the proposed Sects Alliance needs "tigers" like Yuwen Muyuan, it also requires "loyal followers" like Xia Qingmei and Feng Mo to succeed. He further hints that Xia Qingmei possesses something Lord Lu deeply desires. Meanwhile, Xia Qingmei is at Zhang’s Pharmacy, attempting to purchase ten doses of medicine for Lin Fengzi. He discovers he lacks sufficient funds.
Yuwen Muyuan, arriving at the pharmacy, observes Xia Qingmei's predicament and steps in to cover the cost of the medicine. Afterward, he invites Xia Qingmei to a tavern. Yuwen Muyuan thanks Xia Qingmei for the assistance given to the Chong Huo Palace refugees, which Xia Qingmei attributes to Lin Zongxing's benevolence.
Yuwen Muyuan then subtly steers the conversation towards Lord Lu, revealing that while Lord Lu seeks to attract martial artists, it is Xia Qingmei, not Lin Zongxing, whom he truly values from Sword Manor. He praises Xia Qingmei's intelligence and advises him to consider his future path, echoing the sentiment that "heroes don't care about their origins."
As they part ways, Yuwen Muyuan hands Xia Qingmei a pouch of money, instructing him to buy health tonics for Lin Fengzi and reminding him not to let his wife suffer, a move Xia Qingmei accepts. Unbeknownst to Yuwen Muyuan, Lord Lu has concealed from him the fact that Xia Qingmei secretly cultivates the Nine Moves, intending to leverage Xia Qingmei's ambition and secure the martial arts manual for himself. In Moon Valley, Zhong Xuezhi remains listless and unwell.
The Medicine King attends to her diligently, but observes that her persistent sadness will make her truly ill, regardless of his efforts. Zhong Xuezhi thanks him, recognizing his care stems from his loyalty to Shangguan Tou. The Medicine King encourages her to live well, honoring Shangguan Tou's memory. Zhong Xuezhi asserts her determination not only to live but to "live for him," driven by a profound love for Shangguan Tou.
The Medicine King, while acknowledging her deep devotion, cautions her that seeking revenge against Lord Lu, the Emperor's second son, requires absolute certainty and a well-thought-out plan. Zhong Xuezhi assures him she will not act rashly. Lin Changran attempts to dissuade her from seeking vengeance, highlighting the immense danger and the risk of losing her own life. Zhong Xuezhi dismisses her own safety, but Lin Changran reminds her that he and her father care deeply for her.
He proposes that she first focus on mastering the Nine Moves—she has already reached the sixth move—and once she becomes invincible, he would not stand in her way. Zhong Xuezhi, however, insists there is no time for such lengthy cultivation. She explains that in the wake of Shangguan Tou's "death," Xue Lie (Lord Lu) has instilled fear throughout the martial arts world, controlling minor sects and intimidating major ones.
She feels an urgent responsibility to prevent the impending catastrophe, believing it is not merely about avenging Shangguan Tou but upholding the righteousness of the martial arts world, as taught by her father. She reflects on her father's past mistakes and believes that by stopping Xue Lie, she can atone for his transgressions. Lin Changran, realizing he cannot sway her, reiterates the importance of her health, stressing that without physical strength, her efforts would be futile.
Zhong Xuezhi, with unwavering conviction, declares that she is prepared to "fight alone" and "against the world" if necessary, as long as her conviction remains. Lin Changran then redirects the conversation, suggesting she write a letter to Ms. Qiu, who has been inquiring about her. Separately, Shangguan Tou, having recovered, meets with the Crown Prince.
He pledges to investigate Lord Lu's true intentions, repay the Crown Prince's kindness, bring peace to the martial arts world, and honor the souls of his father and sister. Returning home, Xia Qingmei presents Lin Fengzi with the ten doses of medicine and a bag of sweetmeats.
He explains that he bought the sweetmeats because he knows she dislikes bitter medicine, and now she can take one after each dose to make the experience more palatable, ensuring she continues her treatment without interruption.
