And the Winner Is Love Episode 9 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
At the enchanting Xian Shan Ying Zhou, Zhong Xuezhi expressed her delight, feeling as though she could forget all her troubles in such a serene place. Shangguan Tou smiled, acknowledging it as a refuge for those escaping worldly worries, but reminded her that wine offers no true solutions, and real problems must be confronted eventually.
Zhong Xuezhi cherished the days spent with him, where she could simply be herself, a girl named Chong Xuezhi, free from the burdens of being the Young Master of Hall of Flames. Shangguan Tou affirmed that in his heart, she was never merely a title, but the one he was sworn to protect. However, a shadow crossed Zhong Xuezhi's face as she reflected on her journey in the martial arts world, where she was labeled a "witch" by many.
She wished for a second chance to live an ordinary life, following the advice of her Uncle Lin Changran, who believed girls shouldn't wield weapons. A wave of melancholy washed over her as she recalled her uncle's disappearance after her father's death, wondering about his whereabouts. Shangguan Tou, with a knowing smile, proposed a trip for tomorrow to a mysterious place where she could "find her memories."
The next morning, before their departure, Hongxiu observed Shangguan Tou intently, remarking on his unusual restraint, a stark contrast to his reputation as a charmer. She teased him, suggesting he was waiting for Zhong Xuezhi, but he insisted his feelings for Zhong Xuezhi were purely fraternal. Hongxiu sighed, seeing through his denial, telling him he was deceiving himself and urging him not to miss his chance with Xuezhi, whose perseverance and innocence were truly endearing.
Shangguan Tou, with a somber gaze, confessed his life was like a rootless tumbleweed, a lonely existence. He had witnessed too much deceit and trickery in the world, leading him to believe that true vows of eternal love were nonexistent, and he dared not burden anyone with his solitary fate. He reiterated that his relationship with Zhong Xuezhi was merely that of host and guest.
Hongxiu warned him he would regret it, though Shangguan Tou hoped Zhong Xuezhi would not misunderstand any "extra things" he might have done for her out of concern for her safety. Hongxiu also spoke to Zhong Xuezhi, dispelling rumors of Shangguan Tou being a playboy, and warned her that he was not easily understood and would not open his heart to anyone.
After exchanging farewells with Hongxiu and Zhongtao, Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xuezhi embarked on their journey to Moon Valley. Upon arriving at the picturesque Moon Valley, Zhong Xuezhi was captivated by the lotus flowers at the entrance. Shangguan Tou explained the valley's self-sufficient philosophy, built as a tranquil refuge from worldly strife, a stark contrast to Hall of Flames which, by supplying weapons, often found itself embroiled in martial arts disputes.
Zhong Xuezhi inquired if the disciples practiced martial arts, to which Shangguan Tou replied that they simply pursued their own paths, seeking peace. He noted this quiet life seemed to suit her. To Zhong Xuezhi's immense surprise and joy, she discovered Lin Changran himself in Moon Valley, where he had been serving as the Deputy Leader for years. Overjoyed, she tearfully embraced him, expressing how much she had missed him.
It was then that she realized her uncle had entrusted Shangguan Tou with her protection. Lin Changran thanked Shangguan Tou for his discreet guardianship. Shangguan Tou, observing their joyful reunion, then discreetly arranged for someone to investigate the traitor within Hall of Flames, with Yuwen Muyuan as the primary suspect.
Later, Shangguan Tou confided in Zhong Xuezhi his suspicions about Yuwen Muyuan being the traitor within Hall of Flames, reasoning that Yuwen Muyuan would benefit the most from her supposed death, especially given his swift ascension to leadership. Zhong Xuezhi vehemently dismissed this, staunchly defending Yuwen Muyuan as an upright and honorable brother who grew up with her and would never betray her or Hall of Flames, scoffing at the rumors.
Shangguan Tou, however, cautioned her that appearances could be deceiving, pointing out Yuwen Muyuan's ambition and talent, questioning if he would truly remain content living in her shadow. Zhong Xuezhi reiterated her unwavering trust in Muyuan, citing his solemn promise to restore Hall of Flames. Shangguan Tou conceded, stating they would await the truth, hoping she was right. Shangguan Tou then led Zhong Xuezhi to meet Yin Ci, the eccentric Medicine King of Moon Valley.
He forewarned her of Yin Ci's peculiar nature. Outside Yin Ci's dwelling, they saw injured animals. Yin Ci, in his bizarre manner, claimed to be saving them to turn them into food. Zhong Xuezhi was appalled by his apparent cruelty, but Yin Ci justified his actions by explaining that he used these animals to test various poisons, leading to his discovery of twenty-seven new remedies that could benefit humanity. Shangguan Tou interceded to smooth things over.
He then requested the unique Poison Immune Pill for Zhong Xuezhi, intending it as a gift from himself. Yin Ci initially refused, guarding the pill as a precious heirloom entrusted to him by Lin Changran, not something to be casually given away, and claimed he'd rather feed it to birds. Later, Shangguan Tou, having discreetly entered Yin Ci's dwelling, effectively 'snatched' the pill, reminding Yin Ci that it was originally Lin Changran's possession.
Yin Ci grudgingly relented, mockingly telling Shangguan Tou to give it to his 'lady friend'. Shangguan Tou offered his own room to Zhong Xuezhi for her stay, assuring her he had other quarters. Zhong Xuezhi felt a mix of awkwardness and novelty about staying in a man's room for the first time, but he gently told her she would grow accustomed to it. Later, a disciple delivered various items to Zhong Xuezhi, explaining they were sent by Shangguan Tou.
The following day, Zhong Xuezhi searched for Shangguan Tou without success, even trying to inquire at Yin Ci's dwelling, but Yin Ci denied his presence. She later attempted to assist a male disciple in hanging Shangguan Tou's clothes to dry, insisting it was appropriate since she was "at home" in Moon Valley, but the disciple politely resisted, saying it was not suitable for a distinguished guest like her. That night, Zhong Xuezhi found Lin Changran by the water.
He revealed the poetic origin of Moon Valley's name – the moon reflected below in the water, with the valley above. Noticing her pensive mood, Lin Changran, ever perceptive of her emotions, guessed she had something on her mind, likely related to someone. Zhong Xuezhi, seeking guidance, asked him what it truly felt like to love someone. Lin Changran admitted it was a profound emotion that defied simple words.
He then shared a personal regret: losing his own beloved due to the "mistakes of heaven." He advised Zhong Xuezhi that if she were to find someone she truly loved and who loved her in return, she should bravely pursue and fight for that love. Even if the outcome was imperfect, a clear conscience would prevent regret, and the experience would help her discover the person she truly desired to become.
He added that while some things require patience, others demand immediate action, as hesitation could lead to missed opportunities and lifelong sorrow. Zhong Xuezhi took his words to heart. Meanwhile, Yu Wan reported to Yuwen Zhongsong that Zhu Sha and Liu Li, despite having searched the cliff where Zhong Xuezhi supposedly fell, had found nothing. Yu Wan, however, inferred from their continued search that Zhong Xuezhi might still be alive.
Yuwen Zhongsong was alarmed by this possibility, immediately ordering Yu Wan to keep a vigilant eye on Yuwen Muyuan and the three guardians, determined to ensure Zhong Xuezhi would never return to Hall of Flames alive.
