Under the Power Episode 32 Recap, Plot

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Lu Yi instructed Yuan Jinxia to find an opportunity to reveal her true identity as a girl to Chunyu Min. Yuan Jinxia questioned the change in plans, recalling that Lu Yi had previously told her to disguise herself as a man for convenience during their investigation and to avoid interference from local officers. Lu Yi pointed out that Chunyu Min had developed a crush on her, which Yuan Jinxia found unbelievable.

She argued that even though she had saved Min's life, it didn't necessarily mean Min would like her, especially considering Min's wealthy family background. Lu Yi insisted that Min had not been able to keep her eyes off Yuan Jinxia since they met, urging her to explain the situation soon to prevent further complications. Becoming jealous, Yuan Jinxia retorted, asking how Lu Yi could have known Min was looking at her if he hadn't been watching Min himself.

Lu Yi simply told her to follow his instructions. Later, Yang Yue noticed Yuan Jinxia walking around absent-mindedly and asked if Lu Yi had bullied her. Yuan Jinxia denied it, explaining they were discussing Chunyu Min. Yang Yue then recalled Shangguan Xi had previously mentioned Min's feelings for Yuan Jinxia and asked how she intended to handle the situation. Before Yuan Jinxia could respond, Min appeared, calling out to "Mr. Yuan" and requesting a private conversation.

Yang Yue tactfully excused himself despite Yuan Jinxia's attempt to keep him there. Feeling awkward, Yuan Jinxia listened as Min, blushing, expressed her gratitude for Yuan Jinxia saving her life twice. Min added that Yuan Jinxia was "totally different from others" in her heart. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yuan Jinxia was about to confess her identity when Min interrupted, presenting a pouch she had embroidered over several nights before quickly departing.

Yuan Jinxia saw that the pouch was embroidered with "twin lotus flowers on one stalk," confirming her fears that she was in trouble. Soon after, Yuanyang, Min's maid, worriedly asked Min about her excursion. Min explained she had gone to the stable alone because she didn't want to appear arrogant in front of "Mr. Yuan," whom she perceived as not being from a wealthy family.

Min then wondered if Yuan Jinxia would understand her feelings from the twin lotus flowers on the pouch. Yuanyang assured her that anyone would understand the clear message. Yuan Jinxia arrived at Min's room to return the embroidered pouch, stating it was "not suitable" for her. Min's spirits fell, assuming Yuan Jinxia disliked her.

Min then confessed that her family's imperial business relied on her uncle's connections in the court, and her father, fearing the loss of the Lu family's protection, wished for her to marry her cousin to strengthen their bond. However, Min admitted she felt she was "not good enough" for her cousin and would only be a concubine if she married him. She then declared that Yuan Jinxia was "the only one in my heart now."

Yuan Jinxia quickly tried to clarify that it wasn't a matter of dislike, but rather that she "didn't deserve" a respectable lady like Min. Misunderstanding, Min thought Yuan Jinxia feared her parents' disapproval and offered to beg them, even suggesting her cousin could help gain their approval. Yuan Jinxia, however, was firm: "We'll never be together. Never ever."

When a heartbroken Min pressed for a reason and even suggested they run away together, Yuan Jinxia finally revealed, "I am actually a girl." Min was stunned. In a fit of rage, she threw a cup of hot tea at Yuan Jinxia's hand. Yuan Jinxia apologized for deceiving her, acknowledging it was her fault. Min continued her outburst, throwing cosmetics at Yuan Jinxia and grabbing her collar, shouting, "Why did you fool me?"

Yuanyang, entering the room, was confused to see the scene. After venting her frustration, a heartbroken Min ordered Yuan Jinxia to "Go away!" As Yuan Jinxia left Min's room, she encountered Lu Yi, who immediately noticed the powder on her face and the scald on her hand. He gently cleaned her face and produced medicine to treat her burn. From inside the room, Min witnessed this interaction and resentfully remarked, "It turns out my cousin treats this liar so nicely."

Lu Yi asked Yuan Jinxia if she felt wronged, but she replied that she deserved it. As he finished applying the medicine, Yuan Jinxia was surprised by his gentle demeanor. Feeling overwhelmed, she told him she was fine and left to wash up. Later that night, Yuan Jinxia was still lost in thought, contemplating Lu Yi's unexpected tenderness. As the Qixi Festival approached, Chunyu Min's mother began making preparations for the upcoming Hairpin Competition.

When Lu Yi and Yuan Jinxia paid a visit, Min's mother was surprised to learn that "Mr. Yuan" was actually a female constable disguised for work. Finding Yuan Jinxia to be a beautiful young lady, she insisted on having new clothes made for her as well. After Lu Yi's approval, Yuan Jinxia accepted.

Min's mother explained that the Hairpin Competition, held every three years in Hangzhou, was a significant event where the most beautiful and skillful girl would be chosen to perform a dance, becoming "the girl of all men's dreams." Lu Yi remarked that they might as well attend the competition. Regarding their investigation, he had already asked Shangguan Xi and the Wu'an Sect to gather information discreetly. At this point, Min approached Lu Yi affectionately and asked about their conversation.

She then addressed Yuan Jinxia, expressing envy that she could assist Lu Yi while Min was confined to her home. Lu Yi agreed, stating, "That's right! You are indeed different from her." Min continued reminiscing about her childhood with Lu Yi, making Yuan Jinxia feel uncomfortable enough to excuse herself. Min continued to vent her anger to Lu Yi, accusing Yuan Jinxia of humiliating her.

Lu Yi, however, took responsibility, telling Min that if she needed to blame someone, she should blame him. Meanwhile, Yuanyang intercepted Yuan Jinxia to mediate on Min's behalf. Yuanyang claimed that the incident had made Min realize that Lu Yi was the one she truly loved, and she was now even willing to become his concubine. Yuanyang warned Yuan Jinxia to maintain distance from Lu Yi to protect his reputation.

Yuan Jinxia retorted sharply, questioning the sincerity of Min's sudden change of heart and asserting that she and Lu Yi were both single, so if anything developed between them, it was "none of an outsider's business." After this confrontation, Yuan Jinxia felt a pang of sadness, recalling Lu Yi's comment about her being "different" from Min, assuming it was about their social standing. However, Lu Yi later clarified his perspective to Min.

He explained that as an Embroidered Uniform Guard, he could see through people's true intentions. He believed that if their situations were reversed, Yuan Jinxia would never resort to revenge or badmouthing. He emphasized that Yuan Jinxia was "not an ordinary girl," which was why they were different. He concluded by telling Min not to pretend to be clever in front of him.

As per Lu Yi's request, Shangguan Xi and Xie Xiao were investigating the whereabouts of Chief Mao in Hangzhou. Their discussion was interrupted when they learned the Wu'an Sect's gate was surrounded. A woman and her son were accusing the sect of murder, tearfully claiming that her husband, who had hired the Wu'an Sect for protection, was killed by them, not by Japanese pirates as was reported.

Shangguan Xi stepped forward, offering to report the incident to the authorities and have a coroner examine the body. The woman became agitated, stirring the crowd with cries that they intended to desecrate her husband's grave. As the crowd grew chaotic, two men pulled the woman and son away. Shangguan Xi pursued them but was blocked by several veiled figures who declared that the Wu'an Sect would pay a price.

It was revealed these men were allied with Chief Mao and had come to Hangzhou on behalf of Yan Shifan to capture Yuan Jinxia. Fueled by Yuanyang's report, Min decided to seek revenge. She resolved to marry Lu Yi, declaring it would be her "best revenge" against Yuan Jinxia. Meanwhile, Lu Yi found the slander against the Wu'an Sect "interesting," as it suggested the Japanese pirates were active, providing a lead for their investigation.

In Yangzhou, Yan Shifan received Di Lanye. He revealed he knew she had intentionally let Lin Ling go and, while not punishing her, warned her to stay away from Lin Ling, stating his preference for "smart and obedient women" before assigning her a new task. In Hangzhou, Yuan Jinxia and Yang Yue explored the city. They stumbled upon the grand Sima Residence.

A local vendor informed them that it belonged to Mr. Sima, Hangzhou's wealthiest merchant and sponsor of the Hairpin Competition. The vendor added that Mr. Sima was rumored to be ugly and always wore a mask; moreover, his two most recent wives had died unexpectedly, leading to rumors that he brought bad luck. Yang Yue then impulsively bought a hairpin for two taels of silver, much to Yuan Jinxia's dismay at the price.

Back at the Wu'an Sect, Yang Yue nervously gave Shangguan Xi the hairpin, stammering that it was a gift from Yuan Jinxia, who wanted to invite her to the competition. Shangguan Xi gracefully accepted, clearly seeing through his lie and smiling at his clumsy gesture. Later that night, Yuanyang saw Yuan Jinxia looking for food in the kitchen.

She secretly instructed a maid to give Yuan Jinxia a bottle of strong fruit wine from Lu Yi's room, hoping to get her drunk. Min, hearing of the plan, arranged for Lu Yi to witness the spectacle. Soon after, a drunken Yuan Jinxia was found swaying on the rooftop. Lu Yi arrived, climbed up, and caught her just as she was about to fall. He remarked with amusement on her improved levitation skills when drunk.

Staring intently at him, Yuan Jinxia began to compliment his appearance, calling him "so handsome" and "even more beautiful than the girls in the Xiao Xiang Pavilion." Her gaze traveled from his eyebrows to his eyes, then paused. Giggling mischievously, she leaned in and whispered, "I'll tell you a secret. I. . . kissed you once."

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