Under the Power Episode 49 Recap, Plot

> Under the Power
> Under the Power Recap

Yuan Jinxia sat alone, her hand-rope clutched in her hand, pondering how things had come to such a pass. Shortly after, she returned to the Six Doors office, where Yang Yue excitedly informed her that Shangguan Xi and Xie Xiao would be arriving in the capital in a few days. Yang Yue, concerned by Jinxia's constant distraction and subdued demeanor, observed that Jinxia was no longer her usual cheerful self.

She expressed worry, noting that Jinxia seemed bored every day and might be overwhelmed. Yang Yue knew Jinxia missed Lu Yi and acknowledged the difficulty of forgetting someone. She even suggested Jinxia might consider a relationship with Xie Xiao, given his long-standing affection, but Jinxia immediately shut down the idea, threatening to beat Yang Yue if she continued. Meanwhile, at the Lu residence, Lu Ting’s health continued to decline.

Lu Yi reported on his investigation into the collapse of the Star Observation Temple, revealing that the Ministry of Works had used substandard cedar wood instead of pine or cypress, and had failed to treat it for dampness, leading to its rapid deterioration. This confirmed the Ministry of Works’ use of bad materials.

Lu Yi questioned where the building funds went, leading Lu Ting to suggest that Yan Shaoqiong, who had recently dismissed servants and removed luxurious decorations from his mansion, had embezzled money from the Ministry of Works to fund his own renovations. Lu Ting pointed out this presented a good opportunity for Lu Yi, instructing him to study documents from the North and South Bureaus and, from that day forward, to write all the case files for his own investigations.

Elsewhere, Yan Shifan, dismissing his father Yan Song's concerns about Lan Qingxuan's influence on the Emperor, confidently stated that a mere Taoist priest could not cause trouble for their family. He advised his father to avoid Ministry of Works officials and let him handle all matters. Later, in his study, Lu Yi found his thoughts constantly drifting to Yuan Jinxia. He picked up the handkerchief she had embroidered, gazing at the slightly crooked "Xia" character.

He felt a profound sense of sadness, acknowledging to himself, "I thought you were different from others. I like someone I shouldn't." At her own home, Jinxia, after a long day, still found her mind preoccupied with Lu Yi. She stared at the hand-rope in her hand, wondering what she could possibly do to forget him. Eventually, she put the hand-rope away, hoping it would help her stop thinking of Lu Yi.

The death of the White Deer prompted the Emperor to summon Lan Qingxuan for an explanation. Lan Qingxuan confidently claimed that the White Deer was an auspicious sign sent by heaven to fend off disaster for the Emperor, and its death meant the Emperor would now be safe and healthy.

He also asserted that the collapse of the Star Observation Temple was not an act of heaven but a human error, as astronomical observations showed no celestial movements that would indicate a divine cause. The Emperor, while stating he would await investigation results for the temple, punished Lan Qingxuan with a seven-day fast and confinement to the temple for his failure to properly care for the White Deer, warning him of severe repercussions if his words proved untrue.

Outside the North Commandery Division, Yuan Duniang confronted Lu Yi, demanding to know what her daughter, Yuan Jinxia, meant to him. She accused him of treating Jinxia like goods that could be bought and returned at will. Lu Yi insisted he never saw Jinxia as such, merely stating they were "not suitable." Yuan Duniang, enraged, called him ungrateful, recounting how Lin Ling had told her Jinxia had nearly died to save his life and had even prepared a last letter.

Despite Lu Yi's apologies, Yuan Duniang declared she never wanted to see him within one kilometer of her house again, threatening to beat him if he crossed her path. That night, Yan Feng infiltrated Lin Ling's room, knocking her unconscious and abducting her. When Lin Ling awoke, she found herself in Yan Shifan’s mansion. Yan Shifan expressed his longing for her, stating he had missed her dearly and had Yan Feng "invite" her there.

He confessed his affection and desired her to stay by his side willingly, but Lin Ling defiantly spat, "In your dreams." Discovering the overturned teacup at Lin Ling's residence, Yuan Jinxia immediately sought out Yang Chengwan, fearing the "disgusting things" Yan Shifan might do if he had indeed captured her aunt. Jinxia was desperate to rescue Lin Ling, but Yang Chengwan and Yang Yue urged caution, pointing out that the Yan mansion was heavily guarded and caution was necessary.

Yang Chengwan promised to send people to investigate first before formulating a plan. Later that night, Lu Yi walked to Yuan Jinxia’s home, stopping outside. He felt a deep sadness as he recalled their shared moments, then sighed and quietly departed. Inside, Lin Ling, now fully aware that Yan Shifan knew of Yuan Jinxia’s true family background, resolved that the only way for them to find peace was to kill Yan Shifan.

Meanwhile, Xie Xiao and Shangguan Xi arrived in the capital. After discussing their main business, Xie Xiao eagerly suggested visiting Yuan Jinxia. On the street, Jinxia and Yang Yue noticed large wine jars being placed in the middle of the road. The wine merchant explained that Grand Secretary Yan was holding a feast the next day and had ordered sixty jars. Jinxia immediately saw this as an opportunity for them to infiltrate the Yan mansion.

Yang Yue expressed concern about the danger, but Jinxia insisted that they could try to get in by posing as casual laborers. Despite Yang Yue's continued warnings about the dangers, Jinxia assured her she would think it over and take her along. The next day, Jinxia secretly disguised herself as a young male servant and successfully entered the Yan mansion. While she was helping with chores, Lu Yi arrived.

Jinxia froze, her eyes fixed on him, only lowering her gaze as he drew closer. They passed by each other, and it took Jinxia a while to recover from the encounter. Shangguan Xi and Xie Xiao visited Yang Yue, who fussed over Shangguan Xi’s comfort. Xie Xiao asked about Jinxia and Lu Yi, learning that they had broken up due to Jinxia's family background.

Yang Yue then revealed that Jinxia was the granddaughter of the former Grand Secretary Xia Ran, and Lin Ling was her aunt. Outraged, Xie Xiao assumed Lu Yi had abandoned Jinxia to avoid implication and immediately wanted to confront him. Shangguan Xi and Yang Yue restrained him, explaining that Lin Ling had been abducted by Yan Shifan, which had left Jinxia deeply depressed. Xie Xiao then decided to go check on Jinxia directly instead.

At the Yan mansion, Jinxia cautiously wandered through the courtyards, nearly being discovered by a guard. Lu Yi, seeing her predicament, quickly intervened, claiming Jinxia was his lost servant. As he attempted to lead her away, Yan Shifan appeared. Jinxia instinctively hid behind Lu Yi, but Yan Shifan's sharp eyes still noticed her, remarking on her delicate appearance. Lu Yi, feigning illness of his father, quickly found an excuse to pull Jinxia away.

Once they were out of earshot, Lu Yi, visibly angry, chastised Jinxia for taking such a reckless risk alone. He sarcastically asked why she hadn't sought his help, suggesting she probably thought he would avoid a "sinner's granddaughter." He then firmly told her to stop taking risks, urging her to leave everything to him and just be obedient, doing as he said to avoid trouble. He explicitly stated that she was the only woman he wanted to marry.

Jinxia was momentarily lost in thought, then coldly asked Lu Yi to stay away from her to avoid implication. She thanked him for his help and left, leaving Lu Yi to sigh in frustration. Yuan Jinxia, alone, visited the desolate ruins of the Xia mansion. In her grief, she imagined her mother and Lin Ling playing with her in happier times.

A sad smile touched her lips, but it quickly faded as she faced the harsh reality of the barren ruins. She cried, lamenting her helplessness in protecting Lin Ling, her only surviving relative. After Jinxia left, Lu Yi emerged from the shadows. He struggled with the urge to approach her, but forced himself to stay back, watching her heartbroken departure. He silently vowed to provide her with a proper explanation.

Upon returning home, Yuan Duniang informed Jinxia that Xie Xiao was waiting for her at Xinfeng Bridge, insisting he wouldn’t leave until he saw her. Jinxia went to meet him. Xie Xiao tried to cheer her up by lighting a firework stick. However, seeing the fireworks only brought back painful memories of a night with Lu Yi. Jinxia burst into tears, confessing her despair at finally finding her only relative, only to fail in protecting her.

Xie Xiao, heartbroken to see her so unlike her usual fearless self, gently comforted her. Jinxia expressed her fear and helplessness, admitting she used to believe money could solve everything, but now felt timid and useless in the face of such a powerful family. Xie Xiao reassured her, promising that despite the Wu'an Sect's limited influence in the capital, he would do everything in his power to help her.

He insisted she had him to rely on, and they would face any dangers together. Wiping away her tears, Jinxia joined Xie Xiao in setting off fireworks, finding a small moment of solace.

Episode 48 Recap

Episode 50 Recap