Under the Power Episode 55 (Ending) Recap, Plot

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Lu Yi presented Emperor Jiajing with Yan Shifan's extensive crimes, including his collusion with Japanese pirates, his delivery of Cao Kun's military map to Mao Haifeng, his construction of houses on land with perfect "fengshui", and his abuses of power in the name of Sima Chang'an.

The Emperor, enraged by Yan Shifan's defiance and his attempts to overthrow the Ming Dynasty by collaborating with the enemy, declared that he would become the laughingstock of the world if he didn't punish Yan Shifan severely. Though a minister suggested execution in autumn, the Emperor deemed it too long and immediately ordered Li Fang to prepare an imperial edict for Yan Shifan's public execution, tasking Lu Yi and the Embroidered Uniform Guards with carrying it out.

When Lu Yi arrived at the Yan Mansion, Yan Shifan, arrogant to the last, assumed he was merely being taken to cooperate with an investigation, joking about Lu Yi's affection for Yuan Jinxia, a fugitive from the Xia Ran case. Lu Yi coldly told him to save his words for Hell, informing him of the imperial edict for his immediate execution due to his unpardonable wickedness.

Yan Shifan refused to believe it, demanding to see the edict, but Lu Yi reminded him of Mao Haifeng's letters and the "fengshui" land. As Yan Shifan was bound in chains and dragged through the streets, crowds of commoners shouted for his death. Yuan Jinxia, Lin Ling, and others watched the fallen tyrant, their hearts heavy yet relieved.

The executioner's blade fell, and Yan Shifan was beheaded, bringing an end to the long-standing vendetta for the Xia family and finally allowing Lan Qingxuan to rest in peace. Lu Yi also felt a profound sense of relief, acknowledging that this long-awaited day had finally arrived. From the crowd, Di Lanye silently departed, later erecting a tombstone for Yan Shifan in a desolate field.

Later, Beggar Uncle sought out Yuan Jinxia, asking about her future plans now that her revenge was complete. She spoke of working hard at Department Six and earning money to support her aunt and mother. However, Beggar Uncle was referring to Lu Yi, suggesting that he was introverted and that she shouldn't wait for him to make the first move, warning her not to have regrets. Yuan Jinxia, not ready to face him, tried to change the subject.

That night, Lu Yi entered Yuan Jinxia's room. He told her that since his father had wronged her family, he was determined to give her justice. Sensing his grim resolve, Jinxia grabbed his hand, but was too overwhelmed to speak. The following day, while Yuan Jinxia was apprehending a fugitive, Yang Yue rushed to her with grave news.

Cen Fu had informed him that Lu Yi had publicly attempted to redress the injustice of the Xia family's case during a royal banquet, enraging the Emperor. As a result, Lu Yi had been removed from office, his property confiscated, and he had been imprisoned. Panicked, Yuan Jinxia abandoned the fugitive and raced towards the Imperial Prison.

She then realized the true meaning behind Lu Yi's words, understanding he had planned this all along despite knowing the Emperor could not admit fault. Upon arriving at the prison, Yuan Jinxia was dismayed to find that even Cen Fu, who had also been dismissed, couldn't enter. She grew frantic, worrying about Lu Yi's well-being. Cen Fu, though worried, mentioned that most of the prison guards had once served under Lu Yi and might show him some mercy.

However, he then revealed the Emperor's order: Lu Yi was to be executed in autumn, and anyone who dared to intercede for him would be punished as an accomplice. Determined to see Lu Yi, Yuan Jinxia desperately rushed home and begged her mother for her dowry money. Her mother initially refused, fearing she would lose face if Yuan Jinxia married without it. Jinxia insisted she could marry without a dowry and, in desperation, knelt and pleaded.

When her mother learned Lu Yi was to be beheaded for the Xia Ran case, she finally relented, giving Yuan Jinxia not only her dowry but also her own pension money, prioritizing life over all else. With the money, Yuan Jinxia and Cen Fu were able to see Lu Yi. He sat there in a prisoner's uniform, a stark contrast to his usual impressive bearing.

Lu Yi explained that this was his own decision; as his father was tied to the extermination of the Xia family, he felt compelled to do something for Yuan Jinxia's clan. Yuan Jinxia countered that his father had already provided justice when he gave her the exoneration document. She admitted she had avoided him not out of hatred, but because she struggled to overcome the emotional hurdle, and vowed to get him out.

However, Lu Yi, disheartened, told her not to be foolish, to forget him and marry someone else. Furious, Yuan Jinxia reminded him that she had pre-paid six months of her salary and taken all her dowry money just to see him. Tears streaming down her face, she pleaded with him not to break his promise to marry her and not to give up, vowing to find ways to improve his conditions and secure his release.

Seeing her distress, Lu Yi gently took her hand, gazing at her tear-streaked face. As they sought ways to save Lu Yi, Xie Xiao impulsively suggested breaking into the prison. Cen Fu advised patience, suggesting Grand Secretary Xu Jing, though he feared Xu, a cunning man who had remained silent during his own teacher Xia Ran's downfall, might be unwilling to help. With no other options, Yuan Jinxia secretly infiltrated Xu Jing's mansion.

Xu Jing sternly warned her that the Emperor had forbidden any intercession. Yuan Jinxia then revealed their engagement before disclosing her true lineage: Xia Ran was her grandfather. Stunned, Xu Jing realized why Lu Yi had been so determined. Yuan Jinxia passionately argued that Lu Yi chose justice over power and that Xu, as Grand Secretary, could not stand by and watch a loyal official be wronged. Moved by her plea, Xu Jing agreed to try his best.

Soon after, Xu Jing risked his life to intercede. The Emperor commuted Lu Yi's death penalty to life imprisonment but forbade any visits without permission. Receiving the edict, Lu Yi was stunned, realizing how much that "silly girl" Yuan Jinxia must have done for him. Later, Xie Xiao came to bid Jinxia farewell, informing her he was joining General Qi Weigang to fight the Japanese pirates, and comforted her that Lu Yi would be alright.

Yuan Jinxia expressed her gratitude and declared that no matter how difficult, she would wait for him. True to her word, she tried to bribe the guards with her salary, but was refused entry. Unable to enter, she shouted towards the prison walls, telling Lu Yi to eat well and that she would be back. On the Mid-Autumn Festival, she brought mooncakes to the guards and asked one to deliver a special one to Lu Yi.

Inside, he found a small note: "I'll wait for you." A tearful smile touched his lips as he ate the mooncake. Time passed. Shangguan Xi and Yang Yue were married and soon expecting a child. Meanwhile, Emperor Jiajing frequently dreamt of Lu Ting, vividly recalling how Lu Ting had saved his life from a fire. Prompted by these dreams and a severe drought, the Emperor blamed himself and issued a general amnesty.

Amidst a heavy winter snowfall, Yuan Jinxia stood faithfully outside the Imperial Prison. Just as she considered leaving, the gates opened and Lu Yi emerged. After a moment of shock, she ran towards him. Holding hands, they began their journey home. Along the way, Yuan Jinxia playfully planned how she would support him, but Lu Yi informed her that the Emperor had reinstated him to his former position. Yuan Jinxia's eyes sparkled as she asked for a pay raise.

Lu Yi smiled, telling her that once they were married, all his money would be hers to manage. Postscript: In the early years of Emperor Muzong's Longqing reign, the Xia Ran family's plea for justice was finally heard and their names were officially cleared.

Episode 54 Recap