Ep 1. Episode 1

Under the Power is a Chinese television drama series set in the Ming dynasty, and it revolves around a fictionalized version of the Chinese imperial secret police system, called Jinyiwei. The show follows the story of the gifted swordswoman and inspector, Liu Yi Jun, and the young magistrate, Xu Yuan. The series explores the complex power dynamics within the Jinyiwei, and the political intrigues surrounding the imperial court, as Liu and Xu work together to solve various mysteries and crimes in the capital city.

Episode 1 introduces viewers to the world of Under the Power and its key characters. The episode begins with a ceremony at the palace, where the emperor bestows the highest honor upon the Jinyiwei for their service to the empire. Liu Yi Jun (played by Tan Jianci) leads the Jinyiwei delegation, and she receives the imperial seal as a symbol of her loyalty to the emperor.

Meanwhile, Xu Yuan (played by Allen Ren) arrives in the capital city of Nanjing to begin his new role as a magistrate. He is determined to serve his duty with integrity, but he soon realizes that the reality of his position is more complicated than he imagined. As he walks through the crowded streets of Nanjing, he witnesses a group of corrupt officials taking bribes from a vendor.

Xu Yuan confronts the officials and tries to stop them, but they ignore him and continue to extort money from the vendor. Liu Yi Jun appears on the scene and intervenes, using her martial arts skills and authority as a Jinyiwei inspector to force the officials to stand down.

Xu Yuan is surprised by Liu Yi Jun's prowess and her non-traditional approach to law enforcement. He is also drawn to her intelligence and independence, and he begins to see her as a potential ally in his quest for justice.

The rest of the episode focuses on the mystery surrounding a series of murders that have taken place in Nanjing. The victims are all young women, and there are no clear clues as to the identity of the killer. Liu Yi Jun and Xu Yuan are tasked with finding the culprit, but they encounter numerous obstacles along the way.

Their investigation takes them to a brothel, where they question the madam and her employees. They also visit a wealthy merchant, who has connections to several of the victims. Eventually, they connect the dots and unravel a plot that involves jealousy, revenge, and greed.

Through their investigation, Liu Yi Jun and Xu Yuan begin to develop a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. They also encounter opposition from within the Jinyiwei hierarchy, as some of the higher-ups are not keen on Liu Yi Jun's approach to law enforcement.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as Liu Yi Jun receives a secret message from an unknown source, informing her of a plot against the emperor. She shares this information with Xu Yuan, and they must decide whether to trust each other and work together to uncover the truth behind the plot.

Overall, Episode 1 of Under the Power sets the stage for an intriguing and action-packed drama series. The show's stunning cinematography, intricate plot, and compelling characters make it a must-watch for fans of historical fiction and mystery genres.