People are not dead.

This episode establishes a new wave of conspiracy, sends home the sad truth that Master Lei has little support, and reveals a shocking truth we all knew to be true, that Yin Xue is not dead....

1)Recall, Thunderclap sect is a navy sect.  So we open to a fleet of ships.  On board the biggest ship, Niang holds an elaborate funeral for her husband.  The branch masters primarily seem to back her as a successor because of her experience, and Master Lei is seen as an inexperienced philanderer.  Niang at first seems to support Master Lei then states that they will re visit this after the funeral.  MW, Master Lei is seen off by Die Yi.  Phoenix (who I forgot about) observes them and asks if she is his secret love and he immediately tells her that she is his sister and that he will tell her on the way.

2)MW, Team Evil Palace holds a team meeting to boost morale.  Led by Anye Luo, he implores Feng'er to stop hesitating and kill Flame Lord.  He reminds him that he must do this as a son, that he must vindicate him, and to stop being sentimental.  He promises Feng'er that he will devise a ploy to get Yu away, since he seems to be the biggest barrier.  

WHY DOES ANYONE TRUST THIS OBVIOUSLY EVIL AND UNTRUSTWORTHY GUY??? IN  A GOOFY OUTFIT??

3)Royal brother number 3 is visited by Wu Xia a.k.a. Castellan who encourages him to lure Yu out.  Prince 3 wants to know what he stands to gain and Wu Xia reminds him of their old alliance--a not so subtle threat--which he calls him out on. Wu Xia insists that he does not plan to blackmail him, he believes this will suit his plans as well as it will help erase him as an obstacle.  Third prince is on board.

4)MW, Lei travels with Phoenix, who is recognized as a celebrity who is to be pitied as she is with Lei, who appears a bit scruffy.  He again tries to make her go away with silver but she again rejects it.  Trusting her more, he sends her ahead to visit branch lords and try to lure them to his side, however the branch lords urge her to leave and state that the ones who have objected to her have gone missing.  They have to act cautiously.  Phoenix leaves in defeat, and she reports back to Master Lei and complains that his father's men are less loyal than a courtesan.  Lei blames himself, for wasting his time playing instead of earning their respect.  He devises a plan to make an impact but she does not believe it will be easy.

5)In a twist, Lei shows up in mourning clothes to bow to his father's tablet.  He faces the lords who avoid looking him in the eye and greets them and announces that Niang is his father's killer (because he is a dunderhead).  Niang is slick and is prepared,much more than him. She insists that he was not present when their clan was framed or when her father died.  She accuses him of trying to frame her and claims innocence.  When he states that Prince Yu can verify this, she dismisses it as further evidence that he is framing her because Yu is aligned with Flame Villa, their enemy.  He accuses her of being with the dark river palace and again, this is dismissed.  Everyone present implores him not to do this now (it lacks tact. but he is angry).  He is asked to leave (he played a big hand and lost but at least a seed of doubt was planted).  He sulks alone in  a room, and Niang visits him.  She tells him to leave that no matter what he says, the sect is hers.  Lei is incensed and provokes her and she tells him that the only reason he is alive is because she promised his father.  Lei swears to kill her if she does not kill him but she let's him leave.  

6)Before leaving Lei shouts his frustration at the Branch Masters who are not really interested in Niang's crimes.  They make it clear that times are uncertain and they need leadership.  Essentially they say he is immature and unable to understand, so they leave him.

7)Lei returns, defeated, and Phoenix says she knew it would not work. BUT then a few branch masters--three--appear pledging their loyalty.  Three is better than none.

8)MW,Zhongli updates Ge'er on the mediocre success of Lei.  Madame Niang now leads the branch, which puts her in control of the southern waters, and Ge'er admits she can do nothing because they do not trust her.  Elsewhere Joaqin continues to look for the Misty Lineage, and is unsuccessful.  A follower reports his movements to their Grand Master, who then reports that their chief--Yin Xue--foolishly removed a frost curse and now has to wait 100 years before it can be removed.  Yes, Yin Xue is ALIVE!!!!  He is treated daily by the Grand Mentor and literally preserved in ice.

9)Ge'er visits the people and realizes that times are bad--a lot of people have come in land, refugees, and are starving, fleeing the Japanese.  MW, the emperor is updated by 3rd prince--the Japanese have dealt massive casualties, however they are not looking for a long term fight and are open to peace. They wish a marital alliance with Yu specifically, but alas, Yu has a consort and may not agree.....the message is passed on to Yu.

10)Yu rejects the offer and states he believes that the Japanese are not genuine.  3rd prince is happy.  He can now lead troops--with Yu--and plans on killing him on the battlefield.  MW, Ge'er discusses this issue with him and she tells him that she believes it is a conspiracy because no matter what he chooses he is at a disadvantage. If he marries and they fight, it puts him in a bad position, if he refuses it is bad.  The episode ends with him asking Ge'er if she would care if this were not a conspiracy....

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