The sun rises on the Kuru court as Sanjay finally delivers the Pandavas' official ultimatum: return the kingdom or face total annihilation by Arjun and Bheem. This message acts as a catalyst, instantly shattering the unity of the Kaurava camp. While elders like Bhishma and Drona urge Dhritarashtra to make peace to save the lineage, Karna and Duryodhan vehemently reject any compromise, leading to a heated verbal clash. The episode exposes the deep internal fractures (Phoot) in Hastinapur, proving that the war is being driven by Duryodhan's ego rather than the consensus of the court.

Sanjay has returned to Hastinapur but refuses to deliver the Pandavas' message until the next morning, leaving King Dhritarashtra in agonizing suspense. Tormented by guilt and Sanjaya’s harsh private rebuke, the sleepless King summons Vidhur for counsel. This episode covers the famous Vidhur Niti, where Vidhur outlines the path of virtue to calm the King's restless mind, followed by the arrival of Sage Sanatsujat, who reveals that death is merely negligence (Pramada) and teaches the secret of conquering death through spiritual wisdom.

Sanjay arrives at the Pandava camp in Upaplavya as an envoy, delivering a message from King Dhritarashtra. The blind king’s message is a masterclass in emotional manipulation; he praises the Pandavas' righteousness and pleads with them to avoid war "out of the goodness of their hearts," arguing that destroying their kin is a sin. This episode analyzes the diplomatic standoff where Dhritarashtra attempts to use the Pandavas' own virtue against them, asking for peace while remaining silent on returning their kingdom.