"We're investigating this matter. We haven't yet established whether it really happened.
"Later, Tang Wen went straight to the Youhai Commander-in-Chief's Office. Zhou Kuohai, Governor-General of the Two Seas, happened to be there too.
"At the time, Tang Wen didn't recognize Zhou Kuohai and reprimanded him, mistaking him for Commander-in-Chief Wu Zhaoyang.
"Zhou Kuohai flew into a rage and demanded that Tang Wen kneel before him. But Tang Wen was a First-Rank Earl of Linghai and the Sea Saint War Deputy Marshal. Naturally, he couldn't possibly kneel.
"Zhou Kuohai lost his temper, insulting and threatening Tang Wen. Tang Wen grew angry too. With the war situation urgent, he kicked Zhou aside and ordered the Youhai officers to dispatch elite troops and capable commanders to reinforce Leihuo Island.
"This enraged Zhou Kuohai so much that he actually drew his sword and attacked Lord Tang. His Lordship suffered a stab wound, blood spurting over him.
"As a result, His Lordship's Personal Maidservant, Mei Zhenhong, sent Zhou Kuohai tumbling across the hall with a palm strike.
"But Zhou Kuohai remained defiant, cursing and still trying to attack.
"Then those present... those present..." At this point, Qiao Tian glanced at the Prince and the Duke.
"What about those present? Commissioner Qiao, tell us at once," Zhang Zhongyuan urged, suspecting something fishy.
"Those accompanying Lord Tang were the Duke's son Chu Cong and the Prince's son Chu Zhuangxiong, as well as one other person.
"They were furious. They rushed forward and slapped Zhou Kuohai, punching and kicking him.
"Of course, Zhou Kuohai was infuriating. He showed absolutely no regard for the nation's war effort, which was what provoked their displeasure," Qiao Tian said.
"Who was the other person? How did he attack him? Was he a member of Tang Wen's household?" Zhang Zhongyuan asked coldly.