When He Zhu had gone to see Lu Shu the previous evening, the two had still been laughing about how Neishi Dai Shu and Deputy Tuduan Commissioner Zhu Yingtai had been left in a frantic muddle by the He Clan's hidden households, children and families in tow. Lu Shu had even said, "Chen Caozhi certainly has it easy. He went to visit Dai Andao and still hasn't returned." Neither had expected Chen Caozhi to appear at the He Clan Manor early that morning and insist on searching for the He Clan's hidden households, heedless of the dignity of the gentry clans.
He Zhu was furious. "Chen Caozhi," he shouted, "you are a mere ninth-rank clerk, yet you dare come bullying at the gates of my He Clan! My ancestor, Duke Yanxian, rose to Minister over the Masses and Kaifu Yitong Sansi, rendering great service to the state. Who at court did not revere him? And where was your ancestor then-tilling the fields in Qiantang? You attached yourself to the Huan Clan, presumptuously entered the gentry register, and threw the distinction between gentry and commoners into disorder. You even indulge in the foolish dream of marrying a daughter of the Lu Clan. Do you still know the meaning of shame?"
He Zhu considered his words supremely cutting. Although he both despised and hated Chen Caozhi, the two had never debated face-to-face. When they had studied at the Xu Clan Thatched Cottage in Wu Commandery, they had scarcely exchanged a word. He Zhu considered himself the scion of an illustrious family and disdained Chen Caozhi's company. Thus, although he had heard of Chen Caozhi's skill in dialectical debate, he was unafraid. Confident that right was on his side and brimming with assurance, he meant to humiliate Chen Caozhi and leave him speechless.