Gu Kaizhi had gone to Jingzhou on official business in mid-July and returned to Gushu one day before Chen Caozhi. That day, an unexpected matter had kept him from accompanying Huan Wen to the River Mouth to welcome Chen Caozhi. Only when Chen Caozhi entered the General's Residence in Gushu City did he hurry over, shouting, "Zizhong, Zizhong, you're finally back!" He seized Chen Caozhi's hand and shook it vigorously, then said, "Zizhong, come with me. I have something important to tell you." Cupping his hands toward Huan Wen, he dragged Chen Caozhi away.
Huan Wen shook his head with a smile. "Clerk Chen, come here for a banquet at the end of the Shen Hour. Army Adviser Gu should come too. We shall welcome Clerk Chen back from his mission and wash away the dust of his journey."
Gu Kaizhi pulled Chen Caozhi out of the General's Residence, with Ran Sheng and Shen Chiqian following together. Su Qi had not accompanied Chen Caozhi to the Western Headquarters this time. Chen Caozhi had told him to remain at Su Family Fort for a few more days with his wife and children, then come to Jiankang to meet him in late September.
As they walked, Gu Kaizhi asked, "Zizhong, do you know about Young Lady Lu?"
Chen Caozhi nodded. "I've heard."
Gu Kaizhi asked again, "Have you heard about Zhu Yingtai?"
Chen Caozhi answered, "I know."
Having only just returned from Jingzhou, Gu Kaizhi did not know that Xie Daoyun was gravely ill. His eyes widened as he asked, "Zizhong, you must have known Zhu Yingtai's true identity long ago, didn't you?"
Chen Caozhi hesitated briefly. "Yes, but that was Brother Yingtai's private affair. Since you hadn't seen through it yourself, Chang Kang, it wasn't my place to wag my tongue."