Huan Xi learned that Princess Qinghe and Chen Caozhi had met privately at Ice Well Terrace the night before while he was holding a farewell feast to send Huan Shiqian, Tian Luo, and the other generals off to Huguan and Jinyang. He smashed his wine cup in fury, pushed away from the table, and rose, then led several attendants charging toward the Shrine of Ximen Bao. Huan Chong and Chen Caozhi were outside the shrine, offering farewell wine to Tan Xuan, Ran Sheng, and the other soldiers setting out on the expedition to Dragon City. Huan Xi galloped up and, disregarding both his paternal uncle Huan Chong's presence and the assembled generals watching him, loudly demanded of Chen Caozhi, "Sima Chen, how dare you defy military orders, enter Ye Palace without permission, and ravish Princess Qinghe!"
Tan Ji and Ran Sheng both knew about Chen Caozhi and Princess Qinghe, but neither knew that Huan Xi also coveted her beauty. Seeing him berate Chen Caozhi in public like this, they both felt he was making a mountain out of a molehill. Chen Caozhi taking a Xianbei Princess was hardly some momentous affair-
Chen Caozhi said calmly, "I will report this matter to Inspector Huan later. For now, let the men bound for Dragon City drink and set out. May they return victorious soon."
Huan Xi's hatred for Chen Caozhi had long been building, and today he was determined to use the matter of Princess Qinghe to cause an uproar. Chen Caozhi's casual manner only infuriated him further. He shouted at his attendants to bind Chen Caozhi, but they hesitated, not daring to act-
Huan Chong spoke up. "Bodao, however serious the matter, it can wait until the troops have departed."
Anger and agitation had overwhelmed Huan Xi, leaving him beyond reason.