According to "Shoyuki," even Michinaga, Nairan, had not heard of the order until he was notified by Tadanobu; thereafter, the Emperor took initiative in investigating the incident, and the decisions made by Michinaga and the others followed suit.
『小右記』によれば、内覧の道長でさえ斉信の報告で初めて事実を知ったとされ、以後この事件の捜査は天皇の意向が優先され、道長らの決定が後追いするという展開で進められることになる。