In the article for August 20, 1184 in "Sankaiki," it is mentioned that In's messenger was branded on his face by the Taira clan, although it is not mentioned who did this, and therefore, cruel action to In's messenger by the Taira clan must be a fact.
ただし『山槐記』元暦元年7月6日条に、誰の手によるか不明だが院の使者が平氏によって面に印を着けられたとあり、平氏による苛烈な使者への仕打ちは事実と思われる。