Thanks to the Empress Dowager's intervention, the Emperor ultimately decided against deposing the Crown Prince.
But letting the matter slide was out of the question. How could he possibly save face?
The Crown Prince was placed under house arrest again, and the Emperor also made an example of the Crown Princess Consort's family, who had clearly sided with him.
He found faults with several key officials in their faction and had them demoted.
An old case involving the Crown Princess Consort's brother embezzling relief silver was brought to light, and he was promptly banished to a remote post.
The Emperor was truly furious.
This series of punishments dealt a crippling blow to the Crown Prince.
Pull one thread, and the whole thing unravels.
The Crown Prince's supporters were all on edge, terrified the fire would spread to them. They had no choice but to keep their heads down and behave.
