The matter of Duke Zhen, Duke Anyang, and Marquis Xuanping raising private armies and forging weapons in Annan has been verified. Considering they did not transport the private armies and weapons back to Great Zhou, the Emperor did not punish them with treason. However, while they can escape the death penalty, they cannot avoid living punishment.
All those involved in raising private armies and forging weapons in Annan were demoted to commoners. Since Duke Zhen and Marquis Xuanping took the blame upon themselves, claiming Prince Jing and Prince Dai were unaware, Prince Dai and Prince Jing were not implicated.
Several powerful families turned into commoners overnight, causing a tremendous uproar in the capital. The remaining aristocratic families and nobles were terrified by the Emperor's cold and ruthless actions, fearing they might be next.
