The Liangs, the clan of Prince Zhao's birth mother's clan, had not dared to openly celebrate after he was made crown prince, but are secretly happy.

The Dou clan members are displeased and fearful when they hear of this, and feel that they must destroy the Liangs.

Empress Dou begins to give false reports about Prince Zhao's birth mother, Consort Liang, and her sister, also an imperial consort, and they lose Emperor Zhang's favor.

In 83, the Dous further submit false anonymous accusations against the Consorts Liang's father Liang Song, causing him to be imprisoned, where he dies.

The Consorts Liang soon die.

The Dous will eventually attain their goal of greater power.

Also in 83, Emperor Zhang, having seen that his Ma cousins are not following the law, stops favoring his Ma uncles, and eventually sends them back to their marches.

Empress Dou's brothers Dou Xian and Dou Du effectively take over in the power structure—the first time in Han history that the empress' clan, rather than the empress dowager's clan, is the most powerful consort clan.

This trend will be in effect for the duration of the Eastern Han Dynasty and a will prove to be a source of corruption.