Prince Ying commits suicide in exile in 71.

The investigation does not end, however.

By Emperor Ming's orders, Prince Ying's associates (but not his family) are harshly tortured and interrogated, and anyone that they name as a coconspirator is arrested and further tortured and interrogated.

The interrogators themselves use this opportunity to falsely accuse many others of conspiracy.

Tens of thousands of people die, either of torture or execution, during the investigation.

Only after Empress Ma's intercession and persuasive petitions by one of the interrogators, Han Lang, do the interrogations taper off.