Zhao Changhe understood her concerns. Some individuals might not have directly participated in the conspiracy but were implicated through their ties as disciples, protegés, or associates of the accused. These people would not be considered accomplices but could still be labeled as allies, and under normal circumstances, would face dismissal or investigation. Others might have genuinely been involved but had not had the opportunity to act before the conspiracy was quashed. Should those individuals also be subjected to exhaustive scrutiny?0

Tang Wanzhuang’s position was clear: the former group would certainly not be dealt with, and she even leaned toward sparing many in the latter.0

Tang Wanzhuang said, “Sometimes, it’s better to make use of someone’s missteps than to punish them outright. For example, I released Dingjiang, and he’s proven very useful recently. If we show leniency, many of them will likely be too afraid of repercussions to plot again. In fact, they’d probably become even more cautious and diligent, knowing they’re under watch.”0

“Mm-hm,” Zhao Changhe agreed. That’s human nature.0

Tang Wanzhuang continued, “But this situation is different from Dingjiang’s attack on me. Forgiving him was my personal prerogative. If this were merely a rebellion, the empress could declare that only...0