Tao Zekai was taken away by the County Disciplinary Committee, and the situation was quickly determined: he had committed serious violations of the law and discipline. He was immediately expelled from the Party and a public announcement was made.
Not only was Tao Zekai dealt with, but two other individuals who had proactively sought to align themselves with Zhang Dongyang were swiftly apprehended, investigated, and expelled—efficiency couldn't be higher.
The petty officials of Jiang City were terrified to the core; such tactics were truly frightening.
In the days that followed, there was a period of calm in the officialdom of Jiang City.
Bureaucrats of all ranks in Jiang City consciously avoided Zhang Dongyang, daring not to come into contact with him for fear of provoking Xu Qianli, Lan Qianrong, Fan Hua, and others.
