Without neglecting his regular duties, Mulan continued his research for months, from spring straight through to autumn.
The overhaul of Dierjia's military was completed in early summer. During its latter half, Mulan merely familiarized himself with the process and results rather than getting deeply involved. All he did midway through was have the Nia Household's sole surviving younger sister "pass away" as well, setting off another storm of public opinion.
In total, over a hundred low-ranking officers and officials were imprisoned, more than ten mid-ranking military and civil officials were sentenced to death, and two senior officials resigned and retired.
Yet most families of the soldiers who had previously died in action still could not receive their full death benefits. Where records could be found, only the few remaining personal effects could be returned, along with partial back payments.
Even so, major newspapers across the country covered the matter extensively and lavished praise on the queen. They attributed the outcome to her wise handling of the affair and her royal grace, earning Nisheriel considerable popular support. Even families that had not received their full benefits were deeply grateful for the portion they did receive, believing it had only been recovered because the queen had upheld justice for them.
Moor read the newspapers as well. He saw the positive side of the crackdown, but also the sorrow beneath it. First was the tragedy of the empire: no matter how grave a problem was, connections among the powerful could soften its consequences. Second was the tragedy of those at the bottom: their interests remained unprotected, yet they were profoundly grateful to the ruler who had reaped substantial gains from the crackdown.
Moor anonymously submitted an article to a newspaper about it, but it was rejected. His books, however, had quietly made it