Despite Emperor He’s successful 92 coup d'état against the Dou family, Cai was undisturbed by his former ally's downfall. His position in the Palace Workshop increased in scope; he became responsible for the production of ceremonial weapons, which the reports were of exemplary craftsman ship. However, Cai's most noted product was in 105, when he substantially improved the papermaking process with the use of tree bark, hemp waste, old rags, and fishnets. For his achievement—which was much assisted by the support of Lady Deng—he received wealth and fame throughout the empire. In 110 Deng, who had become dowager empress under the young Emperor An, appointed Cai to oversee 100 scholars' new edition of the Five Classics. She awarded Cai for his imperial service in 114; he received the title of "marquis", and was enfeoffed the lordship of a small village. When Deng died in 121, he was ordered to death due to both a false rumor that he intended to harm the emperor, and his previous involvement in the death of the emperor's grandmother, Consort Song. Ashamed at his predicament, he committed suicide that year, and died in the capital city in which he had spent virtually his entire adult life.