How did Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici defeat the plot against his rule in 1466?

In 1466, Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici, who was severely crippled by gout, discovered a plot to overthrow his rule in Florence. Despite his physical condition, he demonstrated unexpected courage by having himself carried on a litter to the city, where he successfully defeated his enemies and maintained his position of power.1