In 926, Emperor Zhuangzong was killed in a mutiny at the capital Luoyang that spawned from a series of mutinies after the major general Guo Chongtao had been killed on the orders of Empress Liu.Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 274.Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 275. Li Siyuan, who had led one of the mutinies, then arrived at Luoyang and, after initially claiming the title of regent, later took the throne (as Emperor Mingzong). As Emperor Mingzong was illiterate, and his chief of staff (Shumishi) An Chonghui, while literate, was not well-versed in the literatures and history, Emperor Mingzong was having difficulty reacting to the petitions that came to him, as emperor. At An's suggestion, Emperor Mingzong thus established two high posts for imperial scholars at Duanming Palace (), and commissioned Zhao Feng and Feng Dao to serve in those posts.
