A succession issue arises as Emperor Ling grows ill in 189.

Emperor Ling has two surviving sons—Liu Bian, the son of Empress He, and Liu Xie, the son of Consort Wang.

Because Emperor Ling had, earlier in his life, frequently lost sons in childhood, he later believed that his sons needed to be raised outside the palace by foster parents.

Therefore, when Prince Bian was born, he had been entrusted to the magician Shi Zimiao and known by the circumspect title "Marquess Shi."

Later, when Prince Xie was born, he was raised personally by Emperor Ling's mother Empress Dowager Dong and known by the circumspect title "Marquess Dong."

Prince Bian was born of the empress and was older, but Emperor Ling views his behavior as being insufficiently solemn and therefore considers creating Prince Xie crown prince, but hesitates and cannot decide.

When Emperor Ling dies on May 13, a powerful eunuch that he trusts, Jian Shuo, wants to first kill Empress He's brother He Jin and then make Prince Xie emperor, and therefore sets up a trap at a meeting he is to have with He.

He discovers the plot, and peremptorily declares Prince Bian emperor (later known as the Prince of Hongnong).

Empress He becomes empress dowager, and she and her brother He Jin become the key figures at court, although a number of the eunuchs remain very powerful.