Emperor Wu’s generosity and kindness have undermined his rule, as he has become overly tolerant of the noble families' corruption and wastefulness, which has drained the state’s resources.

Further, when the emperor had established the Jìn Dynasty, he had been concerned about his regime's stability, and, believing that the predecessor state, Cao Wei, had been doomed by its failure to empower the princes of the imperial clan, he has greatly empowered his uncles, his cousins, and his sons with authority including high military ranking.

This, ironically, will lead to the destabilization of the Jìn Dynasty.

In 289, as Emperor Wu nears death, he considers whom to make the regent for Crown Prince Zhong, who is developmentally disabled.

He considered both Empress Yang's father Yang Jun and his uncle Sima Liang the Prince of Ru'nan, the most respected of the imperial princes.

As a result, Yang Jun becomes fearful of Sima Liang and has him posted to …