Emperor Xiaowu of China’s Eastern Jin Dynasty had seen his empire survive a major attempt by Former Qin to destroy it, but he will be the last Jin emperor to actually exercise imperial power, as his sons Emperor An and Emperor Gong will be controlled by regents and warlords.

He himself died an unusual death—killed in 396 by his concubine Consort Zhang after he had insulted her.

His son Sima Dezong, created crown prince in 387 and ascending the throne in 397 as the fifteen-year-old Emperor An, is described as so developmentally disabled that he is unable to speak, clothe himself, or be able to express whether he is hungry or full.

Because of his disability, the actual power is controlled by his uncle Sima Daozi, the Prince of Kuaiji.

During his reign, regents and warlords will dominate the Jin regime.

Revolts by various governors also will ravage the land.

From 398 for several years, there are to be constant revolts and civil war campaigns.