The joint forces under Liu Yan's leadership have a major victory in 23 over Zhen Fu, the governor of the prefecture of Nanyang, killing him.

The coalition now besieges the important city of Wancheng (the capital of Nanyang prefecture, in modern Nanyang, Henan).

Many other rebel leaders have become jealous of Liu Yan's capabilities by this point, and while a good many of their men admire Liu Yan and want him to become the emperor of a newly declared Han Dynasty, the disgruntled leaders have other ideas.

They find another local rebel leader, Liu Xuan, a third cousin of Liu Yan, who is claiming the title of General Gengshi at the time and who is considered a weak personality, and request that he be made emperor.

Liu Yan initially opposes this move and instead suggests that Liu Xuan carry the title "Prince of Han" first (echoing the founder of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gao).

The other rebel leaders refuse, and in early 23, Liu Xuan is proclaimed emperor.

Liu Yan becomes prime minister.