 In spring 549, Emperor Xiaojing was forced to create Gao Cheng the greater title of Prince of Qi, and give him the honorific office of "Xiangguo" (相國), both signifying a move toward Gao's taking of the throne.Gao Cheng formally declined these honors, and further made a formal request for Emperor Xiaojing to create a son as crown prince.Subsequently, in fall 549, Emperor Xiaojing created his son Yuan Zhangren (元長仁) crown prince.