 In 556, Yuwen Tai, after entrusting his heir apparent and Yuwen Xian's older brother Yuwen Jue to Yuwen Xian's cousin Yuwen Hu, died.In spring 557, Yuwen Hu forced Emperor Gong of Western Wei to yield the throne to Yuwen Jue, ending Western Wei and establishing Northern Zhou.Yuwen Jue took the throne (as Emperor Xiaomin) with the alternative title of "Heavenly Prince" ("Tian Wang"), with Yuwen Hu serving as regent.