 In winter 568, Emperor Wucheng suffered a major illness, and he died around the new year 569.After his death, the imperial government was initially led by a collective leadership, but by spring 569, most of the power was in He Shikai's hands, particularly because he carried on an affair with Empress Dowager Hu and was trusted by Gao Wei.Gao Yan, as the emperor's brothers, carried honored titles but was not as powerful, and he was displeased at the hold that He Shikai and another favorite of Gao Wei, Mu Tipo (the son of Gao Wei's -- and possibly Gao Yan's -- wet nurse Lu Lingxuan) wielded.