 In 524, Xu Mian's second son Xu Fei (徐悱) died, and Xu Mian was so distressed that he tried to resign his post, but Emperor Wu would not let him.Also in 524, Zhou She died, and thereafter Xu handled prime minister duties alone.By 531, however, his resignation on account of illness appeared to have been accepted, as his posts from that point on appeared honorary.