Li Xiong created his wife Lady Ren empress. She was sonless, although Li Xiong had more than 10 sons by concubines. Li Xiong, however, resolved in 324 to create his nephew Li Ban, the son of Li Dang, who had been raised by Empress Ren, crown prince, reasoning that the empire's foundation was actually built by Li Te and Li Dang, and that it would be proper for him to pass the throne to Li Dang's son. He also valued Li Ban highly for his kindness and studiousness. Li Xiang and Wang Da (王達), foreseeing that this action would bring succession issues, objected, but were overruled by Li Xiong. In 334, Li Xiong grew ill from an infected head wound, which then spread to other wounds that he had suffered over the years over his body. His body was said to be causing such a great stench that his sons avoided him, but Li Ban cared for him day and night. He died in summer 334 and was succeeded by Li Ban. However, as Li Xiang had predicted, Li Xiong's sons were unhappy they were passed over, and later in the year, his son Li Yue (李越) assassinated Li Ban and made another son of his, Li Qi, emperor. Under Li Qi's rule, Cheng Han began to decline. Personal information Father Li Te (third son of) Mother Empress Dowager Luo Wife Empress Ren (created 315) Major Concubines Consort Ran, mother of Prince Qi Children (Li Xiong was said to have more than 10 sons, but most were not mentioned in historical records) Li Yue (李越), the Prince of Jianning (created 334, executed) Li Ba (李霸), died (likely poisoned) during Li Qi's reign Li Qi (李期), later emperor Li Bao (李保), died (likely poisoned) during Li Qi's reign 4th-century Chinese monarchs Cheng Han emperors 274 births 334 deaths Founding monarchs