398: the general Murong Hao () (probably a cousin) and the officials Zhang Tong () and Zhang Shun () Spring 399: the officials Liu Zhong (), Liu Zhi (), Duan Cheng (), and Murong Gen () the Duke of Dongyang Spring 399 as well: the generals Zhang Zhen () and He Han () Fall 399: the general Li Lang () Winter 399: the general Wei Shuang () However, Murong Sheng was also praised by historians for his attention to ordinary criminal cases, and that he was able to institute a system where he personally heard criminal appeals and was able to discern the truth without resorting to torture (a common interrogation device in Chinese history). Through the next few years, there would be battles with Northern Wei, with neither side being able to decisively gain an advantage. Around new year 400, Murong Sheng created his son Murong Ding () the Duke of Liaoxi. Soon thereafter, Empress Dowager Duan died, and he honored his mother as empress dowager instead and, at the same time, created Murong Ding crown prince. He also soon, to show humility, stopped using the title emperor, instead referring to himself as "Commoner Heavenly Prince." In fall 401, the generals Murong Guo (), Qin Yu (), and Duan Zan () secretly plotted a coup, but their plot was revealed, and more than 500 people were executed. Five days later, the general Duan Ji (), along with Qin Yu's son Qin Xing () and Duan Zan's son Duan Tai () attacked the palace. Murong Sheng personally led the palace guards to fight with the rebels and was initially successful. However, just as things appeared to be settling down, a rebel soldier appeared from his hiding place and stabbed Murong Sheng. Murong Sheng, despite the injury, ordered the guards to clear the palace and go on the correct alert posts, before dying. After his death, his mother Empress Dowager Ding, who had carried on an affair with his uncle Murong Xi, would bypass Crown Prince Ding and make Murong Xi emperor to succeed him. Personal information Father Murong Bao (Emperor Huimin) Mother Consort Ding (forced to commit suicide 402), posthumously honored as Empress Xianyou Wife Princess Lan, daughter of Lan Han Children Murong Ding (), initially the Duke of Liaoxi (created 400), later the Crown Prince (created 400, forced to commit suicide 401) References Later Yan emperors 373 births 401