 In 948, after putting grand councilor Zhang Ye to death over suspicions of treason, Meng Chang began to centralize power.After getting the ageing chief-of-staff ("shumishi") Wang Chuhui retire, Wang Zhaoyuan along with Gao Yanzhao (高延昭) were made "Commissioners of Communications and Memorials" (通奏使) with positions in the Bureau of Military Affairs.It was said that Meng Chang discussed all important matters with them and allowed them free rein over the use of the national treasury, with nary a question asked.