 In spring 453, Crown Prince Shao carried out a coup, sending his own guards to secure the palace while sending his close associate Zhang Chaozhi () into the palace to assassinate Emperor Wen.When Zhang entered Emperor Wen's bedchambers with a sword, Emperor Wen's guards were asleep, and Emperor Wen tried to hold a small desk to hold off Zhang's attack.Zhang's first swing, however, cut off Emperor Wen's fingers, and he then swung again, killing Emperor Wen.