the very first major incident of infighting in the gengshi emperor's regime would happen shortly after the battle of kunyang overthrowing wang mang. the gengshi emperor was fearful of liu yan's capabilities and keenly aware that many of liu yan's followers were angry that he was not made emperor. one, liu ji (劉稷), was particularly critical of the gengshi emperor. the emperor arrested liu ji and wanted to execute him, but liu yan tried to intercede. the emperor took this opportunity to execute liu yan as well. subsequently, ashamed of what he had done, though, he spared liu yan's brother liu xiu and honored him by creating him marquess of wuxin.