At that time, the ministers of the Wusun Kingdom were roughly divided into two political factions: those who favored the Central Plains, and those who favored the Xiongnu.
Many of the pro-Xiongnu ministers had been bribed by the Xiongnu king, or were secret agents planted by him, all working toward overturning the pro-Central Plains policies of Junxu Mi.
This banquet was of great importance. First, it would be the last banquet Junxu Mi would ever preside over — the poison had already hollowed out his body, and his life hung by a thread.
Second, he intended to announce his choice for the next King of Wusun, and to formally name the heir apparent on the spot.
When Prince Ni learned from the pro-Xiongnu ministers that the throne was to pass to Weng Gui, he was consumed with rage! His carefully laid path to the throne had been abruptly cut off!
The throne of Wusun was usually passed down to the eldest son. Prince Ni had gone to great lengths, colluding with the Xiongnu to kill his own elder brother, the previous heir apparent, and had poisoned his father's food and drink — believing that, as the eldest surviving son, he would finally become the new King of Wusun.
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