Niu Sengru
In 840, Emperor Wenzong died and was succeeded by his younger brother Emperor Wuzong. Emperor Wuzong conferred the honorary title of acting "Situ" (司徒, also one of the Three Excellencies) on Niu Sengru. However, soon after Emperor Wuzong's enthronement, Li Deyu became chancellor and the leading figure in the imperial government. In 841, when a major flood on the Han River destroyed the civilians' houses at Xiang Prefecture, Li Deyu blamed Niu, removed him from his command, and had him made senior advisor to the Crown Prince. In 842, Niu was again made the defender of Luoyang.