Zong Chuke
Xue, who had been made deputy minister of worship (太常少卿, "Taichang Shaoqing") and had been in charge of drafting imperial edicts, along with Su Ting, suggested to Zhong that he demonstrate modesty by offering to resign—something often done when high level officials are commissioned and mostly done ceremonially—and when Zhong did, Xue entered the palace and persuaded Emperor Ruizong to accept the resignation. Subsequently, Xue was made "Zhongshu Shilang" (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau, given the designation "Canzhi Zhengshi" (參知政事), making him a chancellor "de facto". Soon, however, he repeatedly argued with another chancellor, Cui Riyong—with Xue accusing Cui of flattering Wu Sansi, and Cui accusing Xue of flattering Zhang Yizhi and Zong Chuke. Emperor Ruizong, tired of their bickering, removed both of them from their chancellor posts, with Xue becoming "Zuo Sanqi Changshi" (左散騎常侍), a senior advisor at the examination bureau.