Zhu Xuan
Meanwhile, Zhu Xuan had also entered into an alliance with Zhu Quanzhong's archrival Li Keyong the military governor of Hedong Circuit (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan, Shanxi). In 891, when Li Keyong's subordinate An Zhijian () began to have secret communications with Zhu Quanzhong, Li Keyong found out and tried to replace him with his adoptive son Li Cunxiao. An, in fear, fled to Pinglu Circuit (平盧, headquartered in modern Weifang, Shandong). Then-reigning Emperor Zhaozong (Emperor Xizong's brother and successor) then gave An a commission as an imperial guard general. When An led his soldiers to try to head to the imperial capital Chang'an, Zhu Xuan, as he was in alliance with Li Keyong, ambushed him and killed him, delivering his head to Li Keyong.