Li Shaohong
Meanwhile, Guo, due to his hold on power, was becoming resented by eunuchs that Emperor Zhuangzong trusted. (He tried to alleviate Li Shaohong's resentment by creating a new post of "Zhonggoushi" () for Li Shaohong to review the financial matters, but the move failed to placate Li Shaohong.) He was also drawing resentment from army officers who had contributions in Later Liang's destruction, as he, encouraged by Doulu to associate his own bloodline with that of the great Tang general Guo Ziyi, looked down on those who had low births despite their battlefield accomplishments. With resentment against him piling up, Guo became fearful and considered requesting to be relieved from the chief of staff post and head for Chengde to serve as military governor there. A close associate, however, discouraged him, arguing that once he left the imperial government, he would easily fall pray to accusations. Instead, the associate suggested to him that he suggest Emperor Zhuangzong to create Emperor Zhuangzong's favorite concubine Consort Liu empress, to create an alliance with Empress Liu. Guo did so, and Emperor Zhuangzong subsequently created Consort Liu empress (notwithstanding the fact that his wife, as prince, was Consort Han). At the same time, Guo also reformed the system of officials using false genealogical connections to claim entitlement to governmental offices, reducing such claims by 90%.