石敬瑭
Shi Jingtang died in 942, and was succeeded by his nephew Shi Chonggui. Shi Chonggui immediately took a more confrontational stance toward Liao, as opposed to the submissive stance that Shi Jingtang took. (In particular, while Shi Jingtang submitted petitions to Emperor Taizong (showing himself to be a subject), he also referred to himself as "subject" and "son" when communicating with Emperor Taizong, whom he referred to as "father," while Shi Chonggui wrote letters (i.e., not as a subject) and referred to himself only as "grandson" and Emperor Taizong as "grandfather," refusing to acknowledge a subservient position on a state-to-state basis.) Emperor Taizong was displeased, and Zhao, who wanted to replace Shi Chonggui as emperor of China, repeatedly suggested that Emperor Taizong attack Later Jin. Emperor Taizong agreed and put Zhao in charge of the project of an eventual invasion against Later Jin, promising that if he succeeded, he would be made emperor.