Instead, it was Prince Wu (惡) who poised to succeed Duke Wen, which occurred upon his death in 609 BC.
Facing opposition from Minister Shuzhong Pengsheng (叔仲彭生), Prince Sui solicited support from Duke Hui of Qi, who, having recently succeeded to the throne himself and wanting Lu as an ally, agreed to help.
Zuo Zhuan noted that it is "because of our submission," having also mentioned that Duke Xuan had visited Qi four times during the intervening decade.
In 602 BC, Duke Xuan met with the rulers of Jin, Song, Wey, Zheng, and Cao at Heirang (黑壤).
Marquis Wen of Ji (季文子), a member of Jisun (季孫) clan and therefore a part of the Three Huan, expelled Prince Guifu, who fled to Qi.