Because Duke Xian of Jin favored his concubine Li Ji, in 665 BCE he sent away three of his older sons.

[2] Three years later, Duke Xian officially replaced Shensheng as crown prince with Li Ji's son Xiqi.

Li Ji had secretly placed poison in the food in order to frame Shensheng for murder.

[3] Shensheng replied that he wouldn't like to break his father's heart by revealing Li Ji's plot.

After persuasions made by Hu Tu, Shensheng replied that the heavenly god has allowed that Duke Hui of Jin be defeated in battle at the land of Han as a punishment.