[8][9] When Sima Zhao established the Five Feudal Ranks of Zhou in 264, his title was changed to Viscount of Kaiping.
[13] After the ascension of Emperor Hui in May 290, on 25 May 291, Sima Rong was named the Grand General of the Western Expedition.
[14] At the beginning of Emperor Hui's reign, Sima Lun was given military command over Qinzhou and Yongzhou.
Both Lun and Sun Xiu placed the blame on the Inspector of Yongzhou, Xie Xi (解系),[15] and the two sides sent petitions to the court accusing one another.
The minister, Zhang Hua considered it and told Sima Rong to prepare Sun's execution.
However, an acquaintance of Sun Xiu, Xin Ran managed to convince Sima Rong not to carry out Zhang's orders.
As Palace Aide to the Censor-in-Chief (御史中丞), Zhou had no fear in indicting and exposing the wrongdoings of other ministers.
His fellow general Sun Xiu (孫秀[18]) warned him and suggested him to bid his aging mother a final farewell.