He was subsequently made an imperial scholar with the title Hanlin Xueshi (翰林學士), and was put in charge of drafting edicts.
[5] Early in the Dazhong era (847–860) of Emperor Wuzong's successor and uncle Emperor Xuānzong, Zhou Chi was made the military governor of Yicheng Circuit (義成, headquartered in modern Anyang, Henan) as well as the prefect of its capital Hua Prefecture (滑州); he was also given the honorary titles of minister of rites (禮部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and Shang Zhuguo (上柱國), and created the Baron of Ru'nan.
[3] In 848, Zhou was made a chancellor de facto with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事), while retaining his offices as the deputy minister of defense and director of finances.
When he took office, he stated to the official Wei Ao (韋澳), who had previously served as his staff member, "I am personally weak but have great responsibility.
Wei then explained that because, as chancellor, he was to be fair and acting in the best interest of the people, without regard for personal likes or dislikes, he would thus be powerless, if he were serving properly.
[7] Meanwhile, though, Zhou was steadfast in his unwillingness to bow to the power of others – including his refusal to transfer the military governor Wang Zai from Hedong Circuit (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan, Shanxi) to Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng, Henan) and give Wang an honorary chancellor title, as Wang had hoped; his refusal to let Emperor Xuānzong's brother-in-law Wei Rang (韋讓) become the mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the Chang'an region) on the basis that Wei was not capable; and his disagreement with Emperor Xuānzong, who wanted to mobilize the army to recapture lands lost decades ago to Tufan.
Emperor Xuānzong was offended, and later in 849 made Zhou the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang, Sichuan).
After Zheng's comment, Emperor Xuānzong, while not relenting in his order, bestowed Zhou the honorific title of You Pushe (右僕射).