Xiao became fearful after the incident, and he initially discussed with Yuan and Chu the possibilities of deposing the emperor, but could not get them to go along with his plan. Xiao therefore acted on his own, associating with Emperor Houfei's attendants, and eventually getting one of them, Yang Yufu (楊玉夫), to kill Emperor Houfei while Emperor Houfei was asleep.
Xiao became intimidated after the incident, and he initially discussed with Yuan and Chu about the possibility of removing the emperor, but they refused to join him. Xiao therefore acted alone, associating with Emperor Houfei's attendants, and eventually convincing one of them, Yang Yufu, to kill the emperor while he was unconscious.