After Shi Hu died later that year, he was succeeded by his youngest son Shi Shi, but the power was actually in the hands of Shi Shi's mother Empress Dowager Liu and her ally Zhang Chai (張豺). Dissatisfied with Empress Dowager Liu and Zhang, Pu, along with several other generals, persuaded another son of Shi Hu, Shi Zun the Prince of Pengcheng to march on to the capital Yecheng, overthrowing Shi Shi. Shi Zun became emperor, but he was apprehensive of Pu Hong taking over the Guanzhong region, and therefore stripped Pu Hong of his title as governor of Yong Province. Pu Hong became angry, and immediately returned to his troops at Fangtou and sought assistance from Jin. Pú Jiàn appeared to have been with his father during this time and supportive of his ambitions.