In 576, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou launched a major attack on Northern Qi, and by spring 577 reached Yecheng's vicinity. In order to try to change his fortunes, Gao Wei passed the throne to his young son Gao Heng and took the title of "Taishang Huang". Empress Dowager Hu thereafter became grand empress dowager. Soon, however, with Northern Zhou forces arriving, Gao Wei took his household and tried to flee east to either gather troops or flee to Chen Dynasty. They were captured and subsequently taken to Northern Zhou's capital Chang'an. Northern Qi's territory was entirely taken by Northern Zhou.