Early in 354, Zhang Zuo declared a clear break from Jin—a move that none of his predecessors had dared to do. He completely repudiated the Jin era name "Jianxing" (declared by Emperor Min of Jin and used in at least some facility by every Zhang patriarch since his grandfather Zhang Shi () and changed the era name to "Heping". He also declared himself a greater title than the Jin-bestowed Duke of Xiping—although what that title was is a matter of historical controversy, as "Jin Shu" indicated that he declared himself emperor (and created his wife Lady Xin empress and his sons princes) and "Zizhi Tongjian" indicated that he declared himself Prince of Liang, although the inclusion by "Jin Shu" of a declaration of independence by Zhang Zuo appears to lend credibility to the "Jin Shu" account.