Although Shang Dynasty was overthrown by King Wu, the remaining forces of King Zhou were determined to be loyal to the old king. King Wu and Duke Zhou formulated a policy that made good use of Yin to conquer itself. They put king's son Wugeng, as the Duke of Yin. And ordered him to continue to rule the vicinity of the original Yin. In order to control Wugeng, they placed people from the former Shang Dynasty under surveillance, King Wu sent his brothers Guan, Tsai and Huo as "three supervisors" to Yin. They led some Zhou people to live in the surrounding areas of Yin.

After two years, King Wu died in illness. Before his death, King Wu entrusted his son, named Song, and the state to his brother, Duke Zhou, named Jidan. His son came to the throne as King Cheng. As King Cheng was too young as a 13-year-old boy to handle the state affairs, Duke Zhou exercised authority for him. This aroused the grievance of Guan and Tsai. They spread rumors that Duke Zhou intended to usurp the throne. The remain forces of King Zhou, colluding with Guan and Tsai, launched a rebellion. Their forces extended far over to today's Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Anhui province. The new-born Zhou Dynasty was in a crist.

Facing this unfavorable situation, Duke Zhou sincerely explained the truth to Duke Zhao and the other dukes as well, to get rid of their suspicion so as to keep the internal unity of the royal family. On the other hand, he assembled dukes from all the states, and led army by himself to the east to conquer the rebels. After three years, Wugeng, Guan and their followers were killed, Tsai was banished. Some small states involved in the rebellion were suppressed.