During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xian of Jin's favoritism towards Concubine Li Ji led to the suicide of Prince Shengsheng. Princes Chong'er and Yiwu fled the state, plunging Jin into great turmoil.

Yiwu eventually returned to Jin to ascend the throne with the military assistance of Duke Mu of Qin. Initially, he sought to appease Li Ke, who had been responsible for the deaths of two former rulers.

However, fearing Li Ke might rebel, Yiwu later decided to force him to commit suicide. Li Ke, understanding that his fate was sealed and that the charges against him were merely an excuse, sighed, "If one is determined to condemn someone, one will never lack a pretext!"