In the early Eastern Han Dynasty, Peng Chong, the Grand Administrator of Yuyang, felt resentful because he was not granted an official title despite his significant help to Emperor Liu Xiu in suppressing Wang Lang's rebellion.

Later, Zhu Fu, the Governor of Youzhou, visited Yuyang to requisition funds and provisions. Peng Chong not only refused but also launched an attack against Zhu Fu.

In response, Zhu Fu wrote a letter to Peng Chong, urging him not to engage in actions that would 'grieve one's own people and gladden one's enemies'. Disregarding this advice, Peng Chong declared himself the King of Yan but ultimately met with failure.