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Yuan Shu fled to Shou Chun after repeated defeats by the combined armies of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. He declared himself emperor under the short-lived Cheng Dynasty in 195, using the Imperial Jade Seal given to him by Sun Ce as an excuse. This audacious action made him hated by the other warlords. After declaring himself emperor, he lived in luxury and excess. Many of his officers deserted him, including Sun Ce. After repeated defeats by the armies of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu, he attempted to flee north to his half-brother Yuan Shao but died of illness before he could reach his half-brother.