For a variety of reasons, the Former Qin state soon collapsed after that defeat, and Fu Jian himself was killed by his former subordinate, Yao Chang the founding emperor of Later Qin , in In , while on a campaign, Fu Xiong died. Fu Jian developed the reputation of being filial and far-sighted, as well as being knowledgeable and able.
As Fu Jian grew older, he received some military responsibilities under his cousin Fu Sheng , who succeeded Former Qin's founding emperor after his death in Yao Xiang's brother Yao Chang surrendered. Fu Sheng's reign was one filled with violence, caprice, and cruelty. As he killed official after official in his administration, all of the nobles and officials became fearful of being the next target.
Fu Sheng's guards surrendered without a fight, and Fu Jian put Fu Sheng to death and took over the throne. He posthumously honored his father Fu Xiong as an emperor, and he honored his mother Lady Gou as an empress dowager. His wife Lady Gou was created empress. It was with Li's support that Wang's position became increasingly important, eventually becoming one of prime minister status. This was particularly the case when, around new year , Empress Dowager Gou, apprehensive of Fu Fa's growing authority, forced him to commit suicide.
Senior officials, mostly of Di ethnicity, were often jealous of Wang, but whatever conflict they engaged with Wang always resulted in Wang's prevailing over them, since Wang was favored by Fu Jian. It was described that the empire was ruled efficiently and justly during this period. Fu Jian was also recorded as having the cruel laws of Fu Sheng's reign and the extravagance. He also encouraged his officials to recommend talented people for posts, and rewarded or punished them based on whether the people they recommended performed their jobs well.
It was described that Former Qin officials were therefore all highly competent and responsible. In late , however, Zhang Tianxi disavowed that status and cut off relations with Former Qin. Fu Jian refused. Late in , Fu Jian tried to restore the early Jin system by permitting the dukesβhis brothers, sons, and cousinsβto commission their own assistants.
