If it is just a false rumor, that still raises the question of whether or not it was started by anti-Xi forces inside China, or just some random gossip. The former might be part of a plan of psychological harassment of Xi, the latter just evidence that you can't trust everything you read on the internet. I guess we'll find out soon?
It could also be started by a pro- Xi faction, to expose whoever reacts favorably.
Ah, that's the one I was looking for.