However, as at that time, imperial forces were close to defeating the rebel general Li Tongjie, who controlled neighboring Henghai Circuit (橫海, headquartered in modern Cangzhou, Hebei), and Shi became apprehensive.
As of 827, Emperor Wenzong was waging a general campaign against the rebel general Li Tongjie, who had seized Henghai Circuit (橫海, headquartered in modern Cangzhou, Hebei) after the death of his father Li Quanlüe (李全略), who served as military governor.