Zhao Hanzhang led twenty thousand troops straight to Shangdang, taking both Gaodu and Xuan Family cities. Finally, she joined forces with Mi Ce and Yuan Li at Changzi County, then split the army again to attack the cities of Shangdang County and Wei County, showing a determination to take over both counties;
Meanwhile, Zu Ti also received Zhao Hanzhang's letter. He divided his forces from Jizhou into two, with one heading west and the other heading south, encroaching on the territories of Shi Le and the Xiongnu Khanate.
By the time Shi Le received the news, Zhao Hanzhang and Zu Ti had already occupied half of his territory. However, the Jin State did not fare well either, having taken over a third of Yan State's territory, which was much larger than Shangdang County, though its geographical position was less significant.
Shangdang was extremely important, and Shi Le was naturally reluctant to abandon it. His strategists were also unwilling and urged him to return to aid Shangdang.
