 At the suggestion of his subordinate Zhou Xiang, who pointed out that Li Prefecture was not an ideal defense position, he attacked Lang Prefecture (閬州, in modern Nanchong, Sichuan), expelled the prefect Yang Maoshi (), and took over Lang, claiming the greater title of defender.At the advice of Zhang Qianyu () and Qiwu Jian (), he submitted humble petitions to Emperor Xizong and comforted the people.He also entered into friendly relations with Gu Yanlang the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang, Sichuan), as the two were colleagues previously at the Shence Armies.