Emperor Shenzong has rewarded Shen with numerous titles for his merit in these battles, and in the sixteen months of Shen's military campaign, he has received two hundred and seventythree letters from the Emperor.

However, Emperor Shenzong trusts an arrogant military officer who disobeys the emperor and Shen's proposal for strategic fortifications, instead fortifying what Shen considers useless strategic locations.

Furthermore, this officer expels Shen from his commanding post at the main citadel, so as to deny him any glory in chance of victory.

The result of this is nearly catastrophic, as the forces of the arrogant officer are decimated; Xinzhong Yao states that the death toll was sixty thousand.

Nonetheless, Shen is successful in defending his fortifications and the only possible Tangut invasion-route to Yanzhou.

Shen's defensive victories are marginalized and sacrificed by the new Chancellor,Cai Que, who hands Yanzho over to the Tanguts as terms of a peace treaty).

Cai Que holds Shen responsible for the disaster and loss of life.

Along with abandoning the territory for which Shen Kuo had fought, Cai ousts Shen from his seat of office.

Shen's life is now forever changed, as he has lost his once reputable career in state governance and the military.