Li Fuguo is made the minister of defense (Bingbu Shangshu) in 761, but further wants to be made chancellor.

Emperor Suzong, who by this point is fearful of Li Fuguo, refuses on the basis that he does not have the support of the officials, Li Fuguo tries to persuade Pei Mian, a senior official who had previously been chancellor, to recommend him.

Emperor Suzong tells the chancellor Xiao Hua that if an important official (i.e., someone like Pei) recommended Li Fuguo, he would no longer have the excuse to refuse Li Fuguo's request.

When Xiao subsequently discusses this with Pei, Pei adamantly states that he will never allow Li Fuguo to be chancellor.

Subsequently, Li Fuguo is not able to be chancellor while Emperor Suzong is alive, much to Li Fuguo's resentment.