Ningyuan has become the headquarters of the Imperial Ming army, with Yuan Chonghuan stationed here.

When the Manchus reappear in June, 1627, Hung Taiji, like his father, is defeated in the very long and fierce Second Battle of Ningyuan, involving both Ningyuan and Jinzhou.

It is a great tactical and strategic defeat for the Manchus, who withdraw after a series of indecisive battles.

Yuan is criticized by the partisans of the eunuch official Wèi Zhōngxián, stating that he had taken too long to fight off the "barbarian" Manchurians, and shortly thereafter Yuan retires.

Hung Taiji now plots the death of Yuan Chonghuan.