The Jin general Liu Yu, at this time the leader of the Jin government, proposes in April 409 that a major attack be launched against Southern Yan, and even though he faces opposition, he starts the campaign regardless.

Gongsun Wulou and Murong Zhen propose that Southern Yan armies defend Daxian Mountain (in modern Weifang, Shandong) and not allow Jin forces to pass.

Murong Chao, overly confident, instead decides to let Jin forces pass Daxian, and then engage them in the plains north of Daxian.

He further rejects suggestions that the crops be burned to prevent them from being used as food supply by Jin forces.

When Murong Zhen comments to Han Zhuo that this will lead to the empire's destruction, Murong Chao throws Murong Zhen into prison.

Liu Yu is very pleased that Murong Chao does not defend Daxian, as he had feared he would.

The Jin and Southern Yan forces engage near Linqu (also in Weifang), while Murong Chao himself waits in the city of Linqu.

Jin general Hu Fan makes a surprise attack on Linqu, capturing it and forcing Murong Chao to flee.