Li Maozhen, who had been intimidated into an apologetic posture to the imperial court, again becomes arrogant with Li Keyong gone from the region.

He becomes suspicious of Emperor Zhaozong's attempts to rebuild the imperial guards and put them under the commands of imperial princes, including Li Sizhou, Li Jiepi the Prince of Yan, and Emperor Zhaozong's uncle Li Zi the Prince of Tong.

In summer 896, he launches an attack on Chang'an.

Emperor Zhaozong immediately seeks aid from Li Keyong, but with Li Keyong being unable to launch an army at this time and Li Maozhen's forces having defeated Li Sizhou's, Li Sizhou recommends fleeing to Hedong.

Emperor Zhaozong initially agrees and prepares to head for Fu Prefecture (in modern Yan'an, Shaanxi), preparing to cross the Yellow River to Hedong from there; he also sends Li Jiepi to Hedong to prepare for his arrival.

However, after he leaves Chang'an, Han Jian sends emissaries, then personally arrives to meet with him, to persuade him to go to Zhenguo's capital Hua Prefecture instead, promising to do all he can to uphold imperial power.

As both Emperor Zhaozong and his officials are fearful of the lengthy trek to Hedong, Emperor Zhaozong agrees and instead heads for Hua Prefecture.