At noon on May 21, Li Dingguo led his troops to Xining Fortress, on the west bank of the Liao River.
The Jiannu garrison within the fortress had already retreated to the east bank of the Liao River, following Mandahai. Li Dingguo left behind three hundred cavalrymen to hold the position and led the rest of his forces in a continued retreat. He had set out on May 12, and it was now nine days later as he returned to the west bank of the Liao River. He knew nothing of what had transpired during those nine days. Without concrete intelligence, he could not commit his main force to the front line.
Upon reaching Wujiafen Village, Li Dingguo encountered Li Guo.
Chapter 985