 Meanwhile, Li Shiji's ally Li Shanghu () could not wait, and ambushed Empress Cao's brother Cao Dan (), but was not able to kill Cao.Li Shiji, hearing the news, fled to Tang territory.When the Xia officials requested that Li Gai be executed, however, Dou stated, "Li Shiji was a Tang subject whom we captured, and he did not forget his former lord.