Emperor Yuanzong was depressed over the military disasters. Li Zhenggu suggested that he go into seclusion and entrust the state to Song. Li Deming's friend Zhong Mo (), who wanted to avenge Li Deming, used this opportunity to accuse Song, Li Zhenggu, and Chen of collaborating to have Song usurp the throne. Further, at this time, Chen had also forged an order from Emperor Shizong (now formally Emperor Yuanzong's sovereign) that the Southern Tang chancellor Yan Xu be put to death. These events convinced Emperor Yuanzong that the Song faction was up to no good. In winter 958, Emperor Yuanzong thus acted, exiling Chen, executing Li Zhenggu, and ordering Song back into retirement at Mount Jiuhua, albeit with his titles still intact. After Song reached Mount Jiuhua in spring 959, Emperor Yuanzong had his mansion securely guarded, only allowing food to be passed through a hole in the wall. Song lamented and believed that this was divine retribution for his suggestion to have Yang Pu's family put under secure guard, and thereafter hanged himself. Emperor Yuanzong gave him the unflattering posthumous name of Chouliao (醜繆, power-abusing and overvalued).