In 912, Li Cunxu launched a major campaign, intending to destroy the Yan state ruled by Liu Shouguang, with Zhou in command of the overall operations.
In 917, Khitan's Emperor Taizu launched a major attack on You Prefecture (幽州, in modern Beijing) - the former capital of Yan and now the capital of Jin's Lulong Circuit (盧龍), where Zhou served as military commander.