Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei
However, Helian Chang himself now had a threat on his own hands. In winter 426, Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei crossed the frozen Yellow River and made a surprise attack at Tongwan. On winter solstice, Helian Chang was holding a feast for his officials to celebrate, and suddenly, with Northern Wei forces on the horizon, the entire Xia regime was shaken. Helian Chang himself engaged the Northern Wei forces but was defeated, and as he retreated into the city, the city gates could not close quickly, and the Northern Wei officer Doudai Tian (豆代田) entered the city and set the palace on fire, before withdrawing. The Northern Wei forces pillaged the area around Tongwan, and then withdrew.