Gao Xingzhou
In 940, He Ning was made "Zhongshu Shilang" (中書侍郎, deputy head of the legislative bureau) and chancellor, with the designation "Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi" (). In late 941, when Shi was preparing to depart then-capital Kaifeng to head to Yedu (鄴都, in modern Handan, Hebei) in anticipation of a rebellion by An Chongrong the military governor of nearby Chengde Circuit (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang, Hebei) so that he could react quickly, He Ning pointed out to him that after he left Kaifeng, another rebellious military governor, An Congjin of Shannan East Circuit (山南東道, headquartered in modern Xiangyang, Hubei), would surely rebel as well, and that Shi should prepare for it. Shi asked him was his advice was. He advised Shi that Shi should leave a number of blank edicts with Shi's adoptive son (biological nephew) Shi Chonggui the Prince of Zheng, whom Shi left in charge of Kaifeng, so that when An Congjin did rebel, Shi Chonggui could react quickly and commission appropriate generals to counterattack. Shi Jingtang agreed. Subsequently, when An Congjin did rebel, Shi Chonggui was quickly able to mobilize a number of generals to command the imperial army against him, with Gao Xingzhou in overall command. An Congjin was quickly defeated and forced to return to Shannan East's capital Xiang Prefecture () to defend it, and later committed suicide when the city fell.