Isolated from the conflict of the Central Plains, Cui Bi had autonomy over eastern Liaodong, where he developed a rivalry with the Xianbei chieftain and Jin vassal, Murong Hui.

Due to the ongoing collapse of the Western Jin in northern China, Cui Bi had hoped to welcome the fleeing Han Chinese emigres and refugees from the Central Plains into serving under him.

However, many of them instead preferred to join Murong Hui, a Xianbei chieftain and Jin vassal operating to the west of Cui Bi's territory in Liaodong.

One example was the official, Huangfu Ji (皇甫岌), who despite much persuasion from Cui Bi to join him, promptly decided to serve Murong Hui upon receiving his summon.

Cui Bi was unable to resist, so he abandoned his family and fled to Goguryeo with a few dozen riders, allowing Murong Hui to annex eastern Liaodong and absorb his followers.