In 944, just 18 years old, Gao Huaide accompanied his father in resisting the invasion by the Liao forces from the north.

In 957, the Later Zhou military tried to invade Shouchun (in today's Shou County, Anhui Province) which was occupied by Southern Tang kingdom.

At night, Gao Huaide and a few men went across the Huai River for reconnaissance and in the morning caught a Southern Tang soldier who provided important information.

When Later Zhou was overthrown by the Song dynasty, Emperor Taizu of Song arranged for Gao Huaide to marry his younger sister, Princess Chang of Yan Kingdom.

Along with Shi Shouxin, Gao Huaide defeated Li Yun's rebellion.