The army of Yan and its allies under the command of Yue Yi managed to inflict a crushing defeat on Qi, capturing 70 cities.
The rumours successfully misled King Hui who then dismissed Yue Yi and replaced him with Ji Jie.
The Qi army was enraged at this action and in future battles with Yan refused to surrender because they didn't want to be mistreated.
Tian Dan's spies spread another rumour: "If Yan troops dig up Qi ancestor's graves and dishonour the deceased people, it will be very disheartening."
This counter-attack was reliant on an unconventional assault which included inducing panic in a herd of oxen, who were then set upon the Yan army.
Sharp blades were adjusted to their horns, and reeds dipped in grease, so that their tips could be set aflame, were attached to their tails.
The torches attached to the tails illuminated the night, the troops of Yan saw the lines on their bodies, which looked like dragons, and all those who met their horns were either killed or wounded.
As the army of Yan was falling back, in disorder and confusion, the soldiers of Qi chased it, and destroyed it as they pushed it northwards.
As he surged from one victory to another, the army of Yan was defeated every day, and finally reached the northern bank of the Yellow River.