Sun Quan, the warlord who ruled the territories in Jiangdong at the time, appointed Zhou Fang as the Chancellor (相; i.e. chief administrative officer) of Qiantang County to deal with Peng Shi.
Within 10 days, Zhou Fang eliminated Peng Shi and the bandits, and was promoted to serve as the Commandant of the West District (西部都尉) in Danyang Commandery (丹楊郡).
Sun Quan appointed Zhou Fang as the Administrator (太守) of Poyang Commandery and tasked him and Hu Zong (胡綜) with putting down the rebellion.
Along the way, Wu forces led by Lu Xun and Zhou Fang ambushed Cao Xiu and his army and dealt them a crushing defeat with several thousands of casualties.
In recognition of Zhou Fang's contributions in the battle, Sun Quan promoted him to Major-General (裨將軍) and awarded him the title of a Secondary Marquis (關內侯).