A staunch supporter of Yuan Shikai, he was nicknamed the "Adopted Prince", and when Duan Qirui, a fellow Hefei native, took the Beijing government in 1917, Duan was made a Minister of War; however, with Duan Qirui's defeat by 1920, Duan Zhigui fled to the Japanese embassy.
A loyal advocate of Yuan Shikai, he was dubbed the "Adopted Prince", and when Duan Qirui, a fellow Hefei native, took charge of the Beijing government in 1917, Duan was appointed War Minister; however, with Duan Qirui's defeat by 1920, Duan Zhigui sought asylum at the Japanese embassy.