When Li finished the poem, he broke down in tears. People saw his behavior and reported to the commandery governor Zhao Tuo (), who sent soldiers to arrest him, but he was able to escape. He then went to his brother-in-law, Qiu Junming (), who was then the county magistrate for Yongqiu (雍丘, in modern Kaifeng, Henan). Qiu did not dare to keep him, but referred him to Wang Xiucai (), who was known for his bravery. Wang took Li in and gave his daughter to Li in marriage. Later, however, Qiu Junming's relative Qiu Huaiyi () informed on them, and by Emperor Yang's orders, the general Yang Wang () led soldiers to surround Wang Xiucai's house. Li happened to be away at the time and so escaped, but both Qiu Junming and Wang Xiucai were executed.