Shi Xiancheng
Encyclopedia
Shi Xiancheng (died July 30, 829) was a general of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
, who ruled Weibo Circuit (魏博, headquartered in modern Handan
, Hebei
) semi-independently from the imperial government.
stock, but had submitted to Tang Dynasty
and resided at Lingwu. Both his grandfather Shi Daode (史道德) and father Shi Zhouluo (史周洛) served in the army of Weibo Circuit and, for their achievements, were created princes, with Shi Zhouluo having done so under the military governor (Jiedushi
) Tian Ji'an
. Shi Xiancheng was known for bravery and served under his father Shi Zhouluo in the Weibo army.
By 819
, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong
, when Tian Hongzheng
was serving as military governor and was following imperial orders in attacking the warlord Li Shidao
, who ruled Pinglu Circuit (平盧, headquartered in modern Tai'an
, Shandong
), Shi Xiancheng served as Tian's forward commander in leading 4,000 soldiers across the Yellow River
to attack Pinglu. With Weibo forces pressuring Pinglu's capital Yun Prefecture (鄆州) directly, Li's subordinate Liu Wu
killed Li and surrendered. As a result of Shi's contributions, he was given the honorary title of deputy chief imperial censor (御史中丞, Yushi Zhongcheng).
and was succeeded by his son Emperor Muzong
, however, soldiers at Lulong (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
) and Chengde (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang
, Hebei
) Chengde rebelled under the leadership of Zhu Kerong
and Wang Tingcou
, respectively, in 821
— and in Wang's uprising, he killed Tian Hongzheng, who had been transferred to Chengde Circuit. Tian's successor as military governor of Weibo, Li Su
, was originally set to launch a campaign against Chengde when he fell ill. Emperor Muzong thus made Tian's son Tian Bu
as the new military governor of Weibo.
Tian Bu trusted Shi from the time they served together under Tian Hongzheng, and he made Shi his forward commander, giving Shi the elite troops of Weibo. In winter 821, Tian Bu launched his 30,000 troops to attack Wang, capturing two Chengde outposts just south of Nangong (南宮, in modern Xingtai
, Hebei
). However, as recounted in a petition from Bai Juyi to Emperor Muzong at the time, he then became bogged down because his soldiers, who had been accustomed to rich rewards from the imperial government, lost their motivation. Meanwhile, as there were heavy snowstorms at the time, the supplies to be shipped by the imperial government's director of finances were not arriving, and Tian ordered that revenues be diverted from the six Weibo prefectures for military use — causing the officers to resent him for stripping the six prefectures of their wealth. Shi, who was ambitious, thus used this opportunity to foster dissent in the Weibo ranks. In spring 822
, when there was an imperial order for some Weibo soldiers to report to the camp of Li Guangyan
the military governor of Zhongwu Circuit (忠武, headquartered in modern Xuchang
, Henan
) to attack Chengde from the east, the Weibo soldiers largely deserted Tian and fled to Shi's camp. Tian was only able to maintain control over 8,000 soldiers and was forced to return to Wei Prefecture.
Once Tian returned to Wei Prefecture, he again discussed with his senior officers about launching another campaign against Chengde. The officers refused to follow his orders and stated that they would only follow him if he agreed to reassert independence from the imperial government. He saw the hopelessness of the situation he was in, and he wrote a final petition to Emperor Muzong and entrusting it to his staff member Li Shi
(who would eventually be chancellor) and then committed suicide. Shi, upon hearing of Tian Bu's death, returned to Weibo's capital Wei Prefecture (魏州) and was subsequently supported by the soldiers to serve as acting military governor. He was soon confirmed by the imperial government as military governor. It was said that he was pleased by the imperial grace and therefore, on the surface, continued to be obedient to the imperial government, but was secretly conspiring with Zhu and Wang (both whom soon thereafter received imperial commissions of their own).
In 822
, when soldiers at Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
, Henan
) rebelled against and expelled the military governor Li Yuan (李愿) under the leadership of Li Jie (李㝏), Shi supported Li Jie's request to be made military governor, and further postured by placing his troops at Liyang (黎陽, in modern Hebi
, Henan
) as if he would cross the Yellow River to aid Li Jie. However, after Li Jie's rebellion was subsequently crushed by an imperial campaign, Shi changed his attitude and said to the imperial official sent to confer with him, Wei Wenke (韋文恪):
, by which time Emperor Muzong son Emperor Jingzong
was emperor, Li Quanlüe (李全略) the military governor of Henghai Circuit (橫海, headquartered in modern Cangzhou
, Hebei
) died, and Li Quanlüe's son Li Tongjie
seized control of the circuit without imperial sanction. Shi Xiancheng, who was connected to Li Quanlüe by marriage (one of Shi's children married one of Li Quanlüe's children), made a false report to the imperial government that Li Tongjie had been expelled by the Henghai troops and settled at Weibo, and then made another report that Li Tongjie had returned to Henghai.
Emperor Jingzong initially took no action against Li Tongjie. After he died later in the year and was succeeded by his brother Emperor Wenzong
, in 827
, Emperor Wenzong, not wanting to let Li Tongjie occupy Henghai, issued an edict making him the military governor of Yanhai Circuit (兗海, headquartered in modern Jining
, Shandong
) while transferring Wu Chongyin
the military governor of Tianping Circuit (天平, headquartered in modern Tai'an — at Pinglu's old headquarters Yun Prefecture) to Henghai. Concerned that Shi and the other warlords would encourage Li Tongjie to resist, he conferred various honorary titles on them, and in Shi's case, he was made honorary chancellor with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事). When Li Tongjie subsequently refused to report to Yanhai, Emperor Wenzong issued an edict mobilizing the troops of Shi, Wu, Wang Zhixing
the military governor of Wuning Circuit (武寧, headquartered in modern Xuzhou
, Jiangsu
), Kang Zhimu (康志睦) the military governor of Pinglu Circuit (whose headquarters had moved to modern Weifang
, Shandong
), Li Zaiyi
the military governor of Lulong Circuit, Li Ting (李聽) the military governor of Yicheng Circuit (義成, headquartered in modern Anyang
, Henan
), and Zhang Bo (張播) the military governor of Yiwu Circuit (義武, headquartered in modern Baoding
, Hebei
) to attack Li Tongjie. However, Shi was initially planning on secretly aiding Li Tongjie. When he sent an officer to the office of the chancellors' at the capital Chang'an
, however, the chancellor Wei Chuhou
pointed out to Shi's officer that, while the senior chancellor Pei Du
believed in Shi's faithfulness, Wei himself did not. Fearful that Wei would suggest to Emperor Wenzong that imperial troops act against him, Shi did not dare to aid LI Tongjie. Subsequently, in 828
, with his son and deputy military governor Shi Tang (史唐) advocating sending troops against Henghai, Shi Xiancheng commissioned Shi Tang and the officer Qi Zhishao (亓志紹) to attack Henghai.
With imperial troops scoring victories over Henghai forces, Wang Tingcou, who was allied with Li Tongjie, could not save Li Tongjie, and instead sent messengers to persuade Qi to turn against Shi Xiancheng and Shi Tang to take over Weibo. In winter 828, Qi rebelled and marched back toward Wei Prefecture. Emperor Wenzong sent the official Bo Qi (柏耆) to Weibo to comfort Shi's troops, while ordering Yicheng and Heyang (河陽, headquartered in modern Luoyang
, Henan
) forces to aid Shi against Qi. Subsequently, the joint forces under Li Ting and Shi Tang defeated Qi, and Qi fled to Chengde.
With LI Tongjie near defeat, Shi was insecure about his own position. Shi Tang (whose name was soon changed to Shi Xiaozhang (史孝章)) suggested that he surrender his command and go to Chang'an to pay homage to Emperor Wenzong. In spring 829
, Shi Xiancheng thus sent Shi Xiaozhang to Chang'an to offer to surrender his command. Subsequently, after Li Tongjie surrendered (but was nevertheless executed by Bo), Emperor Wenzong divided Weibo into two circuits — making Shi Xiaozhang the military governor of one of the new circuits, consisting of Xiang (相州, in modern Anyang), Wei (衛州, in modern Xinxiang
, Henan
, note different character than Weibo's capital prefecture), and Chan (澶州, in modern Anyang) Prefectures, while transferring Shi Xiancheng to Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi
) and Li Ting to Weibo. Emperor Wenzong also conferred the honorary chancellor title of Shizhong (侍中) on Shi Xiancheng.
Li Ting, however, did not report to Weibo immediately. Meanwhile, Shi Xiancheng was stripping the wealth of Weibo, intending to take the wealth with him to Hezhong. The soldiers, angry at him and fearful that he had effectively sold them out to the imperial government, mutinied and killed him under the leadership of He Jintao
. When Li Ting arrived, He Jintao defeated him. Emperor Wenzong was forced to acknowledge He as military governor and further return the three prefectures originally given to Shi Xiaozhang. Shi Xiancheng was given posthumous honors, and Shi Xiaozhang would subsequently serve as military governor at three different circuits.
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, who ruled Weibo Circuit (魏博, headquartered in modern Handan
Handan
Handan is a prefecture-level city located in the southwestern part of Hebei Province of China.- History :Handan was the capital of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period , after the capital moved from Zhongmu. The city was conquered by the State of Qin after the virtual annexation of...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) semi-independently from the imperial government.
Background
It is not known when Shi Xiancheng was born. His ancestors were of XiKumo Xi
The Kumo Xi ) were a Mongolic steppe people located in current Manchuria from 207 AD to 907 AD. After the death of their ancestor Tadun in 207 they were no longer called Wuhuan but joined the Khitan Xianbei in submitting to the Yuwen Xianbei. Their history is widely linked to the more famous Khitan...
stock, but had submitted to Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
and resided at Lingwu. Both his grandfather Shi Daode (史道德) and father Shi Zhouluo (史周洛) served in the army of Weibo Circuit and, for their achievements, were created princes, with Shi Zhouluo having done so under the military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
) Tian Ji'an
Tian Ji'an
Tian Ji'an , courtesy name Kui , formally the Prince of Yanmen , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who, as military governor , ruled Weibo Circuit in a de facto independent manner from the imperial regime.- Background :Tian Ji'an was born in 781 or...
. Shi Xiancheng was known for bravery and served under his father Shi Zhouluo in the Weibo army.
By 819
819
Year 819 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* The Abbasid capital is moved back to Baghdad .- Europe :...
, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
Emperor Xianzong of Tang , personal name Li Chun , né Li Chun , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
, when Tian Hongzheng
Tian Hongzheng
Tian Hongzheng , né Tian Xing , courtesy name Andao , formally Duke Zhongmin of Yi , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
was serving as military governor and was following imperial orders in attacking the warlord Li Shidao
Li Shidao
Li Shidao was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who, as the successor to his brother Li Shigu, ruled Pinglu Circuit in a de facto independent manner from the imperial government...
, who ruled Pinglu Circuit (平盧, headquartered in modern Tai'an
Tai'an
Tai'an is a prefecture-level city in western Shandong province, People's Republic of China.Centered around Mount Tai, the city borders the provincial capital of Jinan to the north, Laiwu to the northeast, Zibo to the east, Linyi to the southeast, Liaocheng to the extreme west and Jining to the south...
, Shandong
Shandong
' is a Province located on the eastern coast of the People's Republic of China. Shandong has played a major role in Chinese history from the beginning of Chinese civilization along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and served as a pivotal cultural and religious site for Taoism, Chinese...
), Shi Xiancheng served as Tian's forward commander in leading 4,000 soldiers across the Yellow River
Yellow River
The Yellow River or Huang He, formerly known as the Hwang Ho, is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world at the estimated length of . Originating in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai Province in western China, it flows through nine provinces of China and empties into...
to attack Pinglu. With Weibo forces pressuring Pinglu's capital Yun Prefecture (鄆州) directly, Li's subordinate Liu Wu
Liu Wu
Liu Wu , formally the Prince of Pengcheng , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, whose killing of his superior, the warlord Li Shidao, and subsequent submission to the imperial government, were the high point of Emperor Xianzong's campaign to end warlordism...
killed Li and surrendered. As a result of Shi's contributions, he was given the honorary title of deputy chief imperial censor (御史中丞, Yushi Zhongcheng).
During Emperor Muzong's reign
As a result of Emperor Xianzong's military victories, the various circuits all submitted to his rule. After Emperor Xianzong died in 820820
Year 820 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Tahir, the son of a slave, is rewarded with the governorship of Khurasan for supporting the caliphate...
and was succeeded by his son Emperor Muzong
Emperor Muzong of Tang
Emperor Muzong of Tang , personal name Li Heng , né Li You , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 821 to 824. Emperor Muzong was the son of Emperor Xianzong...
, however, soldiers at Lulong (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
) and Chengde (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is the capital and largest city of North China's Hebei province. Administratively a prefecture-level city, it is about south of Beijing...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) Chengde rebelled under the leadership of Zhu Kerong
Zhu Kerong
Zhu Kerong , formally the Prince of Wuxing , was a military governor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who ruled Lulong Circuit independent of the imperial authority during the reigns of Emperor Muzong and Emperor Jingzong, until he and his son Zhu Yanling were killed by their own soldiers in...
and Wang Tingcou
Wang Tingcou
Wang Tingcou , formally the Duke of Taiyuan , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who, in 821, during the reign of Emperor Muzong, took over control of Chengde Circuit and thereafter ruled it in a de facto independent manner from the imperial government...
, respectively, in 821
821
Year 821 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Tang Mu Zong becomes emperor of China.* First recorded session of the Parliament of Croatia- Byzantine Empire :...
— and in Wang's uprising, he killed Tian Hongzheng, who had been transferred to Chengde Circuit. Tian's successor as military governor of Weibo, Li Su
Li Su
Li Su was a military general serving under the warlord Dong Zhuo during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history.Li Su originally served as a Commandant of Cavalry under Dong Zhuo. He later assisted Lü Bu, who was from the same village as him, in the assassination of Dong Zhuo...
, was originally set to launch a campaign against Chengde when he fell ill. Emperor Muzong thus made Tian's son Tian Bu
Tian Bu
Tian Bu , courtesy name Dunli , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He was the son of the general Tian Hongzheng, and after Tian Hongzheng's death at the hands of Chengde Circuit mutineers was put in command of Tian Hongzheng's old command Weibo Circuit Tian Bu (田布) (785 –...
as the new military governor of Weibo.
Tian Bu trusted Shi from the time they served together under Tian Hongzheng, and he made Shi his forward commander, giving Shi the elite troops of Weibo. In winter 821, Tian Bu launched his 30,000 troops to attack Wang, capturing two Chengde outposts just south of Nangong (南宮, in modern Xingtai
Xingtai
Xingtai is a city in southern Hebei province, North China. The prefecture-level city of Xingtai, with a total area of , administers 2 districts, 2 county-level cities and 15 counties. In 2004 it had an urban population of 561,400 and a total population of 6.73 million...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
). However, as recounted in a petition from Bai Juyi to Emperor Muzong at the time, he then became bogged down because his soldiers, who had been accustomed to rich rewards from the imperial government, lost their motivation. Meanwhile, as there were heavy snowstorms at the time, the supplies to be shipped by the imperial government's director of finances were not arriving, and Tian ordered that revenues be diverted from the six Weibo prefectures for military use — causing the officers to resent him for stripping the six prefectures of their wealth. Shi, who was ambitious, thus used this opportunity to foster dissent in the Weibo ranks. In spring 822
822
Year 822 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Byzantine Empire :* The civil war between Byzantine Emperor Michael II and the general Thomas the Slav continues...
, when there was an imperial order for some Weibo soldiers to report to the camp of Li Guangyan
Li Guangyan
Li Guangyan , courtesy name Guangyuan , né Adie Guangyan , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He was known for his participation in various campaigns against regional warlords during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Muzong.- Background :Adie Guangyan was born in 761,...
the military governor of Zhongwu Circuit (忠武, headquartered in modern Xuchang
Xuchang
Xuchang is a prefecture-level city in central Henan province in Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the northwest, Kaifeng to the northeast, Zhoukou to the east, Luohe to the southeast, and Pingdingshan to the southwest....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
) to attack Chengde from the east, the Weibo soldiers largely deserted Tian and fled to Shi's camp. Tian was only able to maintain control over 8,000 soldiers and was forced to return to Wei Prefecture.
Once Tian returned to Wei Prefecture, he again discussed with his senior officers about launching another campaign against Chengde. The officers refused to follow his orders and stated that they would only follow him if he agreed to reassert independence from the imperial government. He saw the hopelessness of the situation he was in, and he wrote a final petition to Emperor Muzong and entrusting it to his staff member Li Shi
Li Shi (Tang Dynasty)
Li Shi , courtesy name Zhongyu , formally the Count of Longxi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
(who would eventually be chancellor) and then committed suicide. Shi, upon hearing of Tian Bu's death, returned to Weibo's capital Wei Prefecture (魏州) and was subsequently supported by the soldiers to serve as acting military governor. He was soon confirmed by the imperial government as military governor. It was said that he was pleased by the imperial grace and therefore, on the surface, continued to be obedient to the imperial government, but was secretly conspiring with Zhu and Wang (both whom soon thereafter received imperial commissions of their own).
In 822
822
Year 822 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Byzantine Empire :* The civil war between Byzantine Emperor Michael II and the general Thomas the Slav continues...
, when soldiers at Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
Kaifeng
Kaifeng , known previously by several names , is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, Central China. Nearly 5 million people live in the metropolitan area...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
) rebelled against and expelled the military governor Li Yuan (李愿) under the leadership of Li Jie (李㝏), Shi supported Li Jie's request to be made military governor, and further postured by placing his troops at Liyang (黎陽, in modern Hebi
Hebi
Hebi is a prefecture-level city in northern Henan province, People's Republic of China. Situated in mountainous terrain at the edge of the Shanxi plateau, Hebi is about 25 miles south of Anyang, 40 miles northeast of Xinxiang and 65 miles north of Kaifeng....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
) as if he would cross the Yellow River to aid Li Jie. However, after Li Jie's rebellion was subsequently crushed by an imperial campaign, Shi changed his attitude and said to the imperial official sent to confer with him, Wei Wenke (韋文恪):
During Emperor Jingzong's and Emperor Wenzong's reigns
In 826826
Year 826 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar.- Religion :* June 24 – The Danish king Harald Klak accepts Christianity.- Deaths :...
, by which time Emperor Muzong son Emperor Jingzong
Emperor Jingzong of Tang
Emperor Jingzong of Tang , personal name Li Zhan , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 824 to 827...
was emperor, Li Quanlüe (李全略) the military governor of Henghai Circuit (橫海, headquartered in modern Cangzhou
Cangzhou
Cangzhou is a prefecture-level city in Hebei province, People's Republic of China. Cangzhou's urban center has a population of approximately 514,074 at the 2010 census which correspond to the built up area), while the prefecture-level administrative region in total has a population of 7,134,053...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) died, and Li Quanlüe's son Li Tongjie
Li Tongjie
Li Tongjie was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. After the death of his father Li Quanlüe in 826, Li Tongjie tried to take over Henghai Circuit , which his father had been the military governor of, and he rejected a subsequent imperial edict for him to serve at a different circuit...
seized control of the circuit without imperial sanction. Shi Xiancheng, who was connected to Li Quanlüe by marriage (one of Shi's children married one of Li Quanlüe's children), made a false report to the imperial government that Li Tongjie had been expelled by the Henghai troops and settled at Weibo, and then made another report that Li Tongjie had returned to Henghai.
Emperor Jingzong initially took no action against Li Tongjie. After he died later in the year and was succeeded by his brother Emperor Wenzong
Emperor Wenzong of Tang
Emperor Wenzong of Tang , personal name Li Ang , né Li Han , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 827 to 840. Emperor Wenzong was the second son of Emperor Muzong and younger brother of Emperor Jingzong...
, in 827
827
Year 827 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Beginning of the invasion of Sicily by the Aghlabid dynasty of Ifriqiya . The campaign in the island against Byzantium will take 51 years...
, Emperor Wenzong, not wanting to let Li Tongjie occupy Henghai, issued an edict making him the military governor of Yanhai Circuit (兗海, headquartered in modern Jining
Jining, Shandong
Jining is a prefecture-level city in southwestern Shandong province, People's Republic of China. It borders Heze to the southwest, Zaozhuang to the southeast, Tai'an to the northeast, and the provinces of Henan and Jiangsu to the northwest and south respectively...
, Shandong
Shandong
' is a Province located on the eastern coast of the People's Republic of China. Shandong has played a major role in Chinese history from the beginning of Chinese civilization along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and served as a pivotal cultural and religious site for Taoism, Chinese...
) while transferring Wu Chongyin
Wu Chongyin
Wu Chongyin , courtesy name Baojun , formally Duke Yimu of Zhangyi , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty.- Background :...
the military governor of Tianping Circuit (天平, headquartered in modern Tai'an — at Pinglu's old headquarters Yun Prefecture) to Henghai. Concerned that Shi and the other warlords would encourage Li Tongjie to resist, he conferred various honorary titles on them, and in Shi's case, he was made honorary chancellor with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事). When Li Tongjie subsequently refused to report to Yanhai, Emperor Wenzong issued an edict mobilizing the troops of Shi, Wu, Wang Zhixing
Wang Zhixing
Wang Zhixing , courtesy name Kuangjian , formally the Prince of Yanmen , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
the military governor of Wuning Circuit (武寧, headquartered in modern Xuzhou
Xuzhou
Xuzhou , otherwise known as Pengcheng in ancient times, is a major city in and the fourth largest prefecture-level city of Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
), Kang Zhimu (康志睦) the military governor of Pinglu Circuit (whose headquarters had moved to modern Weifang
Weifang
Weifang is a prefecture-level city in central Shandong province, People's Republic of China. It borders Dongying to the northwest, Zibo to the west, Linyi to the southwest, Rizhao to the south, Qingdao to the east, and looks out to the Laizhou Bay to the north.-History:Weifang is a historical city...
, Shandong
Shandong
' is a Province located on the eastern coast of the People's Republic of China. Shandong has played a major role in Chinese history from the beginning of Chinese civilization along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and served as a pivotal cultural and religious site for Taoism, Chinese...
), Li Zaiyi
Li Zaiyi
Li Zaiyi , courtesy name Fanggu , formally the Prince of Wuwei , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who, from 826 to 831, ruled Lulong Circuit in de facto independence from the imperial government as the circuit's military governor , although he was respectful to Emperor Wenzong and...
the military governor of Lulong Circuit, Li Ting (李聽) the military governor of Yicheng Circuit (義成, headquartered in modern Anyang
Anyang
Anyang is a prefecture-level city in Henan province, People's Republic of China. The northernmost city in Henan, Anyang borders Puyang to the east, Hebi and Xinxiang to the south, and the provinces of Shanxi and Hebei to its west and north respectively....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
), and Zhang Bo (張播) the military governor of Yiwu Circuit (義武, headquartered in modern Baoding
Baoding
-Administrative divisions:Baoding prefecture-level city consists of 3 municipal districts, 4 county-level cities, 18 counties:-Demographics:The Baoding urban area has a population of around 1,006,000 . The population of the Baoding administrative area is 10,890,000. The considerable majority are...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) to attack Li Tongjie. However, Shi was initially planning on secretly aiding Li Tongjie. When he sent an officer to the office of the chancellors' at the capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
, however, the chancellor Wei Chuhou
Wei Chuhou
Wei Chuhou , né Wei Chun , courtesy name Dezai , formally the Duke of Lingchang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong....
pointed out to Shi's officer that, while the senior chancellor Pei Du
Pei Du
Pei Du , courtesy name Zhongli , formally Duke Wenzhong of Jin , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong, Emperor Xianzong's son Emperor Muzong, and Emperor Xianzong's grandsons Emperor Jingzong and Emperor Wenzong...
believed in Shi's faithfulness, Wei himself did not. Fearful that Wei would suggest to Emperor Wenzong that imperial troops act against him, Shi did not dare to aid LI Tongjie. Subsequently, in 828
828
Year 828 was a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Al-Andalus: The city of Merida rises twice in one year against the Umayyad emirate....
, with his son and deputy military governor Shi Tang (史唐) advocating sending troops against Henghai, Shi Xiancheng commissioned Shi Tang and the officer Qi Zhishao (亓志紹) to attack Henghai.
With imperial troops scoring victories over Henghai forces, Wang Tingcou, who was allied with Li Tongjie, could not save Li Tongjie, and instead sent messengers to persuade Qi to turn against Shi Xiancheng and Shi Tang to take over Weibo. In winter 828, Qi rebelled and marched back toward Wei Prefecture. Emperor Wenzong sent the official Bo Qi (柏耆) to Weibo to comfort Shi's troops, while ordering Yicheng and Heyang (河陽, headquartered in modern Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
) forces to aid Shi against Qi. Subsequently, the joint forces under Li Ting and Shi Tang defeated Qi, and Qi fled to Chengde.
With LI Tongjie near defeat, Shi was insecure about his own position. Shi Tang (whose name was soon changed to Shi Xiaozhang (史孝章)) suggested that he surrender his command and go to Chang'an to pay homage to Emperor Wenzong. In spring 829
829
Year 829 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Egbert of Wessex conquers Mercia and is recognized as Bretwalda.* The Saracens ravage the coast of Dalmatia....
, Shi Xiancheng thus sent Shi Xiaozhang to Chang'an to offer to surrender his command. Subsequently, after Li Tongjie surrendered (but was nevertheless executed by Bo), Emperor Wenzong divided Weibo into two circuits — making Shi Xiaozhang the military governor of one of the new circuits, consisting of Xiang (相州, in modern Anyang), Wei (衛州, in modern Xinxiang
Xinxiang
Xinxiang is a prefecture-level city in northern Henan province, People's Republic of China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to its southwest, Kaifeng to its southeast, Hebi and Anyang to its north, Jiaozuo to its west, and the provinces of Shanxi and Shandong to its northwest and...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
, note different character than Weibo's capital prefecture), and Chan (澶州, in modern Anyang) Prefectures, while transferring Shi Xiancheng to Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi
Shanxi
' is a province in Northern China. Its one-character abbreviation is "晋" , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
) and Li Ting to Weibo. Emperor Wenzong also conferred the honorary chancellor title of Shizhong (侍中) on Shi Xiancheng.
Li Ting, however, did not report to Weibo immediately. Meanwhile, Shi Xiancheng was stripping the wealth of Weibo, intending to take the wealth with him to Hezhong. The soldiers, angry at him and fearful that he had effectively sold them out to the imperial government, mutinied and killed him under the leadership of He Jintao
He Jintao
He Jintao was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who, as military governor of Weibo Circuit , ruled the circuit in de facto independence from the imperial government....
. When Li Ting arrived, He Jintao defeated him. Emperor Wenzong was forced to acknowledge He as military governor and further return the three prefectures originally given to Shi Xiaozhang. Shi Xiancheng was given posthumous honors, and Shi Xiaozhang would subsequently serve as military governor at three different circuits.