Mao Wenlong vs Shi Siming

Mao Wenlong was appointed commander of Ming forces on Pi Island (now in North Korea), a strategic base for harassing the Later Jin (Manchu) forces. He built a fortified position that threatened Manchu supply lines and coastal areas.

Mao Wenlong led raids from Pi Island against Manchu coastal settlements, disrupting their logistics and tying down Manchu forces. These operations provided some relief to Ming armies fighting on the Liaodong front.

Ming general Yuan Chonghuan, suspecting Mao Wenlong of treason and unauthorized dealings with the Manchus, executed him on Pi Island. The execution removed a key Ming commander but also demoralized the Ming military and weakened defenses against the Manchus.

Shi Siming, a fellow general and friend of An Lushan, joined the rebellion from the outset. He commanded forces in the northern theater, securing key territories in Hebei and Shanxi for the Yan dynasty.

After An Lushan's assassination, Shi Siming briefly submitted to the Tang court. He was pardoned and given a military command, but he remained suspicious of Tang intentions and soon rebelled again.

Shi Siming rebelled again, killing An Qingxu and seizing control of the Yan dynasty. He declared himself emperor and continued the war against Tang, proving to be a more capable commander than An Qingxu.

Shi Siming defeated Tang forces at Yancheng (modern Anyang), killing the Tang general Li Guangbi's ally. This victory allowed him to consolidate control over the Yellow River valley and threaten Luoyang.

Shi Siming was assassinated by his son Shi Chaoyi, who feared being replaced as heir. The patricide weakened the Yan dynasty, leading to internal strife and eventual defeat by Tang forces in 763.