Battle of Licheng

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Licheng
partof=the wars of the Three Kingdoms


caption=
date=213
place=Li County and Gangu County, Gansu
casus=
territory=
result=Yang Fu victory; Ma Chao flees
combatant1=Ma Chao's forces
combatant2=Yang Fu,
Cao Cao
commander1=Ma Chao
commander2=Yang Fu,
Jiang Xu,
Xiahou Yuan
strength1=
strength2=
casuaties1=
casualties2=The Battle of Licheng (鹵城之戰) of 213 was part of a rebellion by Yang Fu against the new rule of Ma Chao in the chaos during the end of Han Dynasty in China. The revolt was started by disgruntled parties under the new rule of Ma Chao, who forcefully took over the governorship of Liang province from Wei Kang in the Siege of Jicheng.

Background

Yang Fu wanted to rebel against Ma Chao to avenge his former lord Wei Kang. He had the support of his two friends Zhao Qu, and Liang Kuan. One day he went to Ma Chao and told him his wife died and he wanted to take two months off to bury her. On the way he visited his cousin Jiang Xu for aid. he decided to take action along with his two officers, Zhao Ang, and Yin Feng.

Ma Chao's March

Zhao Qu gave Ma Chao false counsel that Jiang Xu, Yang Fu, Zhao Ang, and Yin Feng immediately, and he would guard the city in his absence. After Ma Chao left with Ma Dai and Pang De to put down the rebellion, Zhao Qu, and Ling Kuan took over and slaughtered Ma Chao's whole family. Meanwhile Ma Chao, Ma Dai, and Pang De went to oppose Yang Fu and Jiang Xu in Li. At first it look like the defenders had no chance, but then they retreated and Ma Chao pursued. They kept on retreating until the second army led by Zhao Ang and Yin Feng arrived. Then Xiahou Yuan forces arrived sent by Cao Cao. Even Ma Chao couldn't stand an attack from three sides so he retreated.

Retreat from Ji

Ma Chao retreated back to his city of Ji. He hailed the gates, but his response was a flight of arrows. Zhao Qu and Liang Kuan appeared and they through his wife down. Ma Chao filled with rage almost fell off his horse. Eventually they reached Li, the night guards thought that they were their own troops returning. As soon as they were inside they began the slaughter of every one. The even killed Jiang Xu's aged mother.

Ma Chao's Retreat

The next day Xiahou Yuan arrived and Ma Chao retreated west. Only to run into Yang Fu seven miles later. He gripped his spear in rage and charged Yang Fu. Ma Chao injured him five times, but he lived. Then he retreated with Ma Dai and Pang De and took refuge under Zhang Lu.

Aftermath

Ma Chao went and took refuge under Zhang Lu, but he grew unhappy with him and him and his cousin went to live with the Di people. When Cao Cao took Hanzhong, Pang De went and joined him.

References

*http://kongming.net/novel/kma/machao.php
*http://kongming.net/novel/sgz/machao-2.php
*http://kongming.net/novel/sgz/machao.php
*http://www.threekingdoms.com/064.htm
*http://www.simaqianstudio.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5005