Battle of Yanshi

Battle of Yanshi
Part of the transition from Sui to Tang
Map of the situation in China during the transition from the Sui to the Tang, with the main contenders for the throne and the main military operations
Date 5–6 October 618 Location Yanshi, east of Luoyang 34°44′N 112°48′E / 34.73°N 112.80°E / 34.73; 112.80 Result Decisive victory of Wang Shichong. Li Mi's followers join Wang, who deposes Yang Tong and installs himself as emperor
Belligerents
Sui dynasty	Li Mi's forces
Commanders and leaders
Wang Shichong	Li Mi
Strength
20,000	c. 40,000
Casualties and losses
Light	Heavy, large numbers surrendered
Yanshi class=notpageimage| Location of the battle

The Battle of Yanshi (Chinese: 偃師之戰) was fought on 5–6 October 618 between the armies of Wang Shichong and Li Mi, rival contenders for the succession of the Sui dynasty. Wang, who was still ostensibly a Sui loyalist and had been blockaded in Luoyang for months by Li, gambled on a decisive battle and led his troops out to attack the besieging army. Li assembled his forces on a naturally defensible position north of Yanshi town, but Wang managed to surprise Li's forces and approach their camp before they could react. Aided by a secondary cavalry attack from the rear, Wang secured a decisive victory over Li's forces. Although Li managed to escape with part of his army, his authority was shattered, and his followers joined Wang. While Li sought refuge in the rival Tang court, Wang consolidated his control over Henan and eventually deposed the Sui puppet ruler Yang Tong and declared himself as emperor of the new Zheng dynasty. Wang's power lasted until his surrender to the Tang prince Li Shimin in 621, and Li Mi was captured and executed by Sheng Yanshi [zh].