The next point of contention in the…

The next point of contention in the troubled Tang dynasty comes in 895 with the death of Wang Chongying, the military governor of Huguo Circuit (headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi), which precipitates a succession struggle between his nephew Wang Ke (the adoptive son of Wang Chongying's brother and predecessor Wang Chongrong and biological son of another brother, Wang Chongjian, whom the Huguo soldiers supports, and his son Wang Gong the military governor of Baoyi Circuit (headquartered in modern Sanmenxia, Henan), who covets the more prosperous Huguo Circuit.

Li Keyong supports Wang Ke, while Li Maozhen, Wang Xingyu, and Han support Wang Gong, and all of them submit competing petitions on the behalf of the feuding cousins.

Emperor Zhaozong approves Li Keyong's petition and makes Wang Ke the military governor of Huguo.

In response, Li Maozhen, Wang Xingyu, and Han march on the capital again, killing the chancellors Wei Zhaodu (who had returned to his position as chancellor after the Xichuan campaign) and Li Xi, whom they perceive to be behind Emperor Zhaozong's decision.

The actions of Li Maozhen, Wang Xingyu, and Han, in turn, draw a strong reaction from Li Keyong, who launches his army, crosses the Yellow River, and prepares to attack the three of them.

Rumors develop that Li Maozhen and Wang Xingyu both want to seize the emperor and take him to their domains.

Emperor Zhaozong, in response, flees into the Qinling Mountains with his officials, and the people of Chang'an follow in droves.

Meanwhile, Li Keyong engages and defeats Wang's and Li Maozhen's troops, then puts Wang's capital Bin Prefecture under siege.

Wang flees and is killed by his own subordinates in flight.

Li Maozhen and Han capitulate, sending apologies and tributes to Emperor Zhaozong.

Emperor Zhaozong, who returns to Chang'an, bestows great honors on Li Keyong and his key subordinates, but hesitates when Li Keyong proposes to attack Li Maozhen, believing that if Li Keyong destroys Li Maozhen, the balance of power will be lost.

He therefore forbids Li Keyong from attacking Li Maozhen.

Li Keyong withdraws to Hedong Circuit, and, owing to his eventual defeats at the hands of Zhu Quanzhong, will not be able to return again.