Yao Chang, during his fight with Former Qin and Western Yan for the past several years, has often entrusted his son Yao Xing with guarding the base of operations (initially Beidi, in modern Tongchuan, Shaanxi, later Chang'an after Western Yan captured and then abandoned it), while his father engaged in campaigns.

Considered to be firm and gracious, he has spent much time studying literature despite the work necessary in maintaining a home base.

In 392, while Yao Chang is away on a campaign, Yao Xing, at the suggestion of the general Yao Fangcheng, executes a number of Former Qin generals whom Yao Chang had taken captive earlier.

While Yao Chang is angry on the surface, he appears to be secretly happy that Yao Xing had realized the danger that these generals posed.