Born in a military family in Tieling (in modern-day Liaoning province, Liaodong in the Ming empire's northeast), Li suffered from poverty during his childhood.
It was not until he reached the age of 40 that he received an official appointment, but he eventually became Liaodong Regional Commander (遼東總兵) with the backing of the Chief Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng.
Giocangga and his son Taksi, who had been subjects to Wang Gao's authority, secretly allied themselves with Li Chengliang to enhance their power.
[2] In the ensuing assault on Atai's fort, and under unclear circumstances, both Giocangga and Taksi were killed, by rival Jurchen leader Nikan Wailan who was also siding with the Ming troops under the command of Li Chengliang.
"[4] In addition to receiving stipends from the Ming capital, Li enhanced his wealth through "war booty, horse rustling in the borderlands, and coercive manipulation of prices in border markets.