His father Yang Ye (then still called Liu Jiye), a distinguished general, had commented that Yanlang resembled him, and would bring him along on military campaigns.

[3] At the border, Yang continued his father's tradition of instilling strong discipline in his troops by setting good examples.

[4] In the winter of 999, Yang was guarding the small city of Suicheng (遂城, still in today's Xushui County) when the invading Liao army laid siege and attacked it continuously.

Since the temperature was freezing, water quickly turned into ice, making Liao's attempt to climb the city walls impossible.

[5] News of the victory was initially not reported to Emperor Zhenzong of Song by Fu Qian (傅潛), the regional military commissioner in charge of 80,000 soldiers.

Previously, when the "two Yangs" and other generals repeatedly requested for soldiers and orders to attack, Fu always scolded them rudely.

[3] When the Liao forces invaded again in the winter, Yang fought them on but kept on retreating, finally luring his enemy to the west of a mountainous place called Yangshan (羊山, in today's Xushui County), where he had set up an ambush.

Speaking to his ministers, Emperor Zhengzong characterized the "two Yangs" as loyal and brave, adding, "Many in the imperial court are jealous of them, but I will defend them with (my) power.

"[8] When in 1002, the "two Yangs" were attacked on the way to reinforce the besieged Baozhou and lost many of soldiers, Emperor Zhenzong pardoned them, saying, "(Their) bravery is renowned, (I) will just watch their future accomplishments.

"[3] In 1004, the Liao dynasty initiated a major invasion to the south, and came to a standstill with the Song forces in Chanzhou (in today's Puyang).

[3] According to History of Song, Yang Yanzhao was an intelligent and brave general who commanded a disciplined army for several decades on the frontier.