Yangzhou, at the junction of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, was a center of commerce, finance and industry, and one of the wealthiest cities in Tang China, with a large population of foreign merchants.
Their army initially defeated the army of the governor, Deng Jingshan (鄧景山), at Xucheng County (modern Sihong, Jiangsu), before crossing the Yangtze River and defeating Li Yao, who fled to Xuancheng.
Since Tian had previously fought for the An Shi Rebellion, he was interested in reingratiating himself with the Tang Emperor.
When Tian's forces arrived, they robbed the inhabitants, killing thousands of Arab and Persian merchants.
[2] Tian then travelled to the Tang capital, Chang'an, and presented looted gold and silver to the emperor.