The end of the campaign against Li Keyong, which Yang Fugong had opposed, had not ended the tension between Emperor Zhaozong and Yang, but has intensifies it.

Yang had sought to retire in fall 891, and Emperor Zhaozong had approved the retirement.

Soon thereafter, amid rumors that Yang is planning a rebellion at Chang'an against the emperor, along with his adoptive nephew Yang Shouxin, Emperor Zhaozong sends the imperial guards to preemptively attack Yang Fugong's mansion, and Yang Fugong and Yang Shouxin flee to Yang Shouliang's Shannan West Circuit.

Yang Fugong thereafter starts a rebellion against the imperial government, along with Yang Shouliang, Yang Shouxin, and other adoptive sons and nephews, including Yang Shouzhong, the military governor of Jinshang Circuit (headquartered in modern Ankang, Shaanxi), Yang Shouzhen, the military governor of Longjian Circuit (headquartered in modern Mianyang, Sichuan), and Yang Shouhou, the prefect of Mian Prefecture (in modern Mianyang).

In response to the Yangs' rebellion, Li Maozhen the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit (headquartered in modern Baoji, Shaanxi), along with his allies Wang Xingyu the military governor of Jingnan Circuit (headquartered in modern Xianyang, Shaanxi) and Han Jian, as well as his brother Li Maozhuang the military governor of Tianxiong Circuit (headquartered in modern Tianshui, Gansu) and Wang Xingyu's brother Wang Xingyue the military governor of Kuangguo Circuit (headquartered in modern Weinan), submit a joint petition for Li Maozhen to be made the commander of the forces against the Yangs.

Emperor Zhaozong, while inimical to the Yangs, is hesitant to give Li Maozhen more authority and territory, and therefore initially denies the request.

However, Li Maozhen and Wang Xingyu launch an attack anyway, forcing Emperor Zhaozong into approving Li Maozhen as the commander against the Yangs.

By winter 892, Xingyuan has fallen to Li Maozhen, and the Yangs flee (and are eventually captured by Han and delivered to Chang'an to be executed).