Linyang City had fallen to Gao Yanping.
He had utilized the Wolf Ping Pass defender who would rather die than surrender.
After a feigned attempt at persuasion proved unsuccessful, Gao Yanping lashed Gou Heyi severely with his whip in frustration and then, in a fury, hung him from the flagpole.
Late at night, he arranged for some soldiers, under the pretense of wanting to return to their hometowns and not willing to die for the rebels, to rescue Gou Heyi. They broke through Yutang Pass and headed towards Linyang City.
Subsequently, Gao Yanping led his troops in pursuit, and seizing the opportunity when Shi Ruxing, the prefect of Linyang City, opened the gates to receive Gou, they followed him into the city and took Linyang City in one fell swoop.
One has to say,
though Gao Yanping may have been weak-willed, he did possess some talent in military strategy and tactics.
...
It was only after capturing Linyang City that Duge truly had a foothold of his own.