Shangdang, known as the "spine of the world," commands a strategic view over central China and forms the vital link to Hedong and Bingzhou, earning it the title "the throat of the state of Jin." Its terrain is exceptionally formidable, making it a coveted battleground for military strategists since ancient times. In 402 BC, the states of Wei, Zhao, and Han divided the state of Jin among themselves, and Shangdang fell under Han's control. However, the rising power of Qin had long coveted Shangdang. In 280 BC, the Qin general Bai Qi penetrated deep into Shangdang and captured Guanglang City (modern-day Kangying Village in Gaoping). At that time, Qin's appetite for Shangdang was already evident, but due to intense warfare with Chu, Qin withdrew its forces to ease the situation. After Qin achieved victory in its campaigns against Chu, it once again exerted heavy pressure on Shangdang in 262 BC.
In the forty-fifth year of King Zhao of Qin (262 BC), Qin attacked Shangdang. Feng Ting, the Han governor of Shangdang, refused to surrender to Qin and voluntarily presented the territory to the state of Zhao, for which he was enfeoffed as the Lord of Huayang. The renowned Zhao general Lian Po stationed his troops along the southern border of Shangdang to resist the Qin forces. Zhao troops had been garrisoned at Dongping and Xiping in Bayi Township of present-day Changzhi County, and had built fortresses at Shihou Fort to guard the vital passes, maintaining a stalemate with the Qin army for three years.
In the forty-seventh year of King Zhao of Qin (260 BC), Fan Ju employed a stratagem of sowing discord, tricking King Xiaocheng of Zhao into replacing the experienced Lian Po with Zhao Kuo, who had no practical knowledge of warfare. The arrogant Zhao Kuo changed Lian Po's defensive tactics, launched a blind offensive with his main army, and forcibly ordered the garrisons at Dongying, Xiying, and Shihou Fort to advance toward Changping (at the border of present-day Changzhi County and Gaoping City).
At this critical moment, King Zhao of Qin specially appointed the highly decorated and feared general Bai Qi, the Marquis of Wu'an, as the overall commander. Bai Qi, recognizing Zhao Kuo's rashness, overconfidence, and lack of combat experience, adopted a strategy of luring the enemy deep into his territory and encircling them from the flanks. At the beginning of the decisive battle, he feigned retreat. Zhao Kuo, growing even more reckless, committed his entire army in pursuit, believing he was capitalizing on a victory. When Zhao's forces reached the Qin fortifications, the main Qin army held their positions firmly while launching two surprise attacks: one force of 25,000 light cavalry swiftly moved behind the Zhao army, seized the Qinling Mountains (also known as Baoshan, at the junction of present-day Gaoping, Lingchuan, and Changzhi County), cutting off Zhao's retreat and severing their supply lines and reinforcements ("blocking Zhao's relief forces and provisions"); another elite force of 5,000 troops penetrated the center of the Zhao army, splitting it into two isolated halves, disrupting command and rendering the army unable to support its front and rear. The Zhao army was instantly trapped like fish in a pot. Bai Qi then adopted a strategy of patience and control. From mid-July to September, the Zhao army was besieged for a full 46 days, running out of food and water, resorting to cannibalism, and collapsing into chaos without fighting. Zhao Kuo organized four breakout attempts, but was killed by an arrow. With the loss of their commander, the Zhao army immediately fell into disarray. Seizing the opportunity, the Qin forces launched a fierce assault. The Zhao soldiers dropped their weapons, removed their armor, and surrendered en masse. They were subsequently buried alive by Bai Qi in the areas of Wangnan (also known as Shagushan or Jiyuangu), Jiantou, Weicheng, Gukou, and Jinmen Mountain in present-day Gaoping City. Zhao Kuo's empty talk and theoretical discourse led to the massacre of over ten thousand soldiers. The savage and brutal mass killing caused the blood of tens of thousands of soldiers to flow like a river, and Zhao Kuo himself met his end.