(外黃, east of modern day Qi County, Henan). He was defeated at first, but managed to regather his scattered troops and continued the assault. Gao eventually died of natural causes, allowing Xiang to overcome his leaderless army. Xiang then advanced to Xuchang and occupied the city. Huan Wen's second northern expedition The next year in 356, Huan Wen was appointed by Jin as Grand Commander of the Expeditionary Force to campaign against Yao Xiang. At the same time, Yao Xiang led his army to capture Luoyang from the warlord Zhou Cheng (周成). He planned to establish a base in the Hedong region (河東; around present-day Shanxi) before pressing on to conquer Guandong. However, he was unable to capture Luoyang even after a month of siege. His Chief Clerk Wang Liang (王亮) advised him to retreat, but he refused, refuting his argument by claiming that Luoyang would make a valuable stronghold. Not long after, Wang Liang died, and Yao Xiang became remorseful of his death. Soon enough, Huan Wen arrived at the Yi River, and Yao Xiang was forced to break off his siege in order to face him. Yao Xiang sent Huan Wen a letter that read, "I see you have brought the royal troops. I am now obliged to return to the rightful authority. If you would please order your army to draw back somewhat, we will gladly bow and pay our obeisance at the side of the road." Huan Wen, however, rejected him, replying, "I have come to recover the Central Plains and pay respect to the imperial tombs, so for that, I have no business with you. Those who wish to present themselves will do so in person, not send another in his place." The two fought at the river, and in the end, Huan Wen emerged victorious. Yao Xiang lost several thousands of his men, so he retreated with his army to the north of Luoyang. Despite this, Xiang's defeat did not encourage many to surrender to Huan Wen. Yao Xiang was reputed to be brave and kind to the people, and wherever he was present, families would often rush to join him. While Yao Xiang fled, more than 5,000 men in Luoyang abandoned their families to join him during the night, and when rumours of Yao Xiang's death circulated, the men and women of Xuchang and Luoyang mourned him. Huan Wen gave chase but was