Before the Long March, Yang served in Zhang Guotao's army, but joined Mao's forces when Mao and Zhang met briefly in June–July 1935, in the middle of the Long March.
Sebelum Long March, Yang bertugas di tentara Zhang Guotao, tetapi bergabung Mao ketika Mao dan Zhang bertemu sebentar pada bulan Juni-Juli 1935, di tengah Long March.