An Lushan vs Zhang Rou

An Lushan was appointed military governor (jiedushi) of Fanyang, one of the most powerful frontier commands. He built a personal army composed of Han Chinese, Khitan, and other ethnic groups, amassing significant military power.

An Lushan declared rebellion against Emperor Xuanzong, claiming he was removing the corrupt chancellor Yang Guozhong. He led his army south from Fanyang, capturing Luoyang and declaring himself Emperor of the Great Yan dynasty.

After defeating Tang forces at Tong Pass, An Lushan's army captured the Tang capital Chang'an. Emperor Xuanzong fled to Sichuan, and the city was looted. This marked the peak of An Lushan's power.

An Lushan was assassinated by his son An Qingxu and a eunuch named Li Zhu'er. His failing health and erratic behavior had alienated his inner circle, leading to the coup. An Qingxu succeeded him as emperor of Yan.

Zhang Rou, a Han Chinese warlord controlling territory in Hebei, submitted to the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. He surrendered his strongholds and forces, becoming a vassal. This submission allowed him to retain local power while serving the Mongols, a common pattern among northern Chinese elites.

Zhang Rou was appointed by the Mongols to govern the Hebei region as a semi-autonomous ruler. He administered the area, collected taxes, and provided troops for Mongol campaigns. His governance helped stabilize Mongol control over northern China and integrated local elites into the Mongol system.