Charles the Bald vs Li Chen

Charles the Bald, along with his brothers Lothair and Louis the German, signed the Treaty of Verdun, dividing the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms. Charles received West Francia, which became the foundation of modern France.

Charles faced repeated Viking invasions, including the siege of Paris in 845. He paid large tributes (Danegeld) to buy off attackers, a strategy that temporarily secured peace but drained royal resources and exposed military weakness.

Pope John VIII crowned Charles the Bald as Holy Roman Emperor, following the death of Louis II. This coronation asserted Charles's claim to imperial authority but was contested by other Carolingian rulers.

Li Chen ascended the throne after the death of his nephew, Li Yan. He immediately reversed the anti-Buddhist policies and began a series of reforms to restore central authority. He appointed capable chancellors and reduced the power of eunuchs.

Li Chen reformed the state salt monopoly to increase revenue and reduce corruption. He lowered salt prices to curb smuggling and improved the efficiency of the monopoly system, which became a major source of Tang fiscal stability.

Li Chen's forces launched a campaign to recapture the Hexi Corridor from the Tibetan Empire. Tang armies achieved several victories, regaining control of key cities and restoring Chinese authority over the Silk Road route.

Li Chen died in 859 after a reign that briefly revived Tang fortunes. He was posthumously called the 'Little Taizong' for his capable rule. His death marked the end of the last period of Tang stability before the dynasty's final decline.