Li Chen vs Uthman

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.

Uthman ibn Affan became the third caliph after Umar's assassination. His twelve-year reign saw continued expansion but also growing internal dissent, culminating in his assassination. He is known for standardizing the Quranic text.

Under Uthman, Muslim forces conquered Armenia and expanded into North Africa, capturing Tripoli and establishing control over the region. These campaigns extended the caliphate's reach and brought new territories under Islamic rule.

Uthman ordered the compilation of a standard written version of the Quran, based on the codex of Abu Bakr. He sent copies to major cities and ordered the destruction of variant texts, ensuring uniformity of the Islamic scripture.

Rebels from Egypt and other provinces besieged Uthman's house in Medina, demanding reforms. After weeks of siege, they broke in and assassinated him while he was reading the Quran. His death sparked the First Fitna (civil war) among Muslims.