Li Shi vs Qasim Khan

Li Shi adopted the Two-Tax System proposed by Chancellor Yang Yan. This reform replaced the equal-field system with a simplified tax based on land and property, collected twice a year. It increased revenue but also increased the burden on peasants.

Troops from Jingyuan mutinied in Chang'an, forcing Li Shi to flee. The mutineers supported Zhu Ci as emperor. Li Shi's forces, with help from loyalist jiedushi, eventually suppressed the rebellion and recaptured the capital in 784.

After the Jingyuan Mutiny, Li Shi attempted to reduce the power of military governors by appointing civil officials and rotating commanders. These efforts had limited success, as the fanzhen remained largely autonomous.

Li Shi died in 805 after a reign marked by attempts at fiscal and administrative reform. His death led to a succession crisis and the brief reign of his son, who was soon deposed by eunuchs.

Qasim Khan expanded and consolidated the territory of the Kazakh Khanate, bringing most of the steppe regions under his control. He secured the eastern borders against the Moghulistan and the western borders against the Nogai Horde, establishing the khanate as a major regional power.

Qasim Khan formed a diplomatic alliance with the Timurid ruler Babur, providing military support against the Shaybanid Uzbeks. This alliance helped secure the southern borders of the Kazakh Khanate and facilitated trade along the Silk Road.

Qasim Khan compiled and codified the first written legal code of the Kazakh Khanate, known as the 'Qasym Khannyn Qasqa Zholy' (Bright Path of Qasim Khan). This code regulated criminal, civil, and military law, establishing a unified legal framework for the nomadic Kazakh tribes and strengthening the khan's authority.