Li Shiji vs Yamana Sozen

Li Shiji, serving under Li Jing, commanded a Tang army that defeated the Eastern Tujue forces at the Battle of Yinshan. He pursued the fleeing Tujue khagan and captured him. This victory contributed to the collapse of the Eastern Tujue Khaganate and expanded Tang influence.

Li Shiji led a Tang army against the Xueyantuo (Syr Tardush) Khaganate, which had risen to power after the fall of the Eastern Tujue. He defeated the Xueyantuo forces at the Battle of Nuozhen River, forcing their khagan to flee. This campaign secured Tang dominance in the steppe.

Li Shiji served as a field commander in Emperor Taizong's campaign against Goguryeo. He led the Tang army in the siege of Liaodong (modern Liaoyang) and captured the city. However, the overall campaign failed to conquer Goguryeo due to logistical difficulties and stiff resistance.

After Emperor Taizong's death, Li Shiji was appointed Grand Chancellor (Shangshu Zu Pushe) by Emperor Gaozong. He served as a key advisor and administrator, helping to maintain stability during the transition of power. He held this position until his death in 669.

Li Shiji, now in his 70s, commanded the Tang army that finally conquered Goguryeo. He led a combined land and naval force, capturing the capital Pyongyang and the last Goguryeo king. This victory ended the Goguryeo kingdom and brought its territory under Tang control.

Yamana Sozen became a Buddhist monk and took the name Sozen, though he remained politically and militarily active. His nickname 'Red Monk' (Aka Nyudo) came from his red monk's robes and his warlike nature.

Sozen led military campaigns that expanded Yamana control to 11 provinces, making him one of the most powerful daimyo in Japan. His aggressive expansion alarmed other clans, particularly the Hosokawa.

Sozen's rivalry with Hosokawa Katsumoto intensified over control of the shogunate. The two kanrei clashed over succession and policy, with Sozen supporting Shogun Yoshimasa's son while Katsumoto backed his brother.

Sozen commanded the Western Army (Seigun) in the Onin War, opposing Katsumoto's Eastern Army. His forces fought fierce battles in Kyoto, burning temples and palaces, and the war spread chaos across Japan.

Sozen died of illness in 1473, the same year as his rival Katsumoto. His death did not end the Onin War, which continued until 1477, but it removed one of the key instigators of the conflict.