Lord Pingyuan vs Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad

When a crippled man complained that Lord Pingyuan's concubine had mocked him, Lord Pingyuan executed the concubine to demonstrate his commitment to justice. This act enhanced his reputation for fairness and attracted many retainers to his service.

During the siege of Handan by Qin, Lord Pingyuan, as chancellor of Zhao, organized the city's defense. He personally appealed to the nobility and commoners for resources, raising a force of 3,000 volunteers to supplement the regular army.

Lord Pingyuan sent envoys to Wei and Chu to request military assistance against the Qin siege. His diplomatic efforts, including a famous debate with the Chu king, resulted in joint Wei-Chu forces coming to Zhao's relief, lifting the siege.

Lord Pingyuan maintained a household of 3,000 retainers, including scholars, strategists, and adventurers. This practice, common among the Four Lords, made his court a center of political and intellectual activity during the Warring States period.

Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad was appointed governor of Basra by Caliph Muawiyah I. He ruled with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and consolidating Umayyad control over Iraq, becoming a key figure in the Umayyad administration.

As governor of Iraq, Ibn Ziyad ordered the interception of Husayn ibn Ali's caravan near Karbala. He commanded the Umayyad forces that besieged and killed Husayn and his companions, a pivotal event that deepened the Sunni-Shia split in Islam.

Ibn Ziyad was killed in battle against the forces of Ibrahim ibn al-Ashtar, who led a pro-Alid rebellion. His death marked the end of his harsh governorship and a temporary setback for Umayyad control in Iraq.

Ibn Ziyad led Umayyad forces against the rebellion of al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi in Kufa. He defeated the rebels, killing al-Mukhtar and reasserting Umayyad authority in Iraq, further entrenching his reputation for brutality.