Mary of Burgundy vs Zhang Jianzhi

Mary married Archduke Maximilian of Austria, son of Emperor Frederick III, in Ghent. The marriage brought the Burgundian Netherlands under Habsburg control, creating a powerful dynastic union that shaped European politics for centuries.

To secure support from the Estates-General after her father's death, Mary signed the Great Privilege, restoring local rights and limiting central authority. The document granted the provinces of the Netherlands significant autonomy and self-governance.

Mary's forces, led by her husband Maximilian, were defeated by the French army at Guinegate. The battle was part of the War of the Burgundian Succession, which resulted in the loss of the Duchy of Burgundy to France.

Mary died at age 25 from injuries sustained in a falconry accident near Bruges. Her death left her young son Philip the Handsome as heir, with Maximilian acting as regent, further entrenching Habsburg control over the Netherlands.

Zhang Jianzhi was appointed as chancellor under Wu Zetian. He used his position to plan the restoration of the Tang dynasty, gathering support from other officials and military commanders.

Zhang Jianzhi, along with other officials, led a coup that forced Wu Zetian to abdicate. He restored Emperor Zhongzong to the throne, ending the Zhou dynasty and restoring the Tang dynasty.

After the restoration, Zhang Jianzhi was forced into exile by Wu Sansi, the nephew of Wu Zetian, who regained power. He died in exile, a victim of the power struggle that followed the restoration.