Peng Zhen vs Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu

Peng Zhen became the first mayor of Beijing after the Communist victory. He oversaw the city's reconstruction and the implementation of socialist policies in the capital.

Peng Zhen was removed from all posts and publicly criticized as a 'counter-revolutionary revisionist'. He was imprisoned for nearly a decade, becoming one of the highest-ranking victims of the Cultural Revolution.

After the Cultural Revolution, Peng Zhen was rehabilitated and became chairman of the NPC. He led legal reforms, including the revision of the criminal code and the promotion of rule of law.

Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu became the close confidant and favorite of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, rising from a minor page to the highest ranks of the shogunate. His influence grew as he managed Tsunayoshi's personal affairs and policy decisions.

Yoshiyasu was appointed roju, formalizing his control over shogunate policy. He used this position to amass wealth and power, appointing allies and suppressing critics, becoming one of the most powerful officials in Edo Japan.

Yoshiyasu patronized Confucian scholars like Arai Hakuseki and supported the publication of historical works. He also sponsored the construction of temples and gardens, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the Genroku era.

Upon Shogun Tsunayoshi's death, Yoshiyasu lost his protector and was forced to retire from his official positions. His influence ended abruptly, and he spent his remaining years in retirement, though he avoided execution or exile.