Gao Huan

Gao Huan defeated the Erzhu clan at the Battle of Shanyin, ending their dominance over the Northern Wei court. This victory allowed him to install Emperor Xiaowu as a puppet ruler and become the de facto ruler of northern China.

After a split with Emperor Xiaowu, Gao Huan established the Eastern Wei Dynasty with Emperor Xiaojing as a puppet ruler. He controlled the eastern half of northern China from his capital at Yecheng, ruling as de facto dictator until his death.

Gao Huan died from illness at age 51. His sons Gao Cheng and Gao Yang succeeded him, with Gao Yang later founding the Northern Qi Dynasty, fulfilling Gao Huan's ambition of establishing a new ruling house.