Bai Juyi vs Olga of Kiev

Bai Juyi wrote 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' (

Bai Juyi promoted the New Yuefu poetry movement, which advocated for simple, accessible language and social commentary. His poems often addressed the suffering of common people, influencing later Chinese literature.

Bai Juyi was exiled to Jiangzhou (modern Jiujiang) after criticizing the government in a memorial. During his exile, he wrote 'The Song of the Pipa Player', another masterpiece of Chinese poetry, reflecting on his personal and political frustrations.

Bai Juyi served as governor of Hangzhou, where he oversaw the construction of the Bai Causeway on West Lake. His administration improved irrigation and water management, benefiting local agriculture.

Bai Juyi served as governor of Suzhou, where he continued his administrative work. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve local governance and public works.

As regent, Olga avenged Igor's murder by deceiving and killing Drevlian ambassadors, then besieging and burning their capital, Iskorosten. She used birds carrying flaming materials to set the city ablaze, subjugating the tribe.

Olga implemented a system of fixed tribute amounts and designated collection points (pogosts) across Kievan Rus. This reform standardized taxation, reduced corruption, and prevented the arbitrary exactions that had led to Igor's death.

Olga traveled to Constantinople and was baptized into Christianity by Emperor Constantine VII and Patriarch Polyeuctus, taking the name Helena. She became the first ruler of Kievan Rus to convert to Christianity.