Barsbay vs Li Shi

Barsbay led a military campaign to suppress a large-scale Bedouin revolt in Upper Egypt. The rebellion threatened agricultural production and trade routes. The sultan's forces defeated the Bedouin tribes, restoring order and securing the region.

Barsbay launched a naval expedition against the Kingdom of Cyprus, which had been raiding Mamluk coasts. The Mamluk fleet captured Limassol and forced the Cypriot king to pay tribute, extending Mamluk influence into the eastern Mediterranean.

Barsbay established a state monopoly over the spice trade in Egypt, requiring all spice imports to be sold to the government at fixed prices. This policy generated significant revenue for the Mamluk treasury but disrupted traditional trade routes and angered Venetian merchants.

Li Shi adopted the Two-Tax System proposed by Chancellor Yang Yan. This reform replaced the equal-field system with a simplified tax based on land and property, collected twice a year. It increased revenue but also increased the burden on peasants.

Troops from Jingyuan mutinied in Chang'an, forcing Li Shi to flee. The mutineers supported Zhu Ci as emperor. Li Shi's forces, with help from loyalist jiedushi, eventually suppressed the rebellion and recaptured the capital in 784.

After the Jingyuan Mutiny, Li Shi attempted to reduce the power of military governors by appointing civil officials and rotating commanders. These efforts had limited success, as the fanzhen remained largely autonomous.

Li Shi died in 805 after a reign marked by attempts at fiscal and administrative reform. His death led to a succession crisis and the brief reign of his son, who was soon deposed by eunuchs.