Dou Xian vs Li Guangli

Dou Xian served as regent for the young Emperor He of Han after Emperor Zhang's death. He dominated the court, appointing his relatives to key positions. His regency was marked by military success but also by corruption and nepotism.

Dou Xian led a Han expedition against the Northern Xiongnu at the Battle of Ikh Bayan. His forces killed over 13,000 Xiongnu and captured 200,000 livestock. The victory shattered the Northern Xiongnu confederation, ending their threat to the Han dynasty.

After the Battle of Ikh Bayan, Dou Xian erected a stone inscription on Mount Yanran (modern-day Mongolia) to commemorate the victory. The inscription, written by Ban Gu, celebrated the Han triumph and marked the furthest extent of Han military reach.

Emperor He, with the help of eunuchs, orchestrated a coup against Dou Xian in 92 AD. Dou Xian was stripped of his titles and forced to commit suicide. His family and supporters were purged, ending the Dou clan's dominance.

Li Guangli led a Han army of 60,000 men to conquer the city-state of Dayuan (Ferghana) to obtain prized 'heavenly horses'. After a two-year siege, Dayuan submitted and provided horses, but the campaign cost tens of thousands of lives.

Li Guangli led a Han army against the Xiongnu but was defeated and captured. His surrender to the Xiongnu was seen as a disgrace, and he later served as a military advisor to the Xiongnu chanyu.

After a failed plot to assassinate the Xiongnu chanyu, Li Guangli was executed by the Xiongnu. His death ended a controversial career marked by both military ambition and ultimate failure.