Han Qi vs Pei Du

Han Qi became Grand Councilor under Emperor Renzong, serving as a leading conservative statesman. He focused on administrative efficiency and military preparedness, opposing aggressive expansion.

Han Qi oversaw the compilation of the 'New History of the Tang' (Xin Tangshu), a official dynastic history. The work standardized historical records and became a key source for Tang dynasty studies.

Han Qi led conservative opposition to Wang Anshi's New Policies, submitting memorials criticizing the reforms as too radical and disruptive. He was forced into retirement after Wang gained imperial favor.

Pei Du was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xianzong. He was a strong advocate for centralizing imperial authority and suppressing the rebellious military governors (jiedushi) who had become semi-independent after the An Lushan Rebellion.

Pei Du was attacked by assassins sent by the rebellious governor Li Shidao while walking to court. He was wounded but survived, and the attack galvanized Emperor Xianzong to take stronger action against the separatist governors.

Pei Du personally oversaw the military campaign against the rebellious governor Wu Yuanji of Huaixi. He took command of the front lines, boosting morale, and the Tang army captured Caizhou, ending the rebellion and restoring imperial control.

Pei Du supervised the compilation of the 'Tang Huiyao', an institutional history of the Tang dynasty. This work documented government regulations, rituals, and laws, becoming a key source for Tang administrative history.

Pei Du retired from the chancellorship but remained an influential advisor to Emperor Muzong. He counseled against aggressive military campaigns that overextended Tang resources, though his advice was not always heeded.