Han Shizhong vs Hosokawa Katsumoto

Han Shizhong led Song forces to a victory against the Jin army at Datong. This battle demonstrated his military skill and earned him recognition as a capable general during the early years of the Jin-Song wars.

Han Shizhong used a naval blockade to trap the retreating Jin army at Huangtiandang. Although the Jin forces eventually escaped, the battle delayed their advance and boosted Song morale. Han Shizhong's wife, Liang Hongyu, reportedly participated in the battle.

Han Shizhong openly opposed the Treaty of Shaoxing and the execution of his fellow general Yue Fei. He criticized Chancellor Qin Hui's policies, but his protests were ignored. After Yue Fei's death, Han Shizhong retired from military service in protest.

Hosokawa Katsumoto was appointed kanrei (deputy shogun) under Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. He became a central figure in the shogunate's politics during a period of declining central authority and rising daimyo power.

Katsumoto's forces clashed with Yamana Sozen's army in Kyoto, sparking the Onin War. The conflict began with street battles in the capital and quickly engulfed the entire country, leading to widespread destruction and the collapse of central authority.

Katsumoto backed Shogun Yoshimasa's brother Yoshimi as successor, while Yamana Sozen supported Yoshimasa's son Yoshihisa. This succession dispute escalated into armed conflict, drawing most daimyo into opposing camps.

Katsumoto died of illness in 1473 while the Onin War was still raging. His death, along with Yamana Sozen's death the same year, removed the main protagonists but the war continued for another four years under their successors.