Hojo Masako vs Yang Tinghe

Hojo Masako married Minamoto no Yoritomo, the future founder of the Kamakura shogunate. This marriage allied the Hojo clan with the Minamoto, giving Masako political influence from the start of the shogunate.

After Yoritomo's death in 1199, Hojo Masako took Buddhist vows and became a nun. However, she continued to wield political power, acting as a regent for her son and later her grandson, earning the title 'Nun Shogun'.

Hojo Masako, as regent for her son Minamoto no Sanetomo, consolidated the Hojo clan's control over the Kamakura shogunate. She eliminated rivals, including her father Hojo Tokimasa, and established the Hojo as de facto rulers.

Hojo Masako helped suppress the Wada Rebellion, a challenge to Hojo rule led by Wada Yoshimori. The victory solidified Hojo dominance and eliminated a major military threat to the shogunate.

After the death of the Zhengde Emperor without an heir, Yang Tinghe as Grand Secretary orchestrated the selection of the Jiajing Emperor. He drafted the edict of succession and managed the transition of power.

Yang Tinghe led opposition to the Jiajing Emperor's desire to honor his biological father as emperor. This conflict, known as the Great Rites Controversy, led to Yang's dismissal and the flogging of many officials.

Due to his opposition in the Great Rites Controversy, Yang Tinghe was forced to retire from the Grand Secretariat. He was later stripped of his titles and died in disgrace.