Lan Yu vs William Wallace

The Hongwu Emperor appointed Lan Yu as Grand General to lead campaigns against the Mongols. This appointment gave him command of the largest Ming field army and made him the most powerful general in the empire.

Lan Yu commanded a Ming army of 150,000 that defeated the Northern Yuan at Lake Buir. The battle resulted in the capture of 70,000 Mongols, including many nobles, and effectively ended the Northern Yuan threat.

After the Battle of Lake Buir, Lan Yu captured Toghus Temur, a son of the Mongol emperor. This capture deprived the Northern Yuan of a potential successor and further weakened Mongol resistance.

The Hongwu Emperor ordered Lan Yu's execution on charges of treason and plotting rebellion. Lan Yu was flayed alive, and his death triggered a massive purge that killed an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people, including many military officers.

Wallace, as co-commander of the Scottish army, defeated a larger English force at Stirling Bridge. The English army was trapped crossing the narrow bridge and routed, leading to a major Scottish victory in the First War of Scottish Independence.

After the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was knighted and appointed Guardian of Scotland, ruling in the name of King John Balliol. He led the Scottish government and military for nearly a year.

Wallace's Scottish army was defeated by Edward I's English forces at Falkirk. The English longbowmen and cavalry broke the Scottish schiltron formations, ending Wallace's military career as a commander.

Wallace was captured by English forces at Robroyston near Glasgow, reportedly betrayed by a Scottish servant. He was taken to London for trial.

Wallace was tried for treason in Westminster Hall, then executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering at Smithfield. His body parts were displayed in different towns in England and Scotland as a deterrent.