Li Guang vs Shan Chongguo

Li Guang served as a frontier commander defending the Han dynasty against Xiongnu raids. He became known for his archery skills and personal bravery, earning the nickname 'Flying General' for his swift movements.

Li Guang was captured by the Xiongnu after being wounded in battle. He feigned death, then escaped by grabbing a guard's horse and shooting pursuers with his bow. He returned to Han territory.

Li Guang's force became lost in the desert during the Mobei campaign against the Xiongnu, failing to rendezvous with the main army under Wei Qing. This failure allowed the Xiongnu to escape encirclement.

Li Guang was summoned to face a military tribunal for his failure in the Mobei campaign. Rather than submit to interrogation, he committed suicide by cutting his throat. His death was mourned by the army and commoners.

Zhao Chongguo led a Han army against the Qiang tribes in the Hexi region. Using the tuntian system to supply his troops, he defeated the Qiang and secured the Han frontier, demonstrating the effectiveness of his agricultural colony strategy.

Zhao Chongguo proposed establishing military agricultural colonies (tuntian) in the Hexi Corridor to supply Han forces fighting the Qiang tribes. This system allowed soldiers to farm during peacetime, reducing the cost of long-distance supply lines.

Zhao Chongguo submitted a detailed memorial to Emperor Xuan advocating for the permanent establishment of tuntian colonies. The emperor approved the plan, leading to the long-term settlement of Han soldiers in the frontier regions.