Li Guangbi vs Xia Gui

Li Guangbi was appointed military governor of Shuofang, a key frontier command. He was of Khitan origin but loyal to Tang, and he began organizing defenses against the An Lushan Rebellion.

Li Guangbi defeated a Yan army at Jiayuguan (in modern Gansu), securing the northwestern frontier. This victory prevented the rebellion from spreading to the Silk Road regions and bought time for Tang counterattacks.

Li Guangbi led a campaign to recapture Taiyuan from Yan forces. Using a combination of siege tactics and cavalry raids, he retook the city, a major logistical center, and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

Li Guangbi's forces were defeated by Shi Siming at Yancheng. The loss forced him to retreat and regroup, but he avoided total destruction and continued to harass Yan supply lines.

Li Guangbi played a key role in the final campaigns against Shi Chaoyi, the last Yan emperor. He coordinated with Uyghur allies and Tang forces to crush the rebellion, leading to its end in 763.

Xia Gui, as a Song general, led forces against the Jurchen Jin dynasty during their invasions of Song territory. He participated in campaigns to repel Jin attacks along the border. His efforts were part of the ongoing Song-Jin conflict that preceded the Mongol threat.

Xia Gui commanded Song forces resisting Mongol invasions during the early campaigns of the Mongol conquest of the Song. He engaged Mongol armies in the border regions, attempting to hold defensive lines. His actions were part of the broader Song military effort against the expanding Mongol Empire.