Li Yuan vs Muhan Qaghan

Li Yuan, Duke of Tang, rebelled against the Sui dynasty and captured Chang'an. He declared himself Emperor Gaozu, founding the Tang dynasty that would rule China for nearly 300 years.

Li Yuan's son Li Shimin defeated the rival warlord Dou Jiande at Hulao Pass. This victory eliminated a major competitor and secured Tang control over the central plains.

After the Xuanwu Gate Incident where Li Shimin killed his brothers, Li Yuan abdicated the throne to his son. He became Taishang Huang (retired emperor) and lived in retirement.

Muhan Qaghan allied with the Sassanid Persian Empire to defeat the Hephthalite Empire in Central Asia. The Hephthalites were crushed, and their territory was divided between the Turks and Persians, with the Turks gaining the eastern regions.

Muhan Qaghan led campaigns that expanded the Turkic Khaganate to its maximum territorial extent, stretching from the Caspian Sea to the borders of China. He conquered the Hephthalites in Central Asia and subjugated many tribes, making the khaganate a dominant power.

Muhan Qaghan faced revolts from subject tribes, including the Tiele and other steppe peoples. He brutally suppressed these uprisings, executing many leaders and forcibly relocating populations to maintain control over the vast khaganate.

Muhan Qaghan sent an embassy to the Byzantine Empire, establishing diplomatic and trade relations. This alliance was aimed against the Sassanid Persians, and it opened the Silk Road to Turkic merchants, increasing the khaganate's wealth and influence.