Liu Ji vs Zhang Jiuling

Liu Ji, known as Liu Bowen, joined Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel forces and advised him on military strategy. He proposed a plan to first secure the south and then march north to capture the Yuan capital Dadu.

Liu Ji served as a key strategist in the naval battle of Lake Poyang against the rival rebel leader Chen Youliang. His tactics, including the use of fire ships, helped Zhu Yuanzhang achieve a decisive victory.

Liu Ji contributed to the planning and construction of Nanjing as the Ming capital. He advised on the city's layout, fortifications, and feng shui principles, which influenced the design of the imperial city.

Liu Ji retired from court and wrote the 'Jade Box' (Yujue), a collection of military and political strategies. This work became a classic of Chinese strategic thought, often compared to Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Zhang Jiuling was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong. He was known for his literary talent and upright character, and he advocated for policies that balanced the interests of the imperial family and the bureaucracy.

Zhang Jiuling argued against Emperor Xuanzong's decision to appoint the military general Niu Xianke as a chancellor, citing Niu's lack of literary education. Xuanzong overruled him, leading to Zhang's dismissal and the rise of Li Linfu.

Zhang Jiuling was dismissed from the chancellorship after losing Emperor Xuanzong's favor. His opposition to the appointment of Niu Xianke and his criticism of the emperor's indulgence in pleasure led to his exile to Jingzhou.

During his exile in Jingzhou, Zhang Jiuling wrote a series of twelve poems titled 'Ganyu' (Emotional Encounters). These poems expressed his political frustrations and personal sorrow, becoming celebrated works in Tang literature.