Niu Sengru vs Reginald Pole

Niu Sengru was appointed as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Muzong of Tang. He became the leader of the Niu faction, which opposed the Li faction led by Li Deyu, initiating decades of factional strife that weakened the Tang central government.

Niu Sengru was dismissed from his position as chancellor as the Li faction gained influence under Emperor Jingzong. This dismissal was part of the ongoing Niu-Li factional struggle, which saw alternating periods of dominance between the two groups.

Niu Sengru died in 849, but his faction continued to influence Tang politics. His leadership of the Niu faction contributed to the long-term instability of the Tang court, as factional infighting diverted attention from pressing administrative and military challenges.

Pole was appointed a cardinal by Pope Paul III, in recognition of his opposition to Henry VIII's policies. He was tasked with organizing Catholic resistance to the English Reformation.

Pole was a leading candidate in the papal conclave of 1549-1550, coming close to election as Pope. He lost to Julius III, partly due to opposition from Emperor Charles V.

Under Mary I, Pole was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the last Catholic to hold the office. He worked to restore Catholicism in England, overseeing the reconciliation with Rome.

Pole died of natural causes in London on the same day as Queen Mary I. His death marked the end of the Marian restoration of Catholicism in England.