Qasim Khan of Kazan vs Wu Zhao

Qasim Khan led a Kazan army that briefly captured Moscow during the Muscovite Civil War. This raid demonstrated Kazan's military power and forced Grand Prince Vasily II to pay tribute, though the occupation was short-lived.

Qasim Khan was granted the town of Gorodets (later renamed Qasim) by Vasily II as a vassal state. This created the Qasim Khanate, a buffer state between Muscovy and the Kazan Khanate, which lasted until the 17th century.

Qasim Khan led a raid on the Principality of Ryazan, a Muscovite ally. This attack was part of ongoing conflicts between Kazan and Muscovy, resulting in the capture of booty and prisoners.

Wu Zhao expanded the imperial examination system, reducing the power of aristocratic families. She introduced new exams for military and literary talent and promoted scholars from humble backgrounds, strengthening meritocracy in government.

Wu Zhao formally deposed her son, Emperor Ruizong, and ascended the throne as emperor of her own Zhou dynasty. She became the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right, establishing a new capital at Luoyang.

The Khitan tribes rebelled against Tang rule, defeating Chinese armies. Wu Zhao responded by mobilizing forces and eventually crushing the rebellion. The conflict weakened Tang control over the northeast and demonstrated the limits of her military power.

A coup led by Zhang Jianzhi and other officials forced Wu Zhao to abdicate in favor of her son, Emperor Zhongzong. She died later that year. The coup restored the Tang dynasty and ended her 15-year reign as emperor.