Shi Siming vs Su Dingfang

Shi Siming, a fellow general and friend of An Lushan, joined the rebellion from the outset. He commanded forces in the northern theater, securing key territories in Hebei and Shanxi for the Yan dynasty.

After An Lushan's assassination, Shi Siming briefly submitted to the Tang court. He was pardoned and given a military command, but he remained suspicious of Tang intentions and soon rebelled again.

Shi Siming rebelled again, killing An Qingxu and seizing control of the Yan dynasty. He declared himself emperor and continued the war against Tang, proving to be a more capable commander than An Qingxu.

Shi Siming defeated Tang forces at Yancheng (modern Anyang), killing the Tang general Li Guangbi's ally. This victory allowed him to consolidate control over the Yellow River valley and threaten Luoyang.

Shi Siming was assassinated by his son Shi Chaoyi, who feared being replaced as heir. The patricide weakened the Yan dynasty, leading to internal strife and eventual defeat by Tang forces in 763.

Su Dingfang participated in the Tang campaign against the Tuyuhun kingdom. The Tuyuhun were defeated and became a Tang vassal, securing the Tang's western frontier.

Su Dingfang led a Tang army to defeat the Western Turkic Khaganate at the Battle of Irtysh River. The khagan was captured, and the Western Turkic state was destroyed, extending Tang control over Central Asia.

After the conquest of the Western Turks, Su Dingfang suppressed a rebellion led by Ashina Helu, a former Turkic vassal. The rebellion was crushed, and Helu was captured, solidifying Tang control.