Zhenzhu Khan

Zhenzhu Khan, also known as Inan (夷男) and bearing the regal title Inchü Bilge Qaghan or Zhenzhupiqie Khan (真珠毗伽可汗) in Chinese, played a pivotal role as the leader of Xueyantuo. Under his rule, Xueyantuo transitioned from a vassal state of Eastern Tujue to a dominant khanate, exerting influence over northern and central Asia. Although there were occasional tensions, particularly regarding Tang's efforts to reinstate Eastern Tujue as a vassal under Qilibi Khan Ashina Simo, these attempts were thwarted by Yi'nan's military interventions.

Yi'nan's exact birth date remains unknown, but he traced his lineage to Yiedie Khan Yishibo, the inaugural ruler of Xueyantuo within the Chile confederation, previously under the dominion of Eastern Tujue khans. During Yi'nan's initial leadership, Xueyantuo boasted a considerable population of 70,000 tents under Eastern Tujue's Jiali Khan Ashina Duobi.

By 627, discontent with Ashina Duobi's governance led to rebellions within the Chile, involving Xueyantuo, Huige, and Bayegu. Ashina Duobi's attempts to quell the uprisings failed, leading to defeats by the Huige chieftain Pusa and Xueyantuo forces. Subsequent conflicts with Eastern Tujue generals further weakened Ashina Duobi's position.

Assuming authority over former Eastern Tujue territory, Yi'nan pursued a diplomatic alignment with Tang while consolidating his state's strength. In 632, Xueyantuo successfully repelled an attack from Western Tujue's Siyehu Khan Ashina Dieli.

Facing additional challenges, Yi'nan confronted an assault by Eastern Tujue prince Ashina She'er, who sought vengeance against Xueyantuo. Despite inconclusive outcomes, the rise of a new Western Tujue khan, Ashina Tong'e, allowed Xueyantuo to counterattack and defeat Ashina She'er.

By 638, Yi'nan had fortified his position with an army exceeding 200,000 soldiers. He strategically divided command between his sons Bazhuo and Jialibi, with Bazhuo overseeing the south and Jialibi the north. Emperor Taizong, recognizing Xueyantuo's growing strength, appointed both sons as subordinate khans, employing symbolic honors to sow discord between them.

Zhenzhu Khan/ Zhenzhupiqie Khan of Xueyantuo

Gouache cm 50x27 (Original painting )