This man's rivals at court included Li Linfu and Chancellor Yang, whose appointment this man opposed.
According to legend, when this man was a youth he was caught stealing sheep, but argued his way out of being executed by promising to join the army. This man served in the Pinglu Army as a protégé of general Zhang Shougui [ read "JANG show-gway"]. This man's rivals at court included Li Linfu and Chancellor Yang, whose appointment this man opposed. This man referred to himself and his followers as "Great Yan" and was supported by his childhood friend, Shi Siming. This man became a favorite of Yang Guifei, a mistress of the Emperor, allowing him to gain enough power to challenge the Tang dynasty. For ten points, name this Sogdian Turkish general who led a Chinese rebellion.
According to legend, when this man was a youth he was caught stealing sheep, but argued his way out of being executed by promising to join the army.
An {Lushan} [do NOT accept An {Shi}: {this} is an acceptable {alternative} name for the {rebellion}, but not for the dude. “An {Shi}” {comes} from the {fact} that {members} of the {Shi family led} the {rebellion} after An and his {son died}]