D. gerund phrase as a direct object
Gerund is one of three kinds of verbals. Like all verbals, gerunds are nouns derived from verbs. Gerunds end in -ing. In the sentence, "leading" is the gerund. This gerund phrase is used as the direct object.
A. Political Leader
The Vizier was in charge or organizing political ventures. The person in this position held high authority. He was not a bodyguard in any regard, nor a military leader. The religious leader would be another person.
Giving human characteristics to object, places, or things
Ex: The paper danced across the classroom
Conflict between labor unions and factory owners