Gao Qiu
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| Gao Qiu | |||||||||
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| Chinese | 高俅 | ||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 高俅 | ||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 高俅 | ||||||||
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Gao Qiu (1076?–1126) was a Chinese politician who lived during the Song dynasty and served in the court of Emperor Huizong. In the classical novel Water Margin, he is fictionalised as one of the primary antagonists and a nemesis of the protagonists, the 108 Heroes of Mount Liang.
Gao Qiu was presumably born around 1076 AD.[1]
According to the Chinese historical text Huizhulu (揮麈錄) by Wang Mingqing, Gao Qiu was from Kaifeng - then the capital of the empire - and his father was Gao Dunfu (高敦復). He had two brothers and four sons. The second child of his family, he was named by his father.[1]
Career
Gao Qiu was a servant of the poet and statesman Su Shi (Su Dongpo) before moving on to serve the artist Wang Shen.[2] According to the Huizhulu, he was a skilled writer. He met Emperor Huizong in around November 1109 AD; during the emperor's reign he participated in battles under Liu Zhongwu's command and followed Lin Shu on a diplomatic mission to the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. As the emperor highly favoured him, he rose through the ranks quickly and became Grand Marshal (太尉) in 1117 AD, only 8 years after his patron's ascension to the throne. The emperor's liking for Gao was the result of the latter's skill at Cuju, a sport the monarch greatly enjoyed; he was further pleased by Gao Qiu's literary and artistic talents. Beyond these superficial qualities, however, it is believed that Gao made great contributions to Emperor Huizong's reign.[1]
As Gao built a successful career, he accumulated fame and riches for his family, while unscrupulously undermining his enemies. He recommended the son[specify] of his old superior Liu Zhongwu to Emperor Huizong, setting him on the path to becoming a famous general. He also took great care of Su Shi's disciples with financial aid and respect.[1]
After Emperor Huizong's abdication on 18 January 1126, Gao's influence in the Song imperial court decreased and he died of illness in 1126.[3] He was posthumously removed from office for corrupting the army and government.[3][4]
Comments on Gao Qiu in reality
Gao Qiu not only relied on good Cuju to be favored, but also his artistic interest and lifestyle that attracted Emperor Huizong very much. Therefore, in fact their relationship had exceeded the relationship between general monarch and minister, to the relationship of good friends. This should be the reason why he was favoured for over 25 years.
Gao Qiu was not as ungrateful as recorded in the novel Water Margin, but a person who was considerate in return. He took care of Su Shi's disciples when they were severely suppressed by Emperor Huizong. Liu Zhongwu was once Gao Qiu's superior and helped him get promoted. After Gao Qiu became Grand Marshal, he recommended the son of Liu Zhongwu, Liu Qi, who later became a famous general against Jin. From these two things we can see what kind of person Gao Qiu was.[5]