Gao Qiu
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Gao Qiu (1076?–1126) was a government official who lived during the
Song dynasty The Song dynasty (; ; 960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. The dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song following his usurpation of the throne of the Later Zhou. The Song conquered the rest ...
of China and served in the court of Emperor Huizong. In the classical novel ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
'', he is fictionalised as one of the primary antagonists and a nemesis of the protagonists, the
108 Heroes The 108 Heroes are the main characters of the Ming dynasty classic Chinese novel the ''Water Margin'', which was written in the 14th century and usually attributed to Shi Nai'an. The heroes are divided into the 36 Heavenly Spirits and 72 Earthly F ...
of
Mount Liang Mount Liang (, often referred to in Chinese as ) is a mountain in Liangshan County, Shandong, China which rises to 197.9 metres above sea level. It is well known as the stronghold of the 108 Heroes in the classic Chinese novel ''Water Margin ...
.


Life

Gao Qiu was presumably born around 1076 AD. According to the Chinese historical text '' Huizhulu'' () by Wang Mingqing, Gao Qiu was from
Kaifeng Kaifeng () is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, China. It is one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China, having been the capital eight times in history, and is best known for having been the Chinese capital during the Nort ...
and his father was Gao Dunfu (). He had two brothers and four sons. He was the second child and his name was given by his father.


Career

Gao Qiu was a servant of the poet and statesman Su Shi (Su Dongpo) before moving on to serve the artist Wang Shen. He was good at writing according to '' Huizhulu.'' He met Emperor Huizong in around November 1109 AD. During the reign of Emperor Huizong, he participated in battles under
Liu Zhongwu / ( or ) is an East Asian surname. pinyin: in Mandarin Chinese, in Cantonese. It is the family name of the Han dynasty emperors. The character originally meant 'kill', but is now used only as a surname. It is listed 252nd in the classic text ...
's command and followed Lin Shu on a diplomatic mission to the Khitan-led
Liao dynasty The Liao dynasty (; Khitan: ''Mos Jælud''; ), also known as the Khitan Empire (Khitan: ''Mos diau-d kitai huldʒi gur''), officially the Great Liao (), was an imperial dynasty of China that existed between 916 and 1125, ruled by the Yelü ...
. As Emperor Huizong highly favoured him, he rose through the ranks quickly and became Grand Marshal () in 1117 AD, only 8 years after Emperor Huizong ascended the throne. The reason why Gao Qiu could get favoured Emperor Huizong was that he was good at
Cuju ''Cuju'' or ''Ts'u-chü'' (蹴鞠) is an ancient Chinese football game. Cuju is the earliest known recorded game of football. It is a competitive game that involves kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of hands. Descripti ...
. Emperor Huizong liked
Cuju ''Cuju'' or ''Ts'u-chü'' (蹴鞠) is an ancient Chinese football game. Cuju is the earliest known recorded game of football. It is a competitive game that involves kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of hands. Descripti ...
and was very pleased with Gao Qiu's literary and artistic talents. But there is also a guess that Gao Qiu had made great contributions to Emperor Huizong's throne. After Gao Qiu succeeded in his career, he made a lot of fame and money for his own family and also framed people who made him upset unscrupulously. He recommended the son of his old superior
Liu Zhongwu / ( or ) is an East Asian surname. pinyin: in Mandarin Chinese, in Cantonese. It is the family name of the Han dynasty emperors. The character originally meant 'kill', but is now used only as a surname. It is listed 252nd in the classic text ...
to Emperor Huizong, who later became a famous general. He also took great care of
Su Shi Su Shi (; 8 January 1037 – 24 August 1101), courtesy name Zizhan (), art name Dongpo (), was a Chinese calligrapher, essayist, gastronomer, pharmacologist, poet, politician, and travel writer during the Song dynasty. A major personality of ...
's disciples with financial aid and respect. After Emperor Huizong's abdication on 18 January 1126, Gao Qiu's influence in the Song imperial court decreased and he died of illness in 1126. After his death, he was removed from office for corrupting the army and government.


Comments on Gao Qiu in reality

Gao Qiu not only relied on good
Cuju ''Cuju'' or ''Ts'u-chü'' (蹴鞠) is an ancient Chinese football game. Cuju is the earliest known recorded game of football. It is a competitive game that involves kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of hands. Descripti ...
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 Su Shi (; 8 January 1037 – 24 August 1101), courtesy name Zizhan (), art name Dongpo (), was a Chinese calligrapher, essayist, gastronomer, pharmacologist, poet, politician, and travel writer during the Song dynasty. A major personality of ...
's disciples when they were severely suppressed by Emperor Huizong.
Liu Zhongwu / ( or ) is an East Asian surname. pinyin: in Mandarin Chinese, in Cantonese. It is the family name of the Han dynasty emperors. The character originally meant 'kill', but is now used only as a surname. It is listed 252nd in the classic text ...
was once Gao Qiu's superior and helped him get promoted. After Gao Qiu became Grand Marshal, he recommended the son of
Liu Zhongwu / ( or ) is an East Asian surname. pinyin: in Mandarin Chinese, in Cantonese. It is the family name of the Han dynasty emperors. The character originally meant 'kill', but is now used only as a surname. It is listed 252nd in the classic text ...
, Liu Qi, who later became a famous general against Jin. From these two things we can see what kind of person Gao Qiu was.


Gao Qiu's depictions in fiction

In '' Water Marigin,'' Gao Qiu is one of the chief villains of the classical novel ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
''. Gao Qiu, who was a street punk, was even kicked out of the house by his father. Because of his good "
Cuju ''Cuju'' or ''Ts'u-chü'' (蹴鞠) is an ancient Chinese football game. Cuju is the earliest known recorded game of football. It is a competitive game that involves kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of hands. Descripti ...
" skills, he was appreciated by Emperor Huizong, who loved "
Cuju ''Cuju'' or ''Ts'u-chü'' (蹴鞠) is an ancient Chinese football game. Cuju is the earliest known recorded game of football. It is a competitive game that involves kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of hands. Descripti ...
" very much. Later, when Emperor Huizong enthroned to become the Emperor of the country, Gao Qiu made rapid advances in one's career, and was soon promoted to Grand Marshal, which was the highest official in charge of military affairs in ancient China. Once such a person is in power, he will act indiscriminately. Disregarding the original intentions of Liangshan heroes to "serve the country with all their loyalty" and "contribute to the country", he colluded with traitors and ganged up to encircle Liangshan and destroy the court to recruit peace. Gao Qiu set up a false accusation against Lin Chong who was a role of justice in ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
'' so that Lin Chong was sent to Changzhou, which was a remote wilderness, because his adopted son Gao Yanei had a crush on Lin Chong's wife. He then sent Lu Qian to kill Lin Chong, but Lu Qian was finally killed by Lin Chong.  The incident drove Lin Chong to revolt and go up to Liangshan where righteous characters in
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
gathered. After Liangshan grew stronger and stronger, Gao Qiu led a crusade against Liangshan and wanted to eradicate the people on Liangshan. However, he was captured alive. After Song Jiang, who was the chief of the righteous characters in the ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
'', is summoned to settle the rebellion for the government, Gao Qiu still suspects the people of Liangshan and kills
Lu Junyi Lu Junyi is a fictional character in ''Water Margin'', one of the Four Great Classical Novels, four great classical novels of Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Jade Qilin", he ranks second among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third of the 108 S ...
and Song Jiang with poisoned wine. 
Ruan Xiaoqi Ruan Xiaoqi, also known as Ruan the Seventh, is a fictional character in ''Water Margin'', one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Living King Yama", he ranks 31st among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third ...
was also deprived of office by Gao Qiu's henchmen and demoted to a civilian. The famous critic
Jin Shengtan Jin Shengtan (; 1610?7 August 1661), former name Jin Renrui (), also known as Jin Kui (), was a Chinese editor, writer and critic, who has been called the champion of Vernacular Chinese literature. Biography The year of Jin's birth is unclear, ...
once claimed that: "Before writing about 180 people in ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
'', the writer first writes about Gao Qiu. You can see that there are problems in the government." Yes, after Gao Qiu was no longer in power, the same group of people, with the help of Grand Marshal Su, another upright Grand Marshal, became the backbone of the court again. The social reality that officials forced the people to rebel has once again been proved. In Dangkouzhi, a Chinese historical novel,Gao Qiu colluded with Cai Jing, another traitor in ''
Water Margin ''Water Margin'' (''Shuihu zhuan'') is one of the earliest Chinese novels written in vernacular Mandarin, and is attributed to Shi Nai'an. It is also translated as ''Outlaws of the Marsh'' and ''All Men Are Brothers''. The story, which is s ...
'', to frame Liangshan, but was killed by
Lei Heng Lei Heng is a fictional character in ''Water Margin'', one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 25th among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third of the 108 Liangshan heroes, and is nicknamed "Winged Tiger". Back ...
and
Zhu Tong Zhu Tong is a fictional character in ''Water Margin'', one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Lord of the Beautiful Beard", he ranks 12th among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third of the 108 Stars of Desti ...
.
Zhu Tong Zhu Tong is a fictional character in ''Water Margin'', one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Lord of the Beautiful Beard", he ranks 12th among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third of the 108 Stars of Desti ...
gave his head to Lin Chong and wanted to cure him, but Lin Chong was mad at his head.


See also

*
List of Water Margin characters The following is a list of characters in ''Water Margin'', one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. 108 Stars of Destiny The 108 Stars of Destiny are at the core of the plot of ''Water Margin''. Based on the Taoist concept ...


References

* * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Gao, Qiu Year of birth unknown 1126 deaths Song dynasty politicians from Henan Politicians from Kaifeng Year of birth uncertain