Biography
Early life
Gao Rou was from Yu County, Chenliu (present-day Yu Town, Qi County, Henan).
His courtesy name was Wenhui.
His father Gao Jing served as Commandant of Shu Commandery.
Gao Rou remained in Chenliu.
Warning about Chenliu
In 192 CE, when Cao Cao served as Inspector of Yanzhou, Gao Rou said to the people in the city: “Chenliu is a place where four sides fight. Cao Cao also has the wish to advance and plan for the four directions. He will not peacefully guard Yanzhou. Moreover, Zhang Miao raised troops as Administrator of Chenliu. Now following Cao Cao, I am afraid he will rebel.”
He advised people to leave quickly to avoid the coming war.
However, everyone at that time believed that Zhang Miao and Cao Cao had a close relationship.
Gao Rou was also young.
No one paid attention.
Service under Gao Gan
Gao Rou’s cousin Gao Gan was Yuan Shao’s nephew.
At that time, Gao Gan invited Gao Rou to Hebei.
Gao Rou therefore went with his clan to attach to Gao Gan.
Mourning his father
It happened that Gao Rou’s father died.
Gao Rou did not fear the danger of soldiers and the long distance.
He risked going to Shu to conduct mourning.
He experienced great hardship.
Three years later, he returned to the north.
Service under Cao Cao
In 204 CE, the ninth year of Jian’an, Gao Gan and Gao Rou surrendered to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao appointed Gao Rou as Magistrate of Jian.
The corrupt officials incident
The people in the county had all heard of him.
Several corrupt officials therefore automatically resigned.
However, Gao Rou retained them.
He tolerated their past matters.
He made them all become good officials.
Gao Gan’s rebellion
The next year, Gao Gan rebelled in Bing Province.
Although Gao Rou did not participate, Cao Cao wanted to execute him because of this matter.
He ordered him to serve as Clerk Who Investigates Treachery.
However, Gao Rou did very well.
His handling of the law was appropriate.
There were no prisoners in prison who had not been judged.
Every night, he read documents until late at night.
He fell asleep holding documents.
After Cao Cao saw this, he changed his view of him.
He recruited him as Clerk in the Granary Section of the Chancellor’s Office.
Advice about Zhang Lu campaign
In 211 CE, the sixteenth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao wanted to send Zhong Yao and others to lead troops to campaign against Zhang Lu.
However, Gao Rou believed that leading troops into the pass would certainly alarm Ma Chao and Han Sui in Guanzhong.
They would think Cao Cao was attacking them.
This would force them to rebel.
He believed they could first pacify the Three Adjuncts.
After the Three Adjuncts were pacified, they could peacefully recruit Zhang Lu to surrender.
However, Cao Cao did not listen.
After Zhong Yao and others entered the pass, Ma Chao and others indeed rebelled.
Service in Wei dukedom
In 213 CE, the eighteenth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao became Duke of Wei and established the Wei dukedom.
Gao Rou served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.
He transferred to Clerk in the Law Section of the Chancellor’s Office.
The Song Jin desertion case
At that time, soldier Song Jin and others deserted at Hefei.
Someone suggested killing all his mother, wife, children, and younger brother.
However, Gao Rou believed that heavy punishment not only did not help stop soldiers from deserting, but also, because they had no way out, would cause more people to desert.
Showing mercy would instead better arouse their hearts to submit.
Cao Cao followed this.
Many innocent families of deserting soldiers survived.
Service as Administrator of Yingchuan
Later, Gao Rou transferred to Administrator of Yingchuan.
He served as Clerk in the Law Section.
The xiaoshi incident
At that time, the court established xiaoshi (investigators) to supervise the various subordinates.
Gao Rou believed that xiaoshi were not above the hundred officials, nor did they receive orders from the hundred officials.
Moreover, xiaoshi Zhao Da and others repeatedly used their own likes and dislikes to handle matters and abuse power.
They should be reviewed.
However, Cao Cao trusted Zhao Da.
He believed they could achieve the effectiveness of supervising the hundred officials.
Later, Zhao Da and others’ evil deeds were exposed.
Cao Cao killed them as an apology for not listening to Gao Rou’s remonstration that day.
Service under Cao Pi
After Cao Pi succeeded to the throne as emperor, he appointed Gao Rou as Gentleman Consultant and Remonstrant Gentleman.
He enfeoffed him as Marquis Within the Passes.
He transferred him to Remonstrant Gentleman and Court of Judicial Review.
The slander law incident
At that time, because there were many slanderous words, Cao Pi ordered that those who spoke should be executed and those who reported should be rewarded.
However, this caused many people to falsely accuse each other.
Gao Rou therefore suggested cancelling this law to avoid harming innocent people.
However, Cao Pi did not immediately follow.
He ordered that those who falsely accused should be punished with the crime of slander.
Gao Rou examined every reported case.
He verified truth and falsehood.
Even slight violations were lightly punished with fines.
Service as Court of Judicial Review
In 223 CE, the fourth year of Huangchu, Gao Rou was transferred to Court of Judicial Review.
Memorial about Three Excellencies
In the early Wei dynasty, the Three Excellencies had no affairs.
They also rarely handled court affairs.
Gao Rou memorialized: “Heaven and earth have harvests because of the four seasons. The head of state revitalizes government because he has ministers to assist. Tang relied on Yi Yin’s assistance. King Wen and King Wu of Zhou relied on the strength of the Duke of Zhou and Jiang Ziya. By the early Han, Xiao He and Cao Can together, as state meritorious officials, successively became chancellors relied on by Emperor Gao and Emperor Hui. These are all examples of wise kings and sagacious rulers above employing worthy ministers, and ministers below doing their best to assist. Now the Three Excellencies are all pillars of the state. They are admired by the people. However, they are now set aside. They are not allowed to handle state affairs. Each peacefully maintains their high aspirations. They rarely offer advice or strategies. This is really not the court’s thought of honouring and employing ministers. It is also not the way for ministers to assist the ruler and fulfill their duties. In ancient times, when the state had difficult problems, officials always discussed and resolved them in a certain order in one place. In the future, if there are difficult problems in the court and major matters of punishment, the Three Excellencies should often be consulted. The Three Excellencies, in addition to the first and fifteenth days of each month when they attend court, can also be invited into the court at appropriate times to discuss the gains and losses of state affairs. They can widely explain the facts. This may be beneficial for enlightening the emperor and promoting the state’s teachings.”
Cao Pi praised and adopted his suggestion.
The Bao Xun incident
In 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu, Cao Pi, because of old grudges, used Bao Xun’s small fault to illegally execute him.
Gao Rou firmly refused.
Cao Pi simply transferred Gao Rou away.
He directly ordered the Court of Judicial Review to execute the edict.
Despite the opposition of the dukes and ministers, he executed Bao Xun.
Service under Cao Rui
After Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne, he enfeoffed Gao Rou as Marquis of Yanshou.
Memorial about selecting doctors
At that time, doctors all studied under teachers.
Gao Rou memorialized: “I have heard that following the way of the former kings and valuing scholarship is the great teaching of sages. Praising rites and music and classics, and honouring Confucianism, is the clear principle of emperors. At the end of the Han, the state collapsed. Rites, music, and classics were destroyed. Heroes fought like tigers. Wars were frequent. This caused scholars to not be valued. When the Grand Ancestor first rose, what he worried about was these matters. In governing the chaotic world, he had each commandery and county together establish teaching officials. After Emperor Gao succeeded to the throne, he further developed this cause. He restored and built schools. Each province had a testing system. Therefore, scholars of the realm again received formal school education. They again implemented various sacrificial rituals. Now Your Majesty handles state affairs. You can display your intelligence and talent. You implement great plans. You carry forward the laws of the previous emperor. Even if it were Xia Qi and King Cheng of Zhou inheriting previous achievements, they really could not exceed you. However, now doctors all understand the classics and cultivate conduct. However, the selection of talented people in the state and promotion of officials are limited to no more than the county magistrate level. I am afraid this is not the method used to honour and promote Confucianism and encourage the lazy. Confucius said: ‘Promote the good and talented to teach. For those without talent, encourage them.’ Therefore, when Chu treated Shen Gong with courtesy, scholars were determined to advance. When Han honoured Zhuo Mao, scholar-officials competed to admire him. I believe that so-called doctors gather righteousness in themselves. They take the six classics of Confucianism as their purpose. They should be treated differently according to the quality of their studies and conduct. They should not be limited by convention in arranging official positions. Honour the teachings of ethics and morality. Use this to encourage scholars. Make the teachings flourish.”
Cao Rui adopted his suggestion.
Memorial about palace construction
Later, Cao Rui greatly constructed palaces.
The common people’s labour service was heavy.
He also greatly selected beautiful women and filled the rear palace.
However, the rear palace’s princes died one after another.
There was still no heir.
Gao Rou memorialized: “Wu and Shu, these two enemies, are crafty and cunning. They secretly train soldiers and practice military arts. They plan to stir up war. They have no intention of stopping. We should recruit and train generals and soldiers. We should repair and organize weapons and armour. We should prepare everything for battle. However, recently, building palaces causes suffering from labour service for both high and low. If Wu and Shu learn of our actual situation, they will conspire together. They will again come together to fight to the death. This really cannot be ignored. In the past, Emperor Wen of Han pitied resources. He did not build small towers for his own entertainment. Huo Qubing worried about the Xiongnu’s harm. He had no leisure to consider building a mansion. Moreover, what is lost now is not just small expenses like a hundred liang of gold. What is worried about is also not just small harm like the Northern Di. The already built palaces can be simply decorated. They can be used to hold court meetings and banquets. Let the builders return to farming. After Wu and Shu are pacified, gradually repair them. In the past, Xuanyuan had twenty-five sons. The throne could be passed down for a long time. The Zhou royal house had forty Ji-surnamed feudal states. Therefore, Zhou’s years were long. Your Majesty is intelligent and wise. You deeply investigate the principles of things and human nature. However, recently, princes have died one after another. There is also no auspicious sign of giving birth to sons. The hundred officials are all depressed and sad. According to the Rites of Zhou, as the Son of Heaven, below the empress and consorts, there are one hundred and twenty people. The concubines are already many. I have heard that now the number of empress, consorts, and concubines in the rear palace may exceed this number. The emperor’s descendants are not flourishing. I am afraid this is the reason. I believe beautiful women can be well selected to satisfy the number of concubines. Send all the rest home. Nurture essence and cultivate spirit. Concentrate and calm the qi to give birth to princes. In this way, the sign of many descendants will come.”
Cao Rui replied: “I know you are loyal and honest. Your heart is concerned about the royal house. You can often speak directly without concealment. Other matters are also already known.”
The Liu Gui case
At that time, the law prohibiting hunting in the Son of Heaven’s park was very strict.
Liu Gui, Commandant of Yiyang, privately shot rabbits in the forbidden area.
Zhang Jing, Clerk, reported this matter to the xiaoshi.
Cao Rui concealed Zhang Jing’s name.
He arrested Liu Gui and put him in prison.
Gao Rou memorialized requesting Cao Rui to say the reporter’s name.
Cao Rui was angry and said: “Liu Gui should be executed. He actually dared to hunt in my forbidden area. Send Liu Gui to the Court of Judicial Review. The Court of Judicial Review should interrogate him. Why do you still ask about the reporter’s name? Am I randomly arresting him?”
Gao Rou said: “The Court of Judicial Review is the most fair official in the realm. How can we destroy the law because of Your Majesty’s likes and dislikes?”
He again memorialized.
His words were deep and sincere.
Cao Rui realized his mistake.
He told Gao Rou Zhang Jing’s name.
Gao Rou immediately returned to interrogate.
Liu Gui and Zhang Jing each received their appropriate punishment.
The Xie Hong case
The system at that time stipulated that when officials encountered mourning, they all had to start work after one hundred days.
There was a Clerk of the Minister of Works named Xie Hong.
His father died.
He encountered military action.
He was ordered to go.
However, he used illness as an excuse to refuse to go.
Cao Rui issued an edict angrily: “You are not Zeng Shen or Min Sun. Why do you claim to be ill because of excessive grief?”
He urged to quickly arrest Xie Hong.
He wanted to beat him to death.
Gao Rou saw that Xie Hong’s body was very weak.
He was indeed ill.
He memorialized stating this matter.
He believed Xie Hong should be pardoned.
Cao Rui therefore issued an edict: “Xie Hong is indeed a filial son. Pardon him.”
The Gongsun Huang case
Previously, Gongsun Yuan’s older brother Gongsun Huang went to the capital as a hostage for his uncle Gongsun Gong.
At first, Gongsun Yuan had not yet rebelled.
Gongsun Huang several times reported to Cao Rui about Gongsun Yuan’s intention to rebel.
After Gongsun Yuan plotted rebellion, Cao Rui could not bear to execute Gongsun Huang in the marketplace.
He wanted to put him in prison and kill him.
Gao Rou memorialized: “The Book of Documents says: ‘Use punishment to attack his crimes. Use virtue to praise his good deeds.’ This is the clear and fair law of emperors. Gongsun Huang and his wife and children are related to the rebel by hand and foot. They really should be beheaded and displayed to the public. They should not leave behind future troubles. However, I privately heard that Gongsun Huang previously several times actively reported Gongsun Yuan’s intention to rebel. Although he is of the same clan as the rebel, when examining his essence, he can still be pardoned. Speaking of Confucius relieving Sima Niu’s worries, and Qi Xi relieving Shu Xiang’s faults, in the past, these were beautiful and noble righteous actions. I believe that if Gongsun Huang indeed reported Gongsun Yuan’s situation, his death sentence should be pardoned. If he did not report, he should be beheaded in the marketplace. Now, we do not issue an order to pardon him, nor do we announce his crime. We imprison him and let him commit suicide. The states observing this matter may have doubts about this action.”
Cao Rui did not listen.
He ultimately sent someone to give Gongsun Huang and his wife and children gold powder.
He let them drink it and commit suicide.
He granted coffins and clothes.
They were buried in their own homes.
Memorial about deer hunting
At that time, those who killed deer in the forbidden area were all executed.
Their property was confiscated.
Those who could discover and report were given rich rewards.
Gao Rou memorialized: “Sagacious emperors govern the state. They all develop agriculture and economize expenses. They accumulate resources. When agriculture develops, grain is stored. When expenses are economized, resources are accumulated. Accumulating resources and storing grain but still worrying—this has never happened. In ancient times, if one farmer did not farm, someone would go hungry because of this. If one woman did not weave, someone would freeze because of her. Recently, the common people have to perform many labour services. Those who farm have already decreased. In addition, recently there is a hunting prohibition. Groups of deer cause harm and evil. They eat seedlings. Everywhere they cause harm. The losses cannot be estimated. Although the common people set up barriers for defence, their strength is limited. They cannot resist. As a result, around Yingyang for several hundred li, the harvest was poor. There was no grain. The common people’s fate is really pitiable. Now, the ways to generate wealth in the realm are few. However, the losses because of deer are many. Once war occurs, or if we encounter famine or disaster, there will be no plan. Your Majesty should observe what the former sagacious emperors thought and remembered. Pity the difficulty of farming. Relax the scope of the common people’s farming. Let them catch deer. In this way, eliminate the forbidden area. Then the common people will obtain long-term benefits. They will all be happy.”
Service as Grand Master of Ceremonies
Gao Rou served as Court of Judicial Review for twenty-three years.
He later was promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies.
Service as Minister over the Masses
On the ding-mao day of the eighth month of 245 CE, the sixth year of Zhengshi (27th day of the ninth month), Gao Rou was promoted to Minister over the Masses.
Service as Minister of Works
In 248 CE, the ninth year of Zhengshi, Gao Rou was transferred to Minister of Works.
The Gaopingling Incident
In the power struggle between Cao Shuang and Sima Yi, Gao Rou supported Sima Yi.
In 249 CE, the first year of Jiaping, Sima Yi launched the Gaopingling Incident.
Gao Rou participated.
He acted with imperial credentials and performed the duties of Grand General.
He occupied Cao Shuang’s military camp.
Sima Yi said to Gao Rou: “You have become Zhou Bo.”
After Cao Shuang was executed, Gao Rou was advanced to Marquis of Wansui.
Service as Grand Commandant
In 256 CE, the first year of Ganlu, Cao Mao succeeded to the throne.
Gao Rou was advanced to Marquis of Anguo.
He served as Grand Commandant.
Service under Cao Huan
After Cao Huan succeeded to the throne, Gao Rou’s fief was increased.
He also enfeoffed two sons as marquises.
Death
In the ninth month of 263 CE, the fourth year of Jingyuan, Gao Rou died at age ninety.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Yuan.
His grandson Gao Hun succeeded to the marquisate.
During the Xianxi era of Cao Huan, the five-rank system was established.
Gao Hun was changed to Marquis of Changlu.
Personality
Gao Rou was known for his uprightness and integrity.
He was also known for his strict adherence to law.
He was also known for his ability to handle cases fairly.
He was also known for his remonstrations.
Military achievements
Gaopingling Incident
Gao Rou successfully participated in the Gaopingling Incident.
He occupied Cao Shuang’s military camp.
Relationships
With Gao Gan
Gao Rou served under Gao Gan and was his cousin.
With Cao Cao
Gao Rou served under Cao Cao and was valued by him.
With Cao Pi
Gao Rou served under Cao Pi and remonstrated about various matters.
With Cao Rui
Gao Rou served under Cao Rui and remonstrated about various matters.
With Cao Fang
Gao Rou served under Cao Fang and participated in the Gaopingling Incident.
With Cao Mao
Gao Rou served under Cao Mao and was advanced to Grand Commandant.
With Cao Huan
Gao Rou served under Cao Huan and died in office.
Anecdotes
Warning about Chenliu
Gao Rou successfully warned people about Chenliu being a place of four-sided warfare.
The corrupt officials incident
Gao Rou successfully retained corrupt officials and made them good officials.
Advice about Zhang Lu campaign
Gao Rou successfully predicted that Ma Chao and others would rebel.
The Song Jin desertion case
Gao Rou successfully persuaded Cao Cao not to kill deserters’ families.
The xiaoshi incident
Gao Rou successfully remonstrated about xiaoshi.
Zhao Da and others were later executed.
The slander law incident
Gao Rou successfully examined every reported case and verified truth and falsehood.
Memorial about Three Excellencies
Gao Rou successfully memorialized about the Three Excellencies’ role.
Cao Pi adopted his suggestion.
The Bao Xun incident
Gao Rou successfully refused to execute Bao Xun illegally.
However, Cao Pi transferred him away and executed Bao Xun.
Memorial about selecting doctors
Gao Rou successfully memorialized about selecting doctors.
Cao Rui adopted his suggestion.
Memorial about palace construction
Gao Rou successfully memorialized about palace construction.
Cao Rui acknowledged his loyalty.
The Liu Gui case
Gao Rou successfully insisted on fair law enforcement.
Cao Rui realized his mistake.
The Xie Hong case
Gao Rou successfully pardoned Xie Hong because of his filial piety.
The Gongsun Huang case
Gao Rou successfully memorialized about Gongsun Huang.
However, Cao Rui did not listen.
Memorial about deer hunting
Gao Rou successfully memorialized about deer hunting.
The Dou Li case
Gao Rou successfully investigated the case of Dou Li, a soldier in the Protector Camp.
Dou Li was killed by fellow soldier Jiao Ziwen.
He was mistakenly thought to have deserted.
His wife and children were confiscated as government slaves.
Gao Rou heard Dou Li’s wife’s grievance.
He investigated.
The truth came out.
He restored Dou Li’s wife’s status.
He promulgated this to the realm as a precedent.
Gaopingling Incident
Gao Rou successfully participated in the Gaopingling Incident.
He occupied Cao Shuang’s military camp.
Sima Yi compared him to Zhou Bo.
Achievements
- Successfully served five Wei emperors
- Successfully served as Court of Judicial Review for twenty-three years
- Successfully remonstrated about various matters
- Successfully participated in the Gaopingling Incident
- Known for uprightness and integrity
- Known for strict adherence to law
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Gao Rou’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Han Ji, Cui Lin, Sun Li, and Wang Guan.
Long service
Gao Rou served five Wei emperors (Cao Cao, Cao Pi, Cao Rui, Cao Fang, Cao Mao, Cao Huan).
He almost spanned the entire Cao Wei period.
He witnessed the rise and fall of Cao Wei.
Service as Court of Judicial Review
Gao Rou served as Court of Judicial Review for twenty-three years.
This was an exceptionally long tenure.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Rui said: “I know you are loyal and honest. Your heart is concerned about the royal house. You can often speak directly without concealment.”
Sima Yi said: “You have become Zhou Bo.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Gao Rou understood law and principle. Rou preserved his office for twenty years. He ended his position as an elder statesman. Compared to Xu Miao and Chang Lin, in this he was lacking.”
Legacy
Gao Rou is remembered as a key official who served five Wei emperors.
His uprightness and integrity are praised.
His strict adherence to law is also praised.
His long service as Court of Judicial Review is also praised.
Timeline
- 174 CE: Born in Yu County, Chenliu; father Gao Jing Commandant of Shu Commandery; remained in Chenliu
- 192 CE: Cao Cao Inspector of Yanzhou; Gao Rou warned people about Chenliu; no one paid attention; cousin Gao Gan invited to Hebei; went with clan to attach to Gao Gan; father died; risked going to Shu to conduct mourning; experienced hardship; returned to north after three years
- 204 CE: Gao Gan and Gao Rou surrendered to Cao Cao; appointed Magistrate of Jian; retained corrupt officials; made them good officials; Gao Gan rebelled next year; Cao Cao wanted to execute Gao Rou; ordered as Clerk Who Investigates Treachery; did very well; Cao Cao changed view; recruited as Clerk in the Granary Section of the Chancellor’s Office
- 211 CE: Cao Cao wanted to campaign against Zhang Lu; Gao Rou predicted Ma Chao and others would rebel; Cao Cao did not listen; Ma Chao and others rebelled
- 213 CE: Cao Cao became Duke of Wei; Gao Rou served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing; transferred to Clerk in the Law Section of the Chancellor’s Office; Song Jin deserted; Gao Rou persuaded Cao Cao not to kill deserters’ families; transferred to Administrator of Yingchuan; remonstrated about xiaoshi; Zhao Da and others later executed
- 220 CE: Cao Pi became emperor; appointed Gentleman Consultant and Remonstrant Gentleman; enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes; transferred to Remonstrant Gentleman and Court of Judicial Review; remonstrated about slander law; examined every case; verified truth and falsehood
- 223 CE: Transferred to Court of Judicial Review; memorialized about Three Excellencies; Cao Pi adopted suggestion
- 226 CE: Cao Pi wanted to execute Bao Xun illegally; Gao Rou refused; Cao Pi transferred him away; executed Bao Xun; Cao Rui succeeded to throne; enfeoffed as Marquis of Yanshou; memorialized about selecting doctors; Cao Rui adopted; memorialized about palace construction; Cao Rui acknowledged loyalty; Liu Gui case; insisted on fair law; Cao Rui realized mistake; Xie Hong case; pardoned because of filial piety; Gongsun Huang case; memorialized; Cao Rui did not listen; memorialized about deer hunting; investigated Dou Li case; truth came out; restored Dou Li’s wife’s status
- ?: Promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies after serving as Court of Judicial Review for twenty-three years
- 245 CE: Promoted to Minister over the Masses
- 248 CE: Transferred to Minister of Works; supported Sima Yi in power struggle with Cao Shuang
- 249 CE: Participated in Gaopingling Incident; occupied Cao Shuang’s military camp; Sima Yi compared to Zhou Bo; advanced to Marquis of Wansui after Cao Shuang executed
- 256 CE: Cao Mao succeeded to throne; Gao Rou advanced to Marquis of Anguo; served as Grand Commandant
- 260 CE: Cao Huan succeeded to throne; Gao Rou’s fief increased; enfeoffed two sons as marquises
- 263 CE: Died in ninth month at age ninety; posthumous Marquis Yuan; grandson Gao Hun succeeded; changed to Marquis of Changlu during Xianxi era
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 24, Biography of Han, Cui, Gao, Sun, Wang.