A story of Gao Yun

In the spring of 458, during the reign of Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei, there’s a story about the construction of the Taihua Palace in Pingcheng.

Guo Shanming, a deceitful minister, persuaded the emperor to extensively build palaces. Gao Yun, a senior official, advised against it, citing the already established structures and the massive workforce and cost needed for the new construction. The emperor accepted his counsel.

Gao was known for his candor. He would immediately bring up any inappropriate matters at court and had private discussions with the emperor, often for hours, leaving other ministers unaware of their conversations. Despite occasionally speaking vehemently, Emperor Wencheng valued Gao’s advice but sometimes had him assisted away when discussions became too intense.

Although others appointed alongside Gao attained high positions, he remained a minor official. Emperor Wencheng expressed dissatisfaction with Gao’s lack of status, highlighting Gao’s decades-long contributions and eventually promoted him to a higher position.

Gao’s family lived in poverty despite his service. When this was brought to Emperor Wencheng’s attention, he visited Gao’s humble home, showing compassion by gifting fabric, grains and appointing his son to a position.

Emperor Wencheng highly esteemed Gao, often referring to him as “lord” rather than by name, thus spreading his reputation far and wide.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Shenzhen Daily)