Do you know Gao Lishi? Today, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction.
Although there are countless famous eunuchs in history, few have left a lasting impression in history, while many have left a lasting reputation. Even Cai Lun, who improved papermaking in the the Four Great Inventions (many people may not know that Cai Lun is actually a eunuch), is also a villain in politics. As for Wang Zhen and his followers who caused the Civil Engineering Revolution, they are definitely negative figures. But in history, there was indeed such a eunuch who, although powerful and experienced the rise and fall of dynasties, was not swept into the garbage heap of history by the people. However, because of his loyalty to the subject, he became the first person to be honored throughout history. He was a strongman.
It is estimated that many people, up to Gao Lishi, took off their boots from the famous Gao Lishi. Although this incident shows Li Bai’s unapologetic side towards the powerful, it is also a manifestation of Gao Lishi’s magnanimity from another perspective. Otherwise, it would be considered Gao Lishi’s power, and killing a small Li Bai would be a mere labor. It is said that with a sharp mind, killing begins. But Gao Lishi is still quite conscientious, otherwise there would be no such thing as a poetic immortal in later generations.
Gao Lishi’s real name is Feng Yuanyi, and his ancestral home is in Guangzhou. He was named Gao Lishi because he was adopted by eunuchs. Born cautious and careful, she was initially appreciated by Empress Wu Zetian, but later served Li Longji with great merit and was highly valued by him.
Later, during the Shenlong coup, Empress Wu Zetian was forced to abdicate and Emperor Zhongzong was reinstated. However, Empress Wei monopolized power and colluded with Wu Sansi and others, not only killing the meritorious officials who had been reinstated by Emperor Zhongzong, but also eyeing the position of crown prince. Moreover, Wei Shi wanted to emulate Wu Zetian and indulge in the addiction of being a female emperor. His daughter Princess Anle is not a fuel-efficient lamp either. She secretly encouraged Empress Wei to ascend to the throne, while she herself hoped to become the Empress Dowager and change the transmission of the throne from father son to mother daughter.
Mother and daughter conspired to poison Emperor Zhongzong, and later Prince Li Longji of Linzi led troops to quell the rebellion and killed Wei Hou and others. During this process, Gao Lishi demonstrated his intelligence and loyalty. Deeply appreciated by Li Longji, later Li Longji ascended to power as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (i.e. Emperor Ming of Tang), and Gao Lishi was promoted out of the ordinary to take charge of the palace power.
Due to his significant contributions during his tenure, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang highly valued eunuchs and rewarded them with countless wealth. More than half of the land and mansions in the capital were owned by eunuchs. And they are deeply trusted, granted military and political powers, often serving as supervisors of the army, and are even more unscrupulous, engaging in corruption and bribery. Moreover, the appointments and rewards of these people are in the hands of Gao Lishi, and the memorials from various regions must first pass through Gao Lishi before being presented to the emperor, which can be described as overwhelming power. But Gao Lishi never abuses his power, although he also promotes some of his confidants, he never sells his official position. Many talented people have also been promoted as a result. Prince Li Heng referred to him as his second brother, while Prince Ma referred to him as’ grandpa ‘, indicating the status of a strongman.
Later, he was appointed as the Grand General and the Prince of the County. Although he wielded immense power, Gao Lishi never interfered with his authority and politics, and devoted himself to serving his lord without any arrogance. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang also had great confidence in him.
Later, the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, and Gao Lishi escorted Emperor Xuanzong of Tang to escape. He served him with all his heart and without any negligence, and was therefore conferred the title of Duke of Qi. Later, Crown Prince Li Heng ascended the throne without authorization and honored Emperor Xuanzong of Tang as the Supreme Emperor, which can actually be understood as a coup. At this time, Gao Lishi did not follow the trend and remained loyal to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
After the situation improved, Tang Xuanzong returned to Taiji Palace and was arranged to enter Ganlu Hall. Li Heng and Li Fuguo have been secretly guarding against Tang Xuanzong to prevent his restoration. Especially Li Fuguo, in order to maintain his power, maliciously made things difficult for Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and showed no respect to him. At this time, most people regarded Tang Xuanzong as an outdated monarch and fled one after another. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was in a difficult situation with no guarantee of his life. At this time, Gao Lishi stepped forward and angrily rebuked Li Fuguo, which can be considered as upholding the dignity of the Supreme Emperor. Although Li Fuguo was forced to back down, he still held a grudge in his heart, so he took the opportunity to spread rumors and exiled Gao Lishi to another place. Without the protection of Gao Lishi, Tang Xuanzong also lost the courage and hope to survive, and soon passed away.
At that time, Gao Lishi did not know the news of Tang Xuanzong’s death. Later, he was granted amnesty and heard from someone on the way before realizing it. He was heartbroken and vomited blood to death. Later, Emperor Tang ordered Emperor Xuanzong to be buried with him due to his commendable loyalty. From then on, the opportunity for the ruler and his subjects was preserved, which can be called a good story.
