Hunting for the Enemy's Head at the Gao Ping Pass

(Gao ping qu ji)

Volumes 1 and 2 of 8Volumes 3 and 4 of 8Volumes 7 and 8 of 8


Volumes 5 and 6 are not in the collection

This is a story of Zhao Kuangyin, founder and first Emperor of the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279). Zhao Kuangyin comes from a family that has served in the military for generations. His father Zhao Hong Yin is an outstanding general who has served several dynasties, due to political turmoil coupled with the rapid rise and fall of warlords during the chaos of the Five Dynasties Period (A.D. 907-960) and the late Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907).

In A.D. 951, a warlord named Guo Wei establishes the Later Zhou Dynasty (A.D. 951-960), with Zhao Kuangyin as commander of his army. Guo Wei's nickname is 'house sparrow', and he superstitiously believes what a fortuneteller has told him: that someone with the word 'eagle' in his name will one day overthrow Guo Wei's dynasty. Gao Laoyao — a famous general who serves at Guo Wei's court and who sets up camp in an important strategic area called the Gao Ping Pass — has a name which means 'giant eagle' in Chinese. He has yet to realize that, by his very name, he has already become worrisome to Guo Wei.

Afraid of losing both his power and his life, Guo Wei appoints Zhao Kuangyin Commander-in-Chief of his army, ordering him to subjugate Gao Ping Pass and bring back the head of General Gao Laoyao. This is a dilemma for Zhao Kuangyin, because General Gao Laoyao is his father's close friend and sworn brother. (For a description of the sworn brothers' oath, please see the entry Zheng En was Executed While I was Drunk in this collection.) When his troops reach the opening of the Gao Ping Pass, he orders them to set up camp, and enters the Pass alone to seek a meeting. Guards at the Pass admire his courage, and immediately take him to General Gao Laoyao. After introducing himself, Zhao Kuangyin says, 'I cannot disobey the Emperor's orders, no matter how ridiculous his decision, given that loyal ministers and court supporters have been kept in the dark. But if I could take this opportunity to borrow your head and seize power, then I will be able to execute this ruthless ruler and unify the country without any casualties on the battlefield. By this act, you will not only be avenged, but those whose lives you have saved from endless battles will remember your kindness.'

General Gao Laoyao sees Zhao Kuangyin's extraordinary talent and believes that the future will definitely be better in this man's hands. He accepts Zhao Kuangyin's request, with the condition that Zhao Kuangyin become a sworn brother to both his sons, Gao Huaide and Gao Huailiang. Zhao agrees, also betrothing his younger sister to Gao Huaide. Gao Laoyao draws his sword and commits suicide while his sons are talking with Zhao Kuangyin at a banquet. Zhao Kuangyin then wears mourning clothes and holds a ceremony for General Gao Laoyao at the Gao Ping Pass. He and his troops head back to the capital with Gao Laoyao's head in a gift box for Guo Wei.

Upon seeing the late general's head in a box presented by Zhao Kuangyin, Guo Wei begins having nightmares, because Gao Laoyao's wide-open eyes and quivering beard resemble those of a live person. Guo Wei now realizes how ridiculous his decision was. He becomes very ill and one day falls from from his chair and is pronounced dead. Zhao Kuangyin proclaims himself Song Emperor following the Chen Bridge Mutiny and initiates the unification of China. He appoints Gao Huaide, son of the late General Gao Laoyao, as Commander-in-Chief of the new dynasty, and their story is passed down from generation to generation.