Gao Jifu facts for kids

Gao Jifu (born in 596, died January 16, 654) was a very important official in ancient China. He was also known as Gao Feng. He served during the powerful Tang dynasty (618–907 AD).

Gao Jifu worked as a top advisor, called a chancellor, for two emperors. These were Emperor Taizong and his son, Emperor Gaozong. After he died, he was given the special title "Duke Xian of Tiao."

Early Life and Family

Gao Jifu was born in 596. His family came from a place that is now Dezhou in Shandong, China. His grandfather, Gao Biao, was a governor during an earlier time, either the Northern Wei or Eastern Wei dynasties.

His father, Gao Heng, worked as a local official (a county magistrate) during the Sui dynasty. Gao Jifu was known for being smart and studying hard. He also trained in martial arts when he was young. People said he acted very properly during the time of mourning after his mother passed away.

A Brother's Revenge

Gao Jifu had an older brother named Gao Yuandao. Gao Yuandao was a magistrate in Ji County. Around 618 or 619, the Sui Empire was falling apart. Many rebel groups were fighting.

The people of Ji County surrendered to some rebels. Sadly, Gao Yuandao was killed during this time. Gao Jifu bravely led his brother's followers. They fought and captured the people who killed his brother. Gao Jifu then took their heads to his brother's tomb as an offering.

After this, Gao Jifu gathered his own group of rebels. But soon, he decided to join the new Tang dynasty. The Tang dynasty was one of the new powers rising after the Sui Empire collapsed. Gao Jifu became a military advisor to another rebel leader, Li Yude, who also joined the Tang.

Serving Emperor Taizong

History does not record everything Gao Jifu did for several years. But early in the reign of the second Tang emperor, Emperor Taizong, Gao Jifu became an assistant imperial censor. This job meant he had to point out mistakes made by other officials.

Gao Jifu did his job well. He was not afraid to tell other officials when they were wrong. Because of his good work, he was promoted to a mid-level official in the government's legislative bureau.

Wise Suggestions to the Emperor

In 634, Emperor Taizong asked his officials for ideas to improve the country. Gao Jifu offered five important suggestions:

• He suggested that the government should focus more on promoting officials who were kind and honest.
• He thought that fewer people should be forced to work on big public projects.
• He believed that princesses and nobles should not try to make extra money through business. He felt their existing allowances were enough.
• He suggested that local officials should get higher salaries. He thought their current pay was not enough to support their families.
• He wanted clear rules about how the emperor's sons and brothers should treat each other. At the time, it was confusing.

Emperor Taizong was very impressed with Gao Jifu's ideas. He praised him for his helpful suggestions.

Continued Service and Recognition

In 643, Gao Jifu became an assistant to the crown prince, Li Zhi. Gao Jifu continued to give good advice about how to govern. Emperor Taizong rewarded him with a special type of rock called a stalactite, which was used as medicine back then. The emperor said, "You gave medicine (good advice) for the state, so I am giving you medicine."

In 644, he became the assistant minister of civil service affairs. He was known for choosing officials fairly and wisely. Emperor Taizong gave him a gold-plated mirror. This mirror symbolized that Gao Jifu's actions were pure and honorable.

In 645, Emperor Taizong led a military campaign against a kingdom called Goguryeo. During this time, Emperor Taizong left Crown Prince Li Zhi in charge of supplies and support. Gao Jifu was part of Li Zhi's team, helping with this important task.

In 648, Gao Jifu was promoted to Zhongshu Ling. This was the head of the legislative bureau and a very high position, considered a chancellor. He also continued to serve as minister of civil service affairs. He helped edit the official history of the empire. He was also given the special title "Duke of Tiao," named after his home county.

Serving Emperor Gaozong

Emperor Taizong died in 649. His son, Li Zhi, then became the new emperor, known as Emperor Gaozong. Gao Jifu continued to serve as a chancellor under the new emperor.

In 651, Gao Jifu was made Shizhong. This was the head of the examination bureau of the government, another very important role for a chancellor. In 652, he also became an advisor to Emperor Gaozong's crown prince, Li Zhong.

Later, Gao Jifu became ill and had to rest at home. Emperor Gaozong cared about him very much. He called Gao Jifu's brother, Gao Jitong, back from his post as a prefect. This was so Gao Jitong could be with Gao Jifu and help take care of him. Gao Jifu passed away in 654.