Gao Shun facts for kids

Gao Shun (died February 7, 199) was a brave military leader in ancient China. He served a powerful warlord named Lü Bu during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Even though Gao Shun only had 700 soldiers, his special unit was known as the "camp crusher." This name came from how well they could break through enemy lines. People thought Gao Shun was Lü Bu's most skilled commander.

His achievements included taking over Peicheng and winning a big battle against forces led by Xiahou Dun and Liu Bei. However, in the same year, a powerful leader named Cao Cao attacked Lü Bu's main base. Lü Bu was defeated and captured. Gao Shun was also captured and sadly executed along with his leader.

Gao Shun's Life and Loyalty

Gao Shun was from a place called Shangdang. He was known for being very honest and strict. He didn't talk much, but he had a strong presence. Gao Shun was a pure person who didn't accept alcohol or unfair gifts.

His special unit had only 700 men, but they were as strong as a thousand. They were well-trained, had good equipment, and followed orders perfectly. When they fought, they always managed to break through enemy formations. They could even fight well when surrounded. This is why they were called the "camp crusher" or "formation breaker."

A Qing dynasty illustration of Lü Bu

Gao Shun was always loyal to Lü Bu, even when Lü Bu didn't listen to his good advice. For example, a bandit leader named Zang Ba promised Lü Bu some treasures. But Zang Ba didn't keep his word. Lü Bu decided to go himself to ask for the goods. Gao Shun warned him, "Your reputation is very important. You shouldn't go begging for gifts. If you don't succeed, you will lose face." Lü Bu didn't listen, and indeed, Zang Ba refused him. This made Lü Bu look bad.

Putting Down a Rebellion

In 196, one of Lü Bu's own officers, Hao Meng, started a rebellion. Hao Meng's soldiers surrounded Lü Bu's home. Lü Bu was surprised and had to escape over a wall to Gao Shun's camp. Lü Bu told Gao Shun that the rebel leader had a certain accent. Gao Shun quickly figured out it was Hao Meng.

Gao Shun then led his soldiers to stop the rebellion. By the next morning, Hao Meng's troops had to retreat. One of Hao Meng's own men, Cao Xing, turned against him. Cao Xing fought Hao Meng and injured him. Gao Shun arrived and finished the fight, stopping the rebellion completely.

Lü Bu's Inconsistent Actions

Even though Gao Shun was very loyal, Lü Bu didn't always trust him. After the Hao Meng rebellion, Lü Bu even took away Gao Shun's command and gave his soldiers to a relative. But whenever there was a battle, Lü Bu would give Gao Shun his command back. Despite this unfair treatment, Gao Shun remained completely loyal and never felt angry at his leader.

Lü Bu often made quick decisions without thinking them through. Gao Shun would often tell him, "You never think about the details when you start something. You always make the wrong choices!" He also said, "Leaders who lost their homes didn't lose them because they lacked good advisors. They lost them because they wouldn't listen to those advisors. General, you don't think things through, and you make too many mistakes." Lü Bu knew Gao Shun was loyal, but he still couldn't follow his advice.

Portrait of Liu Bei in the Tang dynasty-era Thirteen Emperors Scroll

A Ming dynasty illustration of Cao Cao in the Sancai Tuhui

Final Battles and Capture

In 198, Lü Bu felt threatened by Liu Bei, who was building up his army. Liu Bei also captured gold that Lü Bu wanted for warhorses. So, Lü Bu sent Gao Shun and another general, Zhang Liao, to attack Liu Bei's main base at Peicheng.

Liu Bei's new friend, Cao Cao, sent his general Xiahou Dun to help Liu Bei. But Gao Shun defeated their combined forces. Liu Bei had to leave Peicheng and seek safety with Cao Cao.

In the winter of 198, Cao Cao and Liu Bei returned with a very large army. They attacked Lü Bu's base at Xiapi. On February 7, 199, some of Lü Bu's own generals arrested Gao Shun and Lü Bu's advisor, Chen Gong. They then surrendered to Cao Cao. Lü Bu surrendered soon after. Gao Shun, Lü Bu, and Chen Gong were executed, and their heads were sent to a city called Xuchang.

Gao Shun in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

The historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms tells more stories about Gao Shun. In one part, Gao Shun fought a duel with Xiahou Dun outside a town called Xiaopei. After many moves, Gao Shun was outmatched and had to retreat. Xiahou Dun chased him deep into the enemy lines.

Then, one of Gao Shun's men, Cao Xing, secretly shot an arrow at Xiahou Dun. The arrow hit Xiahou Dun in his left eye. Xiahou Dun bravely pulled out the arrow along with his eyeball and swallowed it! This scared soldiers on both sides. Xiahou Dun then charged at Cao Xing. Cao Xing had no time to react and was killed. Gao Shun then turned his troops around and defeated Xiahou Dun.

In another part of the novel, Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were captured after being trapped by a flood. When Lü Bu was brought before Cao Cao, Cao Cao also questioned Gao Shun. Cao Cao asked him if he had anything to say. Gao Shun didn't want to join Cao Cao, so he stayed silent and accepted his fate. Cao Cao then had him executed along with Chen Gong.

See also

• Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms