Guo Zhengyi facts for kids

Guo Zhengyi (Chinese: 郭正一) was an important government official, known as a chancellor, in ancient China during the Tang dynasty. He served under Emperor Gaozong of Tang and later during the time when Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife, Empress Wu, ruled as a regent for their son, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang. He died on September 10, 689.

Early Life and Career

We don't know the exact year Guo Zhengyi was born. He came from a place called Ding Prefecture, which is now Baoding in Hebei, China.

Guo Zhengyi became a government official by passing a very difficult test called the imperial examination. This happened during the rule of Emperor Taizong of Tang. After passing the test, he worked as an official in the government's law-making department, called the Zhongshu Sheng. He was also known as a smart scholar.

Serving Emperor Gaozong

In 678, the Tang army faced a big defeat against the Tufan (Tibetan) forces. A Tang general was even captured. After this loss, Emperor Gaozong asked his officials what they should do next.

Guo Zhengyi suggested that the Tang dynasty should focus on defending its borders for a few years. He believed they needed time to rebuild their strength and gather resources. Other officials agreed with his idea, and Emperor Gaozong accepted this plan.

In 681, Guo Zhengyi was promoted to a high position in the archival bureau, which handled important government documents. He also worked as a deputy head in the legislative bureau. By 682, he was given the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, which officially made him a chancellor. People said he was very good at drafting official government orders because he had worked in the legislative bureau for a long time and knew how everything worked.

In 683, Emperor Gaozong became very ill. He asked Guo Zhengyi, along with other important officials like Pei Yan and Liu Jingxian, to help his son, Li Zhe, manage important state matters.

During Empress Wu's Rule

Emperor Gaozong passed away in late 683. His son, Li Zhe, became Emperor Zhongzong. However, Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife, Empress Wu, became the regent. This meant she held the real power and made the decisions.

Soon after Emperor Zhongzong became emperor, Empress Wu changed Guo Zhengyi's position. He was no longer a chancellor but became the principal of the imperial university. Not long after, Emperor Zhongzong showed signs of wanting to rule independently. Because of this, Empress Dowager Wu removed him from power and replaced him with his brother, Li Dan.

For the next few years, Guo Zhengyi was moved to different government jobs. He served as a prefect (a local governor) in different regions. In 689, while he was serving as a prefect in Shan Prefecture, a man named Xu Jingzhen was captured. Xu Jingzhen was the brother of a rebel leader who had tried to overthrow Empress Dowager Wu a few years earlier.

During questioning, Xu Jingzhen and another person wrongly accused many officials, including Guo Zhengyi, of being involved in the rebellion. Because of these false accusations, Guo Zhengyi and several other officials were sent away to a distant region called Lingnan. Sadly, Guo Zhengyi died either on his way to exile or while he was in exile. All his belongings were taken by the government.