The Rise of a Hero in Turbulent Times

The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) was one of China’s most illustrious empires, but its golden age was nearly shattered by the catastrophic An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 CE). At the heart of its survival stood Guo Ziyi (697–781 CE), a military genius and statesman whose leadership preserved the dynasty from collapse. Emperor Suzong once declared, “Our home and nation have been reborn through your efforts” (Zizhi Tongjian, Vol. 220), a testament to Guo’s unparalleled contributions.

Born in Huazhou (modern-day Hua District, Shaanxi), Guo Ziyi was a towering figure—literally and figuratively—standing over 180 cm tall in an era when average height was significantly shorter. His early career as a military officer was unremarkable until the An Lushan Rebellion erupted, thrusting him into the spotlight.

The Five Pivotal Campaigns That Saved the Tang

### 1. Striking at the Rebellion’s Heart
As the newly appointed Shuofang Jiedushi (military governor of the northern frontier), Guo exploited the rebels’ overextension, launching daring raids into their rear. Alongside general Li Guangbi, he defeated the rebel commander Shi Siming, nearly collapsing the rebellion—until Emperor Xuanzong’s disastrous order to abandon defensive tactics led to the fall of Chang’an in 756.

### 2. The Legitimization of Emperor Suzong
When the imperial court fled to Lingwu, Guo’s arrival with 50,000 troops transformed the exiled Crown Prince Li Heng into a legitimate ruler. His support allowed Suzong to reclaim authority, earning Guo the dual titles of chancellor and supreme commander.

### 3. The Liberation of Chang’an and Luoyang
In 757, Guo masterminded the recapture of the twin capitals. At the decisive Battle of Xiangjisi, his coordination with Uyghur cavalry annihilated 60,000 rebels. Emperor Suzong’s tearful gratitude—”Our home and nation have been reborn through you”—cemented Guo’s legacy as the dynasty’s “Second Founder.”

### 4. The Bluff That Saved Chang’an from Tibet
In 763, with Tibet occupying the capital, Guo—then in retirement—rallied scattered troops. Through psychological warfare (spreading rumors of phantom armies and staging nighttime diversions), he terrified the Tibetans into retreating without a major battle.

### 5. Diplomacy Over Bloodshed: Neutralizing the Uyghur Threat
When rebel general Pugu Huai’en incited the Uyghurs to invade in 765, the 68-year-old Guo rode alone into their camp. His personal charisma—honed during earlier joint campaigns—convinced them to withdraw, again sparing the Tang from devastation.

The Art of Survival: Guo Ziyi’s Political Wisdom

### Navigating the Perils of Imperial Distrust
Despite his loyalty, Guo faced constant suspicion from emperors wary of military strongmen. His strategies included:
– Voluntary Humility: After defeats, he immediately requested demotion.
– Emotional Bonding: He presented Emperor Daizong with 1,000 personal letters from their years campaigning together, dissolving tensions.
– The “Drunk Son-in-Law” Incident: When his son Guo Ai rashly claimed “My father could have been emperor!” during a marital spat, Guo Ziyi’s swift self-criticism turned the crisis into a royal joke (“Not deaf nor dumb, no family head!”), later immortalized in the opera Da Jin Zhi.

### Mastering the Human Element
– Reconciling with Rivals: Despite past animosity, he recommended Li Guangbi for critical commands, prioritizing national unity.
– Outmaneuvering Eunuchs: When the powerful eunuch Yu Chao’en allegedly desecrated his father’s tomb, Guo dismissed it as “karmic retribution for war.” His disarmingly casual visit to Yu’s temple construction—with just a few attendants—exposed the plot while preserving dignity.

The “Five Blessings” and Enduring Legacy

Guo Ziyi became known as the “Old Man of Five Blessings” (寿、富、康宁、攸好德、考终命), a Confucian ideal:
1. Longevity: Dying at 85 (versus the era’s ~50-year life expectancy).
2. Wealth: His 240,000-min annual income funded a 3,000-person household, yet critics admired his transparent riches.
3. Health and Safety: Despite decades of war, no records mention serious injuries.
4. Virtue: His fairness earned universal respect, even among former enemies like the Uyghurs.
5. Peaceful Death: Honored by Emperor Dezong, his funeral symbolized a perfect life’s closure.

### Lessons for the Ages
Guo’s wisdom transcended his era:
– The Art of Retreat: Inspired by a mason’s remark (“Walls outlive owners”), he retired at his peak.
– Interpersonal Alchemy: Like Eisenhower, his brilliance lay in harmonizing factions—a model for modern leadership.

As the Old Book of Tang concluded: “He wielded supreme power yet faced no envy, achieved unmatched deeds yet aroused no suspicion, lived lavishly yet incurred no blame. In life’s fullness, no man was more complete.” Guo Ziyi remains the paragon of how to triumph in chaos—and exit with grace.