Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜)

Overview

Guo Chongtao was a Later Tang Chief Minister.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Courtesy name	Anshi	安時	Anshi
Nickname	that Guo fellow	郭漢子

Life and dates

Death

AD 925 自誅郭崇韜、朱友謙之後
Cause Execution · Authority Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (後唐莊宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 122
AD 926 同光四年正月甲子
Killed · At Shu 西川 · Authority Li Jiji (李繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 13
AD 926 四年正月
Beaten to death with clubs · At Shu 蜀 · Authority Li Jiji (李繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 166, 172
Killed · Authority Li Jiji (李繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 74, passage 26
AD 926 同光四年正月甲子
Executed · Authority Jiji (繼岌) · At Shu 蜀
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 172
Assassination · At Shu 蜀 · Cause Ordered by Empress Liu via Jiji
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passages 70, 79

Show 11 more source-backed claims

AD 926 唐同光四年
Execution
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 79
AD 926 天成元年五月
Already dead
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 60
AD 926 崇韜被族
Clan exterminated
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 162
AD 925 洎郭崇韜伏誅
Execution
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 50
AD 926 莊宗敗
executed 誅
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 51, passage 29
AD 926 郭崇韜既誅
Execution
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 200
Executed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 44, passage 130
Killed by eunuchs · Zhuangzong did not know
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 95
Killed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passages 49, 76
Met ruin and death
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 27, passage 35
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 68, passage 189

Attested activity

AD 923 AD 923-925
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 26, passage 50
AD 925 三年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 101; Old History of the Five Dynasties 69, passages 34-35
AD 925 三年
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 44, passage 123
AD 925 三年夏
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 75
AD 925 九月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passages 48, 73
AD 925 九月戊申
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passages 48, 79

Show 54 more source-backed claims

AD 925 其月二十七日
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 128
AD 923 to AD 926 同光
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 71, passage 96
AD 925 同光三年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 51, passages 1, 48; Old History of the Five Dynasties 62, passages 112, 115; Old History of the Five Dynasties 74, passage 16
AD 925 同光三年九月庚子
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 160
AD 925 同光三年伐蜀
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passages 188, 196, 201, 205
AD 925 同光三年十一月
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 167
AD 925 同光三年夏四月
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 151
AD 925 同光三年秋七月丁未
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 9
AD 923 to AD 926 同光中
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 70, passage 115
AD 924 to AD 926 同光中
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passages 49, 52
AD 924 同光二年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 31, passage 28; New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passages 35-36
AD 924 同光二年九月
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 134
AD 923 同光元年夏四月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 72, passage 100
AD 923 同光元年夏四月己巳
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 79
AD 923 同光初
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 73, passage 53
AD 926 同光四年，郭崇韜、朱友謙皆已見殺
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passage 49
AD 926 同光四年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 74, passage 26
AD 926 同光四年正月庚辰
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 19
AD 926 同光四年正月甲子
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 13
AD 926 同光四年正月甲子
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passages 172, 220
AD 925 唐同光三年九月十日
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113
AD 926 唐同光四年三月
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passages 69-70
AD 926 四年正月六日
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 166
AD 926 天成元年五月
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 60
AD 921 天祐十八年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 16
AD 917 天祐十四年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 8
AD 926 崇韜之死
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 95
AD 926 崇韜被族
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 162
AD 922 明年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 16, 22
AD 926 明年
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 44, passage 130
AD 925 是歲九月十八日
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 122
AD 923 梁亡
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 69, passages 27, 29
AD 925 洎郭崇韜伏誅
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 50
AD 923 滅梁入汴
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 32
AD 926 甲辰
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passages 115, 128
AD 925 自誅郭崇韜、朱友謙之後
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 122
AD 923 to AD 925 莊宗
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passages 40, 42, 59
AD 923 莊宗即位
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 119
AD 923 莊宗即位於魏州
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 23
AD 923 莊宗平定汴、洛
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passage 220
AD 923 莊宗平梁
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 68, passage 187
AD 923 莊宗滅梁入汴
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 75
AD 923 莊宗議玉冊
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 67, passage 121
AD 926 詰旦
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 166, 172
AD 923 to AD 926 郭崇韜
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 27, passage 35
AD 925 郭崇韜之征蜀
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 61, passage 209
AD 923 to AD 926 郭崇韜固請
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passage 169
AD 925 郭崇韜已破蜀
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 94
AD 926 郭崇韜既誅
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 200
AD 926 郭崇韜見殺
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passage 76
AD 925 郭崇韜討巴、蜀
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 198
AD 923 to AD 926 郭崇韜領其地
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 92, passage 78
AD 925 魏王繼岌已破蜀
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 70
AD 923 龍德末
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Descendant of Guo Ziyi (郭子儀)
four generations from the Prince of Fenyang 去汾陽王四世 · 4 generations
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 181
Kin of Li Cunyi (李存乂)
son-in-law 壻 · Through Daughter of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜女)
son-in-law 子婿 · Through Daughter of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜之女)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 72; Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 19
Parent of Daughter of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜女)
daughter 女
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 159
Parent of Daughter of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜女)
daughter 女
father 父
Sources vary in certainty · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 72; Old History of the Five Dynasties 51, passages 26, 28
Kin of Cunyi (存乂)
father-in-law 婦翁
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 162
Parent of Daughter of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜之女)
father 父
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 19
Child of Hong (宏)
father 父
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 9
Child of Guo Hongzheng (郭宏正)
father 父
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 2
Parent of Son of Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜之子)
father 父
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 128
Kin of Cunyi (存乂)
Guo clan 郭氏 · Uncertain parentage
Strongly inferred · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passage 79
Parent of Second son of Guo Chongtao (郭氏次子)
second son 次子
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 73, passage 41
Parent of Guo Tingrang (郭廷讓)
son 子
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 173
Parent of Guo Tingshuo (郭廷說)
son 子
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 93, 173
Parent of Guo Tinghui (郭廷誨)
son 子
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 140, 173
Parent of Guo Tingxin (郭廷信)
son 子
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 173
Parent of Guo Tingyi (郭廷議)
son 子
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 173
Kin of Guo Congqian (郭從謙)
uncle 叔父 · Claimed parentage
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 93
Spouse of Lady Zhou (周氏)
wife 妻
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 175

Kinship Role kin · 骨肉 receive returned estates (unnamed kin collective; count not stated) · Count 0
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 60
Kinship Role sons · Count 2 · sons killed in the capital; exact number unstated
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 79
killed together with his two sons in Shu
Kinship Role sons · Count 2
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 172
Kinship Role sons · Count 5
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 173
Kinship Role clan members · Quantity unspecified
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 13
Kinship Role Guo clan · Quantity unspecified · clan wholly executed per rumor
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 50

Show 2 more source-backed claims

Kinship Role household · entire household slaughtered · Quantity entire household
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 74, passage 59
Kinship Role sons · Quantity unspecified
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 201

Key source chapters

Origins and identity

Claimed descent four generations from Guo Ziyi, Prince of Fenyang; genealogies lost in wartime chaos.
Ancestor Person Id Guo Ziyi (郭子儀) · Generation Distance 4
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 181

Career and standing

trusted confidant in Li Kexiu's entourage 李克修帳下親信
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 3
campaign commissioner 招討使
AD 925 同光三年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 51, passage 48
grand marshal / overall pacification commissioner 都招討使
AD 925 同光三年 · Appointed
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 188
pacification commissioner 招討使
AD 925 同光三年九月庚子 · Appointed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 160
privy commissioner 樞密使
AD 923 同光元年夏四月己巳 · Appointed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 79
overall field commander of the campaign headquarters 行營都招討
AD 925 唐同光三年九月十日 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113

Show 31 more source-backed claims

Vice Commissioner of the Inner Gate 中門副使
AD 917 天祐十四年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 8
Pacification Commissioner 招討使
AD 925 是歲 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 121
Acting Minister of War 守兵部尚書
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 23
appointment from among meritorious ministers 自勳臣拜
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passage 220
Bureau Commissioner 樞密使
Appointed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 119
Chief Privy Commissioner 樞密使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 23
Honorary Grand Mentor 檢校太保
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 23
Master of Ceremonies 典謁
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 5
military governor of Zhen and Ji 鎮、冀州節度使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
overall commander and commissioner for the northeast Shu campaign 西川東北面行營都招討製置等使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 73
Palace Attendant and Commissioner of Military Affairs 侍中兼樞密使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
provisional head of Secretariat affairs 權行中書事
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 60
Training Commissioner 教練使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 5
Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner 樞密使
AD 924 同光二年 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 31, passage 95
Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs 樞密使
AD 923 同光元年 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 72, passage 100
commissioner of the inner gate 中門使
AD 923 同光元年夏四月己巳 · Held
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 79
Commissioner of Confidential Affairs 樞密使
AD 925 唐同光三年九月十日 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113
campaign commissioner 招討使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 62, passage 115
commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs 樞密使
Held
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 35
director of the Bureau of Military Affairs 樞密使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 73, passage 106
official in the Secretariat 中書
AD 926 唐同光四年 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 70
Palace Attendant 侍中
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passages 73, 79; New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 205
Privy Council commissioner 樞密使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passages 9, 73, 79; Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 13
Western Circuit campaign overall pacification commissioner, Palace Attendant, historiographer, Privy Council commissioner 西道行營都招討製置等使、守侍中、監修國史、兼樞密使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 60
concurrent military governorship 兼領節鉞
AD 925 三年 · Resigned
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 101
Duke of Zhao 趙郡公
Fief two thousand households 邑二千戶 · Granted
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
iron certificate absolving ten capital offenses 賜鐵券，恕十死
Granted
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
Duke of Zhao Commandery 趙郡公
Enfeoffed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
Burial permitted estates returned to kin
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 60
Suffered
AD 926 四年 · Property confiscated
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 173
Suffered
Clan extermination
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 13; New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 162

Places and affiliations

AD 925 唐同光三年九月十日
Polity Later Tang 後唐 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113
Later Tang 唐
Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passages 69-70
Later Tang 後唐
Relation Served
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 27, passage 35
Polity Jin 晉 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227
Polity Later Tang 後唐 · Relation Associated with
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 188
Polity Later Tang 後唐 · Relation Served
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 9

Show 5 more source-backed claims

Polity Later Tang 後唐 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passages 13, 50; Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passages 40, 220
Polity Later Tang 後唐 · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 122; Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 23, 61; Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 198; Old History of the Five Dynasties 92, passage 78
At Yanmen in Dai Prefecture 代州雁門
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 1
AD 925 郭崇韜討巴、蜀
At Ba and Shu 巴、蜀 · Relation Campaigned in
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passages 198, 200
At Taiyuan 太原 · Relation Reburied at
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 174

Works and attributed material

Cefu Yuangui quotation of imperial rescript 冊府元龜
Relation Subject of
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 103
Memorial · Author · Addressed to Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (後唐莊宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 82-84, 86, 98-100
Speech · Speaker · Addressed to Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (後唐莊宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 18-20, 28-30, 41-53
Speech · Speaker · Addressed to Li Jiji (李繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 128-129, 187
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation · Addressed to Li Zhen (李振) · Mode quotation Speaker Guo Chongtao (郭崇韜)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 75
AD 926 唐同光四年
Memorial · Author
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 77

Show 9 more source-backed claims

Judgment · Speaker · Mode hearsay
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passages 222-223
Letter · Author · With Zhang Xian (張憲)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 69, passage 35
Memorial · Author · With Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (後唐莊宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 71, passages 105, 107-108; New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passages 32-34
Memorial · Author · With Zhuangzong (莊宗)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 35
Rumor · Subject · Direct quotation · Mode rumor
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 50
Speech · Speaker · Mode quotation
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 69, passages 29-30
Speech · Speaker · With Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (後唐莊宗)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 26, passage 57
Speech · Speaker · With Li Zhen (李振) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227
Speech · Speaker · Quote true
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 73, passages 53, 91, 112

Events and relationships

Advanced west on campaign
AD 925 九月戊申 · Military · Commander · With Li Jiji (李繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 79
Alone refused to bow to Chenghui
Ritual · Actor · With Chenghui (誠惠)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 49
Appointed to Shu campaign
Military · Commander
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 73
Asked to remain in Shu
Political · Proposed garrison commander · With Wang Zongbi (王宗弼)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 204
Assassinated on empress order
AD 926 四年正月 · Political · Victim · With Empress Liu (劉皇后)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 164, 172
Blocked ministerial appointments
Political · Decision maker · With Xue Tinggui (薛廷珪)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passages 222-223

Show 39 more source-backed claims

Campaigned in Shu and nominated Jingxun as acting governor of Li
AD 925 郭崇韜之征蜀 · Military · Commander · At Shu 蜀
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 61, passage 209
Campaigned in Ba and Shu
AD 925 郭崇韜討巴、蜀 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 198
Conquered Shu
AD 925 是歲九月十八日 · Military · Pacification commissioner · With Li Jiji (李繼岌) · Outcome Wang Yan surrendered Chengdu
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 122, 138
Conquered Shu
Military · Commander
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 38, passage 94
Directed Shu campaign
AD 925 同光三年 · Military · De facto commander
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passages 188, 198, 202
Disparaged
AD 923 龍德末 · Verbal · Speaker · With Li Zhen (李振)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227
Especially opposed granting Qian Liu a jade register
Political · Opponent
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 67, passage 121
Executed
AD 926 唐同光四年 · Legal · Executed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 79
Father taboo name Hong prompted Hongwen Academy rename
AD 925 同光三年秋七月丁未 · Political · Beneficiary
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passage 9
Fortified Bozhou east bank
AD 923 莊宗即位後 · Military · Commander · At Bozhou 博州 · Outcome Relieved Yangliu siege
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 31, 35
Governed the Zhending region and recruited Shi Gui as aide
Administrative · Governor · With Shi Gui (史圭)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 92, passage 78
Head forwarded to court
AD 926 甲辰 · Ritual · Deceased
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 128
Killed Wang Zongbi and brothers
AD 925 同光三年十一月 · Military · Commander · With Wang Zongbi (王宗弼)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 167
Memorialized that Liu should be empress
Political · Advocate · With Empress Liu (劉皇后)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 35
Opposed jade book for Qian Liu
Political · Advisor
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 36, passage 71
Privately blocked the eunuch's claim and reported to the throne
Political · Opponent · With Yang Xilang (楊希朗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 58, passage 41
Proposed strike on Daliang
AD 923 是歲 · Military · Strategist · Outcome Liang destroyed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 41, 59
Released Wang Yan's bonds and burned the coffin
AD 925 其月二十七日 · Ritual · Tang commander · With Wang Yan (王衍)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 128
Requested resignation
AD 924 同光二年 · Political · Petitioner
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 31, passage 95
Returned the surrender bow
AD 925 其月二十七日 · Ritual · Tang representative · With Wang Yan (王衍)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 129
Rumored to have killed
Political · Accused · With Jiji (繼岌) · Mode rumor
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 50
Strict selection bureau scrutiny
AD 926 唐同光四年 · Political · Reformer
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passages 70-71, 77
Unbound and burned coffin
Ritual · Participant · With Wang Yan (王衍)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 196
Urged advance against Khitans
AD 921 十八年 · Military · Advisor · With Emperor Taizu of Liao (遼太祖) · At Xinle 新樂 · Outcome Imperial victory
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 18, 21
Relation Patron of · Person Dong Zhang (董璋)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 62, passages 112, 115
Relation Political opponent of · Person Dou Luge (豆盧革)
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passages 77, 79
Relation Patron of · Person Kang Yanxiao (康延孝)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 36
Relation Recommended by · Person Meng Zhixiang (孟知祥)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 13
Relation Opponent of · Person Duan Ning (段凝)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 45, passage 169
Relation Predecessor of · Person Mingzong (明宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 92, passage 78
Relation Received homage from · Person Li Zhen (李振)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 75
Relation Accused associate of · Person Zhu Youqian (朱友謙) · Mode allegation Speaker Jing Jin (景進)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passages 200, 206
Relation Rival of · Person Li Shaohong (李紹宏)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 72, passage 118
Relation Shared authority with · Person Zhang Juhan (張居翰)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 72, passage 100
Relation Political opponent of · Person Wei Shuo (韋說)
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passages 77, 79
Relation Co commander with · Person Jiji (繼岌)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113
Relation Rival of · Person Li Congxi (李從襲)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passages 200, 203
Relation Appointed by · Person Zhuangzong (唐莊宗)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113
Relation Official under · Person Jin lord (晉主)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227

Assessments and attributes

Assessment accused of harboring different intent · Mode allegation Speaker Li Congxi (李從襲)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 204
Assessment chief merit in taking the two rivers without bloodshed · Mode quoted-speech Speaker Kang Yanxiao (康延孝)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 44, passage 143
Assessment integrity and efficiency; refused Zhenzhou treasury bribes, buying only books · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 4, 22
Assessment power too great; stubborn; listened to bad counsel; brought disaster on himself · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passages 177-178, 192
Assessment zeal against corruption ran too deep · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 77
Assessment 功無與比; death mourned as unjust by Chinese and foreigners · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 176

Show 5 more source-backed claims

AD 924 同光二年
Item iron tally of mercy 鐵券 · Relation Bestowed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 31, passage 28
Item boxed head 首函 · Relation Remains of
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passage 128
Item family fortune donated for imperial rewards 家財 · Relation Donated
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 66
Item iron certificate 鐵券 · Relation Bestowed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 57, passage 61
Item Shu treasures and entertainers 蜀寶貨、妓樂 · Relation Received
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 201

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 227; Old History of the Five Dynasties 33, passages 9, 73; Old History of the Five Dynasties 34, passages 13, 50, 122; Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 198; Old History of the Five Dynasties 136, passage 113; Old History of the Five Dynasties 148, passage 70; New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passages 79, 134, 151, 172; New History of the Five Dynasties 14, passage 154; New History of the Five Dynasties 37, passage 32; New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 75
After his death eunuchs grew more powerful and used his alleged collusion to frame Hezhong
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 200

References in the histories

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History

207 passages

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 18Volume 18 Book of Later Liang 18: Biographies 8: Zhang Wenyu, Xue Yiju, Zhang Ce, Du Xiao, Jing Xiang, Li Zhen · 1 passage

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龍德末，閑居私第將期矣，晉主入汴，振謁見首罪，郭崇韜指振謂人曰：「人言李振乃一代奇才，吾今見之，乃常人耳！」 At the end of Longde he had lived in retirement nearly a year; when the Jin lord entered Bian, Zhen came to beg mercy; Guo Chongtao pointed at him and said: "They call Li Zhen a wonder of the age—I see an ordinary man!"

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 31Volume 31 Book of Later Tang 7: Zhuangzong Annals 5 · 3 passages

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甲寅，帝於中興殿麵賜郭崇韜鐵券。 On jiayin Cunxu personally gave Guo Chongtao an iron tally at Zhongxing Hall.

壬辰，樞密使郭崇韜再上表，請退樞密之職，優詔不允。 On renchen Guo Chongtao again asked to leave the bureau; Cunxu graciously refused.

樞密使郭崇韜奏時務利便一十五件，優詔褒美。 Guo Chongtao submitted fifteen reforms; Cunxu praised them.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 33Volume 33 Book of Later Tang 9: Zhuangzong Annals 7 · 3 passages

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時樞密使郭崇韜亡父名宏，豆盧革希崇韜指，奏而改之。 Guo Chongtao's father's taboo name was Hong; Dou Luge flattered him and had the name changed.

今命興聖宮使、魏王繼岌充西川四面行營都統，命侍中、樞密使郭崇韜充西川東北面行營都招討製置等使，荊南節度使高季興充西川東南面行營都招討使，鳳翔節度使李嚴充供軍轉運應接等使，同州節度使李令德充行營招討副使，陝府節度使李紹琛充行營蕃漢馬步軍都排陣斬斫使，西京留守張筠充西川管內安撫應接使，華州節度使毛璋充行營左廂馬步都虞候，邠州節度使董璋充行營右廂馬步都虞候，客省使李嚴充西川管內招撫使，總領闕下諸軍，兼西面諸道馬步兵事，取九月十八日進發。 Jiji was made overall Shu commander; Guo Chongtao northeast commander; Gao Jixing southeast commander; Li Yan of Fengxiang supply chief; Li Lingde deputy; Li Shaochen array chief; Zhang Yun pacification chief; Mao Zhang left wing chief; Dong Zhang right wing chief; Li Yan also pacified Shu—leading capital and western forces to march on the eighteenth of the ninth month.

戊申，魏王繼岌、樞密使侍中郭崇韜進發西征。 On wushen Jiji and Guo Chongtao marched west.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 34Volume 34 Book of Later Tang 10: Zhuangzong Annals 8 · 5 passages

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甲子，魏王繼岌殺樞密使郭崇韜於西川，夷其族。 On jiazi Jiji killed Guo Chongtao in Shu and wiped out his family.

存乂，郭崇韜之子婿也，故亦及於禍。 Cunyi had married Guo Chongtao's daughter, so he fell with the Guo clan.

洎郭崇韜伏誅，人未測其禍始，皆云：「崇韜已殺繼岌，自王西川，故盡誅郭氏。」 After Guo Chongtao's death rumor said he had killed Jiji and seized Shu, so the Guo clan was wiped out."

帝素寬大容納，無疑於物，自誅郭崇韜、朱友謙之後，閹宦伶官交相讒諂，邦國大事皆聽其謀，繇是漸多猜惑，不欲大臣典兵，既聞奏議，乃曰：「予恃嗣源侍衛，卿當擇其次者。」 Cunxu had always been broad and trusting; after Guo Chongtao and Zhu Youqian were killed, eunuchs and actors slandered one another and state affairs went through them—he grew suspicious and would not let great ministers command armies; hearing this he said, "I rely on Siyuan for my guard—choose someone else."

魏王繼岌傳送郭崇韜父子首函至闕下，詔張全義收瘞之。 Jiji sent Guo Chongtao's and his son's heads in a box to court; Cunxu ordered Zhang Quanyi to bury them.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 36Volume 36 Book of Later Tang 12: Mingzong Annals 2 · 2 passages

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丙子，詔：「故西道行營都招討製置等使、守侍中、監修國史、兼樞密使郭崇韜宜許歸葬，其世業田宅並還與骨肉。 On bingzi an edict said: "Guo Chongtao, late western-campaign commander and palace attendant, might be buried and his estates returned to his family.

初，同光季年，鏐上疏密求玉冊、金印，郭崇韜進議以為不可，而樞密承旨段徊受其重賂，讚成其事，莊宗即允其請，至是故有貢謝。 Late in Tongguang Qian Liu had secretly asked for a jade book and seal; Guo Chongtao opposed it, but Duan Hui of the Privy Council took heavy bribes and pushed it through; Zhuangzong granted it—hence the thank-offering.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 51Volume 51 Book of Later Tang 27: Biographies 3: Imperial Family · 4 passages

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曆鄜州節度使，後以郭崇韜婿為莊宗所殺。 He had served as military commissioner of Fuzhou and was later executed by Zhuangzong for being Guo Chongtao's son-in-law.

〈（《北夢瑣言》云：莊宗異母弟存乂，以郭崇韜女婿伏誅。 (Beimeng Suoyan records that Cunyi, Zhuangzong's half-brother, was put to death for being married to Guo Chongtao's daughter.

先是，郭崇韜既誅之後，朝野駭惋，議論紛然。 After Guo Chongtao's execution, the court and the streets alike were shaken with horror and regret, and debate raged on every side.

三年，伐蜀，以繼岌為都統，郭崇韜為招討使。 In Tongguang 3 the court marched against Shu, with Jiji as commander-in-chief and Guo Chongtao as campaign commissioner.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 57Volume 57 Book of Later Tang 33: Biographies 9: Gao Chongtao · 67 passages

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郭崇韜，字安時，代州雁門人也。 Guo Chongtao, whose style name was Anshi, was a native of Yanmen in Dai Prefecture.

崇韜初為李克修帳下親信。 Chongtao began as a trusted confidant in Li Kexiu's personal entourage.

克修鎮昭義，崇韜累典事務，以廉幹稱。 While Kexiu held the Zhaoyi command, Chongtao repeatedly handled administrative affairs and earned a reputation for integrity and efficiency.

崇韜臨事機警，應對可觀。 In handling affairs Chongtao was alert and resourceful, and his replies were impressive.

知祥因舉崇韜。 Zhixiang thereupon nominated Guo Chongtao.

自是崇韜專典機務，艱難戰伐，靡所不從。 From then on Guo Chongtao alone directed state affairs, accompanying the emperor through every hardship and campaign.

崇韜曰：「阿保機隻為王都所誘，本利貨財，非敦鄰好，苟前鋒小衄，遁走必矣。 Guo Chongtao said, "Abaoji was lured here by Wang Du alone. He came for loot, not out of genuine alliance. If our vanguard inflicts even a minor defeat, he is certain to flee.

明年，李存審收鎮州，遣崇韜閱其府庫，或以珍貨賂遺，一無所取，但市書籍而已。 The following year, after Li Cunshen recovered Zhen Prefecture, he sent Guo Chongtao to inspect its treasury. Many offered him precious gifts, but he accepted nothing and bought only books.

莊宗即位於魏州，崇韜加檢校太保、守兵部尚書，充樞密使。 When Emperor Zhuangzong took the throne at Weizhou, Guo Chongtao was promoted to Honorary Grand Mentor and Acting Minister of War and appointed Chief Privy Commissioner.

是時，衛州陷於梁，澶、相之間，寇鈔日至，民流地削，軍儲不給，群情恟恟，以為霸業終不能就，崇韜寢不安席。 At that time Weizhou had fallen to Liang, and between Chan and Xiang raids occurred daily. The people fled, territory shrank, and military supplies ran short. Morale collapsed as many concluded the quest for empire was doomed, and Guo Chongtao could not rest easy.

崇韜啟曰：「段凝阻絕津路，苟王師不南，鄆州安能保守！ Guo Chongtao addressed him, saying, "Duan Ning has cut the river crossings. If our army does not advance south, how can Yun be held?

崇韜率毛璋等萬人夜趨博州，視矛戟之端有光，崇韜曰：「吾聞火出兵刃，破賊之兆也。」 Guo Chongtao led Mao Zhang and ten thousand men on a forced night march to Bozhou. When he saw light gleaming on spear and halberd points, he said, "I have heard that fire on weapons portends victory over the enemy."

崇韜於葭葦間據胡床假寢，覺褲中冷，左右視之，乃蛇也，其忘疲勵力也如是。 Once, while resting on a camp stool among the reeds, Guo Chongtao felt something cold in his trousers; his attendants looked and found a snake. Such was his oblivious devotion to the work.

崇韜身先督眾，四面拒戰，有急即應，城垂陷，俄報莊宗領親軍次西岸，梁軍聞之退走，因解楊劉之圍。 Guo Chongtao personally directed the defense on every side, rushing wherever the fighting was fiercest. The city was near capture when word came that Emperor Zhuangzong had reached the west bank with his elite guard. The Liang army withdrew at the news, lifting the siege of Yangliu.

未幾，汴將康延孝來奔，崇韜延於臥內，訊其軍機。 Soon afterward the Liang general Kang Yanxiao defected to them. Guo Chongtao received him in his quarters and questioned him about enemy dispositions.

莊宗不悅，獨臥帳中，召崇韜謂曰：「計將安出？」 Emperor Zhuangzong was displeased. Retiring alone to his tent, he summoned Guo Chongtao and asked, "What is your plan?"

是歲，擒王彥章，誅梁氏，降段凝，皆崇韜讚成其謀也。 That year Wang Yanzhang was captured, the Liang dynasty was overthrown, and Duan Ning surrendered—all achievements that Guo Chongtao had urged and helped bring to pass.

莊宗至汴州，宰相豆盧革在魏州，令崇韜權行中書事。 When Zhuangzong arrived at Bianzhou, Grand Counselor Doulu Ge remained at Weizhou, and Zhuangzong put Guo Chongtao in charge of Secretariat affairs on a provisional basis.

俄拜侍中兼樞密使，及郊禮畢，以崇韜兼領鎮、冀州節度使，進封趙郡公，邑二千戶，賜鐵券，恕十死。 He was soon made Palace Attendant while retaining his post as Commissioner of Military Affairs. After the suburban rites, Guo Chongtao was also appointed military governor of Zhen and Ji, ennobled as Duke of Zhao with a fief of two thousand households, and granted an iron certificate absolving him of ten capital offenses.

崇韜既位極人臣，權傾內外，謀猷獻納，必盡忠規，士族朝倫，頗亦收獎人物，內外翕然稱之。 With Guo Chongtao at the summit of power, his influence extending throughout court and realm, every proposal he submitted was forthright loyal counsel. He also patronized and promoted talented men among the gentry and court officials, and acclaim for him was widespread within and without.

初收汴、洛，稍通賂遺，親友或規之，崇韜曰：「餘備位將相，祿賜巨萬，但偽梁之日，賂遺成風，今方面藩侯，多梁之舊將，皆吾君射鉤斬祛之人也。 After the capture of Bian and Luoyang, he allowed some exchange of gifts and bribes. When friends and relatives counseled him against it, Guo Chongtao said, "I occupy the rank of general and minister, with emoluments in the tens of thousands. Yet under the false Liang, bribery was endemic; most of the frontier lords today are former Liang commanders—men our lord once had reason to kill but chose to spare.

及郊禋，崇韜悉獻家財，以助賞給。 At the suburban sacrifice, he donated his entire personal fortune to help fund imperial rewards.

崇韜奏請出內庫之財以助，莊宗沉吟有靳惜之意。 Guo Chongtao petitioned to draw on the inner treasury to make up the shortfall, but Zhuangzong hesitated, clearly unwilling to spend it.

即令宮苑使經營之，猶慮崇韜有所諫止，使謂崇韜曰：「今年惡熱，朕頃在河上，五六月中，與賊對壘，行宮卑濕，介馬戰賊，恒若清涼。 He immediately ordered the Director of Palace Parks to begin construction. Still concerned that Guo Chongtao might object, he had someone say to him, "The heat this year is unbearable. When I was on the Yellow River recently, fighting the enemy through the fifth and sixth months from a damp, low camp, riding into battle in armor always felt refreshingly cool.

崇韜奏：「陛下頃在河上，汴寇未平，廢寢忘食，心在戰陣，祁寒溽暑，不介聖懷。 Guo Chongtao replied, "When Your Majesty was on the river, the rebels of Bian had not yet been crushed. You went without sleep and food, your mind wholly on the battlefield. Bitter cold and crushing heat alike never touched you.

王允平等竟加營造，崇韜復奏曰：「內中營造，日有縻費，屬當災饉，且乞權停。」 Wang Yunping and his cohort went on building regardless. Guo Chongtao submitted another memorial: "Palace construction drains resources daily. With famine upon us, I beg that it be suspended for now."

初，崇韜與李紹宏同為內職，及莊宗即位，崇韜以紹宏素在己上，舊人難製，即奏澤潞監軍張居翰同掌樞密，以紹宏為宣徽使。 Earlier, Guo Chongtao and Li Shaohong had both served in the inner administration. After Zhuangzong's accession, Guo Chongtao—finding that Li Shaohong had always outranked him and that an old associate was difficult to manage—petitioned to have Zhang Juhán, military commissioner of Ze and Lu, share control of Military Affairs, while appointing Li Shaohong Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat.

崇韜乃置內勾使，應三司財賦，皆令勾覆，令紹宏領之，冀塞其心。 Guo Chongtao then created the post of inner auditing commissioner, putting all revenues of the three fiscal bureaus under audit and assigning Li Shaohong to head it, hoping to mollify him.

崇韜自以有大功，河、洛平定之後，權位熏灼，恐為人所傾奪，乃謂諸子曰：「吾佐主上，大事了矣，今為群邪排毀，吾欲避之，歸鎮常山，為菟裘之計。」 Believing his achievements unrivaled, Guo Chongtao after the pacification of the river lands and Luoyang wielded power so conspicuously that he feared rivals would bring him down. He told his sons, "I have served the emperor well and the great work is finished. Now the wicked circle against me. I mean to withdraw to my post at Changshan and seek a quiet place to live out my days."

門人故吏又謂崇韜曰：「侍中勳業第一，雖群官側目，必未能離間。 His retainers and former subordinates also counseled him: "Your merit is without peer. Though rivals watch you with envy, none can yet come between you and the emperor.

崇韜然之，於是三上章堅辭樞密之位，優詔不從。 Guo Chongtao took this advice. He submitted three memorials firmly resigning his post as Commissioner of Military Affairs, but each gracious edict from the throne refused his request.

崇韜乃密奏請立魏國夫人為皇后，復奏時務利害二十五條，皆便於時，取悅人心； Guo Chongtao then secretly petitioned to have Lady Liu of Wei ennobled as empress. He also submitted twenty-five recommendations on pressing affairs of state—all timely, practical, and designed to win popular approval;

〈（《冊府元龜》云：同光中，崇韜再表辭鎮，批答曰：「朕以卿久司樞要，常處重難。 (The Cefu Yuangui records: During the Tongguang reign, Guo Chongtao twice memorialized requesting relief from his frontier command. The throne replied in rescript: 'You have long held the keys of state and borne me through grave crises.

會客省使李嚴使西川回，言王衍可圖之狀，莊宗與崇韜議討伐之謀，方擇大將。 About then Guest Affairs Commissioner Li Yan returned from his mission to the West River circuit and reported that Wang Yan's realm was ripe for conquest. Emperor Zhuangzong and Guo Chongtao debated the campaign and were still choosing a commander.

時明宗為諸道兵馬總管當行，崇韜自以宦者相傾，欲立大功以製之，乃奏曰：「契丹犯邊，北面須藉大臣，全倚總管鎮禦。 At the time Li Siyuan, as overall commander of the armies of all circuits, was slated to lead the campaign. Guo Chongtao, knowing the eunuchs were working against him, sought a great victory with which to restrain them. He memorialized: "The Khitans are raiding the frontier; the northern line must rest on a senior minister—the overall commander is needed there to hold the defense.

崇韜未奏，莊宗曰：「無逾於卿者。」 Before Guo Chongtao could answer, the emperor said: "There is no one better suited than you."

乃以繼岌為都統，崇韜為招討使。 Jiji was appointed overall commander, and Guo Chongtao Pacification Commissioner.

崇韜將發，奏曰：「臣以非才，謬當戎事，仗將士之忠力，憑陛下之威靈，庶幾克捷。 As Guo Chongtao was about to depart, he memorialized: "I am unworthy and have been wrongly placed in command of war. Trusting in the loyalty and strength of the troops and in Your Majesty's august power, I hope we may prevail.

莊宗禦嘉慶殿，置酒宴征西諸將，舉酒屬崇韜曰：「繼岌未習軍政，卿久從吾戰伐，西面之事，屬之於卿。」 Emperor Zhuangzong held court in the Jiaqing Hall and feasted the generals bound for the west. Raising his cup to Guo Chongtao, he said: "Jiji has not yet learned the arts of war. You have long marched at my side. The western campaign is yours to command."

軍發，十月十九日入大散關，崇韜以馬箠指山險謂魏王曰：「朝廷興師十萬，已入此中，儻不成功，安有歸路？ The army marched out. On the nineteenth day of the tenth month they entered Dasan Pass. Guo Chongtao pointed with his riding crop at the treacherous mountains and said to the Prince of Wei: "The court has sent a hundred thousand men into this trap. If we fail here, what road home remains?

其招懷製置，官吏補置，師行籌畫，軍書告諭，皆出於崇韜，繼岌承命而已。 Recruitment and pacification, administrative arrangements, filling official posts, planning the march, and drafting orders and proclamations—all came from Guo Chongtao. Li Jiji merely received and carried out his commands.

莊宗令內官李廷安、李從襲、呂知柔為都統府紀綱，見崇韜幕府繁重，將吏輻輳，降人爭先賂遺，都統府唯大將省謁，牙門索然，由是大為詬恥。 Emperor Zhuangzong appointed the eunuchs Li Ting'an, Li Congxi, and Lü Zhirou as disciplinarians of the overall command headquarters. They saw Guo Chongtao's headquarters thronged with officers and clerks, with surrendered men vying to offer bribes, while the prince's own headquarters received only the chief generals on formal visits and its gate stood empty. They were deeply shamed.

王衍以成都降，崇韜居王宗弼之第。 When Wang Yan surrendered Chengdu, Guo Chongtao took up residence in Wang Zongbi's mansion.

宗弼選王衍之妓妾珍玩以奉崇韜，求為蜀帥，崇韜許之。 Zongbi selected Wang Yan's courtesans and treasures to present to Guo Chongtao and asked to be made governor of Shu; Chongtao agreed.

又與崇韜子廷誨謀，令蜀人列狀見魏王，請奏崇韜為蜀帥。 He also plotted with Guo Chongtao's son Tinghui to have men of Shu submit collective petitions to the Prince of Wei asking that a memorial be sent appointing Guo Chongtao governor of Shu.

繼岌覽狀謂崇韜曰：「主上倚侍中如衡、華，安肯棄元老於蠻夷之地，況餘不敢議此。」 Jiji read the petitions and said to Guo Chongtao: "His Majesty relies on you as on Mount Heng and Mount Hua—how would he cast a senior minister off into barbarian country? As for me, I dare not even speak of such a thing."

及王師至，令其子承班齎衍玩用直百萬，獻於魏王，並賂郭崇韜，請以己為西川節度使。 When the imperial army arrived, he had his son Chengbian bring Wang Yan's playthings worth a million in cash, present them to the Prince of Wei, and also bribe Guo Chongtao, asking to be made military commissioner of the West River circuit.

莊宗令中官向延嗣齎詔至蜀，促班師，詔使至，崇韜不郊迎，延嗣憤憤。 Emperor Zhuangzong sent the eunuch Xiang Yansi to Shu with an edict ordering the army's return. When the imperial messenger arrived, Guo Chongtao failed to greet him with the customary ceremony at the city outskirts, and Yansi was incensed.

從襲謂之曰：「魏王，貴太子也，主上萬福，郭公專弄威柄，旁若無人。 Li Congxi said to him, "The Prince of Wei is the heir apparent—while the emperor enjoys every blessing under heaven, Lord Guo wields power alone and carries himself as though the rest of us did not exist.

今諸軍將校，無非郭氏之黨，魏王懸軍孤弱，一朝班師，必恐紛亂，吾屬莫知暴骨之所！」 Every officer in the army now seems to belong to the Guo faction. The Prince of Wei is stranded far from home with only a slender force. Once we withdraw, chaos is all but certain—and we may never know where our bones will be left to rot!"

延嗣奏曰：「臣問蜀人，知蜀中寶貨皆入崇韜之門，言崇韜得金萬兩，銀四十萬，名馬千匹，王衍愛妓六十，樂工百，犀玉帶百。 Yansi reported, "I questioned people in Shu and learned that the region's treasures had all passed through Guo Chongtao's hands. They say he took ten thousand liang of gold, four hundred thousand of silver, a thousand fine horses, sixty of Wang Yan's favorite concubines, a hundred musicians, and a hundred rhinoceros-horn and jade belts.

莊宗初聞崇韜欲留蜀，心已不平，又聞全有蜀之妓樂珍玩，怒見顏色。 Emperor Zhuangzong had already resented the rumor that Guo Chongtao meant to stay in Shu; when he heard next that Chongtao had taken for himself all the region's courtesans, musicians, and treasures, his anger was plain on his face.

即令中官馬彥珪馳入蜀視崇韜去就，如班師則已，如實遲留，則與繼岌圖之。 He immediately dispatched the eunuch Ma Yan'gui to Shu to learn whether Guo Chongtao intended to withdraw. If Chongtao returned with the army, nothing more need be done; if he truly meant to linger, Yan'gui was to join Li Jiji in removing him.

皇后乃自為教與繼岌，令殺崇韜。 The empress then wrote her own order to Li Jiji commanding Guo Chongtao's death.

時蜀土初平，山林多盜，孟知祥未至，崇韜令任圜、張筠分道招撫，慮師還後，部曲不寧，故歸期稍緩。 Shu had only just been pacified; bandits still roamed the hills, and Meng Zhixiang had not yet arrived. Guo Chongtao sent Ren Yuan and Zhang Jun along separate routes to win over and settle the countryside, fearing unrest among his followers once the army withdrew—hence the slight delay in their return.

繼岌曰：「上無詔書，徒以皇后教令，安得殺招討使！」 Li Jiji said, "There is no imperial edict—only the empress's order. How can I kill the expeditionary commander!"

詰旦，從襲以繼岌之命召崇韜計事，繼岌登樓避之，崇韜入，左右楇殺之。 At dawn Li Congxi, acting on Li Jiji's orders, summoned Guo Chongtao to discuss business. Li Jiji climbed a tower to keep his distance. When Chongtao entered, attendants clubbed him to death.

崇韜有子五人，廷信、廷誨隨父死於蜀，廷說誅於洛陽，廷讓誅於魏州，廷議誅於太原，家產籍沒。 Guo Chongtao had five sons. Tingxin and Tinghui died with their father in Shu. Tingshuo was executed in Luoyang, Tingrang at Weizhou, and Tingyi at Taiyuan. The family's estates were confiscated.

明宗即位，詔令歸葬，仍賜太原舊宅。 When Emperor Mingzong took the throne, he ordered Guo Chongtao reburied with honor and restored the family's former residence in Taiyuan.

延誨、廷讓各有幼子一人，姻族保之獲免，崇韜妻周氏，攜養於太原。 Tinghui and Tingrang each left a young son; kinsmen by marriage sheltered them and they were spared. Guo Chongtao's wife, Lady Zhou, took them in and raised them in Taiyuan.

崇韜服勤盡節，佐佑王家，草昧艱難，功無與比，西平巴蜀，宣暢皇威，身死之日，夷夏冤之。 Guo Chongtao had served with tireless loyalty, standing by the royal house through the founding struggle with achievements few could match. He subdued Ba and Shu in the west and carried imperial might to the frontiers. On the day he died, both Chinese and foreigners alike felt his end was unjust.

然議者以崇韜功烈雖多，事權太重，不能處身量力，而聽小人誤計，欲取泰山之安，如急行避跡，其禍愈速。 Yet critics noted that for all his achievements, Guo Chongtao wielded too much power and failed to measure himself against his place. He listened to petty men's bad counsel. Seeking security as unshakable as Mount Tai, he acted like a man fleeing in haste to cover his tracks—and brought ruin upon himself all the faster.

同列豆盧革謂崇韜曰：「汾陽王代北人，徙家華陰，侍中世在雁門，得非祖德歟？」 His colleague Doulu Ge said to Guo Chongtao, "The Prince of Fenyang came from northern Dai and moved his family to Huayin. Your family has roots in Yanmen for generations—surely this is ancestral grace?"

崇韜應曰：「經亂失譜牒，先人嘗雲去汾陽王四世。」 Guo Chongtao answered, "The genealogies were lost in the chaos, but our ancestors once said we were four generations from the Prince of Fenyang."

舊僚有幹進者，崇韜謂之曰：「公雖代邸之舊，然家無門閥，深知公才技，不敢驟進者，慮名流嗤餘故也。」 When an old colleague sought promotion, Guo Chongtao told him, "You are indeed an old companion from the Prince of Dai's camp, but your family lacks a great lineage. I know well what you can do, yet I dare not advance you hastily for fear the eminent would laugh at me."

雖莊宗季年為群小所惑，致功臣不保其終，亦崇韜自貽其災禍也。 True, in his final years Emperor Zhuangzong was led astray by petty men, and many a meritorious minister failed to die in peace—but Guo Chongtao also made his own disaster.

洎功成而名遂，則望重而身危，貝錦於是成文，良玉以之先折，故崇韜之誅，蓋為此也。 Yet once merit is won and renown secured, great standing invites danger. Slander weaves itself into pattern, fine jade shatters first—and Guo Chongtao's execution, in the main, arose from this.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 58Volume 58 Book of Later Tang 34: Biographies 10: Zhao Guangfeng, Zheng Jue, Cui Xie, Li Qi, Xiao Qing · 5 passages

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及莊宗平定汴、洛，時盧程以狂妄免，郭崇韜自勳臣拜，議者以為國朝典禮故實，須訪前代名家，咸曰光允有宰相器。 When Zhuangzong pacified Bian and Luoyang, Lu Cheng was dismissed for arrogance and Guo Chongyao was appointed from among meritorious ministers. Commentators held that the dynasty's ritual and precedents required consulting celebrated masters of former ages, and all said Guangyun had the makings of a chief minister.

郭崇韜采言事者雲，廷珪朽老，浮華無相業； Guo Chongyao adopted the words of memorialists, saying Tinggui was decrepit and aged, showy without ministerial substance;

事下中書，光允謂崇韜曰：「復恭與山南謀逆，顯當國法，本朝未經昭雪，安得論理？」 When the matter reached the Secretariat, Guangyun said to Guo Chongtao, "Fu Gong conspired in rebellion with the Shannan faction and plainly deserved punishment under the law. Our dynasty has not yet cleared his name—how can his estates be claimed?"

崇韜私抑宦者，因具奏聞。 Chongtao privately blocked the eunuch's claim and submitted a full report to the throne.

張全義言於郭崇韜，將復相之，尋入為太子賓客。 Zhang Quanyi spoke to Guo Chongtao about restoring him as chief minister, and he was soon recalled as guest of the heir apparent.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 61Volume 61 Book of Later Tang 37: Biographies 13: An Jinquan, An Yuanxin, An Zhongba, Liu Xun, Zhang Jingxun, Liu Yancong, Yuan Jianfeng, Xifang Ye, Zhang Zunhui, Sun Zhang · 1 passage

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郭崇韜之征蜀也，以敬詢善督租賦，乃表為利州留後。 During Guo Chongtao's Shu campaign, Jingxun's skill at collecting taxes and grain led to his nomination as acting governor of Li.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 62Volume 62 Book of Later Tang 38: Biographies 14: Meng Fangli, Zhang Wenli, Dong Zhang · 2 passages

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時郭崇韜當國，待璋尤厚。 Guo Chongtao then dominated the government and treated Zhang with exceptional favor.

時郭崇韜為招討使，凡有軍機，皆召璋參決。 Guo Chongtao commanded the expedition and summoned Zhang to every council on military affairs.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 63Volume 63 Book of Later Tang 39: Biographies 15: Zhang Quanyi, Zhu Youqian · 4 passages

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郭崇韜討巴、蜀，征師於河中，繼麟令其子令德率師赴之。 When Guo Chongtao campaigned in Ba and Shu he called on Hezhong for troops, and Jilin sent his son Lingde at the head of the army.

郭崇韜既誅，宦官愈盛，遂構成其罪，謂莊宗曰：「崇韜強項於蜀，蓋與河中響應。」 After Guo Chongtao was killed the eunuchs grew bolder still and framed Jilin, telling Zhuangzong, "Chongtao's defiance in Shu was surely coordinated with Hezhong."

繼麟曰：「郭公功倍於我，尚為人構陷，吾若得麵天顏，自陳肝膈，則流言者獲罪矣。」 Jilin replied, "Lord Guo's merit doubled mine, yet he was still destroyed by plotters; if I can face the emperor and lay my heart bare, the slanderers will be punished."

景進謂莊宗曰：「河中人有告變者，言繼麟與崇韜謀叛，聞崇韜死，又與李存乂構鬆逆，當斷不斷，禍不旋踵。」 Jing Jin told Zhuangzong, "Someone from Hezhong reports that Jilin plotted rebellion with Chongtao and, after Chongtao's death, conspired with Li Cunyi; hesitation now will bring disaster at once."

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 68Volume 68 Book of Later Tang 44: Biographies 20: Xue Tinggui, Cui Yi, Liu Yue, Liu Ye, Feng Shunqing, Dou Mengzheng, Li Baoyin, Gui Ai, Kong, Miao, Zhang Wenbao, Chen Yi, Liu Zan · 3 passages

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莊宗平梁，郭崇韜遙領常山，召居賓榻。 When Zhuangzong pacified Liang, Guo Chongtao held distant charge of Changshan and summoned him to his guest couch.

崇韜從魏王繼岌伐蜀，署為招討判官。 When Chongtao followed the Prince of Wei Jiji in the campaign against Shu, he appointed him pacification commissioner-assessor.

崇韜死，明宗即位，隨任圜歸闕，圜薦之於朝，除膳部員外郎、知制誥，累遷中書舍人。 After Chongtao died and Mingzong took the throne, he followed Ren Yuan back to court. Yuan recommended him, and he was appointed vice director of the Board of Provisions and drafting commissioner, then rose to Secretariat drafting secretary.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 69Volume 69 Book of Later Tang 45: Biographies 21: Zhang Xian, Wang Zhengyan, Hu Zhuang, Cui Yisun, Meng Hu, Sun Yue, Zhang Yanlang, Liu Yanhao, Liu Yanlang · 7 passages

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憲私謂郭崇韜曰：「不祥之甚，忽其本也。」 Xian privately told Guo Chongtao, "This is most inauspicious—neglecting the root."

秋，崇韜將兵征蜀，以手書告憲曰：「允中避事久矣，餘受命西征，已奏還公黃閣。」 In autumn Chongtao was leading troops to campaign in Shu and wrote Xian by hand, "Yunzhong has long avoided affairs; I have received orders for the western campaign and have already memorialized to return you to the Yellow Pavilion."

時孔謙為租庸副使，常畏張憲挺特，不欲其領使，乃白郭崇韜留憲於魏州，請宰相豆盧革判租庸。 At that time Kong Qian was deputy commissioner of transport and corvée tax; he often feared Zhang Xian's uprightness and did not want him to head the commission, so he told Guo Chongtao to keep Xian at Weizhou and asked the chancellor Dou Luge to take charge of transport and corvée.

意謂崇韜必令己代其任，時物議未允而止，謙沮喪久之。 He meant that Chongtao would surely have him replace the post, but public opinion at the time did not approve and it stopped; Qian was dejected for a long time.

孔謙、段徊白崇韜曰：「邦計雖重，在侍中眼前，但得一人為使即可。 Kong Qian and Duan Huai told Chongtao, "State revenue is weighty, but it is before the Vice Director's eyes—one man as commissioner will suffice.

崇韜即奏憲留守魏州，征王正言為租庸使。 Chongtao immediately memorialized that Xian remain intendant at Weizhou and summoned Wang Zhengyan as commissioner of transport and corvée.

賜酒食慰遣之，謂郭崇韜曰：「便與擬議。」 He bestowed wine and food to comfort and dismiss him, and told Guo Chongtao, "Draw up a proposal at once."

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 70Volume 70 Book of Later Tang 46: Biographies 22: Yuan Xingqin, Xia Luqi, Yao Hong, Li Yan, Li Renju, Kang Sili, Zhang Jingda · 1 passage

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郭崇韜起軍之日，以嚴為三川招撫使，嚴與先鋒使康延孝將兵五千，先驅閣道，或馳以詞說，或威以兵鋒，大軍未及，所在降下。 When Guo Chongtao took the field, Yan was made pacification commissioner of the Three Rivers. Yan and the vanguard commander Kang Yanxiao led five thousand men ahead along the mountain roads, winning some places by persuasion and others by force. Before the main army arrived, city after city surrendered.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 71Volume 71 Book of Later Tang 47: Biographies 23: Ma Yu, Si Kongting, Cao Tingyin, Xiao Xifu, Yao Zongzhi, Jia Fu, Ma Gao, Luo Guan, Chun Yuyan, Zhang Ge, Xu Ji, Zhou Xuanbao · 4 passages

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時宦官伶人用事，凡請托於貫者，其書盈閣，一無所報，皆以示郭崇韜，因奏其事，由是左右每言貫之失。 Eunuchs and actor-favorites held power; pleas to Guan filled his office, yet he answered none and showed them all to Guo Chongtao, who reported them to the throne; from then on the emperor's intimates constantly denounced Guan.

郭崇韜奏曰：「貫別無贓狀，橋道不修，法未當死。」 Guo Chongtao argued, "Guan shows no other sign of corruption; neglected roads and bridges are not a capital offense."

崇韜奏曰：「貫縱有死罪，俟款狀上奏，所司議讞，以朝典行之，死當未晚。 Chongtao urged, "Even if Guan deserves death, let him confess, let the proper offices judge, and execute him by statute—it is not yet too late to kill him.

崇韜從而論列，莊宗自闔殿門，不得入。 Chongtao followed, arguing each point; Zhuangzong shut the hall doors himself, and Chongtao could not get in.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 72Volume 72 Book of Later Tang 48: Biographies 24: Zhang Chengye, Zhang Juhan, Ma Shaohong, Meng Hangqiong · 5 passages

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同光元年夏四月，召為樞密使，加特進，與郭崇韜對掌機務。 In the fourth month of summer in the first year of Tongguang he was summoned as Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, granted Special Advancement, and shared control of state affairs with Guo Chongtao.

同光時，宦官幹政，邦家之務皆出於郭崇韜。 During the Tongguang era, eunuchs meddled in government, but state affairs all issued from Guo Chongtao.

即位之初，郭崇韜勳望高，舊在紹宏之下，時征潞州監軍張居翰與崇韜並為樞密使，紹宏失望，乃以為宣徽使。 At the beginning of his reign Guo Chongtao's merit and prestige were high, though he had formerly ranked below Shaohong. Zhang Juhan, army supervisor of Luzhou, was summoned and made Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs together with Chongtao. Shaohong was disappointed and was instead made Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat.

紹宏以己合當樞密任，常鬱鬱側目於崇韜。 Shaohong believed he ought to have held the Bureau of Military Affairs post and constantly glowered sidelong at Chongtao.

崇韜知其慊也，乃置內勾之目，令天下錢穀薄書，悉委裁遣。 Chongtao knew he was discontented and therefore created the post of Inner Auditor, putting all revenue and grain account books throughout the realm under Shaohong's review and disposition.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 73Volume 73 Book of Later Tang 49: Biographies 25: Mao Zhang, Nie Yu, Wen Tao, Duan Ning, Kong Qian, Li Ye · 11 passages

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漸為拾遺，依郭崇韜為鎮州書記。 He eventually rose to the post of remonstrance officer and served under Guo Chongtao as secretary at Zhen Prefecture.

嶼早依郭崇韜門庭，致身朱紫，名登兩史，浙江使回，生涯巨萬。 Nie had risen through Guo Chongtao's patronage to high office, earned mention in both official histories, and after returning from an envoy mission to Zhejiang had accumulated a fortune numbering in the tens of thousands.

同光初，韜來朝，郭崇韜曰：「此劫陵賊，罪不可赦。」 Early in the Tongguang era, Tao came to court. Guo Chongtao said, "This tomb-raiding bandit—his crime cannot be forgiven."

郭崇韜曰：「段凝亡國敗軍之將，奸諂難狀，不要信也。」 Guo Chongtao said, "Duan Ning is a defeated general of a ruined state; his treachery and flattery are beyond description—do not trust him."

樞密使郭崇韜舉魏博觀察判官張憲為租庸使，以謙為副，謙悒然不樂者久之。 Guo Chongtao, director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, recommended Zhang Xian, observation commissioner aide of Weibo, as commissioner of taxation and corvée and made Qian his deputy. Qian remained displeased for a long time.

帝既平梁汴，謙徑自魏州馳之行在，因謂崇韜曰：「魏都重地，須大臣彈壓，以謙籌之，非張憲不可。」 After the emperor had pacified Liang and Bian, Qian raced directly from Weizhou to the imperial camp and told Chongtao, "Ye is a critical territory and requires a senior minister to keep order. As I see it, no one but Zhang Xian will do."

崇韜以為忠告，即奏憲為鄴都副留守，乃命宰臣豆盧革專判租庸。 Chongtao took this as sincere counsel, immediately memorialized Zhang Xian as deputy garrison commander of Ye, and ordered chief minister Dou Lüge to oversee taxation and corvée exclusively.

時革以手書便省庫錢數十萬，謙以手書示崇韜，亦辭避。 At the time Ge had used a personal note to draw several hundred thousand from the treasury for convenience. Qian showed the note to Chongtao, who also declined the post.

崇韜曰：「孔謙雖久掌貨泉，然物議未當居大任，以臣所見，當委張憲為便。」 Chongtao said, "Although Kong Qian has long managed fiscal affairs, public opinion holds that he should not yet hold great responsibility. In my view Zhang Xian would be the better choice."

豆盧革言於崇韜，崇韜曰：「鄴都分司列職，皆主上舊人，委王正言何慮不辦？」 Dou Lüge spoke to Chongtao, who said, "All the branch offices and posts at Ye are the emperor's old associates; if Wang Zhengyan is entrusted with the task, why worry that he cannot manage it?"

尋掎正言之失，泣訴於崇韜，厚賂閹伶，以求進用，人知奸諂，沮之，乃上章請退。 Before long he seized on Zhengyan's faults and tearfully complained to Chongtao, bribed eunuch actors heavily to seek advancement; when people recognized his treachery and flattery they blocked him, and he submitted a memorial asking to retire.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 74Volume 74 Book of Later Tang 50: Biographies 126: Kang Yanxiao, Zhu Shouyin, Yang Li, Dou Tingwan, Zhang Qianzhao, Yang Yanwen · 8 passages

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郭崇韜以私愛董璋，及西川平定之後，崇韜每有兵機，必召璋參決，延孝不平。 Guo Chongtao favored Dong Zhang personally. After western Sichuan was pacified, Chongtao consulted Zhang on every military matter, which rankled Yanxiao.

酒罷，璋訴於郭崇韜，崇韜陰銜之，乃署董璋為東川節度使，落軍職。 After the banquet Zhang complained to Guo Chongtao. Chongtao already bore a private grudge against Yanxiao and now appointed Dong Zhang military governor of Dongchuan, stripping him of his field command.

二人因謁見崇韜，曰：「東川重地，宜擇良帥，工部任尚書有文武才幹，甚洽眾心，請表為東川帥。」 The two went to Chongtao and said, "Dongchuan is too important to leave in the wrong hands. Minister of Works Ren has civil and military ability and the full trust of the men. We ask that you recommend him as governor of Dongchuan."

崇韜怒曰：「紹琛反耶？ Chongtao snapped, "Has Shaochen turned rebel?

未幾，崇韜為繼岌所害，二人因責董璋曰：「公復首鼠何門？」 Before long Chongtao was killed on Siji's orders. The two men then turned on Dong Zhang. "Which door will you straddle now?" they demanded.

俄而董璋率兵之遂州，遇延孝不謁，延孝怒，謂諸校曰：「南平梁汴，西定巴邛，畫策之謀，始於郭公，而汗馬之勞，力摧強敵，即吾也。 Soon afterward Dong Zhang marched to Suizhou and, meeting Yanxiao on the road, failed to pay his respects. Yanxiao raged at his officers. "We pacified Liang and Bian in the south and secured Ba and Qiong in the west. Lord Guo drew up the plans, but the hard fighting and the breaking of strong enemies — that was my work.

西平與郭公皆以無罪赤族，歸朝之後，次當及我矣！」 The Prince of Western Pacification and Lord Guo were both wiped out though guilty of nothing. Once we are back at court, my turn will come next!"

然郭崇韜佐命元勳，輔成大業，不動干戈，收獲兩川，自古殊功，但恐不及，一旦何罪，闔門被誅； Yet Guo Chongtao was a founding minister who helped build the empire and took both circuits of Shu without a battle — a feat unmatched since antiquity. In a single day, for what crime, was his whole household slaughtered?

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 92Volume 92 Book of Later Jin 18: Biographies 7: Yao Yi, Lu Qi, Liang Wenju, Shi Gui, Pei Hao, Wu Chengfan, Lu Dao, Zheng Taoguang, Wang Quan, Han Yun, Li Yi · 1 passage

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郭崇韜領其地，辟為從事，及明宗代崇韜，以舊職縻之。 Guo Chongtao governed the region and recruited him as an aide. When Mingzong replaced Chongtao he retained Gui in the same post.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 136Volume 136: Biographies of Usurpers 3: Wang Jian, Meng Zhixiang · 3 passages

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唐同光三年九月十日，莊宗下制伐蜀，命興聖宮使魏王繼岌為都統，樞密使郭崇韜為行營都招討。 On the tenth day of the ninth month of Tongguang year 3, Emperor Zhuangzong ordered an expedition against Shu, naming Prince of Wei Jiji supreme commander and Commissioner of Confidential Affairs Guo Chongtao overall field commander.

魏王下馬受其璧，崇韜釋其縛，及燔其櫬，衍率偽百官東北舞蹈謝恩。 The Prince of Wei dismounted to receive the jade disk. Guo Chongtao released his bonds and burned the coffin. Yan led the Shu officials in the ritual dance toward the northeast to thank the throne for its grace.

禮畢，拜，魏王、崇韜、李嚴皆答拜。 When the rites were finished they bowed, and the Prince of Wei, Guo Chongtao, and Li Yan all returned the bow.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 148Volume 148: Treatises 10 Selection of Officials · 4 passages

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比者郭崇韜在中書日，未詳本朝故事，妄被閑人獻疑，點檢選曹，曲生異議，或告赤欠少，一事闕違，保內一人不來，五保即須並廢，文書一紙有誤，數任皆不勘詳。 When Guo Chongtao served in the Secretariat, ignorant of court precedent, idle advisers led him to scrutinize the Selection Bureau with perverse strictness: a short household register, one lapse, or one missing guarantor could void an entire five-household group; one document error could invalidate several terms of service.

郭崇韜疾惡太深，奏請厘革，豆盧革、韋說僶俛贊成。 Guo Chongtao's zeal against corruption ran too deep; he memorialized for reform, and Doulu Ge and Wei Yue bowed and approved.

或有親舊訊其事端者，韋說曰：「此郭漢子之意也。」 When relatives and friends asked about the matter, Wei Yue said, "This was that Guo fellow's idea."

及崇韜誅，革說即教門人王松上疏奏論，故有此奏。 After Chongtao was executed, Ge and Yue had their student Wang Song submit the memorial above, which produced this report.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 5Volume 5 Later Tang Annals 2: Zhuangzong 2 · 7 passages

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中門使郭崇韜、昭義監軍張居翰為樞密使。 Guo Chongtao, commissioner of the inner gate, and Zhang Juhan, Zhaoyi supervisor, were made commissioners of the Bureau of Military Affairs.

甲寅，幸郭崇韜第。 On jiayin, he called at Guo Chongtao’s house.

夏四月乙亥，及皇后幸郭崇韜、朱漢賓第。 On yihai of summer’s fourth month, the emperor and empress called on Guo Chongtao and Zhu Hanbin.

九月庚子，魏王繼岌為西川四面行營都統，郭崇韜為招討使以伐蜀。 On gengzi of the ninth month, Prince of Wei Jiji was made supreme commander of the four-sided Xichuan campaign and Guo Chongtao pacification commissioner to invade Shu.

郭崇韜殺王宗弼及其弟宗渥、宗訓，滅其族。 Guo Chongtao put Wang Zongbi and his brothers Zongwo and Zongxun to death and wiped out their families.

甲子，魏王繼岌殺郭崇韜及其二子于蜀。 On jiazi, Prince of Wei Jiji put Guo Chongtao and his two sons to death in Shu.

實皇后劉氏作教與繼岌使殺崇韜，而書「繼岌殺」者，繼岌將兵在外，后教非天子命，可止而不止。 In reality Empress Liu ordered Jiji to kill Chongtao. The text says “Jiji killed” because Jiji was commanding troops outside the court, and the empress’s order was not an imperial command; he could have refused, but did not.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 14Volume 14: Taizu of Later Tang's Family · 12 passages

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宰相豆盧革、樞密使郭崇韜希旨，上章言劉氏當立，莊宗大悅。 Chief minister Doulu Ge and commissioner Guo Chongtao flattered him with a memorial that Liu should be empress; Zhuangzong was delighted.

莊宗及后率諸子、諸妃拜之，誠惠端坐不起，由是士無貴賤皆拜之，獨郭崇韜不拜也。 Zhuangzong and the empress led the court to bow; Chenghui never rose, and soon everyone bowed—only Guo Chongtao refused.

莊宗數幸郭崇韜、元行欽等私第，常與后俱。 Zhuangzong often visited Guo Chongtao, Yuan Xingqin, and others, the empress always at his side.

及崇韜被族，莊宗遣宦官陰察外議以為如何，而宦官因欲盡誅崇韜親黨以絕後患，乃誣言：「存乂過千郎，酒酣，攘臂號泣，為婦翁稱冤，言甚怨望。」 When Chongtao’s clan was killed, eunuchs probed opinion and lied: "Cunyi, drunk at Qianlang’s house, had wailed for his father-in-law in rage."

是歲伐蜀，以繼岌為西南面行營都統，郭崇韜為都招討使，工部尚書任圜、翰林學士李愚皆參軍事。 That year the Shu campaign made Jiji supreme commander, Guo Chongtao grand marshal, Ren Yuan and Li Yu on staff.

繼岌下而取璧，崇韜解縛，焚櫬。 Jiji took the tablet; Chongtao cut the bonds and burned the coffin.

然繼岌雖為都統，而軍政號令一出崇韜。 Though Jiji commanded, every order came from Chongtao.

從襲等素惡崇韜，又見崇韜專任軍事，益不平之。 They hated Chongtao and resented his monopoly of command.

及破蜀，蜀之貴臣大將，自王宗弼已下，皆爭以蜀寶貨，妓樂奉崇韜父子，而魏王所得，匹馬、束帛、唾壺、麈柄而已； After Shu fell, its nobles showered Chongtao with treasures and entertainers; the Prince of Wei got only horses, silk, spittoons, and fly-whisks.

崇韜日決軍事，將吏賓客趨走盈庭，而都統府惟大將晨謁，牙門闐然。 Chongtao’s hall thronged with officers and guests while the prince’s gate stood empty but for morning calls.

已而宗弼率蜀人見繼岌，請留崇韜鎮蜀，從襲等因言崇韜有異志，勸繼岌為備。 Zongbi asked Jiji to leave Chongtao in Shu; Congxi claimed treason and urged caution.

繼岌謂崇韜曰：「陛下倚侍中如衡、華，尊之廟堂之上，期以一天下而制四夷，必不棄元老於蠻夷之地。 Jiji told Chongtao: “His Majesty relies on the Palace Attendant as on Mount Heng and Mount Hua—he will not leave you in the wilds.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 26Volume 26 Later Tang Biographies 6: Fu Xi, Wu Zhen, Kong Qian, Zhang Yanlang, Li Yan, Li Renju, Mao Zhang · 7 passages

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莊宗初建大號，謙自謂當為租庸使，而郭崇韜用魏博觀察使判官張憲為使，以謙為副。 When Zhuangzong took the imperial title, Qian expected to become grain-and-corvée commissioner. Guo Chongtao instead made Zhang Xian, secretary to the Weibo observation commissioner, commissioner—with Qian as his deputy.

既而莊宗滅梁，謙從入汴，謂崇韜曰：「鄴，北都也，宜得重人鎮之，非張憲不可。」 When Zhuangzong destroyed Liang and entered Bian, Qian told Chongtao: “Ye is the northern capital and needs a heavy hand. Only Zhang Xian will do.”

崇韜以為然，因以憲留守北都，而以宰相豆盧革判租庸。 Chongtao agreed. He left Xian at the northern capital and put Chief Minister Dou Lu’ge over grain and corvée.

謙益失望，乃陰求革過失，而革嘗以手書假租庸錢十萬，謙因以書示崇韜，而微泄其事，使革聞之。 Qian grew more disappointed and hunted for Ge’s faults. Ge had once borrowed a hundred thousand in grain funds in his own hand. Qian showed the note to Chongtao and let the story leak until Ge heard it.

革懼，遂求解職以讓崇韜，崇韜亦不肯當。 Ge was frightened and offered to step aside for Chongtao. Chongtao would not take the post either.

崇韜曰：「孔謙雖長於金谷，而物議未可居大任，不若復用張憲。」 Chongtao said, “Kong Qian knows the ledgers, but men say he is unfit for high office. Better to recall Zhang Xian.”

革以語崇韜，崇韜罷憲不召，以興唐尹王正言為租庸使。 Ge repeated this to Chongtao. Chongtao dropped the recall and made Xingtang governor Wang Zhengyan grain-and-corvée commissioner.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 27Volume 27 Later Tang Biographies 7: Zhu Hongzhao, Liu Yanlang, Kang Sili, Kang Yicheng, Yao Yanchou · 1 passage

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又其所用多非其人，給事中陳乂，為人險譎，好陰謀，嘗事梁張漢傑，又事郭崇韜，兩人皆輒敗死，弘昭乃引以為樞密直學士，而用其謀。 They staffed posts with the wrong men. Chen Yi, a supervisory attendant, was devious and loved intrigue. He had served Zhang Hanjie of Liang and Guo Chongtao—both destroyed. Hongzhao still made him a direct academician of the Bureau of Military Affairs and followed his counsel.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 37Volume 37 Biographies 17: · 11 passages

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郭崇韜諫曰：「陛下所與共取天下者，皆英豪忠勇之士。 Guo Chongtao objected: “The men who won the realm with you are heroes—loyal and fierce.

踰年，而伶人屢以為言，莊宗謂崇韜曰：「吾已許周匝矣，使吾慙見此二人。 A year later the actors pressed him again. Zhuangzong said to Guo Chongtao: “I gave Zhou Za my word—I cannot bear to meet those two men now.

魏王繼岌已破蜀，劉皇后聽宦者讒言，遣繼岌賊殺郭崇韜。 Prince of Wei Jiji had taken Shu; the empress, swayed by eunuchs, ordered Jiji to murder Guo Chongtao.

崇韜素嫉伶人，常裁抑之，伶人由此皆樂其死。 Chongtao had long hated the actors and curbed them—the actors celebrated when he died.

皇弟存乂，崇韜之壻也，進讒於莊宗曰：「存乂且反，為婦翁報仇。」 Imperial brother Cunyi was Chongtao’s son-in-law; Jin whispered to Zhuangzong: “Cunyi will rise to avenge his wife’s father.”

進乃讒友謙曰：「崇韜且誅，友謙不自安，必反，宜幷誅之。」 Jin accused him: “With Chongtao gone, Youqian is uneasy—he will rebel. Kill him too.”

是時，郭崇韜以無罪見殺於蜀，天下未知其死也，第見京師殺其諸子，因相傳曰：「崇韜殺魏王繼岌而自王於蜀矣，以故族其家。」 Guo Chongtao had been murdered in Shu, but the news had not spread—only the slaughter of his sons in the capital was seen; rumor spread: “Chongtao had killed Jiji and declared himself king in Shu, and so his house was exterminated.”

鄴人見彦瓊無故夜馳出，因驚傳曰：「劉皇后怒崇韜之殺繼岌也，已弑帝而自立，急召彦瓊計事。」 Seeing Yanqiong bolt at midnight without cause, Ye took fright and whispered: “The empress, enraged that Chongtao killed her son, has slain the emperor and seized the throne—she has called Yanqiong in haste to plot.”

從謙以姓郭，拜崇韜為叔父，而皇弟存乂又以從謙為養子。 Congqian was a Guo by birth and called Chongtao uncle; imperial brother Cunyi had adopted him as a son.

崇韜死，存乂見囚，從謙置酒軍中，憤然流涕，稱此二人之冤。 When Chongtao was dead and Cunyi in chains, Congqian feasted his troops, wept, and cried out at the wrong done to both men.

莊宗戲從謙曰：「汝党存乂、崇韜負我，又教王溫反。 Zhuangzong teased Congqian: “Your friends Cunyi and Chongtao betrayed me, and you set Wang Wen on the path of treason.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 38Volume 38 Biographies 18: Zhang Chengye, Zhang Juhan · 5 passages

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莊宗即位，與郭崇韜並為樞密使。 When Zhuangzong took the throne, Juhan and Guo Chongtao were made joint Bureau Commissioners.

莊宗滅梁而驕，宦官因以用事，郭崇韜又專任政，居翰默默，茍免而已。 After Zhuangzong destroyed Liang he grew arrogant; eunuchs took power, Guo Chongtao dominated the government, and Juhan kept quiet, merely trying to stay out of trouble.

郭崇韜已破蜀，莊宗信宦者言而疑之。 Guo Chongtao had taken Shu; Zhuangzong, believing the eunuchs, turned against him.

然崇韜之死，莊宗不知，皆宦者為之也。 Chongtao died without Zhuangzong’s knowledge—the eunuchs killed him.

當此之時，舉唐之精兵皆在蜀，使崇韜不死，明宗入洛，豈無西顧之患？ Tang’s best troops were still in Shu; had Chongtao lived, would Mingzong have dared march on Luoyang without glancing west?

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 43Volume 43 Miscellaneous Biographies 23: Shi Shucong, Li Yanwei, Li Zhen, Pei Di, Wei Zhen, Kong Xun, Sun Dezhao, Wang Jingrao, Jiang Yin · 1 passage

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莊宗滅梁入汴，振謁見郭崇韜，崇韜曰：「人言李振一代奇才，吾今見之，乃常人爾！」 When Li Cunxu took Bian, Zhen bowed to Guo Chongtao. Chongtao said: “They told me Li Zhen was a genius of the age. I see an ordinary man.”

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 44Volume 44 Miscellaneous Biographies 24: Liu Zhijun, Ding Hui, He Delun, Yan Bao, Kang Yanxiao · 9 passages

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左廂馬步軍都指揮使董璋位在延孝下，然特見重於郭崇韜。 Dong Zhang of the Left Wing horse and foot stood beneath Yanxiao in rank, yet Guo Chongtao singled him out.

崇韜有軍事，獨召璋與計議，而不問延孝，延孝大怒，責璋曰：「吾有平蜀之功，公等仆遬相從，反俯首郭公之門，吾為都將，獨不能以軍法斬公邪？」 Chongtao called Zhang alone to war councils and passed Yanxiao by. Yanxiao raged at Zhang: “I pacified Shu. You scurried in my train, then crawled to Guo’s door. I command this army—shall I not cut you down by martial law?”

璋訴於崇韜，崇韜解璋軍職，表為東川節度使，延孝愈怒曰：「吾冒白刃，犯險阻，以定兩川，璋有何功而得旄節！」 Zhang ran to Chongtao. Chongtao stripped his command and made him Dongchuan military governor. Yanxiao fumed: “I took the blade and the cliff to win the two rivers—what did Zhang do to earn a command flag?”

因見崇韜言其不可。 He went to Chongtao and said the appointment was wrong.

崇韜曰：「紹琛反邪？ Chongtao said: “Does Shaochen mean to rebel?

明年崇韜死，延孝謂璋曰：「公復俯首何門邪？」 The next year Chongtao was dead. Yanxiao asked Zhang: “Whose threshold do you crawl to now?”

繼岌不遣延孝，而遣董璋，延孝已自疑，及璋過延孝軍，又不謁，延孝大怒，謂其下曰：「南平梁，西取蜀，其謀盡出於郭公，而汗馬之勞，攻城破敵者我也。 Jiji sent Zhang, not Yanxiao. Yanxiao was already uneasy; Zhang passed his camp without a visit and Yanxiao exploded to his officers: “The south broke Liang and the west took Shu on Guo’s maps, but the marching and the breaches were mine.

今郭公已死，我豈得存？ Guo is dead. How do I live?

延孝曰：「郭崇韜佐命之臣，功在第一，兵不血刃而取兩川，一旦無罪，闔門受戮。 Yanxiao said: “Chongtao was the emperor’s right hand; his merit stood first. He took both rivers without staining a blade—then, innocent, his whole house was cut down in a day.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 45Volume 45 Miscellaneous Biographies 25: Zhang Quanyi, Zhu Youqian, Yuan Xiangxian, Zhu Hanbin, Duan Ning, Liu Qi, Zhou Zhiyu, Lu Siduo · 8 passages

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是時，郭崇韜、朱友謙皆已見殺，明宗自鎮州來朝，處之私第，莊宗疑之，不欲遣也。 Guo Chongtao and Zhu Youqian were already dead. Mingzong came from Zhenzhou and was kept in a private house. Zhuangzong mistrusted him and would not send him out.

及郭崇韜見殺，伶人景進言：「唐兵初出時，友謙以為討己，閱兵自備。」 After Guo Chongtao died, the actor Jing Jin said: “When the host first marched, Youqian thought it was for him—he drilled troops and armed.”

又言：「與崇韜謀反。」 He also said: “He and Chongtao meant to rebel together.”

且曰：「崇韜所以反於蜀者，以友謙為內應。 And: “Chongtao turned in Shu because Youqian was his man inside.

友謙見崇韜死，謀與存乂為郭氏報冤。」 Seeing Chongtao dead, he plotted with Cunyi to avenge Guo.”

友謙曰：「郭公有大功於國，而以讒死，我不自明，誰為我言者！」 Youqian said: “Guo served the realm and died on lies. If I do not speak for myself, who will?”

郭崇韜固請，以為不可，莊宗怒曰：「朕為卿所制，都不自由！」 Guo Chongtao insisted it could not stand. Zhuangzong snapped, “You rule me—I am not free!”

莊宗遣李紹宏監諸將備契丹，凝軍瓦橋關，以諂事紹宏，紹宏數薦凝可大用，郭崇韜每以為不可。 Zhuangzong sent Li Shaohong to watch the generals against the Khitan. Ning held Waqiao Pass and flattered him; Shaohong kept pushing Ning for high office, and Guo Chongtao kept saying no.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 67Volume 67: Hereditary House of Wuyue · 1 passage

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莊宗下其議於有司，羣臣皆以謂非天子不得用玉冊，郭崇韜尤為不可，既而許之，乃賜鏐玉冊、金印。 Zhuangzong referred the request to the ministries. The ministers held that only the Son of Heaven might use a jade register; Guo Chongtao was especially adamant against it. Even so, permission was granted, and Qian Liu received a jade register and gold seal.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 69Volume 69: Hereditary House of Nanping · 1 passage

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莊宗果欲留之，郭崇韜諫曰：「唐新滅梁得天下，方以大信示人，今四方諸侯相繼入貢，不過遣子弟將吏，而季興以身述職，為諸侯率，宜加恩禮，以諷動來者。 Zhuangzong did intend to detain him, but Guo Chongtao remonstrated: "Tang has just overthrown Liang and won the realm. We are trying to show the world that we govern by trust. The regional lords are sending tribute one after another, but only through sons, officers, or deputies. Jixing has come in person to report for duty and has set an example for them all. We should honor him generously to encourage others to follow.