Dugu

Author: Tie Ge
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Lady Guo Jialuo was born into a prominent official family. Her father, Guo Xin, was a high-ranking minister in the court, holding the title of Shangzhongguo Dàmashì and being a core member of Yuwen Tai's founding group in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. In the 10th year of the Daitong era of Western Wei, soon after Guo Jialuo was born, Guo Xin named his daughter "Jialuo," a Buddhist name. A few years later, after Yuwen Tai's death, Guo Xin was exiled to the border region of Shu by Yuwen Zhi, who held absolute power, on trumped-up charges. Fortunately, before his exile, Guo Xin had betrothed Jialuo to Yang Jian. When Yang Jian was a minor official as the Right Xiao Gongbo, Guo Xin was his superior. Although their ranks were not on the same level, Guo Xin greatly admired Yang Jian. Guo Xin's admiration for Yang Jian was not just because of his striking appearance but also because of his extraordinary temperament—a transcendent and refined quality. Although he spoke little in daily life and wore plain clothes, his actions and words were extraordinary. He was extremely clever, almost to the point of being able to see six ways and hear eight directions. Despite not having read much, he possessed the ability to remember everything he saw. Yang Jian's extraordinary qualities also came from his father Yang Zhong's teachings and example. Yang Zhong was also a wise and highly accomplished general in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. It's said that sons of military families are unlikely to disappoint, and Guo Xin was indeed able to recognize true talent. He decided to marry his precious daughter to Yang Jian when she was fourteen. As a result, Jialuo avoided the hardships of exile.