Guo Wei

Guo Wei was a Chinese military general and emperor who founded the Later Zhou dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He was born in a poor family and joined the army of Li Keyong, a warlord of the Tang dynasty. He rose through the ranks and became a trusted subordinate of Li Keyong's son and successor, Li Cunxu, who established the Later Tang dynasty. Guo Wei served as a military commissioner and participated in several campaigns against rival states. He was also known for his loyalty and generosity to his soldiers and subordinates. In 947, after Li Cunxu's death, Guo Wei supported Li Siyuan, another general of Li Keyong, to become the new emperor of Later Tang. However, he soon became dissatisfied with Li Siyuan's administration and the corruption of the court. In 951, he launched a coup d'état and overthrew the Later Tang dynasty. He proclaimed himself emperor of a new state, Later Zhou, and claimed to be the legitimate successor of the Tang dynasty. He adopted Li Cunxu's son, Li Chongmei, as his heir and changed his name to Guo Rong. Guo Wei was an ambitious and capable ruler who initiated a series of reforms to strengthen his state. He reorganized the military, improved the taxation system, promoted agriculture and commerce, encouraged education and culture, and fostered relations with neighboring states. He also launched several military campaigns to expand his territory and suppress rebellions. He defeated the Later Shu, Southern Tang, and Northern Han states, and consolidated his control over most of northern China. He also maintained a peaceful coexistence with the Khitan Liao dynasty, which occupied the northern frontier. Guo Wei died in 954 after a short illness. He was succeeded by his adoptive son, Guo Rong, who continued his legacy and further developed the Later Zhou dynasty. Guo Wei was posthumously honored as Emperor Shengshen Gongsu Wenwu Xiao, and given the temple name Taizu, meaning "Grand Progenitor". He was buried in the Song Mausoleum in Xinzheng, Henan.