Biography
According to the Chinese historical text Huizhulu (揮麈錄) by Song Dynasty scholar Wang Mingqing, Gao Qiu was the son of Gao Dunfu (高敦復) and was from Kaifeng. He had two brothers and four sons.
Gao Qiu used to be a servant of poet and statesman Su Shi before moving on to serve the artist Wang Shen. During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, Gao Qiu participated in battles under Liu Zhongwu's command and followed Lin Shu on a diplomatic mission to the rival Liao Dynasty. As he was favoured by Emperor Huizong, Gao Qiu's position in politics and the military rose until he became a Grand Marshal (太尉).
After the death of Emperor Huizong, Gao Qiu's influence in the imperial court decreased and he died of illness in 1126.
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