Gao Pei

Here is the exhaustive biography of Gao Pei (高沛) (? – 212/213), a general serving under Liu Zhang, Governor of Yi Province, incorporating historical records and his detailed portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Historical Background

Little is recorded about Gao Pei’s early life. Together with Yang Huai he was assigned to guard Baishui Pass (白水關; also called Boshui / Pei Pass) against possible attacks by Zhang Lu. When Liu Bei entered Yi Province in 211–212 under the pretext of helping Liu Zhang resist Zhang Lu and Cao Cao, he intended from the outset to seize the province. Following Pang Tong’s counsel, Liu Bei first sought to gain control of the northern garrisons. He entered Baishui Pass by surprise, arrested Gao Pei and Yang Huai on the charge of disrespect, and had them executed before reinforcements could arrive. Their troops were absorbed into Liu Bei’s army, which then advanced on Fu County (涪縣).

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Narrative

In the novel Gao Pei appears in Chapter 61 and becomes a central figure in Chapter 62 (“At Baishui Pass, Yang and Gao Lose Their Lives / At Luo Castle, Huang and Wei Compete for Merit”).

After Liu Zhang had welcomed Liu Bei into Yi Province, he ordered the two commanders of Baishui Pass — Gao Pei and Yang Huai — to hold the strategic gateway firmly, while he himself returned to Chengdu. When Liu Bei began to show signs of independent action, Gao Pei and Yang Huai grew alarmed. They decided that Yang Huai should accompany an envoy to Chengdu to report the situation in person to Liu Zhang, while Gao Pei remained to hold the pass. Liu Zhang, persuaded by their warning, reconfirmed the order that both generals must guard Baishui Pass with the utmost vigilance.

Pang Tong, Liu Bei’s chief strategist, then proposed a bold plan: the army should turn back toward Baishui Pass under the pretence of returning to Jing Province. The garrison commanders, Yang Huai and Gao Pei, would certainly come out to bid farewell; at that moment they could be seized and executed, the pass captured, and the road to Chengdu opened.

Liu Bei adopted the plan. He sent word ahead to Gao Pei and Yang Huai that he was withdrawing and wished them to come out of the pass to take leave of him. The two generals, already suspicious, secretly agreed upon an assassination plot. Each concealed a sharp dagger in his robes and led two hundred men, carrying wine and leading sheep as farewell gifts, toward Liu Bei’s camp. Seeing no special precautions, they rejoiced inwardly, believing their scheme would succeed.

Meanwhile Liu Bei and Pang Tong were conversing when a sudden whirlwind arose and tore the commander’s banner. Pang Tong immediately interpreted the omen:

“This is a sign that Yang Huai and Gao Pei intend to assassinate Your Lordship.”

When the two generals arrived, Liu Bei received them with outward cordiality, then gave a pre-arranged signal. Liu Feng and Guan Ping rushed forward with soldiers and seized Gao Pei and Yang Huai before they could draw their blades. Pang Tong ordered a search of their persons; each was found to be carrying a razor-sharp dagger. Liu Bei, following Pang Tong’s advice, had them beheaded at once before the tent. He then explained to their followers:

“Yang Huai and Gao Pei sought to sow discord between brothers and came with hidden daggers intending to stab me. Therefore they have been executed.”

The garrison of Baishui Pass, left leaderless, was absorbed into Liu Bei’s forces. With the strategic gateway secured, Liu Bei advanced southward to attack Fu County and Luo Castle, opening the campaign that would ultimately bring Yi Province under his control.

Gao Pei (高沛) — Historical & Literary Timeline