Gao Rou

Gao Rou (174 – October or November 263), courtesy name Wenhui, was a Chinese politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He was a younger relative of Gao Gan. He previously served under the warlords Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in the late Eastern Han dynasty.

Service under Cao Cao In April 211, Cao Cao sent Zhong Yao and Xiahou Yuan to lead an army to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong Commandery. As they were due to pass through the Guanzhong region along the way, Gao Rou advised Cao that by sending a large army westwards, Ma Chao and Han Sui would believe that the army was targeted at them; they would then rise in rebellion. What Cao Cao should do was to first pacify the Guanzhong region; once the region is stabilised, Zhang Lu would surrender once an edict was issued to him. Cao Cao ignored Gao; when Zhong Yao entered Guanzhong, Ma and Han did indeed rebel.

Service under Cao Wei Gao Rou was one of several officials who petitioned for clemency on behalf of Bao Xun; Cao Pi rejected their petitions and executed Bao.

During the Incident at the Gaoping Tombs, Sima Yi granted imperial authority to Gao Rou, who was then already 75 years old and the Minister over the Masses (司徒), appointed him as acting General-in-Chief (大將軍), and ordered him to take command of Cao Shuang's troops. He also told Gao Rou, "You're now like Zhou Bo."