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Zhao Gui (died 2 April 557), courtesy name Yuangui or Yuanbao, Xianbei name Yifu Gui, was a military general of the Northern Wei, Western Wei and Northern Zhou during the Northern and Southern dynasties period. He was a key supporter of Yuwen Tai, recommending him to become Heba Yue's successor in leading the generals of Guanzhong. Under the Western Wei, he partook in several battles against the Eastern Wei, and despite his mixed record on the battlefield, he was eventually made into one of the Eight Zhuguo (八柱國). After the establishment of the Northern Zhou, Zhao Gui came into conflict with the regent, Yuwen Hu and conspired with Dugu Xin to kill him, but was caught and executed.

Early life and career Zhao Gui's family were originally from Nan'an County (南安; southeast of present-day Longxi County, Gansu), Tianshui Commandery. His great-grandfather, Zhao Da (趙達) was a Master of Writing for the Chief of Treasury under the Northern Wei and was given the fiefly title of Viscount of Linjin. His grandfather, Zhao Ren (趙仁), was stationed at the frontier garrison of Wuchuan, where he and his family settled down.

In his youth, Zhao Gui was described as young and prudent. When rebellions broke out in the north in 525, he led his family people south to flee the chaos, but he was captured by the rebel leader, Ge Rong at Zhongshan. Zhao remained a captive until Ge Rong's defeat in 528, after which he was made a general by the Wei commander, Erzhu Rong. The following year, he followed Erzhu in his campaign against Yuan Hao and Chen Qingzhi, making great contributions that earned him the fiefly title of Viscount of Yanle County and the offices of General Who Calms the Waves and General of the Household Rapid as Tigers. In 530, Zhao Gui was a subordinate of Heba Yue during Erzhu Tianguang's expedition to pacify the Guanzhong region. Following the campaign's success, Zhao's peerage was elevated to Count of Weiping County. He was successively promoted to General Who Guards the North, Household Counsellor and Chief Controller.

Service under Yuwen Tai

Hequ Incident and recommending Yuwen Tai For the next five years, Zhao Gui remained under the command of Heba Yue, who later allied himself with Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei to overthrow the paramount general, Gao Huan. In 534, Heba Yue, having unified most of the Guanzhong region, wanted to campaign against the Inspector of Ling province, Cao Ni (曹泥) who remained loyal to Gao Huan. He sent Zhao Gui to meet the Inspector of Xia province, Yuwen Tai to enquire his opinion on the campaign, but as Zhao met with Yuwen, Heba was assassinated by the Inspector of Qin province, Houmochen Yue.

Many of Heba's subordinates scattered, unwilling the submit to Houmochen. Zhao Gui mournfully told his friends, "I have heard that benevolence and righteousness are not forever. Those who practice them are men of honour, while those who violate them are villains. Zhu Bohou and Wang Shuzhi, out of gratitude for a small favour, were able to uphold their integrity; how much more so are we, having been honoured by Duke Heba as outstanding officials? Would you rather be like the rest?"

Division of Northern Wei After Houmochen was defeated that same year, Zhao Gui, in his original military capacity, took over government affairs in Qin province as Grand Chief Controller of the region. He governed the province cleanly and peacefully, earning the respect of the officials and people. In October or November 534, Gao Huan launched an attack on Luoyang against Emperor Xiaowu of Wei and dispatched his general, Han Gui to camp at Puban (蒲阪, in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi). Yuwen Tai sent Zhao along with Liang Yu (梁御) and others to attack Puban, but before they could cross the Yellow River, Emperor Xiaowu had left Luoyang and reached Hangu Pass, intending to join Yuwen Tai at Chang'an. With Emperor Xiaowu at Chang'an, Yuwen Tai became paramount general of the Western Wei, while Gao Huan led the Eastern Wei. The emperor appointed Zhao Gui as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Minister of Palace with Equal Ceremonials to the Three Excellencies while concurrently holding the office of Right General of the Guards.

In 538, Zhao Gui accompanied Yuwen Tai to fight in the Battle of Heqiao, once more commanding the left wing. However, the situation for the Western Wei gradually turned worse for them as they continued to fight, and they were unable to locate Yuwen on the battlefield. Zhao Gui, along with his fellow vanguard generals, Dugu Xin, Li Yuan and Yi Feng, all decided to retreat first, prompting the rear to also withdraw. As a result, the Western Wei was defeated in battle.

In 542, as Gao Huan laid siege to Yubi (玉壁, in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi), Zhao Gui followed Yuwen Tai to reinforce the city, forcing Gao to withdraw in the end. In 543, the Eastern Wei Inspector of Northern Yu province, Gao Zhongmi rebelled which led to the Battle of Mount Mang. Zhao Gui led the left wing again, but lost command over his troops, causing the rest of the Western Wei army to collapse. Zhao Gui was dismissed from the government for the defeat at Mount Mang, although he was given the titles of General of Agile Cavalry and Grand Chief Controller to continue commanding his army.