The God of War, Prince of Lanling

Gao Changgong, Prince of Lanling, was originally named Gao Su, with Changgong as his courtesy name. A member of the Northern Qi imperial family and a renowned general, he was the grandson of Emperor Shenwu, Gao Huan, and the fourth son of Emperor Wenxiang, Gao Cheng. He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Lanling. Handsome yet fiercely brave in battle, he feared his face alone would not intimidate enemy troops, so he often charged into battle wearing a mask or a fearsome helmet. Later generations called him the “Masked General.” Gao Changgong was generous and kind, sharing both hardship and good fortune with his soldiers. The Book of Northern Qi records that he “had a gentle appearance but a courageous heart, and his voice and looks were both exceptional.” He earned the deep loyalty of his troops. However, his achievements aroused the suspicion of Emperor Houzhu of Northern Qi, Gao Wei, and he was eventually forced to drink poison. His legendary life, blending beauty, military achievements, and tragedy, made him one of the most captivating figures in Chinese history. The novel's plot is fictional. Any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental.