Gao Cheng

Gao Cheng (高澄) (1521 – 1549) was a de facto ruler of the Chinese Northern Qi dynasty. He was the eldest son of Gao Huan, the powerful general who controlled the Eastern Wei dynasty, a successor state to the Northern Wei. Although Gao Huan never formally usurped the throne, he effectively ruled the Eastern Wei through the puppet emperor Emperor Xiaojing. Upon Gao Huan's death, Gao Cheng inherited his father's position and continued to wield immense power.

Gao Cheng never took the throne himself. He continued to serve nominally under Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei but held all real political and military authority. Known for his intelligence and ambition, he consolidated his father's power base and planned to eventually usurp the throne.

However, Gao Cheng was assassinated in 549 by his servant, Lan Jing (蘭京). His younger brother, Gao Yang, inherited his position and shortly thereafter forced Emperor Xiaojing to yield the throne to him, establishing the Northern Qi dynasty. Gao Yang then posthumously honored Gao Cheng as Emperor Wenxiang (文襄皇帝).

Gao Cheng's reign, although brief, was significant in the transition from Eastern Wei to Northern Qi. His ambition and ruthless tactics paved the way for his brother's eventual seizure of the throne and the establishment of a new dynasty in northern China.