Gao Shun (simplified: 高顺, traditional: 高順, pinyin: Gāo Shùn) was a general under Lü Bu who commanded the elite unit known as the Camp of Trapped Rebels (陷陣營 Xiànzhèn Yíng). He was loyal and disciplined; when Lü Bu did not always follow his advice, he still served faithfully. In 196, when Lü Bu had Liu Bei attacked, Gao Shun defeated Liu Bei and captured his family (Liu Bei fled to Cao Cao). Later, Gao Shun and others defeated Xiahou Dun at Xiaopei and took the city. When Cao Cao besieged Lü Bu at Xiapi in 198, Gao Shun was captured with Lü Bu. Cao Cao had both executed. Pang De was said to have been unmatched in bravery in the army of Ma Teng; Gao Shun was the backbone of Lü Bu’s best troops.
Biography
Service under Lü Bu
Gao Shun led the Camp of Trapped Rebels, a picked force that was often used in the vanguard. He was strict and abstinent (he did not drink) and was respected for his conduct. Lü Bu sometimes transferred his troops to others or did not adopt his plans, but Gao Shun did not complain.
Xiaopei and Xiapi
When Lü Bu turned against Liu Bei, Gao Shun attacked and defeated Liu Bei, capturing Xiaopei and Liu Bei’s family. He also fought Xiahou Dun at Xiaopei and defeated him. At the siege of Xiapi, Cao Cao’s forces prevailed; Lü Bu, Chen Gong, and Gao Shun were captured. Cao Cao had Lü Bu executed and also put Chen Gong and Gao Shun to death rather than accept their surrender.
Legacy
Gao Shun is remembered as Lü Bu’s most capable general and the commander of the Camp of Trapped Rebels, and for his loyalty despite Lü Bu’s inconsistent use of him.