A study on the relationship between Guo Ziyi (697-781) and Shuofang jun = 郭子儀(697-781)與朔方軍之關係研究

Abstract

Abstract of thesis entitled A Study on the Relationship between Guo Ziyi (697-781) and Shuofang Jün 郭子儀（697－781）與朔方軍之關係研究 Submitted by CHIU Ying Ki, Celia for the degree of Master of Philosophy at The University of Hong Kong in August 2017

This thesis studies the relationship between Guo Ziyi （郭子儀）and Shuofang Jün（朔方軍）. As a Shuofang Jün Jiedushi（朔方軍節度使）, Guo Ziyi not only commanded Shuofang Jün which owned the strongest military power after Anshi Zhi Luan（安史之亂）, but also owned military, administrative and financial power of the Shuofang region. Guo Ziyi appropriately commanded Shuofang Jün to prolong the duration of the Tang Dynasty through pacifying internal revolt and foreign invasion, besides keeping himself out of Emperors’ suspicion. In order to explore the research deeply and comprehensively, the thesis will analyze the following macro and micro historical questions through six chapters.

Chapter One is a general introduction of the thesis including literature review, the range, value and methodology of the research. Chapter Two not only studies the opportunities and obstacles faced by Guo Ziyi and Shuofang Jün, but also presents the change of Shuofang region during Guo Ziyi’s tenure as Shuofang Jün Jiedushi.

Chapter Three and chapter Four analyze the contribution of Guo Ziyi’s administrative and military subordinates of Shuofang Jün separately during his appointment as Shuofang Jün Jiedushi. After combing out his subordinates’ native districts, referees, the time and posts of appointments as well as careers, the relationship between Guo Ziyi and Shuofang Jün in different stages will be dissected. Moreover, the degree of Guo Ziyi’s cohesion within Shuofang Jün and its influence towards political and war situation will be presented.

Chapter Five deconstructs how the royal government of the Tang Dynasty exerted a double-edged influence on the connection between Guo Ziyi and Shuofang Jün. It focuses on material, spiritual, military power and external relations aspects. Chapter Six examines whether Guo Ziyi abused his authority during his tenure as Shuofang Jün Jiedushi. The interconnected historical relationship between Guo Ziyi and Shuofang Jün will be analyzed in the thesis.

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