Gao Jianli () was a musician of the Chinese state of Yan, during the late Warring States period, who played a struck zither called zhu (筑) or ji zhu (击筑). A friend of failed regicide Jing Ke, he later attempted to assassinate Qin Shi Huang as well, resulting in his execution.
Biography
Friend of Jing Ke
Gao Jianli was from state of Yan, and he used to be a good friend with Jing Ke. In the 220s BC, the pressure of Qin military presence was more and more harsh, the Crown Prince Dan hope to recruit a suicidal assassin to assassinate Qin Shi Huang and stop his conquering. Prince Dan sought the most lethal dagger in the realm for Jing Ke. He obtained a dagger from Madam Xu of Zhao, purchasing it for a hundred gold pieces. He then had craftsmen treat it with poison. When tested on a person, even a slight wound would instantly cause death. The dagger was thus prepared, and Jing Ke was appointed for the mission.
In the state of Yan, there was a brave youth named Qin Wuyang (Qin Kai's grandson). At the age of 13, he had already killed a man, and people did not dare meet his gaze. He was chosen to accompany Jing Ke as his aide. Jing Ke was waiting for someone to join him on the mission, but that person lived far away and had not yet arrived, so preparations were made in the meantime.
Legacy
Many scholars and authors in China prasised Gao Jianli for his determination to avenge his country and his friendship with Jing Ke. Ruan Yu (?–212) wrote a poem for Jing and Gao:
Tao Yuanming wrote as:
Depiction in films and TV series
- 1996 – The Emperor's Shadow (; literally "Ode of Qin" or "Anthem of Qin"). Directed by Zhou Xiaowen, starring Ge You as Gao Jianli.
- 1999 – The Emperor and the Assassin (). Directed by Chen Kaige, starring Zhao Benshan as Gao Jianli.
- 2004 – Assassinator Jing Ke (). Executive producer Han Sanping, starring Peter Ho as Gao Jianli, Liu Ye as Jing Ke.
- 2007 – The Legend of Qin (animated TV series) Animation