Wu Shih-huo

Wu Shih-huo was a member of a locally prominent clan in T’ai-yuan fu. As the fourth son he had not entered an official career like his brothers, but had been engaged in commerce as a lumber merchant. He also served as a minor officer in the Sui militia organization in the area. The Kao-tsu, first emperor of the future Tang dynasty had frequently visited his home in 617, and had been encouraged by him to rebel against the Sui dynasty.

Wu Shih-huo proved to be a gifted military strategist, and when Kao-tsu raised his rebellion, he was given a staff position and played an important role in the campaign to take the Sui capital. As a reward for his service, Kao-tsu appointed him president of the Board of Works, a high-ranking post which he held for some four years, and subsequently promoted him to governor-general of two important prefectures. For his services to the dynasty he was given a dukedom, and Kao-tsu showed him exceptional favour by selecting a second wife for him from a collateral line of the Yang, the Sui royal family.