Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi were both renowned generals during the Tang Dynasty. Due to past misunderstandings, they had harbored deep grudges and maintained a very strained relationship. Even when dining at the same table, they would barely acknowledge each other, let alone speak.
Later, when An Lushan launched a rebellion, the Emperor appointed Guo Ziyi as the Jiedushi (military governor) of Shuofang (present-day Ningxia), making Li Guangbi his subordinate. At that time, a Jiedushi held immense power, acting as both a military commander and an administrative head.
Li Guangbi grew anxious, fearing that Guo Ziyi would use this opportunity to seek personal revenge, and even considered fleeing in secret. To his surprise, Guo Ziyi strongly recommended him to the Emperor. Consequently, Li Guangbi was appointed as the Jiedushi of Hedong, and Guo Ziyi even assigned him ten thousand elite troops to lead on an eastern expedition.
Guo Ziyi's actions actually deepened Li Guangbi's suspicion; he thought that Guo Ziyi certainly wouldn't let him off this time. Gathering his courage, he approached Guo Ziyi and said, "No matter how you decide to deal with me in the future, I will have no complaints, as long as my family is spared."
Startled by this, Guo Ziyi quickly rose from his seat, embraced Li Guangbi, and said with tears in his eyes, "In this time of national crisis, we must work together with one heart and mind. We can no longer afford to be petty or dwell on past grievances."
Moved by Guo Ziyi's magnanimous spirit, Li Guangbi resolutely requested to go to battle. From then on, with the commanders and their troops united in purpose, they achieved great military feats in suppressing the rebellion.