Cao Guojiu

Cao Guojiu is traditionally believed to have been Cao Yi, the elder brother of Empress Cao of the Northern Song dynasty’s Emperor Renzong, hence his title 'Guojiu' (Imperial Brother-in-Law). His younger brother abused power, bullied others, and accepted bribes, causing Cao Guojiu profound shame. In response, he distributed his entire fortune to aid the impoverished, resigned from office, and withdrew into mountain seclusion to cultivate the Dao, building a humble thatched hermitage and vowing never again to involve himself in worldly affairs. One day, he chanced upon the Immortals Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin. When they asked what he cultivated, he replied that his heart harboured no desires. The two laughed and said, 'The heart is Heaven; Heaven is the heart,' then transmitted to him the esoteric instructions for returning to the primordial state and formally inducted him into the ranks of immortals. During the Eight Immortals’ Crossing of the Sea, Cao Guojiu used his jade tablet to calm the waves and clear their path. He was the last to join the Eight Immortals and is characterised by his quiet, taciturn nature while holding the jade tablet. Because he possessed wealth yet remained unattached to it, merchants and officials alike revere him as an auspicious immortal who ensures enduring official rank, prosperity, and fortune.