Du Ruhui (585-630) was born in an honorable family in Duling, Jingzhao (present day Xi’an, capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi province). He was a government official of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), following in the footsteps of his forefathers.

 Du was gifted and knowledgeable. He was good at literature and history from a young age. He made contributions in many wars, and was later selected as one of 18 scholars in literature centers.

 After Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, ascended the throne, Du was awarded and promoted for his contributions.

 He handled the state affairs along with Fang Xuanling, a great politician of the Tang Dynasty, drafting regulations and introducing talents.

 It was said that Fang was good at coming up with ambitious plans, while Du was good at making sensible decisions. They always shared common views as good partners, ranked at the top of the list of exemplary statesmen in the Tang Dynasty.

 He made so many contributions to the state that the emperor was sad and failed to go to court for three days after his death.