Gao Yan (Chinese: 高儼; pinyin: Gāo Yǎn) (558 – 29 October 571[1]), courtesy name Renwei (仁威), posthumously honored as Emperor Gong'ai of Chu (楚恭哀帝), was an imperial prince of China's Northern Qi dynasty.
In 565, at the urging of the officials He Shikai and Zu Ting, who persuaded Emperor Wucheng that astrological signs called for a change of imperial reign, and that passing the throne to Gao Yan's older brother, the Crown Prince Gao Wei would be a good way to ensure proper transition, Emperor Wucheng passed the throne to Gao Wei, but retained most imperial powers and took on the title of Taishang Huang (retired emperor).
After his death, the imperial government was initially led by a collective leadership, but by spring 569, most of the power was in He Shikai's hands, particularly because he carried on an affair with Empress Dowager Hu and was trusted by Gao Wei.
They had him move out of the South Palace, where the emperor also resided, and also prohibited him from seeing Empress Dowager Hu whenever he wished, as he was accustomed to do.
Gao Yan consulted Empress Dowager Hu's brother-in-law Feng Zicong (馮子琮), who encouraged him to start an uprising to kill He Shikai.
Gao Yan showed the approved petition to the general Kudi Fulian (庫狄伏連) and instructed him to arrest He Shikai.
In fall 571, as He Shikai was about to enter the palace, Kudi and Wang took him to another governmental building, where he was killed on Gao Yan's orders.
In order to protect Gao Yan, Empress Dowager Hu took him into her palace, and always tasted the food that he was served to make sure it was not poisoned.