Zhang Xun (Tang Dynasty)

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Zhang Xun (Chinese: 张巡; Pinyin: Zhāng Xún; 709--757) was a general in Tang Dynasty.

[edit] Biography

Zhang Xun (709-757) was born in Yongji, Shanxi ^[1] or Nanyang, Henan^[2]. He became Jinshi in the imperial examination in 741.

During the An Shi Rebellion, Zhang Xun successfully defended Yongqiu (current Qi County, Henan) in the Battle of Yongqiu in 756. In 757, there began the Battle of Suiyang. Facing the food shortage during the siege of Suiyang, Zhang Xun first killed his wife to feed the soldiers, then he turned to the women, and finally, to the ailing, the old, and the children as the alimentary source. At last Suiyang was taken, and he was executed shortly afterwards.

Zhang Xun and his deeds were highly praised by many later scholars, government officials, and writers. Among the most famous works is the "Song of Righteousness" (Zhengqige) by Wen Tianxiang.

[edit] Notes