Zhang Zhao

Zhang Zhao
Qing Dynasty illustration of Zhang Zhao
Official of Eastern Wu
Born 156
Died 236 (aged 80)
Names
Simplified Chinese 张昭
Traditional Chinese 張昭
Pinyin Zhāng Zhāo
Wade-Giles Chang Chao
Style name Zibu (子布)

Zhang Zhao (156–236) was an official of Eastern Wu during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China.

Biography

Zhang was born in present-day Jiangsu. A brilliant scholar, he devoted his life mainly to the study of Chinese classic texts. His fame as a scholar spread, and on the advice of Zhou Yu, Sun Ce personally invited Zhang Zhao to serve him as an advisor.

Zhang's proficiency in administrating civilian affairs was impressive, as before Sun Ce died, he told his successor Sun Quan, "consult Zhang Zhao on internal affairs." When Cao Cao led an army to attack Sun Quan, Zhang suggested to his lord to surrender to Cao, out of consideration for the populace and future of the Sun family. Sun Quan refused and defeated Cao Cao with Liu Bei as his ally at the Battle of Red Cliffs.

Zhang lived until Sun Quan declared himself emperor and founded the state of Eastern Wu. He was famous for his bravery and devotion to Eastern Wu, as he viewed the state's interests as more important than his lord's. Whenever Sun Quan implemented a policy that did not benefit Eastern Wu, Zhang would criticize him.

Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong, another advisor to Sun Quan, were collectively known as the "Two Zhangs" during that time.

See also

References