Zhang Liang (?–189 BCE) was a prominent statesman in the early Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zifang, and he was from Chengfu, Yingchuan (in present-day southwestern Xiangcheng, Henan). His ancestors were nobles of the former state of Han, with five generations serving as Han ministers.
Seeking revenge for the Qin conquest of Han, Zhang Liang once attempted – but failed – to assassinate Qin Shi Huang. According to legend, while fleeing after the failed plot, he met an old recluse known as Huangshi Gong (“Yellow Rock Elder”), who gifted him the Taigong’s Art of War, a classic military treatise.
At the end of the Qin dynasty, Zhang Liang joined Liu Bang and became one of his chief strategists. He played a crucial role in helping Liu Bang escape danger at the Feast at Hongmen, thereby saving his life. During the enfeoffment at Bashang, Zhang Liang advised Liu Bang – then granted the title “King of Han” – to request the Hanzhong region. After Liu Bang entered Hanzhong, Zhang suggested burning the plank roads behind them to signal that they had no intention of returning eastward, thus easing Xiang Yu’s concerns about a western threat.
Zhang Liang later proposed a grand strategy: to unite the “Three Kings” – Han Xin, Ying Bu, and Peng Yue – and launch a coordinated campaign against Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Chu. Liu Bang adopted this plan, which ultimately led to the defeat of Chu forces. Liu Bang once praised Zhang Liang, saying: “Devising strategies within the tent, securing victory thousands of miles away – that is Zifang’s merit.”
After Liu Bang founded the Han dynasty and became emperor, he enfeoffed Zhang Liang as the Marquis of Liu.
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