Zhang Liang
Strategized in the command tent, devised Liu Bang's plans, and retired after success.
Life
The Strike at Bolangsha
Zhang Liang came from a noble family of the State of Han that had served as its chancellors for five generations. After Han fell, he spent his entire fortune seeking an assassin and ambushed Qin Shi Huang at Bolangsha, but missed. From then on he lived under an assumed name. Legend says that at Xiapi he received the Art of War of the Grand Duke from Huang Shigong.
Strategist in the Tent
After joining Liu Bang he repeatedly offered brilliant stratagems: he urged Liu Bang to seal the treasuries after entering Guanzhong and pull his army back to Bashang; he maneuvered to keep him safe at the Feast at Hongmen; he advised burning the plank roads to show he had no designs on the east; and he urged Liu Bang to ally with Han Xin, Peng Yue and Ying Bu, and after the Peace of the Hong Canal pressed for pursuing Xiang Yu, bringing about the victory at Gaixia.
Retired after success
After the Han dynasty was founded, he persuaded Liu Bang to make his capital in Guanzhong, and in the struggle over the succession he brought in the "Four Graybeards of Mount Shang" to secure the position of Crown Prince Liu Ying. After his success he accepted only the title Marquis of Liu, claimed frequent illness and practiced fasting from grain and breathing exercises, keeping away from the center of power and thus dying a natural death.
Legacy
Liu Bang praised him as one who "strategizes in the command tent and secures victory a thousand li away." Together with Xiao He and Han Xin he is known as one of the "Three Heroes of the Early Han," and because he retired after success he is regarded as a model of prudently preserving oneself.
Major works & achievements
- Saved Liu Bang at the Feast at Hongmen
- Proposal to Make Guanzhong the Capital
- Protected Crown Prince Liu Ying
Did you know? Sima Qian wrote that he had imagined him as tall and imposing, but on seeing his portrait found that "he looked like a pretty woman."
Key dates
- 218 BCEAttempt on the King of Qin at Bolangsha
- 208 BCEJoined Liu Bang
- 206 BCEManeuvered at the Feast at Hongmen
- 203 BCEUrged Liu Bang to break the Hong Canal agreement and pursue Xiang Yu
- 201 BCEMade Marquis of Liu; urged a capital in Guanzhong
- 186 BCEDied