Zhang Zhao

Zhang Zhao (156–236), courtesy name Zibu, was an official of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period.

Life

Zhang Zhao 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 Zhao'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 and Zhou Yu on external affairs." When Cao Cao led an army to attack Sun Quan, Zhang Zhao suggested to his lord to surrender to Cao, out of consideration for the populace and future of the Sun family. Sun Quan refused since Zhou Yu decided to trust Zhuge Liang and defeated Cao Cao with Liu Bei as his ally at the Battle of Red Cliffs.

Zhang Zhao lived until Sun Quan declared himself 'Emperor' and founded the state of Eastern Wu. He was famous for his bravery and devotion to 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 Wu, Zhang Zhao would criticise him.

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