Zhang Zhao

Background

Zhang Zhao was born in present-day Jiangsu.

Career

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.

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"son 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.

Connections

ally:

Liu Bei