Zhang Hong 張紘 Zigang 子綱

Contents

Introduction

Zhang Hong (张纮), courtesy name Zigang (子纲), was an Eastern Wu strategist and man of letters from Guangling. He studied in the capital and with Pu Yangkai, was recommended as茂才, and refused recruitment by He Jin, Zhu Jun, and Xun Shuang before fleeing to Jiangdong. While in mourning in Jiangdu (192) he received Sun Ce, who asked how to restore his house; Zhang Hong gave the “Jiangdu discourse”: occupy Danyang and Wu–Kuaiji, then Jing and Yang, revenge, and achieve the merit of a Huan or Wen. Sun Ce left his mother and younger brothers in Zhang Hong’s care. Zhang Hong followed Sun Ce as Colonel of the Court of the Upright, advised him not to risk his person in battle, and with Zhang Zhao alternated between staying behind and going on campaign. Lü Bu tried to recruit him; Sun Ce refused to send him. In 199 Sun Ce sent him to Xu; he praised Sun Ce at court, and Cao Cao offered him office (he declined, wishing to return). When Sun Ce died (200), Zhang Hong persuaded Cao Cao not to attack on the funeral; Cao made Sun Quan General Who Attacks the Caitiffs and sent Zhang Hong as Chief of the East of Kuaiji to guide Sun Quan. Zhang Hong wrote a eulogy for Sun Jian and Sun Ce. He stayed in Wu when Sun Quan campaigned, and in 208 became Long History and accompanied the attack on Hefei; he advised “leave one side of the siege open” and urged Sun Quan not to lead a charge. He recommended moving the capital to Moling (Jianye); Sun Quan agreed after Liu Bei said the same. On the way back to fetch his family Zhang Hong fell ill and died, leaving a final memorial urging Sun Quan to seek worthies and accept remonstrance. Chen Shou called him “pattern and meaning correct, a vessel for the age”; with Zhang Zhao he was “the two Zhangs,” and Sun Quan called him “the Eastern Chief.”

Biography

Studies and refusal of office

Zhang Hong was from Sheyang (射阳), Guangling (广陵). He went to the capital to study and entered the Imperial Academy, where he studied the Changes and Ouyang’s Documents with the Erudite Han Zong. In Chenliu he studied the Han Poetry, Ritual, and Zuo Commentary with Pu Yangkai (濮阳闿). He returned to his commandery and was recommended as茂才. The General-in-Chief He Jin, the Grand Commandant Zhu Jun, and the Minister of Works Xun Shuang all recruited him as subordinate; he declined on grounds of illness. He then fled the troubles to Jiangdong.

Jiangdu and the plan for Sun Ce

In 192 Zhang Hong was in Jiangdu observing mourning for his mother. Sun Ce, who had brought his father’s coffin to Qu’a and was living in Jiangdu, went to see him several times and asked about the world. Sun Ce said he wished to get his father’s troops back from Yuan Shu, go to Danyang to his uncle Wu Jing, gather scattered soldiers, occupy Wu and Kuaiji, take revenge, and act as an outer bulwark for the court. Zhang Hong at first demurred. Sun Ce pressed him: his reputation was known everywhere, and the plan depended on his judgement; if his aim was achieved and his father’s blood avenged, it would be Zhang Hong’s merit. Moved by Sun Ce’s tears and fervour, Zhang Hong replied: “When the Zhou way declined, Duke Huan and Duke Wen rose. Now you continue your father’s path and have a name for valour. If you go to Danyang and gather troops in Wu–Kuaiji, you can take Jing and Yang, avenge your enemy, rely on the Yangtze, spread virtue and might, clear away the wicked, and assist the Han—your achievement would match Huan and Wen, not just an outer fief. In this age of trouble, when you have achieved your aim, I will cross the river with like-minded friends and follow you.” Sun Ce said: “I am of one mind with you and have a lasting bond; I set out now and leave my mother and young brothers in your care—I will have no backward glance.” (Wu li / Jiangbiao zhuan)

Under Sun Ce

When Sun Ce crossed the river and founded his enterprise (195), he appointed Zhang Hong Colonel of the Court of the Upright (正議校尉) and took him on the campaign against Danyang. Sun Ce went to the front line; Zhang Hong advised: “The commander is where plans are made and the army’s fate rests; he should not lightly go himself to fight petty bandits. I hope you will treasure what Heaven has given you and live up to the hopes of the realm, and not make the whole land fear for your safety.”

Zhang Hong and Zhang Zhao shared planning; Sun Ce often had one stay behind and one go on campaign. When Lü Bu took Xu Province and became Inspector, he did not want Zhang Hong to serve Sun Ce and had him recommended as茂才 and summoned. Zhang Hong disliked Lü Bu and thought it shameful to serve him. Sun Ce valued Zhang Hong and wanted to keep him, so he replied to Lü Bu and did not send him: “The sea produces bright pearls—wherever they are, they are treasured. Chu had talent, Jin put it to use. A great gentleman is prized wherever he goes; why must it be his home province?”

In 199, after Sun Ce took Yuzhang, he sent Zhang Hong to the court at Xu. Zhang Hong told the court and his old acquaintances that Sun Ce was a young hero, of outstanding ability, who had built his base in Jiangdong from nothing, swept the three commanderies like wind flattening grass, and was loyal to the court. Cao Cao, then Minister of Works, wanted to show favour to please Sun Ce: he issued a flattering edict, had Zhang Hong appointed as subordinate, then promoted to high rank, made Palace Secretary (侍御史), and later Administrator of Jiujiang (九江太守). Zhang Hong was grateful to Sun Ce and wanted to return to report; he refused each appointment on grounds of illness. In Xu he was on good terms with the Minister of the Lesser Treasury Kong Rong. Zhang Hong was fond of letters and skilled at regular and seal script; he wrote to Kong Rong and showed him his calligraphy. Kong Rong replied: “Your previous letters were mostly in seal script. Whenever I open them and see the characters, I am glad and smile as if seeing you again.”

After Sun Ce’s death: dissuading Cao Cao and serving Sun Quan

In 200 Sun Ce died. Cao Cao planned to attack Jiangdong while they were in mourning. Zhang Hong remonstrated: taking up arms on account of a funeral was against the rites, and if the attack failed the two sides would become enemies and lose their former alliance; it was better to treat Jiangdong generously. Cao Cao agreed, and had Sun Quan appointed General Who Attacks the Caitiffs and Administrator of Kuaiji (討虜將軍、領會稽太守). He sent Zhang Hong back as Chief of the East of Kuaiji (會稽東部都尉) so that Zhang Hong could guide Sun Quan toward submission. Zhang Hong thus returned to Wu.

Sun Quan had just taken charge and was young. The Lady Wu was worried by external dangers and more than once thanked Zhang Hong and charged him with the duty of assistance. Zhang Hong replied by letter and reflected on whether he had fallen short. Whenever there were unusual matters, secret plans, memorials, or letters to the four quarters, Zhang Hong and Zhang Zhao often drafted them. Zhang Hong wrote a eulogy (铭记) for Sun Jian’s merit in defeating Dong Zhuo and supporting the Han and for Sun Ce’s pacification of Jiangdong and founding of the enterprise, and presented it to Sun Quan. Sun Quan read it with grief and said: “You truly know our house.” He then sent Zhang Hong to his post.

When Zhao Yu (赵昱), Administrator of Guangling, had recommended Zhang Hong as Filial and Incorrupt, he was later killed by Ze Rong. Zhang Hong was grieved and angry but could not avenge him. Zhao Yu’s line was extinct. While in the east Zhang Hong sent his Registrar to Langye to set up a sacrifice and seek an heir for Zhao Yu. He wrote to the Chancellor of Langye Zang Xuan (臧宣), who found a five-year-old boy of the same clan to continue the line. Sun Quan praised this.

Guarding Wu and the siege of Hefei

When Sun Quan campaigned against Jiangxia (203), the east had little to do, so he had Zhang Hong remain in Wu and guard the capital while still holding his eastern post. Kong Rong wrote to Zhang Hong: “I hear the army has gone west and you remain to guard. Without someone to stay, who would guard the altars? To hold fast and ward off the enemy is also a great merit.” Sun Quan wanted to reward Zhang Hong for his guard duty. Zhang Hong modestly declined and did not accept; Sun Quan did not force him. At banquets Zhang Hong was composed and often used subtle hints to admonish Sun Quan. Sun Quan called most officials by their courtesy names but called Zhang Zhao “Lord Zhang” and Zhang Hong “the Eastern Chief,” showing his esteem.

In 208 Sun Quan replaced Zhang Zhao with Zhang Hong as Long History (長史) and took him on the campaign against Hefei. Hefei held for months; rain damaged the walls and the defenders patched them with grass and palm leaves. Zhang Hong advised: “In ancient sieges one left one side open to confuse the defenders. Now we have surrounded the city tightly and attack fiercely; I fear they will fight to the death. An enemy that will die fighting is hard to take quickly. Before their relief arrives we could ease the siege slightly and watch for changes.” Opinions differed. When Sun Quan led light cavalry to attack in person, Zhang Hong remonstrated: “Arms are inauspicious and war is dangerous. You rely on fierce spirit and despise a strong enemy; the whole army is chilled. To kill a general and take a standard and shake the enemy field is a lieutenant’s task, not the commander’s. I beg you to restrain the courage of a Meng Ben or Xia Yu and hold to the strategy of a hegemon.” Sun Quan accepted and did not go.

After the army returned, the next year Sun Quan wanted to campaign again. Zhang Hong advised: “From of old a ruler who received the mandate had divine aid above and civil virtue below but still relied on military achievement to show his merit. Yet the use of arms should be timely. You now face the Han’s four-hundred-year crisis and have the merit of supporting the endangered. You should rest the troops, open up farming, employ the worthy, stress leniency and kindness, and act in accord with Heaven’s mandate—then the realm can be settled without toil.” Sun Quan thereupon stopped.

Capital at Moling and death

Zhang Hong suggested that Sun Quan move the capital from Wu to Moling (秣陵, later Jianye). He said: “Moling was established by King Wu of Chu and named Jinling. The terrain is steep and the hills run to Stone Mountain. I have asked the elders: when the First Emperor of Qin passed this county on his tour to Kuaiji, those who observed the vapours said Jinling had the qi of a royal capital, so he cut the hills and changed the name to Moling. The site still exists and the earth has kingly qi—Heaven’s decree. It is fit for a capital.” Sun Quan thought so but had not yet decided. When Liu Bei came east to Jingkou and stayed at Moling, he surveyed the terrain and also urged Sun Quan to move the capital there. Sun Quan said: “The wise see alike.” He adopted the plan. (Jiangbiao zhuan)

Sun Quan sent Zhang Hong back to Wu to fetch his family. On the way Zhang Hong fell ill and died. He was sixty. On his deathbed he gave his son Zhang Jing (张靖) a letter for Sun Quan. It said in substance: “From of old those who had states and families wished to cultivate virtue and rival the great ages, but their rule often did not smell sweet. It was not that they lacked loyal ministers and good aides or did not understand the basis of order, but that the ruler could not master his feelings and use them. Human nature shrinks from difficulty and prefers ease, likes agreement and dislikes dissent—the opposite of the way of order. The Commentary says: ‘Following good is like climbing; following bad is like collapse.’ A ruler inherits a long-established base and natural advantage and wields the eight handles; he enjoys what is easy and pleasing and need not ask others. But the loyal minister holds a hard-to-apply art and speaks unwelcome words—that they do not fit is only to be expected. When they do not fit, a gap appears; glib talk fills it; the ruler is dazzled by false loyalty and clings to petty favour; worth and folly mix, old and young are disordered. You should think on this, bear disgrace and hide your edge, and complete the great work of humane cover.” Sun Quan read the letter and wept.

Personality and traits

Chen Shou wrote that Zhang Hong’s “pattern and meaning were correct; he was a vessel for the age. Sun Ce treated him as second to Zhang Zhao, and with good reason.” He was literary and skilled in calligraphy; his Rhapsody on the Pillow (柟榴枕赋) was admired by Chen Lin in the north, who said that compared to Zhang Hong and Zhang Zhao (and Wang Lang), he was “a small shaman before a great one—all spirit gone.” Sun Quan’s habit of calling him “the Eastern Chief” (东部) reflected his standing with Zhang Zhao as “the two Zhangs.”

Political achievements

Zhang Hong advised Sun Ce at Jiangdu (occupy Wu–Kuaiji, then Jing and Yang; Huan–Wen merit); cared for Lady Wu and Sun Ce’s brothers; served as Colonel of the Court of the Upright; advised Sun Ce not to risk his person in battle; with Zhang Zhao alternated guard and campaign; refused Lü Bu’s recruitment; in 199 went to Xu, promoted Sun Ce’s image, refused Cao’s offices; in 200 dissuaded Cao Cao from attacking on Sun Ce’s death; returned as Chief of the East of Kuaiji; wrote the eulogy for Sun Jian and Sun Ce; arranged heir for Zhao Yu; guarded Wu when Sun Quan attacked Jiangxia; 208 Long History, siege of Hefei—advised “leave one side open” and that Sun Quan should not lead the charge; 209 advised resting troops and stressing virtue; proposed capital at Moling (adopted); left final memorial on seeking worthies and accepting remonstrance.

Relationships

Sun Ce

Zhang Hong gave Sun Ce the Jiangdu plan and received his mother and brothers. Sun Ce employed him and refused to send him to Lü Bu.

Zhang Zhao

With Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong shared planning and drafting; one stayed, one went. They were known as “the two Zhangs.”

Kong Rong, Chen Lin

In Xu, Zhang Hong was close to Kong Rong and exchanged letters and calligraphy. Chen Lin praised his Pillow rhapsody and wrote “small shaman, great shaman.”

Sun Quan

After Sun Ce’s death Zhang Hong returned to serve Sun Quan, drafted documents, wrote the Sun Jian–Sun Ce eulogy, guarded Wu, served as Long History, and advised on Hefei, rest, and the capital. Sun Quan called him “the Eastern Chief.”

Anecdotes and allusions

Jiangdu discourse

At Jiangdu, Sun Ce asked how to avenge his father and restore his house. Zhang Hong outlined occupying Danyang and Wu–Kuaiji, then unifying Jing and Yang and achieving the merit of Duke Huan and Duke Wen.

Source: Wu li / Jiangbiao zhuan
Type: Historical

Small shaman, great shaman

Zhang Hong wrote a rhapsody on a fine pillow; Chen Lin saw it in the north and showed it around. When Zhang Hong praised Chen Lin’s 武库赋 and 应机论, Chen Lin replied that with Wang Lang there and Zhang Hong and Zhang Zhao in the south, he was “a small shaman before a great shaman—all spirit gone.”

Source: Chen Lin’s reply, Records of the Three Kingdoms
Type: Historical

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the novel, Zhou Yu recommends “the two Zhangs”—Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong—as men of “cosmic talent.” They serve Sun Ce and later Sun Quan. After Sun Ce’s death Zhang Hong persuades Cao Cao not to attack. Later Zhang Hong dies and leaves a letter advising the move to Moling; Sun Quan follows the advice.

Achievements

Documented achievements include: Jiangdu discourse for Sun Ce; care of Lady Wu and Sun Ce’s brothers; Colonel of the Court of the Upright and remonstrance on personal risk; refusal to join Lü Bu; mission to Xu and promotion of Sun Ce; dissuading Cao Cao from attacking (200); return as Chief of the East of Kuaiji; eulogy for Sun Jian and Sun Ce; heir for Zhao Yu; guard of Wu; Long History; advice at Hefei (open one side, do not lead charge); advice to rest troops and stress virtue; proposal of Moling as capital; final memorial on worthies and remonstrance.

Behind the scenes

Historical sources

Zhang Hong’s biography is in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志), “Biographies of Zhang Hong, Yan Jun, Cheng Bing, Kan Ze, and Xue Zong” (吳書·張嚴程闞薛傳). The Wu shu and Jiangbiao zhuan (in Pei Songzhi’s commentary) give the Jiangdu dialogue, Kong Rong’s letter, the Hefei remonstrance, the Moling suggestion, and the deathbed letter.

Date of death

Sources differ. The Jiangbiao zhuan has Zhang Hong suggest Moling, Sun Quan agree only after Liu Bei’s visit (late 209), then Zhang Hong die on the way to fetch his family—so 209 is often given. The Sui shu lists “Later Han General Who Attacks the Caitiffs Long History Zhang Hong ji”; Sun Quan was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry in 209, so if Zhang Hong was still “General Who Attacks the Caitiffs Long History” he may have died before or around that time. Another tradition has the capital move in 211–212 and Zhang Hong dying in 212; his age at death is given as sixty.

Historical evaluations

Chen Shou

“Zhang Hong’s pattern and meaning were correct; he was a vessel for the age. Sun Ce treated him as second to Zhang Zhao, and with good reason.”

Hao Jing

“Sun Ce as a lone youth met Zhang Hong; his words were fervent and Zhang Hong at once promised him the work of Huan and Wen and gave his allegiance—it was like the meeting of the Lius and Kongming. Though his loyalty and boldness did not match Zhang Zhao, his pattern and meaning were correct and his support of the Sun house was close and careful, so that men of the central plains held him in esteem—he was Zhang Zhao’s equal. His proposal that Sun Quan set the capital at Moling made it the southern capital for six dynasties—he had the insight of a Feng Chunjun.”

Legacy

Zhang Hong is remembered as the strategist who gave Sun Ce the Jiangdu plan, as “the Eastern Chief” of the “two Zhangs,” as the envoy who dissuaded Cao Cao from invading, and as the one who urged the move to Moling (Jianye), the capital of Wu and the Six Dynasties.

References

Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志), “Biographies of Zhang Hong, Yan Jun, Cheng Bing, Kan Ze, and Xue Zong” (吳書·張嚴程闞薛傳).
Pei Songzhi. Commentary citing Wu li, Jiangbiao zhuan, and related texts.
Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義), chapters on Sun Ce and the two Zhangs.