张丞相列传

Chancellor Zhang Cang was a man of Yangwu. He loved books, music, and calendrical systems. During the Qin dynasty he served as a clerk of the archives, maintaining records in the lower chambers of the palace. For a crime he fled and returned home.

Chancellor Zhang Cang was a man of Yangwu. He loved books, music, and calendrical systems. During the Qin dynasty he served as a clerk of the archives, maintaining records in the lower chambers of the palace. For a crime he fled and returned home.

When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → led his forces through Yangwu, Zhang Cang joined him as a retainer and took part in the campaign against Nanyang. Zhang Cang was convicted under law and sentenced to execution. Stripped of his garments, he knelt at the executioner's block. He was tall and well-built, with fair, plump skin like a gourd. Wang Ling, who observed him, remarked on what a fine-looking man he was, and spoke on his behalf to Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile →, who pardoned him.

Zhang Cang then followed the army westward through Wuguan to Xianyang. When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → was established as King of Han and entered Hanzhong before returning to conquer the Three Qins, Chen Yu drove out the King of Changshan, Zhang Yi, who then submitted to Han. The court appointed Zhang Cang as Changshan administrator. He fought alongside the Marquis of Huaiyin against Zhao, where he captured Chen Yu. Once Zhao was pacified, Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → made Zhang Cang chancellor of Dai to defend the border against raiders. He was soon transferred to serve as chancellor of Zhao, administering the kingdom of Zhao Wang Er. Upon Er's death, he became chancellor of Zhao Wang Ao. Later he was reassigned as chancellor of the King of Dai.

When Qing Bu rebelled and was destroyed, the emperor installed his son, Prince Chang, as King of Huainan, with Zhang Cang as his chancellor. In the fourteenth year, Zhang Cang was promoted to Palace Herald.

When Qing Bu rebelled and was destroyed, the emperor installed his son, Prince Chang, as King of Huainan, with Zhang Cang as his chancellor. In the fourteenth year, Zhang Cang was promoted to Palace Herald.

Zhou Chang was a native of Pei. His elder cousin was Zhou Ke. Both had served as clerks in the Sishui commandery during the Qin dynasty. When Emperor Gaozu rose in Pei and defeated the Sishui governor and inspector, Zhou Chang and Zhou Ke joined Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → from their former posts. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → made Zhou Chang his Standard-bearer and Zhou Ke his Household Guest. They entered the passes together and overthrew Qin. When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → was established as King of Han, he appointed Zhou Ke Palace Herald and Zhou Chang as Central Commandant.

Zhou Chang was a native of Pei. His elder cousin was Zhou Ke. Both had served as clerks in the Sishui commandery during the Qin dynasty. When Emperor Gaozu rose in Pei and defeated the Sishui governor and inspector, Zhou Chang and Zhou Ke joined Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → from their former posts. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → made Zhou Chang his Standard-bearer and Zhou Ke his Household Guest. They entered the passes together and overthrew Qin. When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → was established as King of Han, he appointed Zhou Ke Palace Herald and Zhou Chang as Central Commandant.

Zhou Chang was a native of Pei. His elder cousin was Zhou Ke. Both had served as clerks in the Sishui commandery during the Qin dynasty. When Emperor Gaozu rose in Pei and defeated the Sishui governor and inspector, Zhou Chang and Zhou Ke joined Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → from their former posts. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → made Zhou Chang his Standard-bearer and Zhou Ke his Household Guest. They entered the passes together and overthrew Qin. When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → was established as King of Han, he appointed Zhou Ke Palace Herald and Zhou Chang as Central Commandant.

In the fourth year of King Han's reign, Chu besieged the king at Yingyang. The king escaped, but he left Zhou Ke to defend the city. Chu captured Yingyang and demanded that Zhou Ke command their forces. Zhou Ke cursed them: "Surrender to the King of Han at once! Otherwise you will take me as your prisoner!" Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → flew into a rage and had Zhou Ke executed. The king then appointed Zhou Chang Palace Herald. Zhou Chang accompanied the campaigns that defeated Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →.

In the sixth year of the reign, he was enfeoffed along with Xiao HeXiao HeHan Dynasty Prime MinisterThe man who managed an empire while Liu Bang won battles — and saved the Shiji by memorizing it before burning palaces could destroy it.View profile →, Cao Shen, and others: Zhou Chang received the title of Marquis of Fenyin; Zhou Ke's son Zhou Cheng, because his father died in service, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaojing.

When the emperor considered deposing the heir apparent to install Lady Qi's son Ruyi as crown prince, the ministers argued strenuously but could not prevail. The emperor abandoned the plan after taking counsel with Marquis Liu. Yet Zhou Chang argued the case forcefully in open court. The emperor asked him to explain himself. Zhou Chang, who had a speech impediment, stammered in his agitation: "I— I cannot agree. Though Your Majesty may wish to depose the heir, I—I will not obey the edict." The emperor burst out laughing. After the audience, Empress Lü strained to listen from the eastern wing. When she saw Zhou Chang, she knelt to thank him: "If not for you, the crown prince would have been deposed."

When the emperor considered deposing the heir apparent to install Lady Qi's son Ruyi as crown prince, the ministers argued strenuously but could not prevail. The emperor abandoned the plan after taking counsel with Marquis Liu. Yet Zhou Chang argued the case forcefully in open court. The emperor asked him to explain himself. Zhou Chang, who had a speech impediment, stammered in his agitation: "I— I cannot agree. Though Your Majesty may wish to depose the heir, I—I will not obey the edict." The emperor burst out laughing. After the audience, Empress Lü strained to listen from the eastern wing. When she saw Zhou Chang, she knelt to thank him: "If not for you, the crown prince would have been deposed."

Soon afterward, Zhao Yao attended the emperor. The emperor was alone, in low spirits, singing mournfully. The ministers could not understand what troubled him. Zhao Yao approached and asked: "Does Your Majesty's unhappiness stem from the fact that King Ruyi of Zhao is young, and that Lady Qi and Empress Lü are at odds? Are you concerned that after your passing, the king cannot protect himself?" The emperor replied: "Yes. I worry privately, but I see no solution." Zhao Yao said: "Your Majesty should alone appoint a powerful and capable chancellor for the King of Zhao—one whom Empress Lü, the crown prince, and all the ministers genuinely respect." The emperor agreed: "Yes, I have thought of doing exactly that. But among the ministers, who is suitable?" Zhao Yao answered: "Palace Herald Zhou Chang is steadfast and forthright. Empress Lü, the crown prince, and the ministers all hold him in genuine awe. Only he is fit." The emperor said: "Good."

The emperor summoned Zhou Chang and said: "I must trouble you greatly. I ask you to serve with all your strength as chancellor of Zhao." Zhou Chang wept: "I followed Your Majesty from the very beginning. Why does Your Majesty abandon me halfway, sending me to a kingdom?" The emperor said: "I know well that this is a demotion. But I am deeply concerned for the King of Zhao. I have no one but you to entrust with this. Please, you must go."

Ren Ao had been a jailer in Pei. When Gaozu was fleeing from the authorities, he was imprisoned, and when he was in the custody of a subordinate of Lady Lü, he was poorly treated. Ren Ao, a longtime friend of Gaozu's, flew into a rage and struck the officer who had mistreated him. When Gaozu rose in revolt, Ren Ao followed as a retainer and was appointed Recorder. He governed Feng for two years. When Gaozu became King of Han and marched east against Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →, Ren Ao was promoted to Governor of Shangdang. During Chen Xi's rebellion, he defended his post resolutely and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Guang'e with eighteen hundred households. Under Empress Lü he served as Palace Herald. He held the post for three years before being replaced by Cao Zhu, the Marquis of Pingyang, as Palace Herald.

Ren Ao had been a jailer in Pei. When Gaozu was fleeing from the authorities, he was imprisoned, and when he was in the custody of a subordinate of Lady Lü, he was poorly treated. Ren Ao, a longtime friend of Gaozu's, flew into a rage and struck the officer who had mistreated him. When Gaozu rose in revolt, Ren Ao followed as a retainer and was appointed Recorder. He governed Feng for two years. When Gaozu became King of Han and marched east against Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →, Ren Ao was promoted to Governor of Shangdang. During Chen Xi's rebellion, he defended his post resolutely and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Guang'e with eighteen hundred households. Under Empress Lü he served as Palace Herald. He held the post for three years before being replaced by Cao Zhu, the Marquis of Pingyang, as Palace Herald.

After Empress Lü's death, the ministers together executed Lü Lu and others. Cao Zhu was removed, and Zhang Cang, who had been chancellor of Huainan, became Palace Herald. Zhang Cang and the Marquis of Jiangdu honored and enthroned the King of Dai as Emperor Wen.

After Empress Lü's death, the ministers together executed Lü Lu and others. Cao Zhu was removed, and Zhang Cang, who had been chancellor of Huainan, became Palace Herald. Zhang Cang and the Marquis of Jiangdu honored and enthroned the King of Dai as Emperor Wen.

In the fourth year of Emperor Wen's reign, the Chancellor Guan Ying died, and Zhang Cang succeeded him. From the founding of Han to the reign of Emperor Wen, more than twenty years had passed. The realm was newly settled, and all the high officials were military men. While serving as Comptroller of Accounts, Zhang Cang had set right the calendar and musical pitch. Since Gaozu had first arrived at Baxia in the tenth month, and the Qin calendar had used the tenth month as the start of the year, this was retained without change. He worked out the progression of the five virtues and concluded that Han corresponded to the virtue of water, so black remained the ceremonial color. He adjusted musical pitch and established tonal standards, then used these to codify laws and ordinances. He created standards for all crafts and industries throughout the realm. When he became chancellor, he brought these projects to completion. Thus, among Han's experts on music and the calendar, the tradition traces back to Zhang Cang.

Zhang Cang loved books. He read extensively and understood many subjects, but he was especially expert in music and calendrical systems.

Zhang Cang served as chancellor for more than ten years. A man from Lu named Gongsun Chen petitioned the court, arguing that Han's virtue was earth and that a yellow dragon would appear as a sign. The emperor referred the proposal to Zhang Cang, who rejected it, and the proposal was dropped. Later a yellow dragon appeared in Chengji. The emperor then summoned Gongsun Chen to court, appointed him Erudite, and had him draft regulations for the earth virtue calendar, establishing a new era.

Zhang Cang, having been proven wrong, quietly removed himself from consideration, pleading age and ill health. He recommended someone for office who turned out to be a corrupt schemer seeking personal gain. The emperor reproached him, and Zhang Cang, ashamed, resigned on grounds of ill health.

Zhang Cang, having been proven wrong, quietly removed himself from consideration, pleading age and ill health. He recommended someone for office who turned out to be a corrupt schemer seeking personal gain. The emperor reproached him, and Zhang Cang, ashamed, resigned on grounds of ill health.

He served as chancellor for fifteen years before being removed. In the fifth year of Emperor Jing's reign, he died. His posthumous title was Marquis Wen. His son Kanghou succeeded him, held the title for eight years, and died. His son Lei succeeded to the title, held it for eight years, then lost his title for improper conduct during an official mourning period for a feudal lord. The title was abolished.

Originally, Zhang Cang's father was under five chi tall. But when Zhang Cang was born, he measured over eight chi. He became a marquis and chancellor. His son also grew tall. His grandson Lei, however, was just over six chi and lost his title through legal trouble.

After leaving the chancellorship, Zhang Cang grew old. He had no teeth, so he subsisted on milk. A woman served as his wet nurse. He kept hundreds of concubines and wives, and those who became pregnant were no longer favored. He lived to be over a hundred years old before dying.

Chancellor Shentu Jia was from Liang. He served as an archer and crossbowman under Emperor Gaozu in the campaigns against Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →, rising to the rank of company commander. He fought in the Battle of Qing Bu, where he was made a Senior Captain. During Emperor Hui's reign he served as Governor of Huaiyang.

In the first year of Emperor Wen, all former officials of the rank of two-thousand bushels who had followed Gaozu were enfeoffed as Marquises of the Pass, their combined household incomes totaling twenty-four households. Shen-tu Jia received five hundred households. When Zhang Cang became chancellor, Shen-tu Jia was promoted to Palace Herald. When Zhang Cang left the chancellorship, Emperor Wen considered appointing the empress's brother Dou Guangguo, but said: "I fear the world would say I am acting selfishly for Guangguo. Guangguo is virtuous and of good character, so I wish to make him chancellor. I have thought long about it, but I cannot. Moreover, the great ministers of Gaozu's time are mostly dead, and I see no one suitable." He therefore elevated Palace Herald Jia to Chancellor and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Gu'an.

Jia was honest and straightforward. No one brought private gifts to his gate. At that time the Grand Master of the Palace, Deng Tong, enjoyed imperial favor and had received lavish rewards worth tens of millions. The emperor once dined informally at Deng Tong's home, so great was his affection. One day when the chancellor came to court, Deng Tong stood beside the emperor. He showed the chancellor no deference. After the audience the chancellor reported: "Your Majesty favors this minister and enriches him. But the court is a solemn place—decorum may not be neglected." The emperor replied: "Say no more. This is a private matter."

Jia was honest and straightforward. No one brought private gifts to his gate. At that time the Grand Master of the Palace, Deng Tong, enjoyed imperial favor and had received lavish rewards worth tens of millions. The emperor once dined informally at Deng Tong's home, so great was his affection. One day when the chancellor came to court, Deng Tong stood beside the emperor. He showed the chancellor no deference. After the audience the chancellor reported: "Your Majesty favors this minister and enriches him. But the court is a solemn place—decorum may not be neglected." The emperor replied: "Say no more. This is a private matter."

After court, the chancellor sat in his office and drafted a summons ordering Deng Tong to appear. If he failed to come, the chancellor declared, he would be executed. Deng Tong was terrified and reported to the emperor. The emperor said: "Go ahead. I will send someone to summon you now." When Deng Tong arrived at the chancellor's office, he removed his hat, walked barefoot, and kowtowed in apology. The chancellor sat impassively and showed him no courtesy. "This court," he thundered, "is Gaozu's court. You, a insignificant servant, dared to frolic in the imperial presence. This is a capital offense. Officers, take him away for execution!" Deng Tong kowtowed until his head bled, but the chancellor would not relent.