Zhang Liang, one of the three heroes of the early Han Dynasty, is listed with Han Xin and Xiao He, but shows a completely different trajectory of fate from the two. Why was Han Xin punished by the three clans, Xiao He went through hardships, but Zhang Liang became famous and enjoyed his old age?The first strategist in Chinese history, he planned between the curtains, won the decisive victory thousands of miles away, and was the think tank of Liu Bang's rise, without him, there may be no rise of the Han Dynasty.
Zhang Liang was born in 250 BC, at the end of the Warring States period, from a prominent Korean family. However, his youthful dreams came to naught under the brutal blows of the Qin army's annihilation. At the age of 21, Zhang Liang took 300 servants and invested all his family wealth in the anti-Qin cause to avenge the motherland, but Qin Shi Huang was not in danger and failed to succeed in assassination.
After ten years in exile, Zhang Liang's life life plummeted, but his encounter at the bridgehead of Xiapi changed his fate. The old man's unreasonable difficulties, Zhang Liang insisted on forbearance, and finally got the "Taigong Art of War". This book became the cornerstone of his future assistance to Liu Bang, and the experience of exile made him closer to the suffering of the common people and strengthened his determination to overthrow the Qin Dynasty.
In 209 BC, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rebelled, and Zhang Liang led the people to defect to Chu, but was intercepted by Liu Bang. Zhang Liang changed his original intention and changed to assist Liu Bang. Under his resourcefulness, Liu Bang successfully captured Guanzhong, defeated the Chu army, and rose to prominence. However, Zhang Liang did not retire successfully, but concentrated on serving Liu Bang.
In 206 BC, at the Hongmen banquet, Xiang Yu forced Liu Bang to abdicate, and Zhang Liang helped Liu Bang retreat with clever strategies. Zhang Liang saw through Xiang Yu's weakness and suggested that Liu Bang pursue, and finally in the Battle of Qixia, Xiang Yu was defeated. Liu Bang rewarded Zhang Liang, but he chose to retire to the mountains and forests and retired from government affairs.
Zhang Liang's resourcefulness and humility created an opportunity for Liu Bang to stabilize the dynasty. He adhered to his principles and was never involved in court struggles. It was not until 197 BC that he went out again and advised Liu Bang to stabilize the status quo and protect the crown prince. A year later, at Liu Bang's celebration ceremony, Zhang Liang was hailed as one of the three heroes of the early Han Dynasty.
In 186 AD, Zhang Liang died at the age of 65. His life was destined to be closely linked to the Han Dynasty, and his wisdom and exploits were praised for future generations. Zhang Liang, the wise man who adhered to his original intention in the changing situation and silently paved the way for the rise of the Han Dynasty.