Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zhang Bu was a prominent official of Eastern Wu during the reign of Sun Xiu and Sun Hao. He played a decisive role in the succession of Sun Xiu, helping him eliminate the regent Sun Chen. Following the accession of Sun Hao, Zhang Bu initially supported the new emperor, but soon grew disillusioned with Sun Hao’s tyrannical behavior. Together with Pu Wei, he conspired to depose Sun Hao, but the plot was leaked, resulting in their execution in 264.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the narrative of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Bu is depicted as a key political figure during the decline of the Wu state, characterized by his attempts to manage the volatile transition of power between the final emperors of the Sun lineage.
Zhang Bu — Historical & Literary Timeline
The Fall of Sun Chen
Zhang Bu assists Sun Xiu in orchestrating the assassination of the powerful regent Sun Chen, securing Sun Xiu’s authority.
Execution
After attempting to depose the despotic Emperor Sun Hao, Zhang Bu is arrested and executed along with his family.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhang Cheng (张承, Trương Thừa – Wu commander): Clan relative and officer who served in Eastern Wu’s armed forces.
- Eldest Daughter of Zhang Bu (张布长女, Trưởng nữ của Trương Bố): Daughter. Taken into Emperor Sun Hao’s harem as a favored consort; when she mourned her father’s death, Sun Hao executed her with a wooden mallet.
- Younger Daughter of Zhang Bu (张布幼女, Thứ nữ của Trương Bố): Daughter (Lady Zhang). Consort of Sun Hao, elevated to Lady of Pure Virtue (Xiurong).
Friends
- Sun Xiu (孙休, Tôn Hưu): Third Emperor of Eastern Wu (Emperor Jing). Elevated Zhang Bu to General of the Martial Guard (Wuhui Jiangjun) and Marquis of Fuchun for his decisive role in executing the palace ambush that eliminated regent Sun Chen (258 AD).
- Ding Feng (丁奉, Đinh Phụng): Veteran Grand General of Eastern Wu. Key military co-conspirator who personally assisted Sun Xiu and Zhang Bu in arresting and executing Sun Chen during the Laba Festival banquet (258 AD).
- Puyang Xing (濮阳兴, Bộc Dương Hưng): Grand Chancellor of Eastern Wu. Close political partner who co-governed the state with Zhang Bu, jointly enthroning Sun Hao in 264 AD.
- Wan Yu (万彧, Vạn Vực): Palace Attendant who persuaded Zhang Bu and Puyang Xing to support the coronation of Sun Hao (264 AD).
Enemies
- Sun Chen (孙綝, Tôn Lâm): Despotic military regent of Eastern Wu. Deposed Emperor Sun Liang; trapped and decapitated during the secret palace banquet coup orchestrated by Zhang Bu and Sun Xiu (258 AD).
- Sun Hao (孙皓, Tôn Hạo): Fourth and final Emperor of Eastern Wu. Enthroned through Zhang Bu’s backing in 264 AD, but rapidly devolved into cruelty and debauchery; when Zhang Bu and Puyang Xing privately expressed regret over his coronation, Sun Hao had them arrested, banished to Guangzhou, and executed along the road in 264 AD.
- Cen Hun (岑昏, Sầm Hôn): Corrupt palace favorite under Sun Hao whose manipulative sycophancy accelerated the purges of foundational statesmen like Zhang Bu.
Others
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 120
- Zhang Bu (张布, Trương Bố): After Sun Xiu dies, Zhang Bu participates with Puyang Xing and Wan Yu in deciding who should inherit the Wu throne. Although Sun Xiu’s young son is the obvious heir, Zhang Bu supports Sun Hao, describing him as intelligent and decisive enough to rule. After Sun Hao becomes emperor, Zhang Bu later joins Puyang Xing in remonstrating against the emperor’s cruelty and extravagance. Sun Hao becomes enraged and orders both men executed, together with their families.
History
Summary
- Zhang Bu (张布, Trương Bố) was an Eastern Wu official involved in court politics during the reign of Sun Xiu.
Political Career
- Zhang Bu was a powerful court figure and was involved in the political arrangements surrounding Sun Xiu’s accession.
- He initially gained substantial influence at court.
Fall from Power
- His political position later weakened, and he was executed after becoming embroiled in court intrigue.
Classification
- Historical.