Zhao Zhang

Zhao Zhang (赵章, Triệu Chương; d. 295 BC; Lord Anyang 安阳君), was the eldest son of the legendary military reformer King Wuling of Zhao (King Wuling) during the Warring States period.

Originally crowned Crown Prince of Zhao, Zhao Zhang was demoted by his father due to King Wuling’s infatuation with Queen Mengyao (Queen Mengyao), who bore younger son Zhao He (King Huiwen). Seeing Zhao Zhang’s dejection, King Wuling enfeoffed him as Lord Anyang and even contemplated partitioning Zhao into two kingdoms to appease him. In 295 BC at the Sand丘 Palace (沙丘), Zhao Zhang launched a desperate coup to assassinate his younger brother King Huiwen. The coup was crushed by chancellor Li Dui and Gao Xin; Zhao Zhang fled into King Wuling’s private palace seeking sanctuary. Li Dui stormed the palace, butchered Zhao Zhang in front of his weeping father, and besieged the palace for three months, starving King Wuling to death.

Role in History (Shiji)

Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 43, House of Zhao): “Zhao Zhang fled into King Wuling’s chambers; Li Dui pursued and slew him. They encircled the palace for three months, and King Wuling starved to death eating raw fledglings from bird nests.”

Zhao Zhang — Historical & Literary Timeline

Key Relationships

Family

• Father King Wuling of Zhao (King Wuling): Father who demoted him and was starved to death following his coup.
• Half-Brother & Rival King Huiwen of Zhao (赵惠文王 – Zhao He): Younger brother who succeeded to the throne.
• Step-Mother Queen Mengyao (吴娃): Whose beauty caused his demotion.

Friends

• Chief Conspirator Tian Buwen (田不礼): Rebel advisor who urged Zhao Zhang to take up arms.

Enemies

• Slayers & Regents Li Dui (李兑) & Gao Xin (公子成): Crushed the coup and starved King Wuling.
• Loyal Tutor Fei Yi (肥义): Slain by Zhao Zhang’s men during the coup.

Other

• Palace Chroniclers Shiji Annals: Recorded the tragedy of Sand丘.