生平

张良的祖先是战国时韩国首都阳翟（今河南省禹州市）人，他的祖父张开地曾担任韩昭侯、韩宣惠王、韩襄哀王的相国，父亲张平曾担任韩厘王与韩桓惠王的相国。秦国在前230年灭韩后，张良散尽家财求得善掷沉重铁锥的大力士报仇，于博浪沙伏击行刺秦始皇，却误中副车，行刺失败，张良只好隐姓埋名躲避通缉。在秦时，他也一度帮助杀人的项伯（项羽的堂叔）逃离公家的拘捕。

张良在流亡时认识了隐士黄石公，受赠《太公兵法》，潜心苦读十年而有成，张良聚集了百馀名少年，成为当地的游侠，得知景驹自立为楚王，打算前去投靠。但路上见到以灭秦为目标的刘邦在附近屯军，便率众加入刘邦部队，又因为刘邦重视他，成为顶尖谋士，因此张良也打消了去投靠景驹之念。

沛公到了薛城投靠项梁，当时项梁立楚怀王之孙为楚后怀王。张良于是游说项梁，希望也让韩国复国，于是项梁封了韩国公子韩成为韩王，张良改为跟随韩王，受封韩国司徒，率领一千馀人与秦兵在颍川进行游击战，战果并不显著，项梁在定陶之战被秦少府章邯所讨死。

刘邦出兵灭秦时，张良、韩成的部队与刘邦会师，公元前207年，刘邦攻入咸阳，秦朝灭亡。当时刘邦意图自立为关中王，项羽得知后非常愤怒，要灭除刘邦，幸亏在项伯与张良的帮助下，刘邦与项羽在鸿门宴之中和解。

张良贿赂项伯，希望帮刘邦取得战略地位较高的汉中之地，经过斡旋之后，项羽同意。刘邦赴巴蜀汉中为汉王，而项羽承认韩成为韩王，张良离开刘邦去辅佐韩成。

因为张良与刘邦的关系非常好，项羽一直疑心韩成与刘邦勾结，一直把韩成带在身边，不让韩成就藩，后来贬韩成为穰侯。公元前206年，项羽终于诛杀韩成，改封自己的部下郑昌为韩王。张良于是逃亡往刘邦处，此后协助刘邦消灭项羽，前202年，项羽被汉军围困而自杀，楚汉相争结束，汉朝建立，张良因功受封留侯。张良了解刘邦个性，为免功高震主故退居幕后不过问朝政，不但免去清算功臣之祸反深得刘邦与吕后器重，两人遇重大政治决策必请益张良，张良便以国策顾问的身分善终。

张良作为刘邦的谋臣，往往能在关键时刻给予刘邦正确建议。诸如郦食其建议刘邦在与项羽对战时，不如大封过去六国君主的后裔，使其纷纷独立而对抗项羽。刘邦听后十分心动，便派人赶快刻印玉玺游说，张良立刻反对，以免酿成后世大祸。在楚汉相争时，张良与陈平主张撕毁鸿沟条约，立刻攻击西楚，终于获得胜利。在击败项羽后，娄敬建议刘邦入都关中，但遭群臣反对。刘邦询问张良的意见，张良则认为长安条件比洛阳好，于是建都长安。

汉朝建立后，刘邦谈及张良时说：「夫运筹策帷帐之中，决胜千里外，吾不如子房。」汉六年（前201年）正月，封为留侯。留位在今日江苏省徐州市沛县的东南方，现在已经成为微山湖水域。张良急流勇退，归隐得以善终。关于张良的后代，包含其子张辟强，而历史上的东汉学者张超、蜀汉将领张翼等皆是其后裔。道教创始者、五斗米道领导人张道陵相传也是他的后代。

张良死后谥为文成侯，此后世人也尊称他为谋圣。《史记》中有专门的一篇《留侯世家》，用以记录他的生平。

事迹

• 博浪沙暗杀秦始皇（未遂）。有记载的刺秦只有三次，荆轲和高渐离都是作了有死无生的打算；唯有张良在行刺失败后成功逃脱，并且逃过秦始皇「大索天下」的追捕。可见其早年的策划能力已经十分厉害。

• 张良改名藏匿于下邳时照顾过杀人而流亡的项伯，后得项伯通知项羽有意攻打刘邦，项伯叫张良逃走，反被张良邀请面见刘邦。刘邦说：「吾入关，秋毫不敢有所近，籍吏民，封府库，而待将军。所以遣将守关者，备他盗之出入与非常也。日夜望将军至，岂敢反乎！愿项伯具言臣之不敢倍德也。」项伯许诺。于是项伯乘夜回项军中，把刘邦的说话报告给项羽，并且为刘邦说好话：「刘邦不先破关中，公岂敢入乎？今人有大功而击之，不义也，不如因善遇之。」项羽许诺。

• 鸿门宴上项庄舞剑时，离开席位去找刘邦的卫士樊哙来协助，救了刘邦一命。

• 据说项羽分封十八诸侯时，要封刘邦为汉王，封地为巴蜀。张良行贿项伯向项羽求情，因而改封为稍有改善的汉中王（亦称汉王）。

• 项羽向张良询问刘邦入关就国（前往汉地）后的威胁性时，张良的答覆使项羽解除刘邦复出的疑虑。（就他人的眼光，张良并非完全站在刘邦的立场，而是以韩国复国为主，听从韩王的命令，帮助刘邦。）

• 张良计议汉王刘邦：「大王不如烧绝所过栈道，以示天下不回关中之地，以固项羽之忧。」后烧绝栈道。项羽认为汉王刘邦烧绝栈道，无心回关中。之后齐王田荣造反。项羽以汉无忧，发兵北击齐。

• 接受与支持陈平的建议，运用反间计离间项羽与英布的关系使其疏远。并让心高气傲的楚军军师范增受不了项羽的猜忌离去。而后向刘邦献策，毁信自背后突击项羽，不过遭反击而产生危机，此时张良再提议拉拢他力（韩信、彭越）等形成包围之势，最终消灭项羽。

• 项羽败至垓下后，项伯等其他项羽身边的重臣已知不可为，连夜投奔汉营，张良再次迎接项伯等人。

• 张良反对恢复战国时的分封体制，力主秦一统六国后的郡县制集权体制，虽未被全然采纳，而是郡县、分封共混，但对之后西汉迈向郡县制集权化打下基础。

• 天下平定后，由于出身山东（指崤山以东，不是现在山东）的刘邦与群臣纷纷想要回河南洛阳建立都城。张良主张建都长安（咸阳城东南方），原因是此地能掌握关中与函谷关，免除关东战事纷扰。同时，长安兼具四川财富与河套地的畜牧便利等。正是「金城千里」。刘邦闻后依张良主张，建都长安。

• 解除造反危机。项羽死后不久，汉朝确立，但却迟迟未论功行赏，同时刘邦在宫中看到一群臣子群聚议论，他询问张良臣子在商讨何事，张良回答道因为迟迟未封赏，臣子正在讨论如何造反。此话使得刘邦大为紧张，进一步询问当如何解决，张良问刘邦：「陛下生平最痛恨，而众臣都知道的有谁？」刘邦答：「雍齿跟我是老朋友了，但他经常讥辱我，使我难堪，我很想杀他。但他多次立功，故我始终不忍心真的去做。」张良说：「请陛下立刻重赏雍齿，众臣见到就都会放心了。」刘邦立即照做，此事传开后，众臣皆认为连皇帝最痛恨的雍齿都能获赏，想必自己也不会过差，因此打消造反念头。

• 解除继承危机。汉高祖宠爱戚夫人，欲改立戚夫人之子为太子，皇后吕雉向张良求教如何保住太子刘盈，张良告诉吕雉，请天下四位名高德重的长者商山四皓共劝刘邦，即可打消高祖废立之意，事后确实奏效。

• 「运筹帷幄，决胜千里」是司马迁在所赞张良之语，后被用来称赞杰出军师之语。

轶事

• 现在的人为赞叹张良的智慧，在坊间流传一句俗谚：「你有张良计，我有过墙梯。」之「张良计」。

• 西汉末年赤眉起义，一时间天下大乱，有人发掘张良的坟墓，刚挖开墓时，只见黄石像活的一般，变化著飞上高空，犹如流星般在云中消逝。而墓中并没有张良的骸骨，只有素书一篇及兵略数章。

• 大封群臣时，刘邦曾要张良自己选一块地，以试探子房是否有野心, 但遭到张良拒绝并预备求去。刘邦最后只好封他为留（县）侯。张良挑选留县的原因是，当初他与刘邦在此相遇，特此纪念。

• 《通鉴》记载：自从刘邦定都长安后，张良见好就收, 因此找理由来安全引退.张良开始不吃五谷，也就是辟谷,并且足不出户，并执意求去：「追随赤松子（古代神仙，活了数百年）并探求长生不老药。」（这一点被司马光批评，认为聪明如张良，怎会口出江湖术士之言，可能底下看到宫廷斗争，以及自己功高震主的推测。）

• 提到『夫运筹策帷幄之中，决胜千里外，吾不如子房。』余以为其人计魁梧奇伟，至见其图，状貌如妇人好女。盖孔子曰：『以貌取人，失之子羽。』留侯亦云。司马迁看了张良图画后，惊讶于其「相貌如妇人好女」，并感叹以貌取人之缺失。

• 苏轼在《留侯论》亦有引述司马迁之语。并以为黄石公于石桥故意将其鞋滑落到桥下，是要试探张良是否尚可教之，并认为黄石公可能是隐士。

• 东汉末年时期的曹操及明朝开国皇帝朱元璋分别将自己手下的谋士荀彧和刘基比喻为「吾之子房也」。

评价

两汉三国

• 刘邦：「夫运筹策帷帐之中，决胜于千里之外，吾不如子房。镇国家，抚百姓，给馈饷，不绝粮道，吾不如萧何。连百万之军，战必胜，攻必取，吾不如韩信。此三者，皆人杰也，吾能用之，此吾所以取天下也。」

• 陈平：「智足决疑，量足包荒，才足折冲御侮，德足辅世长民，皇帝从筹，百僚允若，炎汉万民之鸿庥；辟谷仙游，功成身退，乃平生心事之了了。元勋之首冠也。」四六骈体，八股对仗的格式，应该是明清后人捏造。西汉开国之时，张良运筹帷幄，甚至参与刘邦立萧何为相国的最高决策。陈平是张良的后进晚辈，陈平的评论价值远低于刘邦吕后对张良的赞许。)

• 司马迁：「学者多言无鬼神，然言有物。至如留侯所见老父予书，亦可怪矣。高祖离困者数矣，而留侯常有功力焉，岂可谓非天乎？」上曰：「夫运筹厕帷帐之中，决胜千里外，吾不如子房。」

• 扬雄：「萧规曹随，留侯画策，陈平出奇，功若泰山，响若坻聩。」

• 班固：「闻张良之智勇，以为其貌魁梧奇伟，反若妇人女子。故孔子称『以貌取人，失之子羽』。学者多疑于鬼神，如良受书老父，亦异矣。高祖数离困厄，良常有力，岂可谓非天乎！」、「赫赫钭军，受兵黄石，规图胜负，不出帷幄。命惠瞻仰，安全正朔，国师是封，光荣旧宅。」

• 冯衍：「张良以五世相韩，椎秦始皇博浪之中，勇冠乎贲、育，名高乎泰山。」

• 诸葛亮：「仰其像不威，然运筹帷幄，决胜千里，成帝王之师。」

• 刘劭：「思通道化，策谋奇妙，是谓术家，范蠡、张良是也。」

魏晋南北朝

• 裴松之：「张子房青云之士，诚非陈平之伦。然汉之谋臣，良、平而已。」

• 陆机：「文成作师，通幽洞冥。永言配命，因心则灵。穷神观化，望影揣情。鬼无隐谋，物无遁形。武关是辟，鸿门是宁。随难荥阳，即谋下邑。销印废，推齐劝立。运筹固陵，定策东袭。三王从风，五侯允集。霸楚实丧，皇汉凯入。怡颜高览，弥翼凤戢。托迹黄、老，辞世却粒。」

• 傅亮：「张子房道亚黄中，照邻殆庶，风云玄感，蔚为帝师，夷项定汉，大拯横流，固以参轨伊望，冠德如仁。」

• 谢瞻：「王风哀以思，周道荡无章。卜洛易隆替，兴乱罔不亡。力政吞九鼎，苛慝暴三殇。息肩缠民思，灵鉴集朱光。伊人感代工，聿来扶兴王。婉婉幕中画，辉辉天业昌。鸿门消薄蚀，垓下殒搀抢。爵仇建萧宰，定都护储皇。肇允契幽叟，翻飞指帝乡。惠心奋千祀，清埃播无疆。神武睦三正，裁成被八荒。明两烛河阴，庆霄薄汾阳。鉴旟历颓寝，饰像荐嘉尝。圣心岂徒甄，惟德在无忘。逝者如可作，揆子慕周行。济济属车士，粲粲翰墨场。瞽夫违盛观，竦踊企一方。四达虽平直，蹇步愧无良。餐和忘微远，延首咏太康。」

• 王俭：「子房之遇汉后，公达之逢魏君，史籍以为美谈，君子称其高义。」

唐宋

• 朱敬则：「神人无功，达人无迹。张子房元机孤映，清识独流。践若发机，应同急箭；优游澹泊，神交太虚，非诸人所及也。至若陈平、荀彧、贾诩、荀攸、程昱、郭嘉、田丰、沮授、崔浩、张宾等，可谓天下之菁英。帷幄之至妙，中权合变，因败为功，爰自秦汉，讫于周隋。」

• 司马贞：「留侯倜傥，志怀愤惋。五代相韩，一朝归汉。进履宜假，运筹神算。横阳既立，申徒作捍。灞上扶危，固陵静乱。人称三杰，辩推八难。赤松原游，白驹难绊。嗟彼雄略，曾非魁岸。」

• 独孤及：「汉兴，萧何、张良、霍去病、霍光以文武大略，佐汉致太平，一名不尽其善，乃有文终、文成、景桓、宣成之谥。」

• 薛稷：「张良之翼汉王，郭嘉之协魏主，宋武之得穆之，齐高之得褚彦：定策决胜，谋夫孔多。」

• 李白：「子房未虎啸，破产不为家。沧海得壮士，椎秦博浪沙。报韩虽不成，天地皆振动。潜匿游下邳，岂曰非智勇？我来圯桥上，怀古钦英风。唯见碧流水，曾无黄石公。叹息此人去，萧条徐泗空。」

• 胡曾：「嬴政鲸吞六合秋，削平天下虏诸侯。山东不是无公子，何事张良独报仇。」

• 王安石：「汉业存亡俯仰中，留侯于此每从容。固陵始义韩彭地，复道方图雍齿封。」、「留侯美好如妇人，五世相韩韩入秦。倾家为主合壮士，博浪沙中击秦帝。脱身下邳世不知，举世大索何能为？素书一卷天与之，谷城黄石非吾师。固陵解鞍聊出口，捕取项羽如婴儿。从来四皓招不得，为我立弃商山芝。洛阳贾谊才能薄，扰扰空令绛灌疑。」

• 司马光：「夫生之有死，譬犹夜旦之必然；自古及今，固未尝有超然而独存者也。以子房之明辩达理，足以知神仙之为虚诡矣；然其欲从赤松子游者，其智可知。夫功名之际，人臣之所难处。加高帝所称者，三杰而已。淮阴诛夷，萧何系狱，非以履盛满而不止耶！故子房托于神仙，遗弃人间，等功名于外物，置荣利而不顾，所谓明哲保身者，子房有焉。」

• 苏轼：「夫子房受书于圯上之老人也，其事甚怪；然亦安知其非秦之世，有隐君子者出而试之。观其所以微见其意者，皆圣贤相与警戒之义；而世不察，以为鬼物，亦已过矣。且其意不在书。当韩之亡，秦之方盛也，以刀锯鼎镬待天下之士。其平居无罪夷灭者，不可胜数。虽有贲、育，无所复施。夫持法太急者，其锋不可犯，而其势未可乘。子房不忍忿忿之心，以匹夫之力，而逞于一击之间；当此之时，子房之不死者，其间不能容发，盖亦已危矣。千金之子，不死于盗贼，何者？其身之可爱，而盗贼之不足以死也。子房以盖世之才，不为伊尹、太公之谋，而特出于荆轲、聂政之计，以侥幸于不死，此圯上老人所为深惜者也。是故倨傲鲜腆而深折之。彼其能有所忍也，然后可以就大事，故曰：『孺子可教也。』」

• 陈亮：「汉高帝所藉以取天下者，故非一人之力，而萧何、韩信、张良盖杰然于其间。天下既定，而不免于疑。于是张良以神仙自托；萧何以谨畏自保；韩信以盖世之功，进退无以自明。」

• 罗大经：「张子房盖侠士之知义、策士之知几者，要非儒也。故早年颇似荆轲，晚岁颇似鲁仲连。得老氏不敢为天下先之术，不代大匠斫，故不伤手，善于打乖。」

• 真德秀：「子房为汉谋臣，虽未尝一日居辅相之位，而其功实为三杰之冠，故高帝首称之。其汉而下，为诸葛孔明略相伯仲。」

• 陈元靓：「楚兵正雄，秦鹿方走。圯桥跪履，鸿门碎斗。王业以昌，名垂不朽。去追赤松，从容无咎。」

明清

• 袁宏道：「投身刀戟之林，濒死不悔，不尽其用不止者，张子房、荀文若、贾诩之流是也。」

• 归有光：「张子房当秦楚之际，以家世相韩，为韩报仇，择可以委身者，遂从高帝。汉之天下已定矣，子房不受万户之封，愿从赤松子游。或谓子房不终事汉者，为韩也。夫诛秦灭项，子房之志已毕，移以事汉，何损于义而必去之？独其为道恬澹，薄视人世之功名，而有飘然远举之志耳。」

• 黄道周：「少年为韩，博浪椎秦。一编帝师，圯上老人。沛套天授，说合如神。还军霸上，谢羽鸿门。当前借暑，理势具陈。运筹决胜，功莫可论。封齿息反，从刘都尊。布衣封留，志愿已伸。宝祠黄石，以明感恩。赤松从游，辟谷采真。始见终隐，千古惟君。」

• 王夫之：「汉高帝疑于所立，乃进而谋者，张良、叔孙通耳。良虽多智，而心固无私；通虽诡合，而缘饰儒术；且皆从容讽议之臣，未尝握兵而持国柄者也。」

• 朱彝尊：「当年博浪金锥，惜乎不中秦皇帝，咸阳大索，下邳亡命，全身非易。纵汉当兴，使韩成在，肯臣刘季？便论功三杰，封侯万户，都未是平生意。」

• 屈大均：「汉唐以来善兵者率多书生，若张良、赵充国、邓禹、马援、诸葛孔明、周瑜、鲁肃、杜预、李靖、虞允文之流，莫不沉酣六经，翩翩文雅，其出奇制胜如风雨之飘忽，如鬼神之变怪。」

• 魏禧：「子房之说项梁立横阳君也，意固亦欲得韩之主而事之，然韩卒以夷灭。韩之为国与汉之为天下，子房辨之明矣。范增以沛公有天子气，劝羽急击之，非不忠于所事，而人或笑以为愚。且夫天下公器非一人一姓之私也，天为民而立君，故能救生民于水火，则天以为子，而天下戴之以为父。子房欲遂其报韩之志，而得能定天下祸乱之君，故汉必不可以不辅。夫孟子，学孔子者也，孔子尊周，而孟子游说列国，惓惓于齐梁之君，教之以王。夫孟子岂不欲周之子孙王天下而朝诸侯？周卒不能；两天下之生民，不可以不救。天生子房以为天下也，顾欲责子房以匹夫之谅、为范增之所为乎？亦已过矣！」

• 潘业：「孺子报韩志已奇，天涯更有莽男儿。纵然不尽祖龙寿，也是从来第一椎。」

近代

• 蔡东藩：「张良之烧绝栈道，一奇也，萧何之私追逃人，二奇也，韩信之骤拜大将，三奇也。有此三奇，而汉王能一一从之，尤为奇中之奇。乃知国家不患无智士，但患无明君，汉王虽倨慢少礼，动辄骂人，然如张良之烧栈道而不以为怪，萧何之追逃人而不以为嫌，韩信之拜大将而不以为疑，是实有过人度量，固非齐赵诸王，所得与同日语者。有汉王而后有三杰，此良臣之所以必择主而事也。」

• 冯玉祥：「豪杰今安在，看青山不老，紫柏长芳，想那志士忠臣，千载犹存凭吊所；神仙古来稀，设黄石重逢，赤松再遇，得此洞天福地，一生愿作逍遥游。」

• 周恩来：「项羽打了一百个胜仗，顶不住张良一个主意，优势变劣势，只好求和。」

朝鲜

• 朝鲜王朝学者成海应(1760-1839)：「太史公以好奇之故, 其传留侯, 以沧海力士，黄石公，赤松子，四皓之伦, 相为终始. 留侯欲免高帝之猜, 自托于神仙之术以自晦, 故其事甚奇. 然余疑黄石所授太公兵法, 岂其秘书, 而在秦火之前, 尤易得之, 何故三夜丁宁而始乃授之. 且石言于晋春秋传记其异, 安有石化为人, 人化为石, 恍惚不可测者乎. 此乃留侯故神其迹也, 非其实也. 太史公乃铺张而灵异之尔.」（『硏经斋全集续集』 10册, 史论, 张良）

家庭

祖父

• 张开地：战国时韩相，相韩昭侯、韩宣惠王与韩襄王

父亲

• 张平：战国时期韩相，相韩厘王与韩桓惠王

子

• 张不疑：长子，嗣侯。文帝十年（公元前170年），坐与门大夫杀故楚内史，赎为城旦。《汉书·张良传》与《汉书·高惠高后文景功臣表》中所记有出入。《张良传》中记为文帝三年（公元前177年），坐不敬，国除。

• 张辟强：次子。汉惠帝驾崩，吕后乾嚎，辟强为侍中，年15岁，洞察吕后之意，谓丞相曰：「太后独有孝惠，今崩，哭不悲，君知其解乎？」丞相曰：「何解？」辟强曰：「帝毋壮子，太后畏君等。君今请拜吕台、吕产、吕禄为将，将兵居南北军，及诸吕皆入宫，居中用事，如此则太后心安，君等幸得脱祸矣。」丞相乃如辟强计。太后说，其哭乃哀。吕氏权由此起。乃大赦天下。

后代

• 张千秋：张良六世孙，阳陵公乘，元康四年，朝廷下诏张千秋复家，世代免除赋税徭役。

• 张晧：张良六世孙，东汉大臣（《后汉书》卷56《张纲传》）

• 张纲，张晧之子

• 张续，张纲之子

• 张翼，张纲曾孙，三国时蜀汉大臣

• 张微，张翼之子

• 张超，张良后代，汉灵帝时期的别部司马。（后汉书·文苑传）

• 张道陵，相传为张良八世孙，五斗米道的创始人

• 张衡，张道陵之子

• 张鲁，张衡之子

其它：

• 张汤：与张良同祖，所出不明（《汉书》卷59《张汤传》：「賛曰：冯商称张汤之先与留侯同祖，而司马迁不言，故阙焉」）

艺术形象

影视

• 香港TVB版电视剧《楚河汉界》（1985年）：由黎汉持饰演张良。

• 香港TVB版电视剧《真命天子》（1986年）：由谢贤饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《淮阴侯韩信》（1991年）：由施京明饰演张良。

• 香港版电影《西楚霸王》（1994年）：由金士杰饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《西楚霸王》（1994年）：由毕彦君饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《吕后传奇》（1994年）：由周晓文饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《汉刘邦》（1998年）：由王刚饰演张良。

• 香港TVB版电视剧《楚汉骄雄》（2004年）：由蒋志光饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《大汉巾帼》（2005年）：由沈保平饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《楚汉风云》（2005年）：由沈保平饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《大风歌》（2010年）：由马晓伟饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《韩信》（2010年）：由黄海饰演张良。

• 大陆版电影《鸿门宴》（2011年）：由张涵予饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《楚汉争雄》（2011年）：由马晓伟饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《楚汉传奇》（2012年）：由霍青饰演张良。

• 大陆版电影《王的盛宴》（2012年）：由奇道饰演张良。

• 大陆版电视剧《秦时明月》（2014年）：由丁宇辰饰演张良。

游戏

• 轩辕剑肆 黑龙舞兮云飞扬：男主角姬良即为张良。

• 王者荣耀

动漫

• 《天子传奇3流氓天子》

• 《天子传奇4大唐威龙》

• 《秦时明月》

• 《秦汉英雄传》

参看

• 云台山

注释

外部链接

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Early life

Zhang Liang was born in Xinzheng (新郑; present-day Zhengzhou, Henan), the capital of the Hán state, while his ancestral home was in Chengfu (城父; present-day Chengfu Town, Bozhou, Anhui). He descended from an aristocrat family in Hán. His grandfather served three generations of the Hán rulers as chancellors while his father served two generations. Zhang Liang missed the opportunity to inherit his family's legacy as the Hán state was annexed by the Qin state in 230 BC as part of Qin's wars of unification.

Becoming a Fugitive

Assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang

To avenge the fall of his native state, Zhang Liang dedicated his efforts to hiring assassins to kill the Qin emperor Qin Shi Huang. He spent his entire family fortune and failed to give his deceased younger brother a proper funeral. He managed to find a man with great physical strength to help him, and had an iron hammer weighing 120 ancient catties (roughly 160 lbs. or 72 kg) forged for the strongman. In 218 BC, Zhang Liang heard that Qin Shi Huang was going to Yangwu County (east of present-day Yuanyang County, Henan) as part of his inspection tour, and was due to pass by Bolangsha during the journey.

Zhang Liang and the strongman lay in ambush at Bolangsha and waited for the emperor's convoy to approach. They saw that all the carriages that passed by were pulled by four horses and believed that the most decorated one in the middle was the emperor's carriage. The strongman hurled the hammer towards it and the heavy projectile crushed the carriage, killing its occupant. Zhang Liang fled from the scene during the ensuing chaos. Qin Shi Huang was actually not in that carriage and survived the assassination attempt, after which he ordered the arrest of Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang eluded the dragnet for ten days by using fake identities and becoming a fugitive.

Meeting Huang Shigong

As a wanted man by the government, Zhang Liang travelled to Xiapi and stayed there for some time, using fake identities to evade the authorities. One day, Zhang Liang took a stroll at Yishui Bridge and met an old man there. The man walked towards Zhang Liang and chucked his shoe down the bridge on purpose, after which he yelled at Zhang, "Hey boy, go down and fetch me my shoe!" Zhang Liang was astonished and unhappy but obeyed silently. The old man then lifted his foot and ordered Zhang Liang to put on the shoe for him. Zhang Liang was furious but he controlled his temper and meekly obliged. The man did not show any sign of gratitude and walked away laughing.

The old man came back after walking a distance and praised Zhang Liang, "This child can be taught!" and asked Zhang Liang to meet him at the bridge again at dawn five days later. Zhang Liang was confused but agreed. Five days later, Zhang Liang rushed to the bridge at the stroke of dawn but the old man was already waiting for him there. The old man chided him, "How can you be late for a meeting with an elderly man? Come back again five days later!" Zhang Liang tried his best to be punctual the second time but the old man still arrived earlier than him, and he was scorned by the old man once more and told to return again five days later. The third time, Zhang Liang went to the bridge at midnight and waited until the old man appeared. This time, the old man was impressed with Zhang Liang's fortitude and humility, that he presented Zhang with a book, saying, "You can become the tutor of a ruler after reading this book. Within ten years, the world will become chaotic. You can then use your knowledge from this book to bring peace and prosperity to the empire. Meet me again 13 years later. I'm the yellow rock at the foot of Mount Gucheng."

The old man was Huang Shigong (黄石公; lit. "Yellow Rock Old Man") . The book was titled The Art of War by Taigong (太公兵法) and believed to be the Six Secret Teachings by Jiang Ziya, while some called it Three Strategies of Huang Shigong. In legend, Zhang Liang returned to the indicated site 13 years later and did see a yellow rock there. He built a shrine to worship the rock and the rock was buried with him after his death.

Rebelling against the Qin dynasty

In 209 BC, during the reign of Qin Er Shi, several uprisings erupted throughout China to overthrow the Qin dynasty. Many of these rebel forces claimed to be restoring the former states that were annexed by Qin two decades ago. Zhang Liang rallied about 100 men to start a rebellion as well, but his force was too weak, so he led his followers to join Jing Ju, a pretender to the throne of the former Chu state. He met Liu Bang during his journey and was impressed with Liu's charisma that he changed his decision and joined Liu instead. Zhang Liang became a temporary advisor to Liu Bang and followed Liu to join Xiang Liang's rebel force.

The following year, Xiang Liang installed Mi Xin as King Huai II of Chu after eliminating Jing Ju. Zhang Liang's main goal was to reestablish his native state of Hán, so he managed to persuade Xiang Liang to do the same for the Hán state. Han Cheng, a descendant of the royal family of Hán, was enthroned as King of Hán, while Zhang Liang was appointed as the Hán's chancellor. Han Cheng's armies attempted to capture Qin cities that were formerly Hán territories but did not achieve much success and engaged in guerrilla warfare for about a year. Later that year, Xiang Liang was killed in action at the Battle of Dingtao and King Huai II put Xiang Yu (Xiang Liang's nephew) and Liu Bang each in charge of an army to attack Qin, promising that whoever entered Guanzhong (heartland of Qin) first would be conferred the title of "King of Guanzhong".

In 207 BC, the combined forces of Liu Bang and Han Cheng conquered Yangzhai (present-day Yuzhou City, Henan), the former capital of the Hán state. Han Cheng stayed behind to defend Yangzhai, while Zhang Liang served as a temporary advisor to Liu Bang. Zhang Liang contributed to Liu Bang's eventual victory in the race to Guanzhong for the strategies he proposed. For example, at the battle of Yao Pass, Zhang Liang suggested tricking the Qin commander into surrendering by bribing him with gifts. Liu Bang wanted to accept the surrendered Qin troops into his army but Zhang Liang cautioned him, saying that some of the troops were unwilling to surrender even though their commander agreed. That night, Liu Bang's forces caught the Qin army off guard and scored a major victory. In another incident, Zhang Liang warned Liu Bang against making a detour at Wancheng, because they would be at risk of being surrounded by the enemy if Liu did so.

Chu–Han Contention

Feast at Hong Gate

Upon entering the Epang Palace in Xianyang (the Qin capital), Liu Bang was strongly tempted by the riches it housed and wanted to stay there forever. Zhang Liang reminded Liu Bang about overindulgence in sensual pleasures and Liu ordered his men to seal the treasures and move to Bashang to wait for Xiang Yu and the other rebel forces to arrive. During this period of time, Liu Bang heeded Zhang Liang's advice and governed Guanzhong with benevolence, restoring peace and stability, and forbidding his men from pillaging the cities and harming the common people.

In 206 BC, Xiang Yu's army arrived at Hangu Pass (eastern gateway to Guanzhong) and Liu ordered his men to prevent Xiang's forces from entering Guanzhong. Xiang Yu was furious when he learnt that Liu Bang had beat him in the race to Guanzhong, and he wanted to kill Liu after being instigated by Fan Zeng and a defector from Liu's side, Cao Wushang. Xiang Yu's uncle, Xiang Bo, was an old friend of Zhang Liang and he secretly warned Zhang that Xiang Yu was planning to attack Liu Bang. Liu Bang was shocked and fearful when he heard that, as his forces were too weak to counter Xiang Yu. Zhang Liang advised Liu Bang to attend the Feast at Hong Gate hosted by Xiang Yu, to put Xiang off guard and dismiss Xiang's suspicions that Liu was intending to oppose him. With help from Xiang Bo, Liu Bang managed to survive the dangerous banquet and Xiang Yu dismissed the idea of killing Liu. However, Fan Zeng was dissatisfied and he asked Xiang Yu's cousin Xiang Zhuang to pretend to perform a sword dance and use the opportunity to kill Liu Bang. Xiang Bo intervened again and saved Liu Bang's life.

Meanwhile, Zhang Liang left the tent to find Fan Kuai to save Liu Bang. Following Zhang Liang's instructions, Fan Kuai burst in and openly chided Xiang Yu, making a speech about Liu Bang's accomplishments and affirming that Liu had no intention of opposing Xiang Yu. Liu Bang left the banquet later on the pretext of going to the latrine and was received by Xiahou Ying, who had been waiting nearby on Zhang Liang's instruction. Zhang Liang remained behind to hold Xiang Yu's attention while Liu Bang escaped. Before leaving, Zhang Liang presented Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng with a pair of jade pieces.

Eighteen Kingdoms

Xiang Yu split the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms later, granting the land of Guanzhong to three surrendered Qin generals, even though Guanzhong was rightfully Liu Bang's, according to King Huai II's earlier promise. Liu Bang was relocated to the remote Bashu region (in present-day Sichuan) instead and granted the title of "King of Han". Han Cheng retained his rulership as King of Hán and Zhang Liang was moved from Liu Bang's side back to Hán to continue serving as chancellor. Before parting ways, Liu Bang presented Zhang Liang with some gold and pearls, all of which Zhang gave to Xiang Bo. Zhang Liang also urged Liu Bang to destroy the gallery roads leading to Bashu during the journey to Hanzhong, in order to reduce Xiang Yu's suspicions that Liu was planning to return and challenge him.

Although Han Cheng was the king of Hán, Xiang Yu did not permit him to govern his kingdom and forced him to accompany him back to his Western Chu's capital of Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou, Jiangsu). Han Cheng was demoted to "Marquis of Rang" later and killed on Xiang Yu's orders. Xiang Yu seized Han Cheng's kingdom and made his subordinate Zheng Chang the new King of Hán. Zhang Liang was still the chancellor of Hán under the new arrangement but he was aware of his precarious position, and cognisant of how Xiang Yu had destroyed his hope of restoring the Hán state. Zhang Liang fled from Hán later and returned to join Liu Bang in the winter of 206 BC. Liu Bang conferred on Zhang Liang the title of "Marquis of Chengxin" and Zhang became a permanent advisor to Liu from that time.

Conquest of the Three Qin and Battle of Pengcheng

Starting in 206 BC, after Liu Bang's forces conquered the Three Qins, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu engaged in a four-year-long power struggle for supremacy over China, historically known as the Chu–Han Contention. In 205 BC, Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu at the Battle of Pengcheng and he retreated to Xiayi. Zhang Liang proposed a strategy to Liu Bang to counter Xiang Yu, known as the "Xiayi Plan" (下邑之谋). Liu Bang followed Zhang Liang's advice: he sent Xiao He to persuade Ying Bu to join him; contacted Peng Yue and allied with him; and allowed Han Xin to lead part of his army to attack other territories on the northern front.

In 204 BC, Liu Bang was trapped by Xiang Yu in Xingyang and both sides reached a stalemate. Li Yiji suggested to Liu Bang to recreate the former states of the Warring States period and install the descendants of their royal families on their respective thrones. This plan was intended to help Liu Bang gain the support of the vassal states' rulers, who would help him in the war against Xiang Yu. However, Zhang Liang disapproved of the plan as he felt that the states were more likely to support Western Chu instead as Chu was superior to Han in terms of military might. Liu Bang realised the problem and immediately dismissed Li Yiji's plan.

In 203 BC, after his victory at the Battle of Wei River, Han Xin conquered the Qi kingdom and sent a messenger to Liu Bang, requesting that Liu appoint him as the acting King of Qi. Liu was still trapped at Xingyang then and he was furious after hearing the request because he was expecting Han Xin to come to his aid. Zhang Liang reminded Liu Bang that if he refused to approve Han Xin's request, Han might be discontented and declare independence from Liu, putting them in a dangerous situation. Liu Bang reluctantly agreed and sent Zhang Liang to pass the king's seal to Han Xin. Zhang Liang met Han Xin and succeeded in reaffirming Han's loyalty to Liu Bang.

Battle of Gaixia

By late 203 BC, Zhang Liang saw that the tide had turned in favour of Liu Bang, as Xiang Yu had been surrounded on three sides. Together with Chen Ping, Zhang Liang suggested to Liu Bang to renounce the Treaty of Hong Canal and use the opportunity to eliminate Western Chu. However, at the Battle of Guling, Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu because the expected reinforcements from Han Xin and Peng Yue did not arrive. Zhang Liang explained to Liu Bang that Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilise their troops because they did not have their fiefs yet, even though they had received their titles of vassal kings. Liu Bang followed Zhang Liang's advice and granted lands to Han Xin and Peng Yue. Two months later, as Zhang Liang predicted, Han Xin and Peng Yue arrived with their armies and formed a coordinated attack on Western Chu together with Liu Bang's force, defeating Xiang Yu at the Battle of Gaixia in 202 BC.

In service during the Han dynasty

In 202 BC, after his victory over Xiang Yu, Liu Bang ascended the throne and became historically known as "Emperor Gaozu of Han". Following the establishment of the Han dynasty, Zhang Liang remained as a key advisor to Gaozu even though he did not receive any formal appointment as a government minister. Together with Lou Jing, Zhang Liang later suggested for Gaozu to build his capital in Chang'an instead of Luoyang, as Chang'an was in a more strategic position than Luoyang (fertile land and surrounded by natural defences such as mountain passes). Once, Gaozu noticed that some of his subjects were having a secret discussion and he asked for Zhang Liang's opinion. Zhang Liang told Gaozu that they were plotting a rebellion and Gaozu was shocked. Zhang Liang proceeded to ask Gaozu whom of all his subjects he hated the most. Gaozu mentioned Yong Chi, who had rebelled against him before but surrendered later. Zhang Liang then suggested to Gaozu to grant Yong Chi a noble title, because if the others saw that Gaozu was able to forgive Yong Chi, they would be at ease and would not think of rebelling.

Subsequently, Zhang Liang retired from state affairs and practised Taoism. In late 201 BC, Gaozu rewarded his subjects who contributed to the dynasty's founding and he conferred the title of "Marquis of Liu" on Zhang Liang. In 196 BC, Gaozu left to suppress a rebellion by Ying Bu, and requested Zhang Liang to come out of retirement to assist the crown prince, Liu Ying, in governing the home territories. After returning from the campaign, Gaozu wanted to replace Liu Ying with Liu Ruyi, the Prince of Zhao. Zhang Liang opposed Gaozu's decision but Gaozu ignored him so Zhang feigned illness and retired again. When approached by Empress Lü Zhi to help Liu Ying retain his position, Zhang Liang recommended the Four Whiteheads of Mount Shang to help Liu Ying, and the four men succeeded in convincing Gaozu to keep Liu Ying as the crown prince. Zhang Liang remained in retirement until his death in 186 BC.

Death and burial place

Little is known about Zhang Liang's later life, hence his final resting place has been a mystery throughout history.

A Zhang Liang Tomb stands at 6 km southwest of present-day Lankao County, Henan. According to legend, during the Lü Clan Disturbance, Zhang Liang moved to Mount Baiyun at the southwest of Donghun County (present-day Lankao County, Henan), and was buried there after his death. A Zhang Liang Temple used to stand beside the tomb, but it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Another Zhang Liang Tomb stands at south of Weishan County, Shandong. The stone tablet in front of the grave bearing Zhang Liang's name was erected in 1737 during the Qing dynasty. A Zhang Liang Shrine also used to stand east of the tomb, but it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

However, some believed that Zhang Liang's tomb was in present-day Pei County, Xuzhou. According to the 7th-century gazetteer Kuodi Zhi, Zhang Liang's tomb was 65 li east of Pei County, near Liucheng, where a Zhang Liang Temple was also located.

According to Xianshizhi (仙释志) and Lingmuzhi (陵墓志), Zhang Liang's tomb was at Mount Qingyan in Hunan.

Modern references

An article in Xianzhuan Shiyi (仙传拾遗) tells the story of how Zhang Liang became an immortal. Zhang Liang practised some of the book's teachings and attained some magical powers. Zhang Liang was buried at Dragon Head Plains (龙首原) after his death. In legend, Zhang Liang's tomb was raided when the Red Brows Army revolted, and the robbers saw a yellow stone pillow inside his tomb. The pillow transformed swiftly and flew away like a shooting star, and nothing else was found in the tomb, not even Zhang Liang's body. Zhang Liang became an immortal and served Laozi as an assistant. Zhang Liang's grandson, Zhang Daoling, became an immortal, too, and he went with his grandfather to meet the Queen Mother of the West on Mount Kunlun.

Zhang Liang's encounter with Huang Shigong had also become one of the classic Chinese folk tales about humility for later generations to learn from.

Zhang Liang is one of the 32 historical figures who appear as special characters in the video game Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI by Koei. He has higher intelligence stats than all these characters, except for Jiang Ziya. Zhang Liang is also a playable character of the "Wizard" class in the action RPG Prince of Qin.

He also appears as a character in the animation series The Legend of Qin.