Zhang Yanhan facts for kids

Zhang Yanhan (born in 884 – died in 941) was an important government official in ancient China. He served during a time called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Zhang Yanhan worked for two states: Wu and its later state, Southern Tang. He even became a top advisor, known as a chancellor, for both governments.

Early Life and Moving South

Zhang Yanhan was born in 884 in a place called Suiyang. We don't know much about his family. When he was younger, he worked as a military advisor for a local leader.

He saw that northern China was becoming very chaotic. So, he decided to move south to a safer area. This region was between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. His uncle, Zhang Shensi, agreed with his plan and helped him on his journey. Zhang Yanhan wanted to make sure his family line would continue in a more stable place.

Working for the Wu State

After the Tang Dynasty ended in 907, China split into many smaller states. The area Zhang Yanhan moved to became part of the Wu state.

Zhang Yanhan started his career in Wu as a local official. He was known for being very capable. Later, he became a military commander in Chu Prefecture.

In 918, a powerful leader named Xu Zhigao became a junior regent in Wu. A regent is someone who rules for a young or absent emperor. Xu Zhigao sent Zhang Yanhan to govern Jiang Prefecture as his secretary.

Zhang Yanhan later returned to the main government. He worked as an imperial censor. Censors were officials who watched over other government workers. They made sure everyone was doing their job correctly. Zhang Yanhan was brave enough to report a powerful general who was arrogant. This made other generals more careful about their behavior.

He was then promoted to a higher role, helping with government ceremonies. Zhang Yanhan was very grateful to Xu Zhigao for this promotion.

At that time, Wu did not have the traditional imperial examinations. These were tests used to choose officials based on their knowledge. Instead, people were chosen based on requests they sent in. Xu Zhigao asked Zhang Yanhan to bring back the imperial examinations. Zhang Yanhan did a great job. He made sure that poor but talented people had a chance. He wasn't afraid of people from powerful families. Everyone respected him greatly for his fairness.

Later, Xu Zhigao's son, Xu Jingtong, became a junior regent. He was also impressed with Zhang Yanhan. He said that Zhang Yanhan's ideas were fair and his decisions were wise. Zhang Yanhan eventually oversaw all six main government departments. He became very respected by everyone. When he was in his 50s, he became a chancellor. A chancellor was one of the highest-ranking officials, like a prime minister. People thought he should have become chancellor even earlier!

Serving Southern Tang

In 937, Xu Zhigao became the new emperor. He ended the Wu state and started a new state called Southern Tang. Xu Zhigao (who later changed his name to Li Bian) kept Zhang Yanhan as a chancellor in his new government.

Zhang Yanhan became ill some time after this. Emperor Li Bian really wanted Zhang Yanhan to keep serving as chancellor. He sent people to check on Zhang Yanhan and make sure he got the best medicine. However, Zhang Yanhan passed away in early 941. He was honored greatly after his death.