Zhang Yanze facts for kids

Zhang Yanze (Chinese: 張彥澤) was a military leader who lived in China during a time called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. He was from the Göktürk people. He served as a general for three different Chinese dynasties: the Later Tang, the Later Jin, and the Liao dynasties. He died on January 27, 947.

Early Life and Background

We don't know exactly when Zhang Yanze was born. His family was of Tujue (another name for Göktürk) background. They had settled in a city called Taiyuan. Both his grandfather and father were officers. They served in a special military group for non-Chinese soldiers. This group was traditionally led by the Shatuo people.

Young Zhang Yanze was known for being very strong and brave. People said his eyes had a yellow tint and glowed in the dark. This made him look quite fierce, almost like an animal.

Serving the Later Tang Dynasty

Zhang Yanze started his military career as a cavalry officer. This was during the time of the first two emperors of the Later Tang dynasty. These emperors were Li Cunxu and Li Siyuan.

Because of his success in battles, he became a "prefect" in several areas. A prefect was like a local governor. During this time, his family might have become connected to other powerful families through marriage. This was a common way to form alliances back then.

Serving the Later Jin Dynasty

During Emperor Shi Jingtang's Rule

In 936, a new leader named Shi Jingtang came to power. He had help from the Khitan Empire's Emperor Taizong. Shi Jingtang overthrew the Later Tang emperor and started his own state, the Later Jin dynasty.

Shi Jingtang made Zhang Yanze the prefect of Cao Prefecture. Zhang then fought alongside another general, Yang Guangyuan. They fought against a rebel named Fan Yanguang. Zhang's good work in this campaign earned him more promotions. He became a military governor, first of Zhenguo Circuit, then of Zhangyi Circuit.

In 942, some problems arose. Zhang Yanze's secretary was executed. Then, a new governor, Wang Zhou, took over Zhangyi. Wang Zhou reported that Zhang Yanze had done many wrong things. He said that over 5,000 families had left the area because of Zhang's actions. Wang also claimed Zhang had attacked non-Chinese tribes without permission and lost badly. After that defeat, he supposedly took over 1,000 horses from the people.

Many officials wanted Zhang Yanze to be punished severely. However, Emperor Shi Jingtang decided to forgive him. He remembered Zhang's past achievements and his connections. Zhang was kept in the imperial guards as a general. He was only slightly demoted. His family members even received new positions. The people who had fled Zhangyi were given tax relief.

During Emperor Shi Chonggui's Rule

Emperor Shi Jingtang died in 942. His adopted son, Shi Chonggui, became the new emperor. Unlike his father, Shi Chonggui did not want to be submissive to the Khitan (Liao) Empire. This led to many conflicts and attacks from the Liao.

Zhang Yanze was often sent to defend against these Liao attacks. He was a commanding general of the imperial guards. He fought in important battles in 944 and 945. In 945, the Later Jin army won a big victory against the Liao. Many believed Zhang Yanze played a huge part in this win. People thought he was fighting with all his might. He was grateful that Shi Jingtang had spared his life earlier.

By late 945, Zhang was given a new role as military governor of Zhangde Circuit. He was sent to defend against a possible Liao attack. It was said that while he was governor of Zhangde, he treated educated people with more respect. He also governed the area well.

People in several prefectures were ordered to deliver military supplies. This was a heavy burden for them. Zhang Yanze tried to help. He had his soldiers meet the common people on the way. The soldiers would take the supplies and deliver them to the front lines. This reduced the danger for the commoners. He was praised for this helpful action.

In 946, there were rumors that a major Liao general, Zhao Yanshou, wanted to switch sides. He had been a Later Tang general before being captured by the Khitan. Later Jin officials believed these rumors. They sent a letter to Zhao, encouraging him to defect. Zhao Yanshou wrote back, saying he wanted to return to China. But he asked for a large army to support him. This was actually a trap set by the Liao emperor.

The Later Jin emperor, Shi Chonggui, sent a large army north. The goal was to take back land and destroy the Liao. However, the Liao army, led by Emperor Taizong himself, surrounded the Later Jin army. Zhang Yanze had joined the Later Jin forces. He argued that they could defeat the Liao. But eventually, the Later Jin generals, Du Wei and Li Shouzhen, surrendered their army. Zhang Yanze also surrendered to the Liao as part of this defeat.

After Surrendering to the Liao Dynasty

After the surrender, Emperor Taizong of Liao marched his army south. He was heading towards the Later Jin capital, Daliang. He sent Zhang Yanze ahead with 2,000 cavalry soldiers to take control of Daliang.

Zhang Yanze faced little resistance as he entered the city. Emperor Shi Chonggui formally surrendered to the Liao emperor. Zhang Yanze refused to meet Shi Chonggui, saying he was too ashamed. Zhang then ordered the execution of one of Shi Chonggui's close associates.

Zhang's soldiers began to loot the city. Poor people also joined in, robbing rich households. Many wealthy people died during this chaos. This went on for two days. The city was stripped of its riches. Zhang Yanze believed he had done a great service for Emperor Taizong. He spent his days and nights celebrating. When he went out, he was accompanied by hundreds of cavalry soldiers. He also executed many people.

Zhang then forced Emperor Shi Chonggui and his family to move out of the palace. He made them hand over all their treasures. Some treasures were given to Emperor Taizong, but Zhang kept the rest for himself.

Soon after, Emperor Taizong arrived in Daliang. He took control of the city. One official complained to Emperor Taizong about his family members being killed during the looting. Emperor Taizong was also angry that Zhang had plundered the city. He ordered Zhang Yanze to be arrested and chained. Emperor Taizong presented a list of Zhang's wrongdoings to his officials. They all agreed that Zhang deserved to die. Many ordinary people also submitted complaints against Zhang. Zhang Yanze was then executed.