“The Tale of Zhang Liang: A Strategist’s Journey”

Zhang Liang, known by his courtesy name Zifang, was originally from the Han state. His grandfather served as a high official, interacting with Han’s rulers like King Zhao, King Hui, and King Ai. Zhang Liang’s father also held official positions, serving under King Xi and King Hui. In the 23rd year of King Hui’s reign, Zhang Liang’s father passed away, and Zhang Liang was only 20 years old when the Qin state conquered Han.

Zhang Liang was young and had not yet embarked on an official career in Han. After Han’s fall, his family, which included three hundred servants, was in disarray. His younger brother died without a proper burial, and Zhang Liang, seeking revenge for Han, used his family’s remaining wealth to hire someone to assassinate the Qin Emperor.

At one point, Zhang Liang learned etiquette in Huaiyang and met a man from Cang Hai who gave him a strong warrior and a 120-jin iron club. When the Qin Emperor traveled east and came to Bawangsha, Zhang Liang and his associates attempted to assassinate him, but mistakenly struck the Emperor’s carriage deputy. This infuriated the Emperor, who issued a nationwide manhunt.

To escape, Zhang Liang changed his name and sought refuge in Xia Pi. One day, while walking through Xia Pi’s market, he encountered an old man dressed in rags. The old man deliberately dropped his shoe and told Zhang Liang to pick it up for him. Zhang Liang, initially taken aback and reluctant, picked up the shoe and offered it to the old man. The old man smiled and left, leaving Zhang Liang greatly puzzled.

Five days later, the old man returned and told Zhang Liang that he would come to him again. Zhang Liang, intrigued but uncertain, agreed. When the old man reappeared, he was furious that Zhang Liang had not arrived earlier. Zhang Liang promised to come five days later, and when he did, the old man handed him a book, saying it was “The Art of War” by Tai Gong and instructed him to study it. The old man then disappeared, leaving Zhang Liang with a deep impression.

Zhang Liang took the book to heart and diligently studied it. He became a figure of justice in Xia Pi and, when Chen She and others led a rebellion, Zhang Liang gathered a group of young followers. When Liu Bang, then a leader of several thousand men, attacked Xia Pi, Zhang Liang joined him and was appointed as a general of the stables. Zhang Liang frequently advised Liu Bang with strategies from “The Art of War,” which Liu Bang valued greatly, often implementing his tactics.

Eventually, Zhang Liang’s strategies proved crucial. When Liu Bang was preparing to attack Qin’s stronghold at Yao Pass with 20,000 men, Zhang Liang suggested that the Qin forces were still too strong to be taken lightly. Instead, he recommended waiting, increasing provisions, and creating a false impression of a larger army to confuse the enemy. His counsel led to Liu Bang’s successful campaigns against the Qin.

Zhang Liang also played a key role during the conflict with Xiang Yu, who sought to defeat Liu Bang. Zhang Liang warned Liu Bang of Xiang Yu’s plans and facilitated Liu Bang’s safe passage through strategic advice and negotiations.

In the end, Zhang Liang’s expertise in strategy and his ability to discern and act on complex political situations were pivotal in the establishment of the Han Dynasty. Despite his significant contributions, he remained humble and did not seek personal glory or vast rewards. Instead, he was content with his position and his role in shaping history.

Zhang Liang’s story is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and the importance of wisdom and patience in achieving one’s goals. His life and legacy continue to be celebrated as a model of strategic brilliance and loyalty.

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