Zhang He



Zhang He is one of the famous generals of Cao Cao and a supporting anatgonist in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Bio
At the end of the reign of Emperor Ling, Zhang He joined a paramilitary force under Han Fu, where he commanded the Yellow Turban uprising. Later, he joined Yuan Shao's services, where he became a corps commander thanks to his success against warlord Gongsun Zan. After the battle of Guandu against warlord Cao Cao, he and officer Gao Lan were forced to join Cao Cao.

Under Cao Cao, Zhang He was named a general. He helped unify the Central Plain, defend the Tong Gate against Ma Chao, and seize and secure Han Zhong, whose governor he became. He saw through the tactics of the enemy strategist Zhuge Liang at the Battle of Mount Dingjun, but could not prevail against his superiors Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan fell in battle, and Cao Cao's side lost the city of Hanzhong.

Under Cao Cao's successor, Cao Pi, Zhang He was named the "Right General". At the Battle of Jieting he was able to surround the Shu strategist Ma Su and beat him to death. After Zhuge Liang retreated after an attack, Zhang He pursued him to Mumen, where he ambushed and died.