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| “ | It must mean that their food is exhausted. Why not pursue? | „ |
| ~ Zhang He. |
| “ | As always, my victories are tinged with a hint of beauty! | „ |
| ~ Zhang He's victory quote. |
Zhang He is a supporting antagonist in the 14th-century Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by the late Luo Guanzhong, and its multiple adaptations. He is a former servant of Yuan Shao and one of the famous generals of Cao Cao.
Biography
At the end of the reign of Emperor Ling, Zhang He joined a paramilitary force under Han Fu, where he commanded the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Later on, he was joined Yuan Shao's forces, 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 Hanzhong, whose governor he became. Zhang 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. When Xiahou Yuan died 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, Zhang 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.
Personality
Zhang He is depicted as a narcissist who takes joy in aesthetically appealing things and has melodramatic theatrical mannerisms. While he frequently decorates his sentences with the words "beautiful" and "graceful." For his newer appearances, it would shown he specifies the beauty he admires to be a force that unites the will of the land, people, and war. He is also prone to dramatically posing during cut-scenes, occasionally surrounded by a number of butterflies. Each war to him is a stage for him to demonstrate a beautiful dance. Then he has seen to be very comforting and encouraging to his comrades when they are in low spirits and discouraged.
Trivia
- He is a playable character in the Dynasty Warriors series.
- He is one of the boss characters in the Knights of Valour series.
- His name may be inspired by Zheng He, the famous naval commander. However, Zheng He lived in the Ming Dynasty, which was around 1200 years after the Cao Wei.
