Zang Ba
Encyclopedia
Zang Ba was a general during the late Han Dynasty
and Three Kingdoms
period of Chinese history
. He served the warlord Tao Qian initially, followed by Lü Bu
and finally Cao Cao
and his successors, but for the most part of his career, he remained semi-autonomous over his troops and eastern China. The years of his birth and death are not recorded, but he served Cao Wei
until the reign of Cao Rui
. During his life he was granted autonomous power over Qing Province and Xu Province. He would eventually hold the title of marquis of various counties within, but by the time of his death held the prestigious title of Mayor of the Capital (執金吾). Zang was an arrogant general, but also a powerful regional leader who contributed much to the state of Wei. He was a rare case in which an insolent subordinate like him enjoyed a good ending.
Prefecture (泰山郡). According to Records of the Three Kingdoms by the Jin dynasty
historian, Chen Shou
, his father, Zang Jie, who served as a prison warden in the Huaxian region, was displeased with the Grand Administrator's (太守) abuse of laws to order the death of the locals. Thus, he stopped obeying the orders of the Grand Administrator, and the latter, greatly angered, had Zang Jie arrested and decided to transfer him to the region's capital. Zang Ba, although only 18 at the time, led a mafia of some 20 or 30 men to rescue his father. Although there were over 100 soldiers escorting Zang Jie, none of them dared to stop Zang Ba. Henceforth, father and son became refugees, but Zang Ba's bravery also became well known.
, Zang entered the service of the governor of Xu Province, Tao Qian
, and gathered adventures and gangsters around the area to fight the Yellow Turbans. Within his recruits, Sun Guan (孫観), Wu Dun (吳敦), Yin Li
(尹礼), and Chang Xi (昌豨) were the most outstanding, and together they protected the province from the rebels. But they did not return to Tao after the campaign, instead, they camped at Kaiyang (開陽) and established independency.
When Lü Bu
gained control of Xu Province, Zang and his gangs became known as the Taishan Bandits and attacked Lu's ally, Chancellor of Langye, Xiao Jian (萧建), and seized the treasury of Langye. Being enraged, Lu personally led troops to fight Zang, despite opposition from his subordinate, Gao Shun
, and was repelled. On the other hand, Zang, fearing the bigger threat from Yuan Shu
, who at the time was one of the most powerful warlords, agreed to form an alliance with Lu, and assisted in Lu's counterstrike against Yuan's aggression.
, fought amongst themselves, Cao Cao
, the warlord who had the Emperor controlled as a puppet ruler, went east and supported Liu to fight Lu. Zang sided with Lu to oppose Cao, but as a result of the Battle of Xiapi
, Cao Cao eventually defeated Lü Bu, and started a manhunt on Zang Ba.
Upon the capture of Zang, however, Cao asked his allegiance, and granted Zang autonomy over the provinces of Qing and Xu right away. Zang's old friends, Sun Guan and Wu Dun, were also made local administers. Zang and his gangs maintained their power, even after their submission to Cao. Once, Cao ordered Liu Bei (now a subordinate of Cao Cao) to ask Zang for the heads of two traitors who defected to Zang when the latter was still hostile to Cao. Zang refused and told Liu to bring words to Cao Cao that the reason why he could remain independent was that he never did such things (turned over his own subordinates). Despite Zang's arrogance, Cao surprisingly did not punish his vassal, instead, he humbly told Zang, "Your conduct can be compared to the ancient sages, it's my desire you can behave thus." As a matter of fact, Cao Cao was in dire need of help from Zang and Sun Guan, who wielded enormous influence around the area, to hinder his archival Yuan Shao
's eastern flank, so he tried his best to appease the former Taishan Bandits, and even formally assigned the two traitors Zang protected to be be administrators as well.
In Cao Cao
's battles with Yuan Shao
, Zang Ba led elite soldiers into Qing province, allowing Cao Cao to focus the majority of his soldiers on the main battles at hand, and not having to worry himself about the east. Later, when Cao Cao defeated Yuan Tan
in the Battle of Nanpi
, Zang Ba went personally to Cao Cao to congratulate him on his great victory. During the celebration banquet, he requested permission for his family to be moved to Ye
, to which Cao Cao agreed. This act signaled the end of Zang's autonomy.
On many occasions, Zang Ba put down rebellions in the areas he was charged with defending. For these accomplishments, he was given the rank of Marquis. He also put down the rebellion of Chang Xi (昌豨), who he once fought alongside of, together with Yu Jin. In addition to this, he also fought with Xiahou Yuan
to put down remnants of the Yellow Turbans. In name of a promotion, Zang was formally assigned as the governor of Xu Province, and his close comrade, Sun Guan, was assigned as the governor of Qing Province, but the logistic officer, Xiahou Yuan, would take care of the military supplies for the two provinces, effectively took back Zang's autonomy, but Zang still had firm control over his Qing province troops.
and Sun Quan
's territory, a local leader named Chen Lan
(former general of Yuan Shu) rebelled against Cao Cao with the local pavenue Mei Cheng. Zhang Liao
was sent to put down the rebellion, and Zang Ba joined him. On the other hand, Sun Quan sent his general, Han Dang
, with an army to assist Chen in resisting Cao Cao's forces. Zang Ba twice ran into Han Dang's forces, and defeated his rival, enabling Zhang to concentrate on his mission.
Sun Quan then dispatched a force of some 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers to assist Chen Lan. But upon hearing that Zang Ba was in the vicinity, Sun's forces retreated. Zang gave chase at night and attacked in the morning. Many soldiers of Sun could not board their ships, and were forced into the water and drowned. Without the intervention of Sun, Zhang Liao was able to defeat Chen Lan's rebellion.
Later, during the Battle of Ruxukou
, Zhang Liao and Zang Ba both led the van. However, Sun's generals laid a solid defense line despite their inferior manpower; when Cao Wei tried to broke that line with a charge, Sun Guan went to the foremost of the van and was fatally injured (albeit being saved by Zang on the field, Sun died in camp). The progress was worse than expected, especially when continuous rainfall had raised the water level, the huge army under Zhang Liao and Zang Ba felt uneasy when enemy warships moved forward. Even Zhang Liao, the general who was renowned to be the bravest warrior of Wei, wanted to retreat without permission, Zang Ba told him, "Cao Cao is wise, and (he) will not simply abandon us." The next day, an official order to retreat indeed arrived, and both generals safely returned to their territory. Zhang Liao told Cao Cao of what happened, and Cao Cao was greatly impressed. Thereafter, Zang moved to Juchao with Xiahou Dun
to resist Sun Quan from potential invasion, and was supposed to have taken part in Battle of Xiaoyao Ford
, albeit playing a minor role in the campaign.
, Cao Cao's successor. Nevertheless, Cao Pi was successful on stabilizing the situation, and formally established the Kingdom of Wei, as a result, Zang Ba was promoted along most of the officials. However, the new emperor would place Zang a direct supervisor, Cao Xiu
, who had supreme authority over Qing and Xu provinces. Zang accompanied Cao Xiu on several campaigns against Sun Quan's generals, and was credited with defeating Lu Fan
at Dongpu (洞浦, in the vicinity of present day Wuhu
, Anhui
). After the victory, Zang was given the prestigious rank of Mayor of the Capitol and was called to Luoyang
. However, he refused to leave his troops and complained to Cao Xiu that Cao Pi did not make use of his full potential, and claimed that "if he was given 10,000 infantry and cavalry, he would be invincible along Yangtze River." Cao Xiu reported Zang's speech to Cao Pi, who had not forgotten Zang's previous arrogance in his father's funeral, plotted to strip off his military power. When Cao Pi launched his 3-pronged attack against Sun Quan, and personally moved east, Zang went to Cao Pi's tent to greet him, wherein his command was stripped, and was required to go for his post in the capital. Interestingly, even Zang no longer served the army, he was consulted by Cao Pi on military issues from time to time, and was still respected. When Cao Rui
succeeded his father, Cao Pi, to be the new emperor, Zang enjoyed a stunning tax revenue of 3,500 households, a salary way higher than other generals who also assumed responsibility for the eastern border (Cao Xiu had a tax revenue of 2,500 households, and Zhang Liao 2,600 households at respective heights). After his death, Zang was posthumously named Majestic Marquis (威侯), and was succeeded by his son, Zang Ai.
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
and Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
period of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
. He served the warlord Tao Qian initially, followed by Lü Bu
Lü Bu
Lü Bu was a military general and later a minor warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. According to the Records of Three Kingdoms, Lü Bu was highly-skilled in horse-riding and archery, and was thus nicknamed "Flying General"...
and finally Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
and his successors, but for the most part of his career, he remained semi-autonomous over his troops and eastern China. The years of his birth and death are not recorded, but he served Cao Wei
Cao Wei
Cao Wei was one of the states that competed for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period. With the capital at Luoyang, the state was established by Cao Pi in 220, based upon the foundations that his father Cao Cao laid...
until the reign of Cao Rui
Cao Rui
Cao Rui , formally known as Emperor Ming of Wei, was the second emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was a son of Cao Wei's first emperor Cao Pi according to Liu Song dynasty historian, Pei Songzhi, but was a son of Yuan Xi according to modern...
. During his life he was granted autonomous power over Qing Province and Xu Province. He would eventually hold the title of marquis of various counties within, but by the time of his death held the prestigious title of Mayor of the Capital (執金吾). Zang was an arrogant general, but also a powerful regional leader who contributed much to the state of Wei. He was a rare case in which an insolent subordinate like him enjoyed a good ending.
Incident in hometown
Zang Ba was originally from Huaxian (華県), TaishanMount Tai
Mount Tai is a mountain of historical and cultural significance located north of the city of Tai'an, in Shandong province, People's Republic of China. The tallest peak is the Jade Emperor Peak , which is commonly reported as tall, but is described by the PRC government as .Mount Tai is one of the...
Prefecture (泰山郡). According to Records of the Three Kingdoms by the Jin dynasty
Jin Dynasty
Jin Dynasty may refer to:* Jin Dynasty , Chinese dynasty, subdivided into the Western and Eastern Jin periods* Later Jin Dynasty , one of the Five Dynasties during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period in China.* Jin Dynasty , a Jurchen kingdom in northern China* Later Jīn Dynasty, or...
historian, Chen Shou
Chen Shou
Chen Shou was a historian during the Jin Dynasty period of Chinese history. He is best known as the author of Records of Three Kingdoms, a historical account of the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.-Biography:...
, his father, Zang Jie, who served as a prison warden in the Huaxian region, was displeased with the Grand Administrator's (太守) abuse of laws to order the death of the locals. Thus, he stopped obeying the orders of the Grand Administrator, and the latter, greatly angered, had Zang Jie arrested and decided to transfer him to the region's capital. Zang Ba, although only 18 at the time, led a mafia of some 20 or 30 men to rescue his father. Although there were over 100 soldiers escorting Zang Jie, none of them dared to stop Zang Ba. Henceforth, father and son became refugees, but Zang Ba's bravery also became well known.
As a bandit leader
After the national breakout of the Yellow Turban RebellionYellow Turban Rebellion
The Yellow Turban Rebellion, also translated as Yellow Scarves Rebellion, was a peasant revolt that broke out in 184 AD in China during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty...
, Zang entered the service of the governor of Xu Province, Tao Qian
Tao Qian (Three Kingdoms)
Tao Qian was a warlord and the governor of Xu Province during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.-Early life and career:...
, and gathered adventures and gangsters around the area to fight the Yellow Turbans. Within his recruits, Sun Guan (孫観), Wu Dun (吳敦), Yin Li
Yin Li (Three Kingdoms)
Yin Li was an official during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served under various warlords, Tao Qian, Lü Bu, and then Cao Cao. After the breakout of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he joined Tao Qian's forces along with Zang Ba, Yuan Guan, Chang Xi, Sun Guan and Wu Dun, and...
(尹礼), and Chang Xi (昌豨) were the most outstanding, and together they protected the province from the rebels. But they did not return to Tao after the campaign, instead, they camped at Kaiyang (開陽) and established independency.
When Lü Bu
Lü Bu
Lü Bu was a military general and later a minor warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. According to the Records of Three Kingdoms, Lü Bu was highly-skilled in horse-riding and archery, and was thus nicknamed "Flying General"...
gained control of Xu Province, Zang and his gangs became known as the Taishan Bandits and attacked Lu's ally, Chancellor of Langye, Xiao Jian (萧建), and seized the treasury of Langye. Being enraged, Lu personally led troops to fight Zang, despite opposition from his subordinate, Gao Shun
Gao Shun
Gao Shun was a military general serving under the warlord Lü Bu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Although he only had 700 men under his command, he was nicknamed as the "camp crusher " for his destructive charges, and came to be known as Lü's most able commander...
, and was repelled. On the other hand, Zang, fearing the bigger threat from Yuan Shu
Yuan Shu
Yuan Shu was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He rose to prominence following the collapse of the imperial court in 189. He was said to be a younger cousin of the warlord Yuan Shao, but was actually Yuan Shao's younger half-brother...
, who at the time was one of the most powerful warlords, agreed to form an alliance with Lu, and assisted in Lu's counterstrike against Yuan's aggression.
Autonomy over Xu Province and Qing Province
When Lu Bu and his subordinate, Liu BeiLiu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
, fought amongst themselves, Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
, the warlord who had the Emperor controlled as a puppet ruler, went east and supported Liu to fight Lu. Zang sided with Lu to oppose Cao, but as a result of the Battle of Xiapi
Battle of Xiapi
The Battle of Xiapi was a battle fought by the forces of Lü Bu against the allied armies of Cao Cao and Liu Bei in 198 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
, Cao Cao eventually defeated Lü Bu, and started a manhunt on Zang Ba.
Upon the capture of Zang, however, Cao asked his allegiance, and granted Zang autonomy over the provinces of Qing and Xu right away. Zang's old friends, Sun Guan and Wu Dun, were also made local administers. Zang and his gangs maintained their power, even after their submission to Cao. Once, Cao ordered Liu Bei (now a subordinate of Cao Cao) to ask Zang for the heads of two traitors who defected to Zang when the latter was still hostile to Cao. Zang refused and told Liu to bring words to Cao Cao that the reason why he could remain independent was that he never did such things (turned over his own subordinates). Despite Zang's arrogance, Cao surprisingly did not punish his vassal, instead, he humbly told Zang, "Your conduct can be compared to the ancient sages, it's my desire you can behave thus." As a matter of fact, Cao Cao was in dire need of help from Zang and Sun Guan, who wielded enormous influence around the area, to hinder his archival Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
's eastern flank, so he tried his best to appease the former Taishan Bandits, and even formally assigned the two traitors Zang protected to be be administrators as well.
In Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
's battles with Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
, Zang Ba led elite soldiers into Qing province, allowing Cao Cao to focus the majority of his soldiers on the main battles at hand, and not having to worry himself about the east. Later, when Cao Cao defeated Yuan Tan
Yuan Tan
Yuan Tan was the oldest son of the warlord Yuan Shao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. After Yuan Shao's death, Yuan Tan split with his youngest brother Yuan Shang over the successorship to their father's realm. Yuan Tan sought help from the warlord Cao Cao and defeated Yuan...
in the Battle of Nanpi
Battle of Nanpi
The Battle of Nanpi happened in the first month of 205, during the period known as the end of the Han Dynasty. The battle spelled the annihilation of Yuan Tan, one of Yuan Shao's sons vying to succeed their father, by their common enemy Cao Cao, one of the serving Three Ducal Ministers...
, Zang Ba went personally to Cao Cao to congratulate him on his great victory. During the celebration banquet, he requested permission for his family to be moved to Ye
Ye, China
Ye or Yecheng was an ancient Chinese city located in what is now Linzhang County, Hebei and the neighbouring Anyang County, Henan....
, to which Cao Cao agreed. This act signaled the end of Zang's autonomy.
On many occasions, Zang Ba put down rebellions in the areas he was charged with defending. For these accomplishments, he was given the rank of Marquis. He also put down the rebellion of Chang Xi (昌豨), who he once fought alongside of, together with Yu Jin. In addition to this, he also fought with Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
to put down remnants of the Yellow Turbans. In name of a promotion, Zang was formally assigned as the governor of Xu Province, and his close comrade, Sun Guan, was assigned as the governor of Qing Province, but the logistic officer, Xiahou Yuan, would take care of the military supplies for the two provinces, effectively took back Zang's autonomy, but Zang still had firm control over his Qing province troops.
Battles against Sun Quan
On the border between Cao CaoCao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
and Sun Quan
Sun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
's territory, a local leader named Chen Lan
Chen Lan
Chen Lan was a military general serving under the warlord Yuan Shu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Chen was the deputy commander in the attack on Xu Province. After Yuan groundlessly declared himself emperor after obtaining the Imperial Seal from Sun Ce, Chen abandoned his...
(former general of Yuan Shu) rebelled against Cao Cao with the local pavenue Mei Cheng. Zhang Liao
Zhang Liao
Zhang Liao was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He participated in many campaigns, including those against Yuan Shao's clan and the Wuhuan tribes...
was sent to put down the rebellion, and Zang Ba joined him. On the other hand, Sun Quan sent his general, Han Dang
Han Dang
Han Dang was a military general of Eastern Wu during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.-Biography:...
, with an army to assist Chen in resisting Cao Cao's forces. Zang Ba twice ran into Han Dang's forces, and defeated his rival, enabling Zhang to concentrate on his mission.
Sun Quan then dispatched a force of some 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers to assist Chen Lan. But upon hearing that Zang Ba was in the vicinity, Sun's forces retreated. Zang gave chase at night and attacked in the morning. Many soldiers of Sun could not board their ships, and were forced into the water and drowned. Without the intervention of Sun, Zhang Liao was able to defeat Chen Lan's rebellion.
Later, during the Battle of Ruxukou
Battle of Ruxukou
The Battle of Ruxukou, also known as the Battle of Ruxu, was fought between the warlords Sun Quan and Cao Cao in 217 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Two years earlier, Sun Quan attempted to take control of Hefei fortress, but failed due to a sudden plague and the...
, Zhang Liao and Zang Ba both led the van. However, Sun's generals laid a solid defense line despite their inferior manpower; when Cao Wei tried to broke that line with a charge, Sun Guan went to the foremost of the van and was fatally injured (albeit being saved by Zang on the field, Sun died in camp). The progress was worse than expected, especially when continuous rainfall had raised the water level, the huge army under Zhang Liao and Zang Ba felt uneasy when enemy warships moved forward. Even Zhang Liao, the general who was renowned to be the bravest warrior of Wei, wanted to retreat without permission, Zang Ba told him, "Cao Cao is wise, and (he) will not simply abandon us." The next day, an official order to retreat indeed arrived, and both generals safely returned to their territory. Zhang Liao told Cao Cao of what happened, and Cao Cao was greatly impressed. Thereafter, Zang moved to Juchao with Xiahou Dun
Xiahou Dun
Xiahou Dun was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Cao Cao's original family name was Xiahou, but his father Cao Song was the adopted son of the eunuch Cao Teng, so Xiahou Dun and Cao Cao share blood relations...
to resist Sun Quan from potential invasion, and was supposed to have taken part in Battle of Xiaoyao Ford
Battle of Xiaoyao Ford
The Battle of Xiaoyao Ford, also known as the Battle of Leisure Ford, Battle of Hefei, and Hefei Campaign, was fought between the warlords Cao Cao and Sun Quan between 215 and 217 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history over the control of Hefei...
, albeit playing a minor role in the campaign.
Quarrel with Cao Pi, and death
When Cao Cao was seriously ill at the twenty fourth year of Jian'an reign, Zang sent a detachment to the capital to observe the situation. Upon knowing the death of Cao Cao, Zang's detachment and his Qingzhou troops took leave without permission, and refused to take command from Cao PiCao Pi
Cao Pi , formally known as Emperor Wen of Wei, was the first emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery , he was the second son of the late Han Dynasty warlord Cao Cao.Cao Pi, like his father, was a poet...
, Cao Cao's successor. Nevertheless, Cao Pi was successful on stabilizing the situation, and formally established the Kingdom of Wei, as a result, Zang Ba was promoted along most of the officials. However, the new emperor would place Zang a direct supervisor, Cao Xiu
Cao Xiu
Cao Xiu was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. A distant nephew of Cao Cao, Cao Xiu was given special attention by the former, who once asserted him befitting...
, who had supreme authority over Qing and Xu provinces. Zang accompanied Cao Xiu on several campaigns against Sun Quan's generals, and was credited with defeating Lu Fan
Lü Fan
Lü Fan , style name Ziheng , was an official of the state of Eastern Wu during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.-Biography:...
at Dongpu (洞浦, in the vicinity of present day Wuhu
Wuhu
Wuhu is a prefecture-level city in the southeastern Anhui province, People's Republic of China. Sitting on the southeast bank of the Yangtze River, Wuhu borders Xuancheng to the southeast, Chizhou and Tongling to the southwest, Chaohu to the northwest, Ma'anshan to the northeast, and the...
, Anhui
Anhui
Anhui is a province in the People's Republic of China. Located in eastern China across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, it borders Jiangsu to the east, Zhejiang to the southeast, Jiangxi to the south, Hubei to the southwest, Henan to the northwest, and Shandong for a tiny...
). After the victory, Zang was given the prestigious rank of Mayor of the Capitol and was called to Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
. However, he refused to leave his troops and complained to Cao Xiu that Cao Pi did not make use of his full potential, and claimed that "if he was given 10,000 infantry and cavalry, he would be invincible along Yangtze River." Cao Xiu reported Zang's speech to Cao Pi, who had not forgotten Zang's previous arrogance in his father's funeral, plotted to strip off his military power. When Cao Pi launched his 3-pronged attack against Sun Quan, and personally moved east, Zang went to Cao Pi's tent to greet him, wherein his command was stripped, and was required to go for his post in the capital. Interestingly, even Zang no longer served the army, he was consulted by Cao Pi on military issues from time to time, and was still respected. When Cao Rui
Cao Rui
Cao Rui , formally known as Emperor Ming of Wei, was the second emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was a son of Cao Wei's first emperor Cao Pi according to Liu Song dynasty historian, Pei Songzhi, but was a son of Yuan Xi according to modern...
succeeded his father, Cao Pi, to be the new emperor, Zang enjoyed a stunning tax revenue of 3,500 households, a salary way higher than other generals who also assumed responsibility for the eastern border (Cao Xiu had a tax revenue of 2,500 households, and Zhang Liao 2,600 households at respective heights). After his death, Zang was posthumously named Majestic Marquis (威侯), and was succeeded by his son, Zang Ai.
See also
- List of people of the Three Kingdoms