| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 小张皇后, 小張皇后, Xiǎo Zhāng Huánghòu |
| Other name | Tiểu Trương Hoàng hậu |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 215 AD |
| Birth Place | Zhuo County, Zhuo Commandery (涿郡涿县; huyện Trác, quận Trác) |
| Died | after 264 AD |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Spouse | |
| Relatives | |
Junior Empress Zhang (张皇后, Trương Hoàng hậu; fl. 237–264 AD), was the second empress consort of Shu Han Emperor Houzhu Liu Shan (刘禅), younger daughter of legendary Shu Han Grand General Zhang Fei (张飞) and Lady Xiahou (夏侯氏), and younger sister of Empress Jing’ai (敬哀皇后).
Her mother Lady Xiahou was the niece of Cao Wei Grand General Xiahou Yuan, giving Empress Zhang a unique genealogical standing bridging both the imperial house of Shu Han and the military elite of Cao Wei. In 237 AD, following the untimely death of her elder sister Empress Jing’ai, she entered the imperial palace of Chengdu as Noble Consort (Guiren). In early 238 AD, Chancellor Jiang Wan and the court formally enthroned her as Empress of Shu Han.
Empress Zhang presided over the imperial palace for twenty-five years during the twilight of Shu Han, supporting Liu Shan as Shu withstood Jiang Wei’s northern expeditions and internal political strife. In the winter of 263 AD, when Cao Wei general Deng Ai executed his audacious mountain crossing via Yinping and appeared before Chengdu, Liu Shan surrendered. Empress Zhang accompanied Liu Shan on his journey eastward to the Cao Wei capital of Luoyang. Sima Zhao ennobled Liu Shan as Duke of Anle and bestowed upon Empress Zhang the noble title of Duchess of Anle (安乐公夫人), where she lived out the remainder of her days in Luoyang alongside her husband.
Role in History (Sanguozhi)
Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi, vol. 34, Biographies of the Two Empresses Zhang): Chen Shou recorded: “The Junior Empress Zhang was the younger daughter of General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Fei. In the fifteenth year of Jianxing (237 AD), she entered the palace as Noble Consort; in the sixteenth year, she was enthroned as Empress. In the first year of Xianxi (264 AD), she accompanied Houzhu eastward to Luoyang.”
Junior Empress Zhang — Historical & Literary Timeline
237 AD
Entry into the Imperial Palace
Enters Chengdu palace as Noble Consort following the passing of elder sister Empress Jing’ai.
238 AD
Enthroned as Empress
Officially crowned Empress of Shu Han by Emperor Liu Shan.
238–263 AD
Twenty-Five Year Reign
Serves as imperial matriarch during Shu Han’s twilight decades.
263 AD
Fall of Chengdu
Surrenders alongside Liu Shan following Deng Ai’s alpine crossing.
264 AD
Duchess of Anle in Luoyang
Relocates to Luoyang; granted noble title by the Wei court and lives in peace.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi): Fierce Tiger General of Shu Han, sworn brother of Liu Bei.
- Mother Lady Xiahou (夏侯氏): Niece of Cao Wei general Xiahou Yuan.
- Husband Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện – Emperor Houzhu): Second emperor of Shu Han.
- Elder Sister Empress Jing’ai (敬哀皇后): First empress of Liu Shan who passed away in 237 AD.
- Brothers Zhang Bao (张苞), Zhang Shao (张绍): Shu Han commanders; Zhang Shao surrendered the imperial seal in 263 AD.
- Grand-Uncle Xiahou Yuan (夏侯渊): Pivotal Cao Wei commander killed at Mount Dingjun.
Friends
- Shu Chancellor Jiang Wan (蒋琬): Presided over court when she was consecrated as empress in 238 AD.
- Military Commander Jiang Wei (姜维): Grand General who conducted northern expeditions to preserve her husband’s realm.
Enemies
- Invading Conqueror Deng Ai (邓艾): Cao Wei general who bypassed Sword Gate Pass and forced Chengdu’s capitulation.
- Cao Wei Regent Sima Zhao (司马昭): Regent who received the surrender of Shu Han and relocated the imperial family to Luoyang.
Other
- Founding Emperor of Jin Sima Yan (司马炎): Established the Jin dynasty under which she and Liu Shan lived as honored nobility.
In Sanguozhi
Biographies of the Two Empresses Zhang
"In the sixteenth year of Jianxing, she was invested with the jade seal and yellow ribbon, ascending the dragon throne as Empress. When Shu fell, she shared Houzhu's exile to the east."
Historical Context
Junior Empress Zhang's lineage symbolized the deep familial bonds between Shu Han's core founders and the Wei aristocracy, ensuring honorable treatment and survival for the Shu royal house after 263 AD.
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