| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 张世平, 張世平, Zhāng Shìpíng |
| Other name | Trương Thế Bình |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Zhongshan Commandery, Ji Province (冀州中山国; quốc Trung Sơn, Ký Châu) |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Han Dynasty |
| Battles | Yellow Turban Rebellion |
Biography & Historical Record
Zhang Shiping was a wealthy horse merchant hailing from Zhongshan Commandery (present-day Dingzhou, Hebei Province) during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Alongside his close business associate and fellow merchant Su Shuang, Zhang Shiping acquired vast wealth by breeding, trading, and driving large herds of fine horses across northern China, particularly frequenting the Zhuo Commandery region.
Historically, as documented in Chen Shou’s Records of the Three Kingdoms (Book of Shu – Biography of the Former Lord), Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang encountered the young Liu Bei in Zhuo Commandery. Recognizing Liu Bei’s extraordinary aura, nobility of spirit, and grand ambitions, the two wealthy merchants were deeply impressed and chose to bestow immense financial patronage upon him. They provided Liu Bei with substantial capital, a herd of warhorses, and refined iron. This crucial founding investment enabled Liu Bei to recruit his very first core group of loyal followers, equip his nascent militia, and officially launch his career as a warlord during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Shiping appears in Chapter 1 as a key benefactor during the opening chapter of the epic. Right after Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swear their sacred oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden, the trio faces a severe crisis due to a lack of funds, weapons, and warhorses to raise an anti-rebel army. At that exact moment, Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang arrive in Zhuo County leading a massive herd of horses. Recognizing their merchant status, Zhang Fei invites them to his estate for a lavish feast where Liu Bei explains his righteous ambition to protect the people and restore order. Moved by Liu Bei’s imperial lineage and moral cause, Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang donate 50 elite warhorses, 500 ounces of gold and silver, and 1,000 catties of top-quality steel. This steel is immediately forged into the legendary weapons of the Three Kingdoms: Guan Yu’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Zhang Fei’s Serpent Spear, and Liu Bei’s Twin Swords.
Zhang Shiping (張世平) — Literary Timeline
Patronage of the Peach Garden Oath
Passes through Zhuo County with Su Shuang; invited by Zhang Fei to a feast where he meets Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei following their Oath of the Peach Garden.
Donation of Capital and Legendary Steel
Donates 50 warhorses, 500 ounces of gold and silver, and 1,000 catties of fine steel to Liu Bei, providing the exact materials used to forge the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Serpent Spear, and Twin Swords.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhang Shiping on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Su Shuang (苏双, Tô Song) — A fellow horse merchant and close business associate who accompanied Zhang Shiping to Zhuo Commandery and co-funded Liu Bei’s initial military efforts in 184 AD.
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) — The future Emperor of Shu Han whom Zhang Shiping recognized for his nobility and ambition, providing the essential capital, warhorses, and steel to launch his career during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
- Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) — A sworn brother of Liu Bei whose iconic weapon, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, was forged from the high-quality steel donated by Zhang Shiping.
- Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi) — A sworn brother of Liu Bei who hosted Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang at his estate, facilitating the donation that led to the forging of his Serpent Spear.
Enemies
- Yellow Turban Rebels (黄巾贼, Hoàng Cân Tặc) — The insurgent force whose uprising in 184 AD prompted Zhang Shiping to provide the financial backing necessary for Liu Bei to raise an anti-rebel militia.
Other
- No information
Appearance
In Novel
Chapter 1
- Zhang Shiping (张世平, Trương Thế Bình): Zhang Shiping is a wealthy merchant who meets Liu Bei and recognizes his character. Together with Su Shuang, he provides Liu Bei with money and horses, enabling Liu Bei to recruit followers and begin building the military force that will eventually become the foundation of his career.
In History
Summary
- Zhang Shiping (张世平, Trương Thế Bình) was a wealthy merchant from Zhongshan who, together with Su Shuang, supported the young Liu Bei.
Period I — Support for Liu Bei
- Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang were major horse merchants who operated around Zhuo Commandery.
- They recognized Liu Bei and provided him with substantial money and material resources. This assistance helped Liu Bei recruit followers and establish his early military force.
Historical Record
- Zhang Shiping was historical. He is mentioned in the biography of Liu Bei in the Records of the Three Kingdoms, which describes the merchants' substantial financial support. citeturn1search37
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