24 Facts About Zhang Changpu

Zhang Changpu was the mother of Zhong Hui, a Wei general who played a significant role in the conquest of Wei's rival state, Shu, in 263.

Zhang Changpu's given name was not recorded in history; "Changpu" was actually her courtesy name.

Zhang Changpu was known for her virtuous conduct and wisdom.

The only extant source on Zhang Changpu's life is a biography of her written by her son, Zhong Hui.

Zhang Changpu was from Zishi County, Taiyuan Commandery, which is around present-day Fenyang, Shanxi.

Zhang Changpu's ancestors served as officials under the government of the Han dynasty and had an income of about 2,000 dan of grain.

Zhang Changpu lost her parents at a young age and was married to Zhong Yao as one of his concubines.

Zhang Changpu earned praise from the Zhong household for her observance of the proprieties in her behaviour and excellent moral conduct.

Zhang Changpu was very much younger than Zhong Yao.

When Zhang Changpu was pregnant with Zhong Hui, Lady Sun attempted to harm her and her unborn child by poisoning her food.

However, Zhang Changpu was alert and she vomited out the food when she sensed that there was something wrong with it.

Zhang Changpu then claimed that she was ill and remained indoors.

Zhang Changpu then asked Zhang Changpu why she did not let him know about Lady Sun's deed, and her reply was the same as her earlier response to the servant.

Zhang Changpu gave birth to Zhong Hui in 225 and became even more favoured by her husband.

Zhang Changpu was known for being a strict mother to Zhong Hui.

Zhang Changpu made him read extensively since he was a child and ensured that he was already well versed in the Confucian classics and other books by the time he grew up.

Zhang Changpu liked to quote Confucius's teachings and use them to educate her son and make him memorise them until he became so familiar with them.

In 247, when Zhong Hui was appointed as a Gentleman of Writing, Zhang Changpu held her son's hand and cautioned him against self-indulgence.

Zhang Changpu remarked that Cao Shuang would bring about his own downfall eventually because of his extravagant lifestyle.

Zhang Changpu remained calm and composed after receiving news about the coup, while others started panicking.

Zhang Changpu was highly perceptive and had very keen foresight.

Zhang Changpu's teaching of Confucian values to her son probably had a strong influence on him in his daily life.

Zhang Changpu led a simple and frugal lifestyle, wore clothes made of plain dark blue cloth, personally did household chores, and declined to accept large sums of money or precious gifts.

Zhang Changpu did not keep for himself the rewards, in the form of gold, silver, silk, etc.