22 Facts About Zhang Ci

Zhang Ci, originally named Gong Ci, was a Chinese military general of Former Qin during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

Zhang Ci was the adopted son of the warlord Zhang Ping and fought during his father's war against Former Qin in 358.

Zhang Ci was born into a family named Gong in Xuanshi county, Shangdang.

Zhang Ci was said to be exceptionally strong, being able to move an ox while walking backwards and scaling walls, high or low.

However, on one occasion, Zhang Ci fell in love with one of Zhang Ping's concubine, and the two started an affair.

Zhang Ci felt shame and voluntarily castrated himself to become a eunuch in order to prevent himself from doing such a thing ever again.

At Tongbi, Zhang Ci charged into the enemy formation four or five times, all while shouting.

Zhang Ci was brought before Fu Jian by Deng Qiang, and his capture rocked Zhang Ping's side so much that it caused his army to collapse.

Zhang Ci was appointed as Fu Jian's General of the Household Gentlemen Rapid As Tigers.

Fu Jian greatly favoured him, and Zhang Ci was often seen by Fu Jian's side.

Zhang Ci Ping was finally killed by Qin forces in 361.

Under Fu Jian, Zhang Ci saw his first noted military activity during the rebellion of Fu Liu, Fu Shuang, Fu Sou and Fu Wu in 368.

In 370, Zhang Ci participated in Former Qin's conquest of Former Yan as a subordinate of Wang Meng.

Zhang Ci did so, and after giving out a loud cry, they broke open the gate to allow the Qin soldiers to enter and capture Murong Zhuang.

Zhang Ci camped at Luojian and sent 5,000 of his cavalry to Shiqiao, just north of the Fei River.

Zhang Ci retreated to Shencheng while Yuan Qin's troops scattered at the news of their reinforcements' defeat.

Zhang Ci was one of the generals involved in the campaign.

When Fu Jian invaded the Jin dynasty in 383, Zhang Ci assisted Fu Rui in repelling Huan Chong from Xiangyang.

Zhang Ci helped him capture Shouchun and later went south of the Fei River to defeat the Jin general, Xie Shi.

However, faced with Xie Xuan's larger forces, Zhang Ci decided to retreat back north, setting up the Battle of Fei River.

Qin lost the battle with heavy casualties, but in their retreat, Zhang Ci managed to repel Xie Shi from pursuing them.

Zhang Ci ordered Zhang Ci to return to Bingzhou with only 5,000 Palace Guards to defend and maintain peace in the province.