17 Facts About Zhang Hua

Zhang Hua, courtesy name Maoxian, was a Chinese poet and politician of the Western Jin dynasty and the preceding state of Cao Wei.

An accomplished poet, Zhang authored the Bowuzhi, a compendium of entries about natural wonders and supernatural phenomena.

Zhang Hua was considered an effective minister and, in conjunction with his colleague Pei Wei, helped ensure a period of relative stability within the Jin court.

Zhang Hua's father, Zhang Ping, was a commandery administrator in the Cao Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period.

Zhang Hua's family became impoverished, and he was a shepherd when he was young.

Zhang Hua was promoted to the position of a Master of Writing later.

On his part, Yang remarked that Zhang Hua would be the person to complete his goal.

Liu Wei's uncle Liu Na was known for his appraisal of personalities; his comment on Zhang Hua was "I cannot understand Zhang Maoxian".

When Emperor Wu once asked him who could be a regent for his son Sima Zhong, Zhang Hua recommended Emperor Wu's brother, Sima You.

Zhang Hua performed well in office as he pacified the various non-Han Chinese peoples, such as the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes, in the region.

Zhang Hua's role was mainly to teach Sima Yu, the only son and heir apparent of the newly enthroned Sima Zhong.

Zhang Hua's rehabilitation came in 303, during the regency of Sima Ai, where he was restored to his former titles and positions, although he was not given a posthumous name.

Zhang Hua's poetry was admired by such people as Ruan Ji and Chen Liu.

Zhang Hua was profoundly learned, and when he changed houses it took thirty carts to carry his library.

Zhang Hua was the author of the Bowuzhi, a collection of articles on various topics of interest.

Zhang Hua had two sons: Zhang Yi, who served as a Regular Mounted Attendant ; Zhang Wei, who served as a Mounted Gentleman.

Zhang Hua inherited his grandfather's peerage in 303, after his grandfather was posthumously rehabilitated.