Ministers › Exemplary Magistrates
Zhang Chang
Western Han official under Emperor Xuan, styled Zigao, governor of the capital region famed for suppressing crime and for the story of painting his wife's eyebrows.
In spring fields beside a canal, a wooden water wheel turns as water pours down, many small farmers work in the flooded paddies, and a plain sedan chair stands on the path along the bank, with village houses and green hills in the distance.
Also known as Zigao
Zhang Chang, courtesy name Zigao, was a Western Han official under Emperor Xuan. He held posts from inspector of Yu province and commandant of Hangu Pass to grand administrator of Shanyang and chancellor of Jiaodong, then governor of the capital region, where he gained a name for suppressing theft before losing office abruptly, whence the phrase 'five-day governor'. After Huo Guang's death he sent a sealed memorial warning of the power of the Huo family. The story of his painting his wife's eyebrows was reported to the emperor, who did not punish him. He died in 48 BCE as grand administrator of Taiyuan.
Life and times
Dates Birth year unknown; died 48 BCE