Zhang Suo张所

History vs. fiction

Zhang Suo. Censor, impeached Huang Qianshan for treachery. Hebei Recruitment Commissioner, treated Yue Fei as a national scholar. Yue Fei's old kindness, after death Yue Fei...

• based on factCensor, impeached Huang Qianshan for treachery; Hebei Recruitment Commissioner, treated Yue Fei as a national scholar; Yue Fei's old kindness, after death Yue Fei took care of his son. | Led five thousand troops to protect the emperor, suggested establishing the capital at Jinling; Song general, defeated Liu Yu and Cao Rong; Grand Marshal of the Southern Song, sent Hu Xian to spy on military intelligence.

  Historically, Zhang Suo indeed existed. His deeds are recorded in sources such as the History of Song. For example, the Biography of Yue Fei records: 'He went to see Hebei Recruitment Commissioner Zhang Suo, who treated him as a national scholar and appointed him as Xiulang, serving as commander of the central army. Zhang Suo asked, "How many enemies can you handle?" Yue Fei replied, "Courage alone is not enough; in warfare, one must first set strategy. Luan Zhi dragged wood to defeat Chu, and Mo Ao gathered firewood to lure the Jiao state, both were due to strategy." Zhang Suo was startled and said, "You are not just a common soldier." Yue Fei then persuaded him, saying, "The state has its capital at Bian, relying on Hebei for defense. If we occupy strategic points and establish strong garrisons, when one city is besieged, the other cities can either harass or rescue, so the Jin people cannot invade Henan, and the capital's foundation is secure. If you can lead troops to the border, I will follow your orders." Zhang Suo was greatly pleased and appointed him as Wujinglang.' In the novel 'The Complete Story of Yue Fei', Chapter 24 describes: 'Liu Yu ordered, "The new emperor is young and ignorant, Zhang Suo's rewards and punishments are unfair. Now the Great Jin's leader values talent and loves ability, and I have already agreed with the Jin general to go and surrender. You should quickly pack up and go, to share in wealth and honor." Before he finished speaking, he only heard a chorus from below, "We each have parents, wives, and children, and we do not wish to surrender to Jin." With a shout, they all dispersed. Liu Yu was dumbfounded, seeing only a few personal retainers and family generals left. He had to take the small path with Tong Xianwenlang and these few, fearing that Yue Fei's troops might block the way ahead, so they took a detour.'