Zhang Tang张汤

Where the histories differ

The Records of the Grand Historian places Zhang Tang in the "Biographies of Cruel Officials," while the History of Han gives him a separate biography and affirms his family's reputation for recommending worthy men.

• histories differZhang Tang's classification and historical evaluation in official histories

  The Records of the Grand Historian, in the "Biographies of Cruel Officials," includes Zhang Tang in the collective biography of cruel officials, characterizing his use of law as harsh and deep: "Zhang Tang deliberated and established various laws and ordinances, creating the 'knowing and witnessing' provision, so that officials could mutually supervise. The use of law became increasingly harsh, beginning from this." The History of Han, in the "Biography of Zhang Tang," removes him from the category of cruel officials, giving him a separate biography that also narrates his descendants, and in the eulogy affirms his family's reputation: "Although Tang was cruel and fierce, he incurred blame in his own person; yet he recommended worthy men and promoted good, so he should have descendants. Anshi followed the Way, full but not overflowing." The Records of the Grand Historian focuses on exposing his harshness and cunning, while the History of Han focuses on affirming his integrity in office and the emergence of many worthy officials in his family.