Is “Zhang Jiuling foresaw that An Lushan would rebel and requested his execution” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Biography of Zhang Jiuling, records that Zhang Shougui captured and sent the defeated An Lushan to the capital. Zhang Jiuling impeached him, saying, 'Lushan has the heart of a wolf cub, with a rebellious look. I request that he be executed for his crime, hoping to eliminate future trouble.' Emperor Xuanzong did not listen and released him. Later, when Xuanzong fled to Shu to avoid the rebellion, he 'remembered Jiuling's foresight and issued an edict to honor him posthumously.' In the Sui and Tang Romance, chapter 95, it narrates that when Xuanzong fled to Shu, 'he recalled the late prime minister Zhang Jiuling, who had once said that Lushan had a rebellious look and should not be spared his death,' and sent envoys to offer sacrifices at his tomb, which matches the official history.
In the official history, Zhang Jiuling early recognized An Lushan's wild ambition and requested his execution but failed; the novel faithfully dramatizes Emperor Xuanzong's flight to Shu and his remembrance.
This page was extracted from classical texts with AI assistance and revised; errors remain possible. Spotted a mistake? Tell us →