Zhang Cang

Zhang Cang 張蒼 (253–152 BC) was a Chinese military general, philosopher, and politician during the Western Han dynasty. He was the representative thinker of the Yin-Yang School, as well as a Confucian scholar, army general and prime-minister under Liu Bang (Han Gaozu, the founder of the Han dynasty). Evidence on his life is contained in the Book of Han and some other sources. Early life Zhang Cang was born in Yangwu 陽武 (present day Yuanyang, Henan Province). In his youth, Zhang studied in Xun Kuang's circle, which was known for teaching prominent figures such as Han Fei and Li Si. When the state of Qin conquered other vassal states of the Zhou dynasty, he came to Qin's capital Xianyang and became an official to manage the imperial books. During the rule of Er Shi huang, Zhang Cang broke the imperial law and fled to his hometown. At that time, people, and the nobles of the former six vassal states rose up against the Qin's rule. Liu Bang, a general from Chu, was ordered by King Huai of Chu to lead his army westward. Zhang Cang enrolled Liu Bang's troops upon their passing of Yangwu. Military career Zhang Cang became a general in Liu Bang's army and arrived in Nanyang. When