Zhang Wen (Three Kingdoms)

Zhang Wen
Official of Eastern Wu
Born	193
Died	230 (aged 37)
Names
Traditional Chinese	張溫
Simplified Chinese	张温
Pinyin	Zhāng Wēn
Wade–Giles	Chang Wen
Courtesy name	Huishu (Chinese: 惠恕; pinyin: Huìshù; Wade–Giles: Hui-shu)

Zhang Wen (193–230),courtesy name Huishu, was an official of the state of Eastern Wu in the Three Kingdoms period.

Zhang Wen was from Wu County (吳縣), Wu Commandery (吳郡), which is in present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu. His father, Zhang Yun (張允), was famous in Wu Commandery for valuing friendship and having a low regard for material wealth. Zhang Yun also served as an Official in the East Bureau (東曹掾) under the warlord Sun Quan, who became the founding emperor of Eastern Wu later. At a young age, Zhang Wen was already known for his good moral conduct and for having a dignified appearance. When Sun Quan heard about him, he asked his subjects, "As of now, who is Zhang Wen comparable to?" Liu Ji (劉基), the Finance Minister (大司農), said, "He is comparable to Quan Cong." However, Gu Yong, the Ceremonies Minister (太常), had a different opinion, "Liu Ji doesn't know him well enough. No one is comparable to Zhang Wen as of now." Sun Quan said, "If it is so, Zhang Yun must be still alive." When Zhang Wen was summoned to the Wu court to meet Sun Quan and his subjects, he impressed them with his demeanour and his eloquent responses to their questions. As he was about to leave, Zhang Zhao held his hand and said, "I entrust my plans to you. You should understand what I mean." Zhang Wen was then appointed as a Consultant (議郎) and Master of Writing in the Selection Bureau (選曹尚書). He was promoted to Crown Prince's Tutor (太子太傅) later and was highly regarded by Sun Quan.

In the summer of 224, when Zhang Wen was 31, he was appointed as General of the Household Who Upholds Righteousness (輔義中郎將) and sent on a diplomatic mission to Wu's ally state, Shu Han. Before he left, Sun Quan told him, "I actually didn't want to send you on this mission. I did so because I was worried that Zhuge Liang might misinterpret my dealings with the Caos. We should work more closely together with Shu after eliminating the threat of the Shanyue. As an envoy, you've a mission to complete but you aren't restricted in speech." Zhang Wen replied, "I've never held great responsibilities in the court before, nor do I possess the ability to handle diplomatic affairs well. I'm afraid I can neither spread Wu's fame as well as Zhang Zhao did, nor make decisions as well as Zichan. However, Zhuge Liang is wise, discerning and good in long-term planning, so I believe he will definitely understand your intentions and the reasons behind your dealings with Wei. With the blessing of the imperial court, I believe it won't be difficult to understand what Zhuge Liang is looking out for. There is nothing to worry about."

...
Wikipedia