Zhang Cang was a man of remarkable talents and an extraordinary life. Hailing from Yangwu, Henan (present-day Yuanyang County, Henan), Zhang Cang lived during the Western Han Dynasty and was known for his profound knowledge of astronomy and calendar calculation. His career culminated in his appointment as prime minister, and he lived over a hundred years, embodying both fortune and longevity. His life story is rich with dramatic twists and turns.
Early life marked by courage and resilience
According to historical records, Zhang Cang initially served as a censor responsible for managing documents under the Qin Dynasty. He was known for his strong sense of justice and openly criticized the oppressive rule of the Qin, which earned him the enmity of the Qin king. Fearing for his life after hearing of plans to arrest him, Zhang Cang fled to his hometown of Yangwu, narrowly escaping persecution.
Later, when Liu Bang led an uprising against the Qin, Zhang Cang joined the rebel forces. However, during a military campaign against Nanyang, he violated military orders by acting on his own initiative, leading to his arrest. Liu Bang ordered Wang Ling, who would later become the prime minister of the Western Han, to oversee Zhang Cang’s trial and execution by dismemberment.
On the day of his execution, Zhang Cang, stripped and bound, was moments away from death. Wang, the executioner, upon seeing Zhang’s tall and robust figure with fair and smooth skin, realized he was a rare handsome man and felt it would be a pity to kill him. Moved by compassion, Wang decided to spare his life and immediately reported to Liu, requesting leniency. Liu approved Wang’s request, and Zhang was finally pardoned, thus surviving this near-fatal ordeal.
A life of cautious service and rising prominence
After this life-altering experience, Zhang Cang became more cautious in his actions, adhering strictly to laws and diligently fulfilling his duties. His loyalty and competence earned him continuous promotions, eventually leading to his appointment as Prime Minister of the Western Han.
The secrets behind Zhang Cang’s longevity
A life of relentless learning
Zhang Cang was a diligent scholar who immersed himself in a wide range of subjects, gaining expertise in music and astronomy. He played a vital role in the creation of the Han Dynasty’s calendar and continued to write on these topics even in his later years. His intellectual curiosity and active mental engagement kept his mind sharp, preventing the onset of age-related cognitive decline. As a writer once said: “Longevity lies in diligence.” Zhang Cang’s longevity was undoubtedly linked to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and intellectual activity.
A man of many talents and interests
In addition to his mastery of astronomy and calendar calculations, Zhang Cang deeply understood architecture and certain artisanal techniques. He was also a skilled flute player, surpassing the professional musicians of the imperial court in his musical abilities. His diverse interests provided him with various sources of mental stimulation and emotional fulfillment, contributing to his overall well-being and longevity.
High moral standards and deep gratitude
Zhang Cang placed great importance on moral character and always sought to do good for others. He was known for repaying kindness with deep gratitude, which helped him build strong relationships. For instance, he never forgot the life-saving kindness of Wang Ling, treating him with the reverence of a son toward his father.
Even after Wang Ling’s death, Zhang Cang continued to care for his widow with the utmost respect and devotion, despite his high rank as Prime Minister. Every morning, he would visit Wang Ling’s widow, ensuring she was well before attending to state affairs. His exemplary behavior influenced his family and subordinates, who followed his lead in treating others with respect and filial piety. Zhang Cang’s virtuous character undoubtedly contributed to his long and healthy life.
A harmonious family and respectful descendants
Zhang Cang valued the elderly and cared for the young, continuously teaching by example and influencing his family. His descendants were also very respectful toward him. His ability to live to a hundred was not a coincidence. His experiences and approach to life offer valuable insights into the principles of health and longevity.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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