| Zhang Chao | |
 | |
| Force(s): | Zhang Chao's Forces Lu Bu's Forces |
|---|---|
| Weapon Type: | Sword |
| Unit Type: | Strategist |
| Significant Battle(s): | |
| First Appearance: | Dynasty Warriors 8 |
| Real name: | Zhāng Chāo
|
| Chinese name: | 張超 - 张超
|
| Style name: | unknown
|
| Chinese name: | n/a
|
| Born: | ?
|
| Died: | 195
|
| Romance of the Three Kingdoms has his style name given as Mènggāo (孟高). | |
Zhang Chao (onyomi: Chō Chō) is Zhang Miao's younger brother and Administrator of Guangling.
Role in Games
Zhang Chao appears at Wei's Puyang in Dynasty Warriors 8, where he and his brother will arrive as enemy reinforcements. In the expansion, he defends Lu Bu's main camp during Lu Bu's version of the same battle.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms has him debut in the thirteenth title. He has average stats across the board and rules over Guangling in early scenarios, being aided only by Zang Hong. In the Gathering of Heroes scenario, he is supported by his brother.
Historical Information
Zhang Chao was born in Dongping in Yan Province. He was a close friend of Zang Hong and became Administrator of Guangling Commandery during the turmoil in the capital. Zang Hong advised Zhang Chao to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo with his brother. He accompanied Zhang Hong to Yuan Sui to collude with his brother. The brothers then went with Zang Hong to gather more companions for the coalition.
In 194, Cao Cao led an expedition against Tao Qian. Zhang Chao incited Xu Si and Wang Kai to rebel against Cao Cao. He was convinced by Chen Gong to permit Lu Bu's entry into Yanzhou. Zhang Chao proclaimed that Lu Bu should be donned their new leader, and no one protested. They promptly made Lu Bu governor at the first opportunity.
Cao Cao returned and, by 195, Lu Bu was at a disadvantage. Zhang Miao sought aid from Yuan Shu and placed his family in Zhang Chao's care. Zhang Chao led them to Yongqiu in Chenliu, where he was besieged by Cao Cao's forces. When he was surrounded, Zhang Chao opened a request: "I ask only for Zang Hong. I know he alone will come to my aid. He is undoubtedly the most honorable gentleman of the land and, though it would belie his just character, my only concern would be if something were to keep him." Zang Hong immediately requested for Yuan Shao to permit him men to assist. Yuan Shao was sympathetic but declined.
Zhang Chao held out for several months, but Cao Cao's forces eventually breached the city during the winter. Zhang Chao either committed suicide or was killed by Cao Cao's men; his entire family was killed soon after. Zang Hong became embittered towards Yuan Shao after Zhang Chao's demise and committed suicide after a failed revolt against Yuan Shao.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
The novel introduces Zhang Chao in chapter 5 as part of the alliance against Dong Zhuo. In chapter 11, he introduced Chen Gong to Lu Bu when the latter took Yan Province. His last appearance is in chapter 12, which has him defend Dingtao against Cao Cao's forces. When Lu Bu's forces abandoned the city, Zhang Chao committed suicide by burning himself.