Zhang Wenguan - During Emperor Gaozong's Reign

During Emperor Gaozong's Reign

Zhang Wenguan later served successively as a mid-level official at both the legislative bureau (西臺, Xi Tai) and the examination bureau (東臺, Dong Tai). As of 667, he was serving at the examination bureau, when Emperor Gaozong gave him the designation of Tong Dong Xi Tai Sanpin (同東西臺三品), making him a chancellor de facto. It was said that at the time, the imperial treasury was getting exhausted as Emperor Gaozong was building several palaces -- Penglai Palace (蓬萊宮), Shangyang Palace (上陽宮), and Hebi Palace (合璧宮) -- as well as requisitioning a large number of horses for the imperial stable for the purposes of using them for military campaigns. Zhang warned Emperor Gaozong that similar activities by Emperor Yang of Sui led to resentment by the people and Sui's downfall, and Emperor Gaozong, in response, reduced the number of imperial horses by several thousands. In 669, Zhang was promoted to be Dong Tai Shilang (東臺侍郎), the deputy head of the examination bureau, and still a chancellor de facto.

In 672, Zhang was made the chief judge at the supreme court and continued to serve as chancellor as well as a member of the staff of Emperor Gaozong's crown prince Li Hong. It was said that Zhang was efficient and fair at reviewing criminal judgments, quickly ruling on a large number of complex cases. it was further said that those he found guilty had no complaints, and that he was capable of overturning judgments against those who were innocent. When he was ill, the prisoners awaiting review were praying for his health, and he was compared to Dai Zhou, another famed chief judge who served during Emperor Taizong's reign. In 675, he was made Shizhong (侍中), the head of the examination bureau (which by this point had been renamed Menxia Sheng (門下省)) and a post considered one for a chancellor, and also continued to serve on Li Hong's staff as an advisor. It was said that when the prisoners still awaiting review heard that Zhang was no longer chief judge, they wept bitterly. It was further said that at times when he was ill, when the other chancellors reported their suggestions to Emperor Gaozong, Emperor Gaozong would inquire as to whether they had consulted Zhang. If they responded that they had not, he would require them to go to Zhang's mansion to consult him, before ruling on their proposal.

In 678, Zhang was seriously ill. However, when he heard that Emperor Gaozong was contemplating a campaign against Silla, he rode a litter to the palace and spoke to Emperor Gaozong, "At this time, Tufan is invading and we are defending against the invasion. Although Silla is not sufficiently submissive, it is not attacking our borders. If we divide our forces and attack east, I am afraid that neither the government nor the people can withstand the consequences." After this counsel, Emperor Gaozong cancelled plans to attack Silla. Zhang died later that year and was given the posthumous name of Yi (懿, "benevolent"). As he had served on Li Hong's staff, Emperor Gaozong had him buried with honor near the tomb of Li Hong (who had died in 675 and was posthumously honored an emperor).