Zhang Song - in Fiction

In Fiction

In Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Song was portrayed as a short, buck-toothed man with a short nose, who did not command respect for his ugly looks. In the novel, his style name was "Yongnian" (永年) instead of "Ziqiao" as in historical records.

Zhang was sent by Liu Zhang as an envoy to meet Cao Cao. He brought with him a map of Sichuan, hoping to present it to Cao and aid Cao in taking over Yi Province from Liu Zhang. However, Cao disliked him for his appearance and treated him rudely. In retaliation, Zhang made sarcastic remarks to humiliate Cao. The angry Cao ordered Zhang to be beaten up and driven away.

Zhang was deeply upset by Cao's attitude towards him and he went to visit Liu Bei later. Liu treated Zhang like a guest, asking Zhao Yun and Guan Yu to escort him to the meeting place, where he personally greeted Zhang together with Zhuge Liang. Zhang was impressed with Liu's hospitality, and he presented the map of Sichuan to Liu Bei, urging Liu Bei to seize control of Yi Province from Liu Zhang. Zhang also introduced Fa Zheng and Meng Da to Liu Bei, telling him that they would aid him in removing Liu Zhang from power.

Zhang was executed by Liu Zhang after the latter discovered that he was plotting against him.