Zhang Wen (simplified: 张温, traditional: 張溫, pinyin: Zhāng Wēn), courtesy name Huishu (惠恕 Huìshù), was an official of Eastern Wu who was sent as envoy to Shu Han. On his return he was accused of showing excessive deference to Shu and of other faults. Sun Quan was displeased; Luo Tong submitted a memorial defending Zhang Wen, arguing that envoys had to show courtesy to secure the alliance. Zhang Wen was nonetheless demoted and barred from further office; he died in disgrace. Qin Mi also had dealings with or opinions on Zhang Wen. In the Romance, Zhuge Liang is said to have bested Zhang Wen in a “tongue battle” when Zhang Wen visited Shu; Luo Tong is portrayed as about to debate Zhuge Liang in turn.
Biography
Mission to Shu
Zhang Wen was sent to Shu to strengthen the Wu–Shu alliance. He met Liu Bei or his court and conducted diplomacy. After he returned to Wu, some at court accused him of having been too deferential to Shu or of having exceeded his instructions.
Accusations and defence
Sun Quan was angered by the reports. Luo Tong wrote a memorial in Zhang Wen’s defence, pointing out that an envoy must show respect to the host state to maintain the alliance and that Zhang Wen’s conduct was appropriate. Sun Quan did not fully relent; Zhang Wen was demoted and excluded from office. He never recovered his position and died in obscurity.
Legacy
Zhang Wen is remembered as an envoy who fell victim to court politics and as the subject of Luo Tong’s defence. The episode illustrates the tensions in the Wu–Shu alliance and the risks for officials who dealt with the other kingdom.