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2023

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Liang, often referred to as the Marquis of Wuxiang, is a prominent, although historically dubious, strategist featured in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. While bearing the same name as the famed strategist of the Han Dynasty, this Zhang Liang is a fictional character.

Within the narrative, he serves as an advisor to Zhang Lu, the Daoist leader of the Hanzhong region. He is portrayed as a capable strategist, offering counsel to Zhang Lu on matters of defense and military tactics. He particularly emphasizes the natural defenses of Hanzhong and advises Zhang Lu to maintain a defensive posture against outside forces.

Despite his strategic abilities, Zhang Liang is ultimately outmaneuvered by Cao Cao during the campaign to conquer Hanzhong. He attempts to thwart Cao Cao's advance but is ultimately defeated. His contributions, though significant to the defense of Hanzhong, are insufficient to prevent its annexation by Cao Cao, marking the end of his role in the central narrative.