Deaths on January 27

Zhang Yanze, Chinese general and governor

Zhang Yanze (張彥澤), a prominent and highly controversial military figure of China's tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, met his demise on January 27, 947. His career was marked by shifting allegiances and a reputation that has been unequivocally condemned by traditional Chinese historical accounts. Initially serving as a general under the banners of two of the northern "Five Dynasties"—the Later Tang (923–936 AD) and subsequently the Later Jin (936–947 AD)—Zhang Yanze ultimately transitioned his loyalty to the formidable northern nomadic power, the Khitan state of Liao (907–1125 AD).

Historical records are remarkably consistent in their portrayal of Zhang Yanze, who is almost universally "reviled" for a constellation of deeply negative character traits and actions. These sources frequently highlight his unbridled cruelty, manifesting in his ruthless treatment of both enemies and civilians; his profound avarice, which drove him to extensive plundering and accumulation of wealth; and his striking lack of faithfulness or loyalty, particularly towards the Later Jin dynasty, which he ultimately betrayed.

Zhang Yanze's Contemptible Legacy and Betrayal

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960 AD) was an era of extreme political fragmentation and constant warfare following the collapse of the unified Tang Dynasty. Within this chaotic landscape, generals like Zhang Yanze often found opportunities for advancement, but also faced moral quandaries regarding their allegiances. Zhang Yanze’s most infamous act of disloyalty occurred during the final years of the Later Jin dynasty. When the Khitan Liao Emperor Taizong launched a decisive invasion of the Central Plains, Zhang Yanze, then a Later Jin general, made the pragmatic yet morally condemned decision to defect to the invading Khitan forces.

His defection was not merely a change of allegiance but a pivotal moment in the fall of the Later Jin. He actively assisted the Liao army in their advance, playing a significant role in the capture of Bian (modern Kaifeng), the Later Jin capital. During the subsequent occupation and plunder of the city, Zhang Yanze's true character became horrifyingly apparent. He reportedly led his troops in extensive looting, confiscating vast sums of wealth from the imperial treasury, aristocratic households, and even ordinary citizens. His actions were characterized by extreme brutality, further solidifying his image as a ruthless opportunist driven solely by personal gain rather than any sense of duty or honor.

Even the Liao leadership, despite benefiting from his defection and ruthlessness, eventually found his excesses problematic. His insatiable avarice and the chaos he caused through rampant plundering were reportedly seen as detrimental to the Liao’s efforts to establish stable rule over the newly conquered territories. It was these very excesses, ironically, that contributed to his downfall.

The Demise of a Notorious General

On January 27, 947, Zhang Yanze's turbulent career came to an abrupt end. He was executed by order of Emperor Taizong of Liao. While the precise motivations might have been multifaceted—ranging from a desire to curb his disruptive influence and consolidate Liao authority to a strategic move to placate the Chinese populace by punishing a widely reviled figure—his execution served as a stark demonstration that even those who aid an invading force can become expendable once their utility is exhausted or their behavior becomes counterproductive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zhang Yanze

Who was Zhang Yanze (張彥澤)?

Zhang Yanze was a notorious Chinese general active during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960 AD). He is primarily remembered for his shifting loyalties between the Later Tang and Later Jin dynasties, and ultimately his defection to the Khitan Liao state, as well as his widely documented cruelty, greed, and treachery.

What was the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period?

This was an unstable and fragmented era in Chinese history, lasting from 907 to 960 AD. It followed the collapse of the unified Tang Dynasty and saw five short-lived dynasties rapidly succeed each other in the north (the "Five Dynasties"), while numerous smaller independent states (the "Ten Kingdoms") emerged in the south.

Why was Zhang Yanze considered disloyal?

Zhang Yanze earned his reputation for disloyalty primarily through his betrayal of the Later Jin dynasty. While serving as a Later Jin general, he defected to the invading Khitan Liao forces during their conquest of the Central Plains, actively aiding them in the downfall of his former liege. This act, coupled with his subsequent brutal actions, solidified his image as a treacherous figure.

What was Zhang Yanze's role in the fall of Later Jin?

Zhang Yanze played a crucial role in the collapse of the Later Jin dynasty. His defection to the Khitan Liao provided invaluable strategic advantage to the invaders. He notably assisted the Liao army in their march on and capture of Bian (Kaifeng), the Later Jin capital, where he then oversaw extensive and brutal plundering, contributing significantly to the chaos and suffering that accompanied the end of the dynasty.

How did Zhang Yanze die?

Zhang Yanze was executed by Emperor Taizong of the Khitan Liao dynasty on January 27, 947. His execution was likely prompted by his excessive cruelty and insatiable avarice during the sack of Kaifeng, which even the Liao leadership found disruptive and counterproductive to their new rule.