Zhang Shicheng

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Zhang Shicheng (1321–1367), born Zhang Jiusi, was a salt trader from Jiangsu who became a rebel leader during the late Yuan dynasty. In 1353 he and his brothers led a movement of salt workers against heavy taxes and corruption, quickly seizing Taizhou, Xinghua and Gaoyou. In 1354 he proclaimed the Zhou state and made himself King Cheng, with the era name Tianyou. He gained control of key salt hubs along the Grand Canal, including Yangzhou, and later Suzhou, turning his domain into one of the dynasty’s wealthiest and strongest regions. He appointed his brothers as prime minister and general, and many Han generals defected to his side.

Zhang’s power drew the attention of Zhu Yuanzhang, who would later found the Ming dynasty. In 1357 Zhu refused Zhang’s demand for submission, and Zhang briefly kept a degree of autonomy, even shipping grain to the northern Yuan capital. By 1363 Zhang declared himself King of Wu, and Zhu did the same in 1364. Zhang’s attempts to defeat Zhu failed; Zhu then began cutting off Zhang’s ability to receive support. In 1366 Gaoyou fell to Zhu and Zhang’s younger brother Zhang Shide died. By late 1366 Suzhou was surrounded, and on October 1, 1367, Suzhou fell after a long siege. Zhang reportedly tried to hang himself and was captured; his exact fate is unknown.

Zhu Yuanzhang went on to found the Ming dynasty in 1368. Zhang Shicheng’s tomb remains in Suzhou, and he left a lasting memory in the region, where his birthday was celebrated for centuries with local rites.