Not much is known about her, other than her grandfather Zhang Ji (張既) was a governor of Liang Province (covering roughly present-day Gansu) and that her father Zhang Ji (張緝; note different Chinese character for Ji) was a commandery administrator.
She was created empress in c.March 252; at that time, her grandfather was already deceased, while her father was promoted to senior minister.
In March 254, the regent Sima Shi killed Cao Fang's confidant, the official Li Feng (a friend of Zhang Ji).
He then falsely accused Li Feng, Zhang Ji and their friend Xiahou Xuan of treason, and had all of them and their clans executed.
One month later, Cao Fang was forced to depose Empress Zhang.