Zhang Chai was a minister and regent of China's Later Zhao dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.
Despite the coup, it would soon be known as the beginning of a bigger power struggle within the Shi family over the throne that led to the destruction of Later Zhao in 351 in the hands of Ran Min.
During the campaign, Zhang Chai captured the Han-Zhao emperor Liu Yao's daughter, the Princess of Anding, who was only twelve years old at the time.
Zhang Chai, who was serving as the General Who Awes the Rong at the time, proposed against it, stating, "The Duke of Yan (Shi Bin) had a lowborn mother, and he has already committed a transgression.
So this time, you should choose as your crown prince a son who is both filial and born of noble blood."
[6] Another false edict was forged by the Empress, this time solidifying Zhang Chai's power over the court.
[7] Shi Hu died on 25 May 349 and Empress Dowager Liu took control of affairs, making Zhang Chai the Prime Minister.
Shi Zun agreed and raised he troops in Licheng (李城, in modern-day Pingyi County, Shandong) to march over to Yecheng.
Zhang Chai intended to march out and face him, but many of his troops defected in support of the prince as they thought he had come to mourn his late father.
Even his adjutant Zhang Li decided to defect and opened the gates for Shi Zun to enter.
An edict was made appointing Shi Zun as Prime Minister along with many other offices, but he continued his advance into Ye.
Zhang Chai was executed at the Pingle (平樂) market square in Ye along with his family members to the third degree.