His father Zhang Yan was a high rank official of Eastern Wu.
Since Zhang escaped before the death of prince Qi, people started to praise him for being "wise".
[3] Zhang's unique philosophy and his scornful attitude towards glory and fame made him a popular historical figure among the Chinese poets.
Li Bai, one of the most famous poet of China, admired Zhang and praised him in at least three poems.
Other poets such as Liu Zhangqing, Du Mu, and Luo Yin also mentioned Zhang by citing his story and roughskin sculpin.