Zhang Lu (Han dynasty)

Zhang Lu (pronunciationⓘ) (died 216), courtesy name Gongqi, was a Chinese politician, religious leader, and warlord who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty.

He successfully managed to defeat Su Gu, and upon taking control of Hanzhong, renamed the region Hanning (漢寧), ruling it by the principles of his religion.

According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Lu received a jeweled seal from the common people of his realm, which was a sign from Heaven that he was to become a king.

Many of his subordinates urged him to declare himself king, but his adviser Yan Pu (閻圃) warned that to do so would bring disaster.

Ma Chao escaped to Hanzhong Commandery after his defeat and pledged allegiance to Zhang Lu, who considered marrying his daughter to him.

Ma Chao's subordinate Pang De, however, remained in Zhang Lu's service.

His younger brother Zhang Wei (張衛), however, insisted on fighting and lead his army against the invading forces.

Zhang Lu died in 216 and was honoured with the posthumous title "Marquis Yuan" (原侯) by the Han imperial court.

In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Lu is portrayed as strongly craving the title of King of Hanning, and attempting to aggressively expand his territory.