Zhang Shijie defected from the Mongols to the Southern Song dynasty after he committed a crime, to evade punishment.

Zhang Shijie gained his position in the Song administration after passing his civil service examination, eventually becoming a successful administrator overseeing civil, military, and naval duties for the Southern Song.

Prime Minister Lu Xiufu committed suicide, drowning the child Emperor with him, following their defeat.

Although Zhang Shijie was able to escape with his remaining ships, he was said to have died a few days later during a storm at sea.

Along with Lu Xiufu and Wen Tianxiang, Zhang is considered one of the "Three Loyal Princes of the Song".