Emperor Zhang of Han (57-88) is an emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty from 75 to 88.

He is the third emperor of the Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty.

Emperor Zhang is a hardworking and diligent emperor.

He reduces taxes and pays close attention to all affairs of state.

Zhang also reduces government spending as well as promoting Confucianism.

As a result, Han society prospers and its culture flourisheds during this period.

Along with his father Emperor Ming, Emperor Zhang's reign has been highly praised and was regarded as the golden age of the Eastern Han period, and their reigns are collectively known as the Rule of Ming and Zhang.

During his reign, Chinese troops under the leadership of General Ban Chao progress far west while in pursuit of Xiongnu insurgents harassing the trade routes now collectively known as the Silk Road.

The Eastern Han Dynasty, after Emperor Zhang, will be plagued with internal strife between royal factions and eunuchs struggling for power.

For the coming century and a half, the people will yearn for the good days of Emperors Ming and Zhang.

(However, part of the strife comes from the power obtained by consort clans -- and the precedent is set by Emperor Zhang's bestowing of power on both his adoptive mother Empress Dowager Ma's clan and his wife Empress Dou's clan.)