Zhang Chaotang (simplified: 张朝唐, traditional: 張朝唐, pinyin: Zhāng Cháotáng, jyutping: zoeng1 ciu4 tong4) was a Bruneian official and overseas scholar (海外文士 — Hǎiwài Wénshì) who came to central China seeking an official position (到中原求取功名 — Dào Zhōngyuán Qiúqǔ Gōngmíng) in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. He was saved by Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) and later became part of the group that accompanied Yuan Chengzhi into exile to Brunei.
Biography
Journey to central China
Zhang Chaotang was a scholar from the Bruneian Empire (浡泥国 — Bóní Guó) who travelled to central China in search of an official position. As an overseas scholar, he represented the connections between Brunei and the Ming dynasty, demonstrating the broader international context of the novel’s setting.
Encounter with Yuan Chengzhi
During his journey, Zhang Chaotang encountered Yuan Chengzhi, who saved him from danger. This act of rescue established a connection between Zhang Chaotang and Yuan Chengzhi, leading to Zhang Chaotang’s eventual involvement in Yuan Chengzhi’s story.
Ceremony at Sheng Feng Zhang
Zhang Chaotang was invited to participate in a ceremony at Sheng Feng Zhang (圣峰嶂 — Shèngfēng Zhàng), where he witnessed or participated in important events related to Yuan Chengzhi and his allies. This ceremony was significant in the novel’s narrative, marking an important moment in the characters’ relationships and the development of the plot.
Accompanying Yuan Chengzhi into exile
After Yuan Chengzhi became disillusioned with Li Zicheng’s rebellion and decided to leave China, Zhang Chaotang, along with Yang Pengju (杨鹏举) and Zhang Kang (张康), accompanied Yuan Chengzhi and his companions on their journey to Brunei. As officials from Brunei, they would have provided valuable knowledge and connections for establishing the new community in exile.
Role in the novel
Representing international connections
Zhang Chaotang represents the international connections and broader world beyond China in the novel. His presence as a Bruneian scholar seeking an official position in China demonstrates the cultural and political exchanges between Brunei and the Ming dynasty, adding depth to the novel’s historical setting.
Contributing to the exile theme
Zhang Chaotang’s involvement in Yuan Chengzhi’s journey to Brunei contributes to the novel’s theme of exile and the search for a better life away from corruption and chaos. As someone from Brunei who had experience with both Chinese and Bruneian cultures, he would have been valuable in helping Yuan Chengzhi and his companions establish their new life in exile.
Relationships
Family
- Zhang Xin (张信) — Zhang Chaotang’s father, who was also from Brunei
Allies
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist who saved Zhang Chaotang and led the expedition to Brunei
- Yang Pengju (杨鹏举) — A fellow Bruneian official who accompanied Yuan Chengzhi into exile
- Zhang Kang (张康) — Another Bruneian official who accompanied Yuan Chengzhi into exile
Legacy
Zhang Chaotang’s story highlights the theme of international connections and cultural exchange in the novel. His journey from Brunei to China and back demonstrates the interconnectedness of the world during the late Ming period, showing that even in times of political turmoil, people continued to travel, seek opportunities, and build connections across borders.
His role in accompanying Yuan Chengzhi into exile also demonstrates the theme of finding refuge and building new communities in foreign lands, showing how people from different backgrounds could come together to create a new life away from the chaos and corruption of their original homeland.