Zhang Fu

Zhang Fu (1375–1449), courtesy name Wenbi, was a Chinese military general during the Ming dynasty. He was the eldest son of Zhang Yu, a notable general associated with Zhu Di, the future Yongle Emperor. Following Zhang Yu's death during the Jingnan campaign, Zhang Fu succeeded his father's title and military responsibilities.

In 1405, Zhang Fu was awarded the title "Count of Xin'an" (信安伯). The following year, in 1406, he was dispatched alongside Mu Sheng to engage in military operations in Vietnam. In 1407, Zhang Fu captured Hồ Quý Ly, the Vietnamese usurper, and his son Hồ Hán Thương. Subsequent reports to the Yongle Emperor indicated that the Trần dynasty lineage had been extinguished under Hồ Quý Ly's rule, prompting the Ming court to reassert control over Vietnam, which was renamed Jiaozhi province (Giao Chỉ). For this military achievement, Zhang Fu was promoted to the title "Duke of Ying" (英國公).

Zhang Fu also led efforts to suppress rebellions in Vietnam, notably quelling the uprisings of Trần Ngỗi and Trần Quý Khoáng. However, he encountered difficulties dealing with other insurgencies, particularly those led by Vietnamese leaders such as Lê Lợi, who later founded the Lê dynasty. In 1415, Zhang Fu was recalled to Nanjing.

During his service under the Yongle Emperor, Zhang Fu participated in multiple campaigns against the Mongols, contributing to the Ming military efforts along the northern frontiers. He was granted the position of Grand Preceptor and gained the trust of the Hongxi Emperor, under whom his daughter married.

Zhang Fu was also involved in the compilation of the "Taizong Shilu," the imperial annals documenting the reign of the Yongle Emperor. In 1426, he successfully suppressed the rebellion of Zhu Gaoxu. Under the reign of the Zhengtong Emperor, he served as one of the regents, alongside officials such as Jian Yi, Xia Yuanji, Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu.

Zhang Fu died in 1449 during the Tumu Crisis, a military conflict that resulted in the capture of the Zhengtong Emperor and many high-ranking officials. Posthumously, Zhang Fu was granted the title "Prince of Dingxing" (定興王) and was given the posthumous name Zhonglie (忠烈), meaning "loyal and meritorious."