Zhang Guoji

Zhang Guoji, courtesy name Xianzhang or Xiantai, was born in Xiangfu County, Henan (modern-day Kaifeng City, Henan). He was a political figure of the Ming Dynasty. His father was Empress Zhang of Ming Emperor Xizong. In the first year of the Tianqi reign (1621), he was granted the title of Taikang Bo (Count of Taikang). Because Empress Zhang was the wet nurse of Emperor Xizong and was disliked by Kesi and Wei Zhongxian, Zhang Guoji was falsely accused. Wei Zhongxian and Kesi accused him of conspiring with palace maid Wei Shi and of bribing officials with a fake imperial edict from the Empress, which was used to impeach him. Grand Secretary Li Guo’ai defended him, sparing him from disaster, and he returned to his hometown. After Emperor Chongzhen ascended the throne, Zhang Guoji was exonerated. In his later years, he donated funds and supplies to advance his noble rank to Marquis of Taikang. In the 11th year of Chongzhen (1638), he was granted his noble title, but he later met his death; he was killed during the chaos when Li Zicheng captured Beijing.