Zhang Heling

Zhang Heling (unknown—1538), was from Xingji County, Zhili (present-day Qing County, Hebei Province) during the Ming Dynasty. He was the younger brother of Empress Dowager Zhang to Emperor Xiaozong, also known as Emperor Xiaokang. His father was Zhang Luan, who held titles such as Marquis of Shouning and Marquis of Shouning, and was posthumously granted the title of Chang Guo Gong. After Zhang Luan’s death, Zhang Heling inherited his marquisate, and his brother Zhang Yanling was also granted a marquisate. The two brothers were indulgent and often robbed from the people, violating laws and regulations, and they were impeached by the Censorate. Emperor Xiaozong dispatched Deputy Minister Tu Xun and Eunuch Xiao Jing to investigate, and their misconduct was confirmed. Emperor Xiaozong once summoned the brothers to serve in the palace; Zhang Heling showed some restraint during this time. During the Zhengde reign of Emperor Wuzong, he was promoted to Grand Tutor. After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, citing his previous support for the enthronement, he was granted the title of Chang Guo Gong. In the twelfth year of Jiajing (1533), due to his sister’s suppression of Empress Dowager Jiang and his brother Zhang Yanling’s crimes involving murder, Zhang Heling was implicated, his titles were stripped, and he was demoted to be the Commander-in-Chief of Jin Yiwei (the Imperial Guard) in Nanjing. Later, someone accused his brothers of practicing black magic and cursing, leading to their arrest and trial in Beijing; Zhang Heling died in prison. After Empress Dowager Zhang’s death, Zhang Yanling was murdered in the Western Market.