Xiao He vs Zhang Zhao

After Liu Bang established the Han dynasty, he appointed Xiao He as his prime minister. Xiao He was responsible for organizing the civil administration, collecting taxes, and supplying the army during the Chu-Han Contention.

Xiao He recognized the military talent of Han Xin and recommended him to Liu Bang, who appointed Han Xin as general. Han Xin's subsequent victories were crucial to Liu Bang's victory in the Chu-Han Contention.

Xiao He compiled the Han legal code, known as the Nine Chapters on Law, based on the Qin code but with modifications to reduce harshness. This code provided the legal foundation for the Han dynasty and influenced later Chinese law.

Xiao He oversaw the construction of the Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, the new Han capital. The palace became the political center of the Han empire and symbolized the dynasty's power and legitimacy.

Zhang Zhao, as a senior Wu official, advised Sun Quan against forming an alliance with Liu Bei and attacking Cao Cao at Red Cliffs. He argued that surrender was more prudent given Cao Cao's overwhelming strength. Sun Quan rejected this advice, leading to the Wu-Shu victory at Red Cliffs.

Zhang Zhao wrote several memorials to Sun Quan advocating for frugality, rule of law, and the importance of Confucian scholarship. These writings influenced Wu's early administrative policies and reflected his conservative, scholarly approach to governance.

Zhang Zhao was appointed Chief Minister (Chengxiang) of Eastern Wu after Sun Quan declared himself emperor. He held this position for several years, overseeing civil administration and advising on state policy, though his influence waned due to his earlier stance at Red Cliffs.