Zhang Qi

Zhang Qi is a court official whose brief but consequential role belongs to the struggle over who truly governs Wei. As the father of Empress Zhang and one of the few officers still allowed near Cao Fang, he joins the emperor’s attempt to rally loyalists against Sima Shi and Sima Zhao; once the plot is exposed, his family connection brings the empress into the reprisals as well.

Position at Court

By the time of the conspiracy, Cao Fang has been pushed aside and has only three officers remaining at his side. Zhang Qi is one of them, and the narrative identifies him as the father of Empress Zhang. His access to the emperor places him within a small circle seeking to restore Cao Fang’s authority, while his daughter’s position connects the conspiracy directly to the imperial household.

The Conspiracy Against the Sima Brothers

Zhang Qi joins Xiahou Xuan and Li Feng in plotting with Cao Fang to summon loyal men and overthrow both Sima brothers. The emperor makes the plan tangible by removing his dragon-phoenix shirt and writing the summons in blood after cutting his finger. Cao Fang recalls that Dong Cheng had been killed by his ancestor Cao Cao after a similar conspiracy was discovered. His companions dismiss the warning, arguing that Cao Cao was far more perceptive than Sima Shi. That confidence proves misplaced: Sima Shi soon confronts the conspirators after they leave the palace.

Exposure and Consequences

When questioned about their prolonged visit to the palace, Zhang Qi and the others claim they had been studying the Classics with the emperor. Sima Shi is not deceived; he discovers the shirt bearing the bloody summons, and the conspirators’ explanation collapses. Zhang Qi, Xiahou Xuan, Li Feng, and their entire clans are executed. The account gives no further individual action or speech by Zhang Qi, but his role in the plot and his death establish the price of challenging the Sima brothers’ control.

Family Connection and Narrative Significance

After discovering the conspiracy, Sima Shi turns to Empress Zhang and identifies her as Zhang Qi’s daughter, making her answer for her father’s involvement. She is taken away and strangled despite Cao Fang’s appeal for mercy. Zhang Qi’s brief appearance therefore links a political attempt to recover the emperor’s power with a punishment extending through family ties: the failed summons destroys not only its participants but also the emperor’s consort.