Zhang Liang was also named Zi Fang. His ancestors had been the prime ministers of the State of Han for five generations.

During Liu Bang's uprising against Qin, Zhang Liang gave counsel and repeatedly defeated the Qin army, leading to their conquest over Xianyang City. In the Hongmen banquet (a feast set up as a trap for the invited), Zhang Liang tried his best to cover Liu Bang out of danger. Later he continued to assist Liu Bang in winning every battle with his wisdom and strategies.

After winning the throne, Liu Bang conferred Zhang Liang the Marquis of Liu. After that, he offered good plans for protecting the prince and taking the Mayi County, a county of military importance. In his late years, he became devoted in the studies of Emperor Huang and Lao-zi school, and quitted his job for a secluded life.