or Chang Chü-cheng
born 1525, Jiangling, Hubei province, China
died 1582, Beijing
Powerful Chinese minister of the Ming dynasty under the Longqing and Wanli emperors.
His benevolent rule and strong foreign and economic policies are considered to have brought the Ming dynasty to its peak. He is credited with centralizing government, limiting special privileges, and reclaiming tax-exempt land.