Zhan Zhao

Zhan Zhao
Wujin, Changzhou

Zhan Zhao
Hanyu Pinyin	Zhǎn Zhāo
Wade–Giles	Chan3 Chao1
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Jin2 Chiu1
Jyutping	Zin2 Ciu1

Zhan Zhao (展昭) is a fictional character in the Chinese wuxia classic The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. Nicknamed the "Southern Hero", he is a righteous knight-errant with incredible martial arts skills, often helping Prefect Bao Zheng uphold justice. Emperor Renzong of Song made him a 4th rank royal guard and gave him the title "Imperial Cat" for his swift movements.

Zhan Zhao sees a

and servant Bao Xing arrive at the monastery for overnight lodging. At night, Zhan climbs over the wall and discovers that the monks have locked the pair up with plans to murder them for money. Zhan helps them escape while he stays behind. A few hours later, Bao Zheng sees a huge fire from the direction of the monastery.

Saving Bao Zheng at Earth Dragon Crag

While passing through Earth Dragon Crag, Zhan Zhao is confronted by a

and Bao Xing whom he had saved once before. He asks the bandits to release them and after talking, suggests to the four that instead of remaining as bandits, they should help Bao Zheng serve the country. Eventually his suggestion is followed.

Unfoiling Bao Zheng's Assassination Plot

Near

Marquis

Pang Yu had kidnapped a beautiful woman Jin Yuxian. At night, Zhan climbs over the wall to Pang Yu's palace and discovers a plot by Pang and Governor Jiang Wan to assassinate Bao Zheng, on his way to Chenzhou to investigate Pang's wrongdoings. Zhan follows the assassin Xiang Fu and notifies Bao beforehand. At night, Xiang is spotted on the roof by Bao's vigilant entourage and when he tries to escape, Zhan shoots him down with an arrow. Using Zhan's tips, Bao also saves Jin and arrests Pang.

Engagement to Ding Yuehua

Zhan Zhao is invited by

gifts.

Dueling with Bai Yutang

Zhan Zhao learns that

bandanna

and manages to escape.

Being Captured by Bai Yutang

Ding Zhaohui

and gets the three treasures back.

Career

He was the royal guard of the palace. He was assigned to work together with Bao Zheng who was a governor of Kaifeng city, the capital city of Northern Song. He was a very honest person who was good at martial arts. In his life he was known for serving Bao Zheng even more than being a royal guard of the imperial court. Zhan Zhao was best known for his martial art skills. He was the body guard of Bao Zheng and the fourth ranking royal guard of the Song's Royal Palace. His title was "The Royal Cat" (御猫, yùmāo). He was the only man who was allowed to enter the Inner Palace armed. People said that he represented the Wu (martial) aspect while Bao Zheng represented the Wen (civil) aspect. He was also the leader of Bao Zheng's guards, namely Wang Chao (王朝), Ma Han (馬漢), Zhang Long (張龍) and Zhao Hu (趙虎).

Before Zhan Zhao became a royal guard, he was just a man traveling around the land. He was highly trained in martial arts. There was one time that he fought against "The Five Rats" who each had a special skill, specializing in water and others underground. Zhan Zhao was once ordered to catch Bai Yutang who was one of the "Five Rats". He invaded their island in order to fight against the five rats. He was able to defeat all of them. Of the Five Rats, Bai Yutang was the best among them and the youngest brother of Five Rats.

One of the most well-known media adaptations of Zhan Zhao is the 1993, 236-episode

, often taking on roles such as Bao's personal body guard, policeman, and detective.

Zhan Zhao's signature garments of the red robe is especially memorable for many, and is often repeated by other television adaptations following this one. It is also because of the red robe appearance that fans describe Kenny Ho's version of Zhan Zhao using these lines: 青锋昭律义 红袍展仁心, "the sword that serves justice, the red robe that displays a kind heart," thus incorporating Zhan Zhao's name (展昭), his personalities, and appearance.

Justice Pao (1995 TV Series)

Following the popular 1993 TV series is this 80-episode series produced by Television Broadcast Limited. Zhan Zhao, played by Hong Kong actor Felix Wong, once again wears his signature red robe. This version of Zhan Zhao is similarly portrayed as the righteous and sympathetic paladin who aids Bao Zheng in his criminal cases.

A new adaptation of Shi Yukun's

playing Zhan Zhao / Shen Zhongyuan. Zhan Zhao is again portrayed as a righteous and clever hero who takes on the persona of Shen Zhongyuan in order to spy on enemies of the people and to complete missions assigned to him by Bao Zheng. It also allows him to team together with the Five Rats.

Produced by Channel 3 and Tencent Penguin Pictures. Zhan Zhao played by Thai actor Kanawut Traipipattanapong.

Spin-off of Shi Yukun's The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. Zhan Zhao portrayed by Yang Yang.

• Bao Qingtian. Zhan Zhao VS Five Rats. Jin Chaoqun, Kenny Ho. CTS, 1994.