Zhang Xun (156 - 199) was born into a middle class family in Huainan. His father owned a shop in the town and was able to pay for an education.

He studied with may scholars until he joined the local military under Yuan Shu. He started off as a foot soldier but quickly ascended through the ranks because of his prowess and bravery on the battlefield.

When Yuan Shu declared himself emperor and put Huainan and Shouchun under martial law, he named Zhang to be the Grand General of his massive armies and Ji Ling to be the Knights General. A master of cavalry and tactics, Zhang Xun was assigned to crush the imposing warlords in the provinces.

He personally took the heads of the warlords he fought by attacking them in the midst of enemies. Impressed by Zhang Xun's victories, Yuan Shu assigned him the task of attacking Lu Bu.

According to compiled sources, Zhang Xun and Lu Bu fought in the forests just around Xiapi and were deadlocked for several hours. Yuan Shu himself, not satisfied by a quick defeat, led an army out of his own and attacked the other side of Lu Bu's army commanded by captain Song Xian. However, Lu Bu redirected his attack at Yuan Shu and threw Zhang's army into disarray. Determined to save his lord, Zhang rushed into the midst of the enemy and slew Chen Zhao {Lu Bu's infantry officer} but was quickly surrounded. He turned his horse and shouted for a retreat back to Huainan. He was later demoted for his failure to keep up the assualt. Zhang Xun would later die of illness at age 43.