1, be cautious. Zhang stressed that to be an official, you should talk less and do more, and you should be "careful in everything", especially in national affairs, and don't tell others easily. One of the important reasons why he survived in the political arena of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong dynasties was that he had a thorough understanding of the truth that "he who talks too much will lose".
2. Corrupt officials are cheap. When Zhang was young, he hated the behavior of fish and bureaucrats. Zhang believes that the key to being an honest official is to have "patience". The so-called forbearance is the ability to consciously resist desire. It is precisely because he always abides by honesty and self-discipline that he can turn the tide in previous political crises.
Kangxi and Yong Zhengdi are both famous for their diligence. Zhang was always reused when the second emperor was in power, which was inseparable from his diligence. Because of Zhang's diligence, Yong Zhengdi is very dependent on him, and sometimes even summoned him many times in one day.
Extended data
Zhang is generous, but very strict with officials. When he was in charge of the official department, he knew that there was a cunning official named Zhang and Zhang Tiger. This man has always practiced all kinds of arts and tricks, and central and local officials are often hurt by him. Ordered the relevant departments to severely punish Zhang Tiger. Many powerful people in North Korea came forward to rescue him, but Zhang was indifferent. At that time, people called Zhang Assistant Minister.
Besides compiling history, Zhang's main task is to write imperial edicts. The military department later became the decision-making body of national military and political affairs, and Zhang was one of them. Although military affairs ministers do not participate in decision-making, writing letters and handling official documents on weekdays is both physical and mental work, and Zhang can be orderly and make no mistakes. The agility of his thinking is beyond the reach of ordinary people.
When the situation was tight when the Qing court attacked Junggar, subordinate officials often asked Zhang for instructions to review hundreds of documents every day, but even so, Zhang did not delay a thing. History shows that he often sits in a sedan chair and still works. Even when he gets home at night, he has to stay up late to work overtime so that he can come up with treatment suggestions in time the next day.
References:
People's Daily Online-Zhang: Be cautious and confidential, be honest and diligent as an official (family style and family training)