Guo Chongtao
Shortly after, Li Cunxu declared himself emperor of Later Tang. He made Zhang, as well as Guo Chongtao, his chiefs of staff ("Shumishi"), but it was said that Guo had recommended Zhang in order to bypass Li Shaohong, causing Li Shaohong's resentment. Meanwhile, Zhang was said to be careful and not liking to be involved in disputes, so effectively, Guo made all of the important decisions. After Li Cunxu conquered Later Liang later in the year, he gave Zhang a grand general title and put him in charge of the eunuch bureau (內侍省, "Neishi Sheng"), but continue to have him serve as a chief of staff with Guo. During Li Cunxu's reign, the eunuchs had substantial involvement on policy decisions, but Guo (not a eunuch) continued to oversee the final policy decisions. Zhang continued to not engage himself in those decisions, for the most part.