emperor zhang was a hardworking and diligent emperor. he reduced taxes and paid close attention to all affairs of state. zhang also reduced government spending as well as promoted confucianism. as a result, han society prospered and its culture flourished during this period. along with his father emperor ming, emperor zhang's reign has been highly praised and was regarded as the golden age of the eastern han period, and their reigns are collectively known as the rule of ming and zhang.