A scholar who participates in the poetry competition at Juxian Tower. He hides his strength to avoid attracting attention while dealing with survival issues, aiming for the twenty taels prize rather than the hundred taels. His poem satirizes the Weihe River, expressing the polarization of poverty and wealth. Tang Jiwei recognizes his potential and invites him to chat. Zhang Ling is fair and handsome with a dimple, and he is impressed by Tang Jiwei's insight. After their meeting, he returns to the inn to study, marveling at Tang Jiwei's free-spirited nature.
