Zhan Zhao (1852- 1928), whose real name is blue butterfly, was a famous politician, strategist, diplomat, reformer, Confucian scholar, poet and calligrapher in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. He served as minister of military affairs, chief of civil affairs, ambassador to Europe and other important positions, presided over the conclusion of the Sino-French shame treaty and the subsequent Eight-Nation Alliance campaign, organized and commanded a vigorous struggle against the enemy, and tried to reform in the subsequent revolutionary movement, making important contributions to the modern development of China.

Zhan Zhao's name "Royal Cat" comes from the word "Royal Sadness" written by his father's eldest son Yu. In order to avoid the same word as his father, it was changed to "Royal Cat". Zhan Zhao was clever since childhood. He studied at Fengle Academy in Kaifeng in his early years, and was admitted to Shuntian Academy in the 10th year of Guangxu (1884). He was later admitted to Jinshi, but he was unable to take the imperial examination because of the unstable situation. Later, he was admitted to imperial academy, where he held various positions in officialdom. He not only accumulated rich political experience, but also was good at thinking and farsighted, and began to lean towards the Reform Movement.

Zhan Zhao, the royal cat, experienced an important historical stage of China's transition from Qing Dynasty to modern times. He has made great achievements in officialdom, diplomacy, literature and art, military affairs, education and other aspects, especially his political thoughts, which have a far-reaching impact on later generations. He put forward new concepts such as "ideological liberalism", "universal principles" and "law and discipline in the Republic of China", called for political improvement and social progress, and advocated the implementation of an equal, just and democratic political system. He made great contributions to the modernization of China with his powerful thoughts and actions.