← Explore on the interactive map

Wang Shichong

Type Figure Region China Time c. 570–621 Also known as Wang Chong、Emperor of Zheng

Wang Shichong (year of birth unknown–621) was a warlord who held Luoyang at the end of the Sui and start of the Tang;…

Timeline

  1. c. 610–617Eastern Capital, Luoyang · LuoyangWang Shichong came from a family of Western Regions Hu background, entered service through martial prowess, and served as such posts as Jiangdu Administrator and Henan Pacification and Inspection Commissioner, garrisoning Luoyang, suppressing uprisings, and resisting Li Mi's Wagang Army.
  2. 617–619Eastern Capital, Luoyang · LuoyangAfter Emperor Yang of Sui's death, Wang Shichong installed Prince of Yue Yang Tong in Luoyang, effectively controlling the eastern capital's military and civil affairs, eliminating rivals such as Yuan Wendu and Lu Chu, deposing and killing Yang Tong, and gradually establishing control over the Central Plains heartland.
  3. 619–621Eastern Capital, Luoyang · LuoyangWang Shichong deposed the Sui and declared himself emperor, taking the state name Zheng and era name Kaiming, holding Luoyang against the Tang forces from Guanzhong and allying with Dou Jiande to resist Tang. Tang Prince of Qin Li Shimin besieged Luoyang; Zheng forces were trapped in the isolated city when their outside ally Dou Jiande was defeated at Hulao.
  4. 621Chang'an · Xi'anWhen Luoyang fell, Wang Shichong surrendered and was taken prisoner by Tang forces to Chang'an. Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan ordered him executed en route; the Zheng kingdom was extinguished, and the fragmented rule of the Central Plains further converged toward Tang unification.

Sources