| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 王澄, Sūn Chéng, Wáng Chéng |
| Nickname | Renowned Scholar of Jin (西晋名士 / 王浑之子 / 王敦之弟) |
| Other name | Vương Trừng, Vương Bình Tử |
| Courtesy name | Pingzi (平子, Bình Tử) |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Jinyang, Taiyuan / Linyi, Langya |
| Death Reason | Executed by Wang Dun |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Cao Wei, Jin Dynasty |
| Battles | Disaster of Yongjia (escape) |
Biography & Historical Record
Wang Cheng (王澄, Vương Trừng; c. 260s–312 AD), courtesy name Pingzi (平子, Bình Tử), was a celebrated scholar-official and charismatic figure of the Xuanxue (Neo-Daoist Pure Conversation) movement in the Western Jin dynasty. Recorded within the elite Wang lineage of Taiyuan/Langya, he was associated with Commander Wang Hun (王浑) and shared intimate clan and political ties with Wang Rong (王戎) and warlord Wang Dun (王敦).
Endowed with an eccentric genius and sharp philosophical eloquence, Wang Cheng served as the Inspector of Jingzhou (荆州刺史). Amidst the catastrophic collapse of the Western Jin dynasty during the Disaster of Yongjia (311 AD), Wang Cheng fled south toward Jiangnan. When his headstrong kinsman Wang Dun began harboring treasonous ambitions to dominate the south, Wang Cheng openly opposed him with biting sarcasm. Enraged by Wang Cheng’s defiance and fearing his prestige, Wang Dun had him strangled in 312 AD.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
The Gentry of Jin: Wang Cheng personified the intellectual brilliance and turbulent tragic fate of the prominent gentry clans that transitioned northern power into the southern dynasty.
Wang Cheng (王澄) — Historical Timeline
Birth into the Wang Clan
Born into the elite Wang aristocracy, developing high literary fame.
Inspector of Jingzhou
Appointed Governor of Jingzhou during the chaotic late Jin years.
Murdered by Wang Dun
Strangled by Wang Dun after refusing to bow to Dun’s dictatorial power.
In Historical Accounts
- Book of Jin (晋书): Volume 43 (Biography of Wang Cheng): “Wang Cheng, courtesy Pingzi… possessed extraordinary talent, admired by contemporaries alongside Wang Dun.”
- Shishuo Xinyu (世说新语): Frequently mentions Wang Pingzi’s sparkling wit and eccentric Daoist demeanor.
In History
Summary
- Wang Cheng (王澄, Vương Trừng) was a renowned Jin scholar and Inspector of Jingzhou, famous for philosophical discourse.
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