Wang Yanxi

Also known as Wang Xi · Min Jingzong

Wang Yanxi, who took the name Wang Xi on coming to power, was a younger son of Wang Shenzhi of Min and brother of Wang Yanjun, and he feigned madness to escape the suspicion of his nephew Wang Jipeng. In August 939 the guard commanders Zhu Wenjin and Lian Zhongyu mutinied and killed Wang Jipeng, then made Wang Yanxi military governor and King of Min; he took the name Xi and the era name Yonglong, and in 941 proclaimed himself emperor of Great Min. He fought for years against his younger brother Wang Yanzheng at Jianzhou, who in 943 set up a rival state of Yin, splitting Min in two. A heavy drinker and suspicious, he had kinsmen and ministers killed at banquets, and in April 944 Zhu and Lian murdered him as he returned drunk to the palace; he received the temple name Jingzong.