the people to rest. In 896, Emperor Zhaozong made Fujian Circuit into Weiwu Circuit () and gave Wang the greater title of military governor. Death and succession While Wang Chao served as military governor, Wang Shenzhi served as deputy military governor. It was said that when Wang Shenzhi had faults, Wang Chao would batter him, but Wang Shenzhi would not show any resentment to the treatment. When Wang Chao grew seriously ill in 897, instead of trying to transfer the military governorship to one of his four sons (Wang Yanxing (), Wang Yanhong (), Wang Yanfeng (), Wang Yanxiu (), he entrusted the administration of the circuit to Wang Shenzhi. He died around new year 898. After his death, Wang Shenzhi offered the military governorship to Wang Shengui, who was then serving as the prefect of Quan Prefecture, because Wang Shengui was older, but Wang Shengui declined on the basis that Wang Shenzhi had greater accomplishments. Wang Shenzhi subsequently claimed the title of acting military governor, and Emperor Zhaozong confirmed him as military governor. Wang Shenzhi would eventually receive the title of Prince of Min from Zhu Wen (whose Later Liang succeeded Tang), and Wang Shenzhi's son Wang Yanjun would eventually claim the title of emperor of an independent state of Min, which would stand until 946. Notes and references New Book of Tang, vol. 190. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 254, 256, 258, 259, 260, 261. 846 births 898 deaths Politicians from Xinyang Tang dynasty jiedushi of Weiwu Circuit Tang dynasty generals from Henan Tang dynasty politicians from Henan Deified Chinese people