Wang Shan王善

History vs. fiction

Wang Shan. Bandit leader, defeated by Yue Fei. Zhang Yong's follower, rescued him; attacked Huaining Prefecture without success, then turned to raid Suzhou. King of the Taihang Mountains, ...

• based on factBandit leader, defeated by Yue Fei; Zhang Yong's follower, rescued him; attacked Huaining Prefecture without success, then turned to raid Suzhou | King of the Taihang Mountains, plotted to seize the Song dynasty's throne; powerful bandit of the Taihang Mountains, raised troops to invade the capital; king in the camp, wanted to recruit and surrender to Zong Ze.

  Historically, Wang Shan indeed existed. His deeds are recorded in historical materials such as the History of Song. For example, the Biography of Yue Fei records: 'In the third year, bandits Wang Shan, Cao Cheng, Kong Yanzhou and others gathered a force of five hundred thousand, approaching the South Xun Gate. Fei's troops numbered only eight hundred, and the crowd feared they could not resist. Fei said, "I will break them for you." Holding a bow in his left hand and a spear in his right, he charged into their formation, throwing the bandits into chaos and defeating them utterly. He also captured bandits Du Shuwu and Sun Hai at Dongming. He was then appointed as Yingzhou Cishi. Wang Shan besieged Chenzhou, and Fei fought at Qinghe, capturing his generals Sun Sheng and Sun Qing, and was appointed as true Cishi.' In the novel The Story of Yue Fei, Chapter 11 describes: 'That day, having learned that the Prince of Liang was entering the court, he discussed with his military advisor and devised a plan, setting up camp at the foot of the mountain, waiting for the Prince of Liang to pass by. The bandits intercepted him and invited him up the mountain. After he was seated in the tent and tea was served, Tian Qi said, "In the past, during the Southern Tang, although it was declining, the world was at peace. But Zhao Kuangyin plotted, falsely claiming the Chenqiao mutiny, usurped the throne, and took the world until now. Our lord only has a nominal title as a vassal king, under his control, and we in our hearts are not willing to submit. We now have strong troops and ample provisions. Why doesn't the Great King enter the capital to cultivate relations with treacherous ministers, and taking advantage of this year's imperial examinations, seize the title of military champion, and win over these three hundred and sixty fellow graduates as confidants and internal supporters? Then write to inform the mountain stronghold, and we will immediately send troops to help the Great King restore the old rivers and mountains. Would that not be beautiful?' This speech was originally a plan devised by Wang Shan and his military advisor. Using the Prince of Liang as an internal supporter, to seize the Song dynasty's world, would it not be Wang Shan's! Little did they know that the Prince of Liang was bewitched by him, and was greatly pleased, saying, 'It is rare that you have such loyalty. I will go to the capital and do this immediately. If successful, I will share wealth and honor with you.' Wang Shan then set up a banquet to entertain him, and after drinking for a while, sent the Prince of Liang down the mountain. On the way to the capital, he went to cultivate relations with these chief examiners. These three treacherous ministers accepted bribes and wanted to sell the military champion to the Prince of Liang. But Zong Ze, who was loyal to the country, knew that these three had accepted bribes, so he deliberately rebuked the Prince of Liang, who was at a loss for words.'