Wang Shichong (? - 621) was a powerful warlord (military leader) during the fall of the Sui Dynasty. He took over the important city of Luoyang and built up his strength, eventually declaring himself the emperor of a new state called 'Zheng'.
According to legends, he was known to be very cunning and unpredictable, so he struggled to truly win the loyalty of his men.
In 621, when he was attacked by the Tang army led by Li Shimin, he asked another warlord, Dou Jiande, for help. However, after Dou Jiande was also defeated by Li Shimin at the Battle of Hulao, Wang Shichong had no choice but to surrender to the Tang Dynasty.
Although his life was initially spared upon surrendering, he was soon assassinated by his enemies who held a grudge against him, meeting a tragic end.