Wang Rong (234 – 11 July 305), courtesy name Junchong (), nickname A Rong (), posthumously known as Marquis Yuan of Anfeng (安豐元侯),Zizhi Tongjian, vol.86 was a Chinese military general, poet, and politician of the Western Jin dynasty. He was also one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.

Life Under Cao Wei Wang Rong was born in 234, during Cao Rui's reign. In late 230s, when Wang Rong was six or seven years old (by East Asian reckoning), he was watching a show where beasts roared ferociously in their enclosures. While those around him scattered, Wang Rong remained at ease at where he was standing. From where he was, Cao Rui saw what had happened, and was impressed.(年六七岁，于宣武场观戏，猛兽在槛中虓吼震地，众皆奔走，戎独立不动，神色自若。魏明帝于阁上见而奇之。) Jin Shu, vol.43. Since Cao Rui died in Jan 239, if the anecdote did happen, Wang Rong's age was likely five (by East Asian reckoning).

In 248, when Wang Rong was fifteen years old (by East Asian reckoning), he stayed with his father Wang Changyuan at the latter's official residence. Ruan Ji was Wang Changyuan's friend and about 20 years older than Rong. Yet, every time Ruan visited Changyuan, he would remain with Changyuan for a short while before turning his attention to Wang Rong. Ruan would then have a very long chat with Wang Rong before leaving. Ruan once said to Changyuan, "Junchong is elegant and worthy of appreciation, which is something you cannot compare with. Instead of talking to you, I would rather speak with A Rong."(阮籍与浑为友。戎年十五，随浑在郎舍。戎少籍二十岁，而籍与之交。籍每适浑，俄顷辄去，过视戎，良久然后出。谓浑曰:“濬冲清赏，非卿伦也。共卿言，不如共阿戎谈。”) Jin Shu, vol.43. Ruan Ji (210-263) was actually about 24 years older than Wang Rong.

In late 263, just before Zhong Hui set out on Wei's expedition to conquer Shu, he went to bide Wang Rong farewell, and asked Wang for advice. Wang Rong replied, "Taoism has a saying: 'Do not claim credit after doing good deeds'. It is not difficult to succeed; what is difficult is to maintain and protect." Later, as Zhong Hui failed in his rebellion, people felt that Wang Rong had foresight.(钟会伐蜀，过与戎别，问计将安出。戎曰：“道家有言，'为而不恃'，非成功难，保之难也。”及会败，议者以为知言。) Jin Shu, vol.43. Vol.78 of Zizhi Tongjian also recorded this anecdote (会过幽州刺史王雄之孙戎，问“计将安出？”戎曰：“道家有言，‘为而不恃。’非成功难，保之难也。”).

Under Jin dynasty During Emperor Wu's reign Wang Rong was about 32 years old when Sima Yan usurped the throne from Cao Huan and founded the Jin dynasty in February 266. Initially, Wang Rong served under the Jin dynasty as a military general. During the Battle of Xiling, Wang Rong was nearly executed by Yang Hu for violating military law.(步阐之役，祜以军法将斩王戎，...) Jin Shu, vol.34 (biography of Yang Hu)

Wang later participated in the conquest of the Jin dynasty's rival state, Eastern Wu in 280. During the campaign, he led his troops as far as to that of Wuchang (武昌; present day Ezhou, Hubei). Following this, Wang Rong's army merged with Wang Jun's and they advanced towards the Wu capital, Jianye.

During Emperor Hui's reign In October 297,9th month of the 7th year of the Yuankang era, per Emperor Hui's biography in Jin Shu and vol.82 of Zizhi Tongjian; the month corresponds to 3 Oct to 1 Nov 297 in the Julian calendar. with Empress Jia Nanfeng as the de facto regent, Wang Rong was made Minister Over the Masses, replacing Wang Hun, who had died in September. He was replaced as Minister Over the Masses by He Shao (何劭; son of He Zeng [何曾])Jin Shu, vol.33 on 11 May 300,dingyou day of the 4th month of the 1st year of the Yongkang era, per Emperor Hui's biography in Jin Shu and vol.83 of Zizhi Tongjian. after Sima Lun's coup earlier that month. It is unknown when exactly Wang Rong was reappointed Minister Over the Masses, only that it was after the death of Sima Lun's half-brother Sima Rong in June 302; Rong was both Grand Chancellor (taizai) and Minister Over the Masses when he died.

Family Wang Rong was a member of the Wang clan of Langya. Grandfather: Wang Xiong (王雄; 220-235), regional inspector (cishi) of You Prefecture (幽州刺史) under Cao Wei.Jin Shu, vol.43 At You Prefecture, Wang Xiong's most significant achievement was to send Han Long (韩龙) to assassinate Kebineng.(至[青龙]三年中，雄遣勇士韩龙刺杀比能，更立其弟。) Sanguozhi, vol.30 Father: Wang Hun (王浑), courtesy name Changyuan (长源),Wei Jin Shiyu annotation in Shishuo Xinyu, vol.01 cishi of Liang Prefecture (凉州刺史) Cousin: Wang Yan

See also Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms

Notes

References Citations

Bibliography Fang Xuanling, ed. (648). Book of Jin (Jin Shu).

Further reading Book of Jin Liu Yiqing, A New Account of the Tales of the World