Wang Xiang

Wang Xiang (184 – 30 April 268), courtesy name Xiuzheng, was a Chinese politician who lived through the late Eastern Han dynasty (25–220), the Three Kingdoms period (220–280), and the early Western Jin dynasty (266–316) of China. He served in the highest positions in the government, including Minister of Works and Grand Commandant in the Cao Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period, and Grand Protector during the Western Jin dynasty. He was also one of The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars. Family background Wang Xiang's ancestor was Wang Ji, who served as a Counsellor Remonstrant in the Western Han dynasty. His grandfather, Wang Ren, served as the Inspector of Qing Province in the Eastern Han dynasty. His uncle, Wang Rui (; died 189), served as the Inspector of Jing Province and was killed by the warlord Sun Jian. Wang Xiang's father, Wang Rong, turned down offers to serve in the government and remained a commoner throughout his life. Wang Xiang's mother, Lady Xue, was from Gaoping County (; northwest of present-day Weishan County, Shandong). She presumably died early as Wang Rong took a second wife, Lady Zhu, who bore him another son, Wang Lan. Early life Wang Xiang was born in the chaotic era towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty when various warlords were fighting for power throughout the Han Empire. Around the time, Wang Xiang's only surviving family members were his stepmother Lady Zhu and half-brother Wang Lan. They fled from their home in Langya Commandery (; around present-day Linyi, Shandong) and headed south to Lujiang Commandery (; around present-day Lu'an, Anhui), where they lived in seclusion for over 20 years. During this time, Wang Xiang received invitations to serve as an official in the local commandery office but he turned them down.