Wang Fan

Historical Record

Wang Fan, styled Yongyuan, was a native of Lujiang, renowned for his broad learning and his talents in many fields. He at first held the office of Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, but later left it for some reason. After Sun Xiu ascended the throne, Wang Fan, together with He Shao, Xue Ying, and Yu Si, was appointed Cavalier Regular Attendant, all with the additional title of Commandant of the Imperial Equipage. At that time the court and the public esteemed these four men very highly, regarding their conduct as pure and upright. Wang Fan was once sent on a mission to Shu Han, and his conduct there won the praise of the Shu Han court. On his return he was appointed Supervisor of the Army at Xiakou ^c:5949.

In the early period of Sun Hao's accession, Wang Fan again entered court as Regular Attendant, a colleague of Wan Yu. Wan Yu, having an old acquaintance with Sun Hao, acted in a high-handed manner and showed much contempt for Wang Fan. In addition, the Secretariat Assistant Chen Sheng, a favorite of Sun Hao, repeatedly slandered Wang Fan before him. Wang Fan was haughty and upright by nature, unskilled in flattery and unable to bend to others' wishes. At times his words and conduct did not accord with Sun Hao's mind, and so he was repeatedly reproached ^c:2821. In the end, because of his blunt character and unbending integrity, Wang Fan met an unfortunate fate under Sun Hao's rule, embodying his distinct personality of being "lofty and bright in temper, unable to defer to another's countenance and follow his bidding."

In the Novel

(No material in the novel)

Key Relationships

The key relationships in Wang Fan's life are reflected chiefly in his career and his dealings with others, and these relationships profoundly shaped his fate.

Eastern Wu (serves): Wang Fan served the Eastern Wu regime throughout his life. He was at first valued during Sun Xiu's reign, appointed Cavalier Regular Attendant and sent on a mission to Shu Han, displaying his outstanding talent and diplomatic ability ^c:5949. After Sun Hao's accession, however, his relationship with the Eastern Wu ruler took a sharp turn for the worse. Sun Hao's cruelty stood in stark contrast to Wang Fan's bluntness, ultimately leading to Wang Fan's tragedy. Unable to "defer to another's countenance and follow his bidding," and unwilling to submit to Sun Hao's tyranny, his relationship with Sun Hao was full of tension and conflict ^c:2821.

Wan Yu (rival_of): Wan Yu was an important adversary of Wang Fan during Sun Hao's reign. Having an old acquaintance with Sun Hao, Wan Yu held a prominent position at court and acted overbearingly. He used his relationship with Sun Hao to show much contempt for Wang Fan, making Wang Fan's position at court still more difficult. This antagonism aggravated Wang Fan's political predicament and reflected the internal power struggles and factional strife within the Eastern Wu court of the time ^c:2821.

Chen Sheng (rival_of): The Secretariat Assistant Chen Sheng was a favorite of Sun Hao who repeatedly slandered Wang Fan before him with malicious intent. Chen Sheng's slanders were beyond doubt one of the important factors leading to Wang Fan's eventual downfall. Such conduct—a favorite exploiting the sovereign's trust to squeeze out those he opposed—was a common phenomenon in the political struggles of antiquity, and further highlighted Wang Fan's isolation and helplessness in a complex political environment ^c:2821.

Signature Scenes

Going as envoy to Shu Han and winning praise: During Sun Xiu's reign, Wang Fan was once sent on a mission to Shu Han. This mission not only displayed Wang Fan's diplomatic talent but also won him the praise of the Shu Han court. The historical record states, "An envoy was sent to Shu, and the people of Shu praised him" ^c:5949, indicating that Wang Fan performed excellently on the diplomatic stage and brought honor to Eastern Wu. This scene is a high point of Wang Fan's career, embodying his ability and character.

Antagonism with Wan Yu and Chen Sheng: After Sun Hao's accession, Wang Fan's antagonism with Wan Yu and Chen Sheng constituted the signature scene of the latter part of his life. Wan Yu, presuming on his old acquaintance with Sun Hao, showed much contempt for Wang Fan; while Chen Sheng, as Sun Hao's favorite, repeatedly slandered Wang Fan ^c:2821. In these scenes, Wang Fan's character of being "lofty and bright in temper, unable to defer to another's countenance and follow his bidding" was fully displayed. He did not choose to submit or flatter, but held to his own principles and stance; even in the face of immense political pressure and personal attacks, he remained "composed and unchanged in his conduct," not altering his resolve. This antagonism ultimately led to his tragic end, but it was precisely this unbending integrity that made Wang Fan leave a deep impression in the histories, becoming a historical figure of distinct character.