The Legend of Wang Meng

Wang Meng (324-375 CE), courtesy name Jinglue, was a native of Juxian County, Beihai Commandery. He was an important strategist and minister of Former Qin during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, serving as Prime Minister and assisting Fu Jian in unifying the Central Plains. He is a rare example in Chinese history of a Han Chinese assisting a minority regime. As an ancient statesman and military strategist, he implemented a series of reforms in Former Qin, relentlessly striking down the Di clan's powerful nobles to consolidate Fu Jian's rule. He was far-sighted and diligent, and on his deathbed, he advised Fu Jian to avoid conflict with the Eastern Jin, a Han Chinese regime. Unfortunately, after Wang Meng's death, Fu Jian launched a war against Eastern Jin, known historically as the Battle of Fei River, which led to the near annihilation of Former Qin. The regime rapidly disintegrated, and in 385 CE, Fu Jian was captured by the rebel Yao Chang and hanged in a Buddhist temple in Xinping.