Wang Shenzhi
It is not known when or where Wang Jichang was born. It is known, however, that he was a nephew of Wang Yanzheng — and, therefore, likely a grandson of Min's founding prince Wang Shenzhi (Prince Zhongyi) (although conceivably the grandson of one of Wang Shenzhi's brothers, Wang Chao or Wang Shengui (). His parents' identity were not otherwise given in traditional histories.