Wang Yanzheng
In 939, Wang Yanxi became Min's ruler (and changed his name to Wang Xi) after the prior emperor of Min, their nephew Wang Chang, had been overthrown and killed. It was said that after taking the throne (using, at that time, the title of king), Wang Xi became arrogant and cruel, taking grudges out on people, including his clan members. Wang Yanzheng wrote several letters to him urging him to change his behavior. Wang Xi did not listen, and wrote back angry letters to rebuke Wang Yanzheng. He also sent his close associate Ye Qiao () to monitor Wang Yanzheng's army, and the officer Du Hanchong () to monitor the nearby Nanzhen Base (南鎮, in modern Ningde, Fujian). Ye and Du submitted numerous reports alleging misdeeds by Wang Yanzheng, exacerbating the suspicions between the brothers. One day, Wang Yanzheng and Ye were discussing matters of governance, and it escalated into an argument. Ye stated, "Are you rebelling, Lord?" Wang Yanzheng, in anger, tried to arrest and kill Ye. Ye fled to Nanzhen. Wang Yanzheng then attacked Nanzhen and defeated the central government-controlled army there. Ye and Du fled back to Min's capital Fu Prefecture (福州, in modern Fuzhou, Fujian). Wang Yanzheng then also defeated the other central government-controlled forces in the region.