Wang Shenzhi
Perhaps because of the briefness of his reign and his eventual fate, little is known about Wang Yanhan's person prior to his reign, including who his mother was or when he was born. It is known that he was the oldest son of Wang Shenzhi the Prince of Min, and that, at least by 925, he was carrying the title of deputy military governor of Weiwu Circuit (威武, headquartered in modern Fuzhou, Fujian) — as his father Wang Shenzhi, at that time, had, among his titles, the title of military governor ("Jiedushi") of Weiwu, as a vassal of Later Tang. It was said that Wang Yanhan was handsome, tall, and studious.