Wang Sengbian
In his youth, Wang Sengbian was known for being studious, particularly of the "Zuo Zhuan". He was also well-versed in military strategy, although he was noted for not being physically strong for a soldier. When Xiao Yi, then the Prince of Xiangdong, was made the governor of Jiang Province (江州, modern Jiangxi) by his father Emperor Wu in 540, Wang Sengbian served on his military staff, and in 542, when a member of Ancheng Commandery (安成, roughly modern Anfu County, Ji'an, Jiangxi), Liu Jinggong (劉敬躬) rebelled, Xiao Yi sent Wang and Cao Ziying (曹子郢) against Liu. Wang captured Liu, and also suppressed the aborigines of the region, and thereafter became well-known. When Xiao Yi was made governor of Jing Province (荊州, modern central and western Hubei) in 547, Wang followed him to Jing Province and was made the governor of Jingling Commandery (竟陵, roughly modern Jingmen, Hubei).