Wang Shichong
Pei Yuanqing is derived from the historical figure of Pei Xingyan (裴行俨), who, similar to Pei Yuanqing in the noval, was a young general in Sui Dynasty. The real history of Pei Xingyan and his father Pei Renji was similar to the story in Shuo Tang. The father and son were famous generals at that time. They were ordered to attack Wagang Fort, but they failed and then surrendered to the rebellion army. Later, Pei Xingyan became one of the four major cavalry officers in Wagang Fort. After the rebellion of Wagang Fort eventually ended with internal conflicts, Pei, along with Cheng Yaojin and Qin Shubao (See Below), joined another rebellion army led by warlord Wang Shichong (王世充). However, they soon realized that Wang Shichong was not a good leader. Cheng and Qin left for Li Yuan’s army but Pei and his father failed to escape. Later, Wang Shichong sentenced them to death.