Wang Xianzhi
Around the new year 877, Wang Xianzhi attacked Qi Prefecture (蘄州, in modern Huanggang, Hubei). During the attack, Wang Liao wrote letters on Wang Xianzhi's behalf to Pei Wo () the prefect of Qi, who had a relationship with Wang Duo as well based on Wang Duo's having selected him as a successful imperial examinee; as a result, Wang Xianzhi and Pei negotiated a temporary armistice, and Pei tried to persuade Wang Xianzhi to submit to the Tang imperial government under promise that he would be pardoned and would receive a commission. He further invited Wang Xianzhi, Huang Chao, and some 30 of Wang Xianzhi's followers into the city, treating them to feasts. Pei then submitted petitions to Emperor Xizong, requesting that a commission be given to Wang Xianzhi.