Wang Shichong (王世充; 567– c.August 621), courtesy nameXingman (行滿), was a Chinese military general, monarch, and politician during the Sui dynasty who deposed Sui's last emperor Yang Tong and briefly ruled as the emperor of a succeeding state of Zheng. He first became prominent during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui as one of the few Sui generals having success against rebel generals, and during Yang Tong's brief reign, he was able to defeat the rebel general Li Mi and seize Li Mi's territory. After becoming emperor, however, he was unable to withstand military pressure from Tang dynasty forces, forcing him to seek aid from Dou Jiande the Prince of Xia. After Dou was defeated and captured by the Tang general Li Shimin (the later Emperor Taizong), Wang surrendered. Emperor Gaozu of Tang spared him, but the Tang official Dugu Xiude (獨孤修德), whose father Dugu Ji (獨孤機) had been executed by Wang, assassinated him.
^ abZizhi Tongjian, vol. 189. Volume 189 of Zizhi Tongjian recorded that Wang Shichong's death took place between the dingmao and guiyou days of the 7th month of the 4th year of the Wude era of Li Yuan's reign. The dates correspond to 4 and 10 Aug 621 in the Julian calendar. In addition, the same volume also recorded that the decree to demote Wang Shichong to civilian status and to exile him to Sichuan along with his brothers, sons and nephews was issued on the bingyin day of the same month. (丙寅,诏赦世充为庶人,与兄弟子侄徙处蜀...) This corresponds to 3 Aug 621 in the Julian calendar.