[ One of the great literary figures of the time. Urged Liu Cong to surrender to Wei.
Officer Details
Wade-Giles: Wang Ts‘an (Chung-hsüan)
Simplified Chinese: 王粲 (仲宣)
Pronunciation: Wang2 Can4 (Zhong4xuan1)
Cantonese (Yale): Wong Chaan (Jung-syun)
Cantonese (Jyutpin): Wong Caan (Zung-syun)
Birthplace: Shanyang
Rank and Titles
Marquises Within the Imperial Domain; Palace Attendant
Family and Relationships
Wang Qian (Father); Wang Kai (Cousin); Wang Ye (Kinsman); Cai Yong (Teacher)
Literary Appearances
Sanguozhi: Wei 1, Wei 6, Wei 13, Wei 15, Wei 21, Wei 23, Wei 28
Hou Han shu: 72, 74, 80
Jin Shu: 19, 22
Zizhi tongjian: 66
Biography
Wang Can was a scholar and the favorite student of Cai Yong. Many of Cai Yong’s works were passed on to Wang Can. Following his teacher’s death, Wang Can fled to Jing province. Liu Biao considered marrying his daughter to Wang Can, but changed his mind on account of Wang Can’s appearance and mannerisms.
Following Liu Biao’s death, Wang Can was one of several ministers who convinced Liu Cong to surrender to Cao Cao. In AD 213, along with several others, he recommended that Cao Cao take the title of Duke of Wei. Wang Can spent much of his time writing poems. During his lifetime, he also wrote several essays, official documents, and the historical work yingxiong ji. Wang Can died of illness during a campaign against Sun Quan in AD 217.