According to the Tang dynasty historian Ping Zhimei (平致美), whose Jimen Jiluan (薊門紀亂) is no longer extant but is often cited in other works,[1] he served under Shi Chaoyi, the final emperor of the state of Yan during the An Shi Rebellion against Tang dynasty rule, and, after Shi Chaoyi had become emperor after assassinating his father Shi Siming in 761, the Yan general remaining at the major city of Fanyang (范陽, in modern Beijing) went through major bloody infighting, at the end of which Li Huaixian emerged the victor.
Zhu Xicai claimed the title of acting military governor and slaughtered Li Huaixian's household.
Wang, knowing that he would be unable to wrest control of the circuit from Zhu Xicai, stayed in Lulong only a few days before returning to the Tang capital Chang'an.
It was said that after Zhu Xicai was named military governor, he became arrogant and extravagant, and he mistreated his soldiers.
In 772, his secretary Li Huaiyuan (李懷瑗),[3] because the soldiers were angry at Zhu Xicai, assassinated him.