Wang Ke (general)

Wang Ke (王珂, died 907) was a Tang Dynasty military general (Jiedushi). He is best known for his long defense of Lulong Circuit (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing) against the forces of the Later Liang Dynasty, a defense that earned him widespread respect and the posthumous title of Prince of Beiping (北平王).

Wang Ke initially served under Li Kuangwei, the military governor of Lulong. After Li Kuangwei’s death in 886, Wang Ke seized control of the circuit. He ruled Lulong for over two decades, navigating the turbulent political landscape of the late Tang period. During this time, Lulong remained largely independent.

Following the fall of the Tang Dynasty in 907 and the establishment of the Later Liang Dynasty by Zhu Wen, Wang Ke initially submitted to the new regime. However, fearing Zhu Wen's ambition to consolidate power and eliminate regional warlords, Wang Ke soon rebelled. He refused to recognize the Later Liang and declared his allegiance to the defunct Tang Dynasty, effectively creating a semi-independent state in the north.

Zhu Wen launched multiple campaigns against Lulong, but Wang Ke successfully defended the circuit, aided by the terrain and the loyalty of his troops. He formed alliances with other regional warlords opposed to the Later Liang, such as Li Keyong of Jin.

Wang Ke died later in 907. His son, Wang Chuzhi, succeeded him as military governor of Lulong.