Wang Shenzhi establishes the Min Kingdom in today's Fujian Province, with Fuzhou (known at this time as Changle) as its capital, in 909.

When the major warlord Zhu Quanzhong the military governor of Xuanwu Circuit (headquartered in modern Kaifeng, Henan) forced Emperor Zhaozong's son and successor Emperor Ai to yield the throne to him, ending Tang and starting a new Later Liang Dynasty with him as its Emperor Taizu, Wang Shenzhi had recognized the new emperor, and had subsequently been given the greater chancellor title of Shizhong.

In 909, Emperor Taizu creates him the Prince of Min, and also gives him the chancellor title of Zhongshu Ling.

Also in 909, after Wang Shenzhi feels slighted by Zhang Zhiyuan, the emissary from Hongnong (the predecessor state to Wu, ruled at this time by Yang Wo the Prince of Hongnong, who does not recognize the Later Liang emperor), Wang decapitates Zhang and breaks off diplomatic relations with Hongnong.