Editing Wang Pi (section)

== Background and service under Li Song as crown prince ==
It is not known when Wang Pi was born, but it is known that his family was from Hang Prefecture (杭州, in modern [[Hangzhou]], [[Zhejiang]]). He was at some point made a reserve official at Hanlin Institute (翰林院), where imperial scholars gathered, and later made a member of the staff of Li Song—then [[crown prince]] under his father [[Emperor Dezong of Tang|Emperor Dezong]].<ref name=BT135>''[[Old Book of Tang]]'', [http://www.sidneyluo.net/a/a16/135.htm vol. 135].</ref> It was said that he became favored by Li Song because of his abilities in [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphy]], and he became a close associate of Li Song's, having easy access to Li Song's palace and often spending time with Li Song in leisure activities. He and another close associate of Li Song's, [[Wang Shuwen]], became friends and allies.<ref name=ZZTJ236>''[[Zizhi Tongjian]]'', [[:zh:s:資治通鑑/卷236|vol. 236]].</ref>