Biography
Early life
Chen Jiao was from Dongyang, Guangling (present-day Tianchang, Anhui).
His courtesy name was Jibi.
He originally had the surname Liu.
He was adopted by his maternal family and changed his surname to Chen.
He was a close relative of Liu Song, a descendant of Liu Xu, Prince Li of Guangling.
Service under Chen Deng
Chen Jiao fled to Jiangdong to avoid chaos.
Sun Ce and Yuan Shu both invited him to serve.
However, Chen Jiao did not accept.
He decided to return to his hometown Guangling Commandery.
Chen Deng, Administrator of Guangling, invited Chen Jiao to serve as Clerk.
He instructed Chen Jiao to go to Xuchang.
He said: “The scholars around Xudu have some discussions. It seems their evaluation of me is not very good. Please go to Xudu once, listen to the news for me, and then come back and tell me.”
Chen Jiao accepted the order and went back and forth once.
He returned and told Chen Deng: “I heard the nearby discussions. They all believe you are quite arrogant and conceited.”
Chen Deng said: “Speaking of strict family gates and complete virtue, I most respect the two brothers Chen Yuanfang (Chen Qun’s father and uncle). Speaking of pure virtue, as white as jade, I most respect Hua Ziyu (Hua Xin). Speaking of uprightness and righteousness, hating evil as an enemy, I most respect Zhao Yuanda (Zhao Yu). Speaking of extensive knowledge and strong memory, talented and unrestrained, I most respect Kong Wenju (Kong Rong). Speaking of heroic excellence, with kingly and hegemon strategies, I most respect Liu Xuande (Liu Bei). I respect others so much. How could I be an arrogant person? It is just that others are too mediocre and not worth discussing.”
This shows how elegant Chen Deng’s character was.
This elegant person deeply respected Chen Jiao.
Chen Jiao was equally famous as Xu Xuan of the same commandery.
However, the two had a poor relationship.
Both were valued by Chen Deng.
Requesting aid from Cao Cao
Later, Guangling Commandery was besieged by Sun Quan.
The military situation was urgent.
Chen Deng ordered Chen Jiao to go see Cao Cao to request aid.
When Chen Jiao met Cao Cao, he said: “Our Guangling Commandery is only a small commandery. However, it is a place with superior geographical location. If we can obtain your rescue, our commandery will become your vassal state. This is enough to make the Wu people helpless. It can also ensure Xuzhou’s eternal peace. In this way, your prestige will resound far and wide from now on. Your benevolence will also be passed down. Those countries that have not yet submitted to you will also come to submit at the sound of the wind. This action can both promote virtue and cultivate authority. It is really what a king should do.”
After Cao Cao heard Chen Jiao’s analysis, he greatly admired Chen Jiao’s wisdom and strategy.
He wanted to keep Chen Jiao by his side.
However, Chen Jiao said: “My homeland is being persecuted. I am only ordered to run around everywhere to urgently request aid. Even if I cannot be like Shen Baoxu and obtain rescue troops, I cannot forget Hong Yan’s loyalty.”
Cao Cao therefore sent troops to aid.
He successfully repelled the Wu army and preserved Guangling.
At that time, Chen Deng also set an ambush on the Wu army’s retreat route.
He took advantage of the situation and greatly defeated the Wu army.
Service under Cao Cao
Soon, Chen Jiao was recruited by Cao Cao as Clerk in the Chancellor’s Office.
He was appointed Magistrate of Xiang.
In 209 CE, the fourteenth year of Jian’an, he served as Long History to General Who Conquers the South (Cao Ren).
Service with Cao Ren at Jiangling
When Chen Jiao served as Long History to General Who Conquers the South, he once garrisoned at Jiangling together with Cao Ren.
At that time, Wu general Zhou Yu came to attack.
Cao Ren’s subordinate Niu Jin led troops to battle and was surrounded.
Cao Ren saw that Niu Jin was in danger and wanted to put on armor and go out to battle.
Chen Jiao advised Cao Ren: “The enemy troops are numerous. The situation is unstoppable. Even if abandoning those several hundred people (referring to Niu Jin and his troops) is a painful decision, General, why must you personally take the risk?”
However, Cao Ren insisted on sending troops to rescue.
He relied on martial courage and rescued Niu Jin and his army back to the city.
After Chen Jiao saw this, he greatly admired Cao Ren.
He praised him: “General, you are truly a heavenly person.”
Service as Administrator
Later, Chen Jiao successively served as Administrator of Pengcheng, Administrator of Lecheng, and Commandant of the Western Section of Wei Commandery.
The filial son case
Once, a resident of Qushou County, because his father was ill and could not be cured, offered an ox as a sacrificial animal to pray.
He was sentenced to death by the county magistrate (unjustly killing a plough ox, and commoners using oxen as sacrificial animals also violated ritual law).
After Chen Jiao learned of this, he believed that person was a filial son.
He therefore submitted a memorial to pardon his crime.
Service as Administrator of Wei Commandery
Not long after, Chen Jiao was promoted to Administrator of Wei Commandery.
At that time, there were many lawsuits and cases in the commandery.
Thousands of prisoners were imprisoned.
This situation had persisted for several years.
Chen Jiao believed that the Zhou dynasty had three codes, and the early Han had the three-chapter law.
This shows that a state must have a basis in penal codes to make proper judgments and enforce the law.
Now, in order to avoid the tedious work of judging crimes, all prisoners were simply imprisoned.
They never thought about the other problems accumulated from long-term imprisonment.
This was really an absurd thing.
Chen Jiao therefore relied on his own strength.
He verified all the crimes in the commandery one by one.
He immediately made reasonable judgments.
Service as Chancellor’s Long History
Later, Cao Cao led a large army to campaign west against Ma Chao.
Chen Jiao was ordered to serve as Chancellor’s Long History.
After Cao Cao returned from the campaign, Chen Jiao again returned to Wei Commandery.
He transferred to Clerk in the Western Section of the Chancellor’s Office.
Campaign against Hanzhong
He again followed the army to campaign against Hanzhong.
After returning to court, in 216 CE, the twenty-first year of Jian’an, Chen Jiao was transferred to Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.
Establishing Cao Pi as successor
In 220 CE, the twenty-fifth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao died in Luoyang.
The dukes and ministers in Yedu all believed that if they wanted the Crown Prince Cao Pi to succeed to Cao Cao’s title, they must wait for a formal imperial edict before they could proceed.
However, Chen Jiao raised an objection: “The King died outside. The realm feels fearful. The Crown Prince (referring to Cao Pi) should put down his grief and immediately succeed to the throne to pacify the hearts of the realm. Moreover, the King’s other sons are also nearby. If we do not act immediately, someone may develop different intentions. This will cause chaos in the order between each other. In this way, the state will face a major crisis.”
Chen Jiao therefore set up the proper rituals.
He falsely used Lady Bian’s order to establish Cao Pi as successor.
He also granted a general amnesty to the realm.
Afterwards, Cao Pi said: “Chen Jibi (Chen Jiao’s courtesy name), even when facing such a major change, was still able to display his outstanding wisdom and strategy. He can be said to be a hero of the time.”
Service under Cao Pi
In the same year, Cao Pi usurped the Han and established Wei.
Chen Jiao was responsible for the work of the Left Section of the Masters of Writing.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoling.
He was transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Service under Cao Rui
In 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu, Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne.
Chen Jiao was advanced to Marquis of Dongxiang.
He was granted six hundred households.
Remonstrating Cao Rui
Once, Cao Rui rode a carriage to the gate of the Masters of Writing.
Chen Jiao saw that the Emperor had personally arrived.
He went outside and knelt to welcome him.
He asked Cao Rui what instructions he had.
Cao Rui said: “I just want to check the documents.”
After Chen Jiao heard this, he responded: “These documents are within my scope of duty. They are not matters that Your Majesty should understand. If I am not competent, please Your Majesty dismiss me from my position. Your Majesty had better go back.”
After Cao Rui heard Chen Jiao’s words, he felt ashamed.
He therefore rode the carriage back to the palace.
This shows that Chen Jiao was very upright.
The Liu Ye incident
Chen Jiao was once slandered by Liu Ye, who relied on his status as Specially Advanced.
Liu Ye said Chen Jiao was “monopolizing power.”
Chen Jiao was worried.
He told this situation to his two sons.
His eldest son Chen Ben could not think of any idea.
However, Chen Qian said to his father: “The ruler is a wise and sagacious ruler. Father, you are a minister entrusted with the mandate. Even if there is something unsatisfactory between ruler and minister, the greatest loss for you is only not being able to become one of the Three Excellencies.”
A few days later, Cao Rui indeed did not make things difficult for Chen Jiao because of the slander.
Discussion about Sima Yi
Cao Rui often worried about the state.
He once asked Chen Jiao: “Sima Yi is loyal and upright. Is he a heavy minister to whom I can entrust the state?”
Chen Jiao replied: “He is the hope of the court. However, whether he can be entrusted with the state, your servant does not know.”
Service as Minister of Works
Later, Chen Jiao was transferred to Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
On the ji-hai day of the sixth month of 237 CE, the first year of Jingchu (13th day of the seventh month), Chen Jiao was transferred to Minister of Works.
Death
On the ding-mao day of the seventh month of 237 CE, the first year of Jingchu (11th day of the eighth month), Chen Jiao died.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Zhen.
Personality
Chen Jiao was known for his eloquence and strict adherence to law.
He was also known for his uprightness and integrity.
He was also known for his ability to handle crises.
Military achievements
Defence of Guangling
Chen Jiao successfully requested aid from Cao Cao to defend Guangling against Sun Quan.
Service with Cao Ren
Chen Jiao successfully served as Long History to Cao Ren and witnessed his rescue of Niu Jin.
Relationships
With Chen Deng
Chen Jiao served under Chen Deng and was deeply respected by him.
With Xu Xuan
Chen Jiao was equally famous as Xu Xuan but had a poor relationship with him.
With Cao Cao
Chen Jiao served under Cao Cao and was valued by him.
With Cao Pi
Chen Jiao served under Cao Pi and helped establish him as successor.
With Cao Rui
Chen Jiao served under Cao Rui and remonstrated about various matters.
Anecdotes
The Chen Deng discussion
Chen Jiao successfully went to Xuchang to listen to discussions about Chen Deng.
He reported back that people thought Chen Deng was arrogant.
Chen Deng explained his respect for various people.
Requesting aid from Cao Cao
Chen Jiao successfully persuaded Cao Cao to send aid to Guangling.
He used eloquent words to explain the strategic importance.
The filial son case
Chen Jiao successfully pardoned a filial son who had offered an ox as a sacrifice.
Resolving lawsuits
Chen Jiao successfully resolved thousands of lawsuits in Wei Commandery.
He verified all crimes and made reasonable judgments.
Establishing Cao Pi as successor
Chen Jiao successfully established Cao Pi as successor after Cao Cao’s death.
He used Lady Bian’s order to avoid waiting for an imperial edict.
Remonstrating Cao Rui
Chen Jiao successfully remonstrated Cao Rui about checking documents.
Cao Rui felt ashamed and returned to the palace.
The Liu Ye incident
Chen Jiao successfully handled Liu Ye’s slander with his son Chen Qian’s advice.
Cao Rui did not make things difficult for him.
Discussion about Sima Yi
Chen Jiao successfully gave a cautious answer about Sima Yi.
He said Sima Yi was the hope of the court but did not know if he could be entrusted with the state.
Achievements
- Successfully served three generations of Cao rulers
- Successfully remonstrated about various matters
- Successfully resolved thousands of lawsuits
- Known for eloquence and strict adherence to law
- Known for uprightness and integrity
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Chen Jiao’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Huan Jie, Chen Qun, Xu Xuan, Wei Zhen, and Lu Yu.
Original surname
Chen Jiao originally had the surname Liu.
He was adopted by his maternal family and changed his surname to Chen.
He later married someone from the Liu family.
Xu Xuan repeatedly criticized Chen Jiao’s faults in public.
Cao Cao cherished Chen Jiao’s talent and wanted to preserve him.
He therefore issued an order: “Since the chaos and disorder, customs and teachings have declined. Slanderous discussions are difficult to use for praise or criticism. Before the fifth year of Jian’an, everything will not be discussed. Those who slander before this cutoff will be punished with their own crime.”
Relationship with Xue Ti
When Chen Jiao served as Clerk in Guangling Commandery, he once passed by Taishan on an envoy mission.
Xue Ti, Administrator of Taishan, found him extraordinary.
He became friends with him.
Xue Ti once joked with Chen Jiao: “You, a small commandery clerk, actually became friends with me, a two-thousand-dan official. It is like a neighbouring state’s ruler condescending to accompany a minister on a pleasure trip. Isn’t it also good?”
However, Xue Ti later successively served as Administrator of Wei Commandery and Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Both were positions that succeeded Chen Jiao.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Pi said: “Chen Jibi, when facing major matters, displayed outstanding wisdom and strategy. He can truly be said to be a hero of the time.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Chen, Xu, Wei, and Lu long occupied these positions. Jiao and Xuan were resolute and outspoken. Zhen and Yu provided regulations and clear principles. None failed in their duties.”
Legacy
Chen Jiao is remembered as a key official who served three generations of Cao rulers.
His eloquence and strict adherence to law are praised.
His uprightness and integrity are also praised.
Timeline
- 2nd century CE: Born in Dongyang, Guangling; originally surnamed Liu; adopted by maternal family; changed surname to Chen; fled to Jiangdong to avoid chaos; Sun Ce and Yuan Shu invited; did not accept; returned to Guangling; Chen Deng Administrator of Guangling invited as Clerk; instructed to go to Xuchang; listened to discussions; reported Chen Deng was considered arrogant; Chen Deng explained his respect for various people; equally famous as Xu Xuan; poor relationship; both valued by Chen Deng
- ?: Guangling besieged by Sun Quan; Chen Deng ordered Chen Jiao to request aid from Cao Cao; Chen Jiao eloquently persuaded Cao Cao; Cao Cao sent aid; Guangling preserved; Chen Deng set ambush; Wu army defeated; recruited by Cao Cao as Clerk in the Chancellor’s Office; appointed Magistrate of Xiang
- 209 CE: Served as Long History to General Who Conquers the South (Cao Ren); garrisoned at Jiangling; Zhou Yu attacked; Niu Jin surrounded; Cao Ren rescued; Chen Jiao praised Cao Ren as heavenly person
- ?: Served as Administrator of Pengcheng, Administrator of Lecheng, Commandant of the Western Section of Wei Commandery; Qushou County resident offered ox as sacrifice; sentenced to death; Chen Jiao pardoned as filial son; promoted to Administrator of Wei Commandery; many lawsuits; thousands imprisoned; verified all crimes; made reasonable judgments
- 214 CE: Cao Cao campaigned west against Ma Chao; Chen Jiao served as Chancellor’s Long History; returned to Wei Commandery; transferred to Clerk in the Western Section of the Chancellor’s Office
- 216 CE: Followed army to campaign against Hanzhong; returned to court; transferred to Gentleman of the Masters of Writing
- 220 CE: Cao Cao died in Luoyang; dukes and ministers wanted to wait for imperial edict; Chen Jiao objected; established Cao Pi as successor using Lady Bian’s order; granted general amnesty; Cao Pi praised; Cao Pi usurped Han; Chen Jiao managed Left Section of the Masters of Writing; enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoling; transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat
- 226 CE: Cao Rui succeeded to throne; Chen Jiao advanced to Marquis of Dongxiang; six hundred households; Cao Rui rode carriage to Masters of Writing; Chen Jiao remonstrated; Cao Rui felt ashamed; returned to palace; Liu Ye slandered; Chen Qian advised; Cao Rui did not make things difficult; Cao Rui asked about Sima Yi; Chen Jiao gave cautious answer
- 237 CE: Transferred to Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; transferred to Minister of Works; died; posthumous Marquis Zhen
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 22, Biography of Huan, Two Chen, Xu, Wei, Lu.