Biography
Early life
Chen Qun was born in Xuchang, Yingchuan (present-day east of Xuchang, Henan).
His courtesy name was Changwen.
He was from the prestigious Yingchuan Chen clan.
His grandfather was Chen Shi, Magistrate of Taichang.
His father was Chen Ji, Grand Herald.
His uncle was Chen Chen, Clerk in the Minister over the Masses’ Office.
When Chen Qun was still a child, Chen Shi often believed this child was extraordinary.
He said to the village elders: “This child will certainly prosper our clan.”
Friendship with Kong Rong
Kong Rong of Lu State had always had great talent and a proud personality.
His age was approximately between Chen Ji and Chen Qun, father and son.
He therefore first became friends with Chen Ji.
He later also became friends with Chen Qun.
He became famous because of this.
Chen Qun once discussed with Kong Rong the strengths and weaknesses of people between Ru and Ying.
Chen Qun said: “Xun Wenruo, Xun Gongda, Xun Xiuruo, Xun Youruo, and Xun Zhongyu are unmatched in the present age.”
This shows that the two often discussed and evaluated people.
They were very close.
Service under Liu Bei
In 194 CE, the first year of Xingping, Liu Bei was Inspector of Yu Province at that time.
He appointed Chen Qun as Biejia.
At that time, Tao Qian, Inspector of Xuzhou, died of illness.
Xuzhou welcomed Liu Bei to succeed him.
Liu Bei was about to go.
Chen Qun said to Liu Bei: “Yuan Shu’s strength is still very great. If we advance east to Xuzhou now, we will certainly fight with Yuan Shu. If Lü Bu takes the opportunity to attack our rear, then even if the general obtains Xuzhou, the matter will certainly not have a perfect conclusion.”
Liu Bei did not listen.
He insisted on advancing east to Xuzhou.
He fought with Yuan Shu.
As a result, Lü Bu indeed attacked Xiapi.
He also sent troops to assist Yuan Shu.
He finally greatly defeated Liu Bei’s army.
Liu Bei then regretted not listening to Chen Qun’s advice.
Later service
Later, Chen Qun was recommended as Maocai.
He was appointed Magistrate of Zhe.
He did not take office.
He followed his father Chen Ji to Xuzhou to take refuge.
Service under Cao Cao
In 198 CE, the third year of Jian’an, Lü Bu was defeated by Cao Cao.
Chen Qun and his father were also in Lü Bu’s army.
When they saw Cao Cao, they all came out and bowed.
Cao Cao had long heard of his name.
He therefore appointed Chen Qun as Clerk in the Western Section of the Minister over the Masses’ Office.
Ability to recognize people
At that time, someone recommended Wang Mo of Le’an and Zhou Kui of Xiapi to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao summoned and employed both.
Chen Qun strongly said to Cao Cao that this was not possible.
He believed that Wang Mo and Zhou Kui had corrupt virtue and poor conduct.
They would certainly cause trouble in the end.
Cao Cao did not listen.
As a result, Wang and Zhou indeed committed crimes and were executed.
Cao Cao then believed Chen Qun’s words.
He admitted his mistake to Chen Qun.
Chen Qun therefore recommended Chen Jiao of Guangling and Dai Gan of Danyang.
Cao Cao employed both.
Later, when Eastern Wu rebelled, Dai Gan died loyally in the rebellion.
Chen Jiao became a famous minister.
Therefore, everyone recognized Chen Qun’s ability to recognize people.
Service as magistrate
Since Liu Bei rebelled, the southeast had many changes.
Cao Cao therefore appointed Chen Qun as Magistrate of Cuo.
He appointed He Kui as Magistrate of Chengfu.
He used famous scholars to pacify the various counties.
This made the officials and people stable.
He also served as Magistrate of Xiao, Magistrate of Zan, and Magistrate of Changping.
Death of Chen Ji
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, Chen Ji died.
Chen Qun therefore resigned from office.
He later served as Clerk in the Minister over the Masses’ Office.
He was recommended as high rank.
He served as Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary.
He transferred to Army Adviser.
Discussion about corporal punishment
In 213 CE, the eighteenth year of Jian’an, after the Dukedom of Wei was established, Chen Qun transferred to Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary.
At that time, Cao Cao was discussing whether to restore corporal punishment.
He therefore issued an order: “How can we have a gentleman who reaches ancient and modern times and understands change to help me decide this matter? In the past, Grand Herald Chen (referring to Chen Qun’s father Chen Ji) believed that the death penalty could be used with benevolence. This is exactly what this matter is about. Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary (referring to Chen Qun), can you explain your father’s theory?”
Chen Qun said: “My father believed that the Han dynasty abolished corporal punishment and increased whipping and caning. The original intention was out of benevolence and compassion. They wanted to lighten the punishment of criminals. However, they did not expect that more and more people would die. This is what is called nominally lightening but actually increasing. Because the punishment was nominally lightened, the common people easily ignored it and committed crimes. This actually increased the punishment. The common people also suffered more easily. The Book of Documents says: ‘Only by being reverent and careful with the five punishments can we cultivate the three virtues.’ The Book of Changes also records punishments of cutting off the nose, cutting off the feet, and cutting off the toes. These are all used to assist government teaching and punish evil. Moreover, killing in return for killing also conforms to ancient systems. For criminals who injure people or destroy others’ bodies, only shaving the hair and putting them in a collar to work as labourers does not conform to reason. If we use ancient punishments, making adulterers receive castration and then putting the criminals in a silkworm chamber, and making thieves receive foot amputation, then adultery and theft will never happen again. It is said that there were more than three thousand types of crimes applicable to the five punishments in ancient times. Although we cannot restore all of them, punishments like putting adulterers in a silkworm chamber and cutting off thieves’ feet should be implemented first because adultery and theft are common disasters at present. According to Han law, criminals who commit extremely serious crimes should be beheaded. This cannot consider so-called benevolence and righteousness. However, for other criminals who just reach the death penalty and can be killed or not killed, corporal punishment can be applied. In this way, the punishment received and the crime committed can offset each other. Now, using whipping and caning to execute criminals instead of corporal punishment really only values people’s limbs and despises people’s lives.”
Zhong Yao also agreed with Chen Qun’s discussion.
However, Wang Lang and others mostly believed that corporal punishment should not be restored.
Cao Cao deeply agreed with Zhong and Chen’s views.
However, because warfare was continuous and he considered everyone’s discussions, he temporarily set this matter aside.
Service as Palace Attendant
Later, Chen Qun transferred to Palace Attendant.
He concurrently led Clerk in the Eastern and Western Sections of the Chancellor’s Office.
Chen Qun’s character was that in court, he treated people without favouritism or prejudice.
He valued elegance and upheld names and righteousness.
He would not flatter people and violate morality.
The Wei Feng incident
In 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, when Wei Feng plotted rebellion, Liu Wei, younger brother of Liu Yi, Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, was lured by Wei Feng to join.
According to the crime, Liu Yi should also be executed.
Chen Qun therefore remonstrated with Cao Cao.
Cao Cao also said: “Liu Yi is a famous minister. My original intention also wants to pardon him.”
He therefore only transferred his office.
Liu Yi therefore deeply felt Chen Qun’s virtue.
However, Chen Qun believed: “Discussing how to determine punishment is for the state, not for private purposes. Moreover, the decision to pardon you originally came from the wise ruler. How could I know?”
Chen Qun had a broad mind.
He never acted arrogantly.
He was always like this.
Advising Cao Cao to accept the throne
In the same year, in the tenth month, Sun Quan memorialized submitting as a subject.
He spoke of the Mandate of Heaven.
Cao Cao showed Sun Quan’s letter to outsiders and said: “This kid wants to put me on a fire!”
Chen Qun therefore memorialized together with Huan Jie, Director of the Imperial Secretariat: “Since Emperor An of Han, government has left the public house. The state’s succession has been cut off several times. Up to now, there is only a name. Not a single foot of land or a single person belongs to Han. The period and fortune have long been exhausted. The calendar has long ended. This is not only today. Therefore, during the Huan and Ling eras, those who understood charts and prophecies all said, ‘Han’s qi is exhausted. The Yellow family should rise.’ Your Highness responds to the period. You have nine-tenths of the realm. You serve Han. The masses look up with hope. Far and near sigh with resentment. Therefore, Sun Quan submits as a subject from afar. This is the response of Heaven and man. Different qi speak in unison. I, your servant, foolishly believe that Yu and Xia did not use humble words. Yin and Zhou did not begrudge execution and exile. Fearing Heaven and knowing fate, there is nothing to yield.”
Creating the Nine-rank system
In 220 CE, the first year of Yan Kang, after Cao Pi succeeded to the kingship, he enfeoffed Chen Qun as Marquis of Changwu.
He transferred him to Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
During this time, Chen Qun established the Nine-rank system for selecting officials.
This became a famous system in history.
In the same year, Cao Pi became emperor.
Chen Qun was transferred to Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
He was added Palace Attendant.
He was transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
He was advanced to Marquis of Yingxiang.
Remonstrating about enfeoffing Empress Bian’s parents
During the Huangchu era, Cao Pi intended to posthumously enfeoff Empress Bian’s parents.
Chen Qun memorialized: “Your Majesty responds to the Mandate with sagely virtue. You create enterprise and reform systems. You should be a model for future generations to follow. According to the documents in the classics, there has never been a system where women can divide land and confer titles. In the ritual classics, women follow their husbands’ titles. Qin violated ancient law. However, Han followed ancient examples. This is not the former kings’ established classics.”
Cao Pi suddenly understood.
He said: “This discussion is very good. Since this is so, do not implement it. Use this as an edict and store it in the court archives. Make it a model for future generations.”
Correspondence with Zhuge Liang
In 222 CE, the third year of Huangchu, after Liu Ba died, Chen Qun sent a letter to Zhuge Liang, Chancellor.
He asked about Liu Ba’s news.
He called him “Gentleman Liu Zichu.”
He showed great respect.
Recommending Bao Xun
In 223 CE, the fourth year of Huangchu, Chen Qun, together with Sima Yi, Deputy Director, jointly recommended Bao Xun of Taishan as Palace Rectifier.
In the same year, Chen Qun, together with Hua Xin, Minister over the Masses, Wang Lang, Minister of Works, Xu Zhi, Director of the Grand Astrologer, and Zhuge Zhang, Gentleman Usher, separately wrote letters to Zhuge Liang, Chancellor of Shu.
They explained the Mandate of Heaven and human affairs to him.
They hoped that Shu Han would submit as a vassal state.
However, this was in vain.
Service as Leader of the Central Army
In 225 CE, the sixth year of Huangchu, Cao Pi personally campaigned against Sun Quan.
The army reached Guangling.
He had Chen Qun lead the Central Army.
Service as General Who Guards the Army
In 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu, Cao Pi returned with his army to Shouchun.
He had Chen Qun act with imperial credentials and command the water army.
After Cao Pi returned to Xuchang, he appointed Chen Qun as General Who Guards the Army.
He concurrently led the Central Army.
He supervised the affairs of the Masters of Writing.
The Bao Xun case
Bao Xun was Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary at that time.
Because he repeatedly remonstrated face-to-face with Cao Pi, he angered Cao Pi.
He later also protected Sun Yong, Administrator of Chenliu Commandery, at the Chenliu Commandery border.
He was arrested and handed over to the Court of Judicial Review.
He was sentenced to death.
Chen Qun therefore memorialized together with Zhong Yao, Grand Commandant, Hua Xin, Minister over the Masses, Xin Pi, Palace Attendant, Wei Zhen, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Gao Rou, Acting Court of Judicial Review.
They jointly memorialized: “Bao Xun’s father Bao Xin once had merit for Grand Ancestor Cao Cao.”
They requested to pardon Bao Xun’s death sentence.
Cao Pi did not approve.
He still executed Bao Xun.
Receiving the regency
On the bing-chen day of the fifth month, Cao Pi became very ill and was in danger.
Chen Qun, together with Cao Zhen and Sima Yi, received the regency edict.
Service under Cao Rui
After Cao Rui, Crown Prince, succeeded to the throne, Chen Qun was advanced to Marquis of Yingyin.
His fief was increased by five hundred households.
Together with the previous, it was one thousand three hundred households.
He, together with Cao Xiu, General Who Conquers the East, Cao Zhen, General of the Central Army, and Sima Yi, General Who Comforts the Army, all opened their own offices.
In the twelfth month, Chen Qun was again promoted to Minister over the Masses.
He therefore supervised the affairs of the Masters of Writing.
Remonstrating about governance
At that time, Cao Rui had just begun to govern.
Chen Qun therefore memorialized: “The Book of Songs says, ‘Follow King Wen’s example, and all states will trust.’ It also says, ‘Set an example for your wife, extend it to your brothers, and govern your family and state.’ These all speak of the importance of following the example of former worthies and setting an example oneself. The implementation of virtue and the spread of teaching must start from nearby and extend far. Only then can they finally spread throughout the realm. Since Emperor Ling died and Dong Zhuo entered the capital, the realm has been in great chaos. Warfare has not stopped. The common people do not understand the original intention of the former kings’ teaching. I am afraid that the king’s teaching has already greatly declined. Your Majesty should now inherit Wei’s prosperity and shoulder the foundation created by Grand Ancestor and High Ancestor. Now everyone in the realm looks forward to a good political situation. As long as we can revere virtuous governance, spread benevolent transformation, and care for the common people, the people will be happy. Moreover, when ministers echo each other, follow voices, confuse right and wrong, and protect each other, this is a great disaster for the state. If ministers are not harmonious with each other, opposing factions will be produced. If there are opposing factions, the evaluation of civil and military officials’ good and bad will lose standards and basis. If the evaluation of good and bad has no fundamental standards and objective basis, good and bad will be confused. True and false will be difficult to distinguish. Your Majesty cannot but deeply guard against this phenomenon. Take timely measures to eliminate future troubles.”
Recommending talented people
When Chen Qun served as Minister over the Masses, he was able to employ the worthy and use the capable.
Chen Qun valued Xun Yi, his wife’s younger brother.
He considered him extraordinary.
He also appointed Fu Gu of Beidi as Clerk.
He also once memorialized recommending Guan Ning, a recluse of the present age: “I, your servant, have heard that kings promote good deeds to eliminate evil. Therefore, Tang promoted Yi Yin and made the unrighteous distant. This is the reason for implementing virtuous governance. I humbly see Guan Ning of Beihai, a gentleman who was summoned but did not come. His virtue is a model for the world. His learning is sufficient to be a teacher. His integrity and frugality are sufficient to wash away filth. His firmness and uprightness are sufficient to correct current evils. Although he was previously summoned, the ceremony was not yet complete. In the past, Xun Shuang, Minister over the Masses, was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness at home. The former scholar Zheng Xuan was immediately appointed Minister of Agriculture. If the ceremony is complete, we can certainly invite him to come out. If he comes to the western hall and sits and discusses the Way, he will certainly be able to illuminate ancient and modern times and benefit moral teaching.”
Discussion about people
Chen Qun also did not forget to discuss and evaluate people.
He once discussed with Cui Lin about people from Jizhou.
Lin said that Jizhou should take Cui Yan as first.
Chen Qun used “wisdom does not preserve the body” to belittle him.
However, he was refuted by Cui Lin: “A great man acts only by chance. Even if there are a few like you, is this enough to be valuable?”
Remonstrating against campaigning against Shu
In 230 CE, the fourth year of Taihe, Cao Zhen, Grand General, memorialized wanting to raise troops and campaign against Shu in several routes.
They would enter from Xiegu.
Chen Qun believed that when Cao Cao went to Yangping to attack Zhang Lu in the past, he had already collected much beans and wheat to increase military grain.
However, Zhang Lu was not yet captured and military grain was still lacking.
Now there was no other reason.
Moreover, Xiegu was dangerous and difficult.
It was difficult to advance and retreat.
Transporting grain would certainly be intercepted.
However, if they left troops to guard important places, it would exhaust the soldiers.
These were all matters that could not but be carefully considered.
Cao Rui therefore followed Chen Qun’s discussion.
Soon after, Cao Zhen again memorialized wanting to campaign from Ziwu Route.
Chen Qun again explained the inconveniences.
He also spoke of military expenditure calculations.
Cao Rui therefore issued an edict to Cao Zhen based on Chen Qun’s discussion.
At that time, there was continuous heavy rain.
Chen Qun again believed that they should issue an edict ordering Cao Zhen to return with his army.
Cao Rui followed this.
Discussion about Zhang He’s death
In 231 CE, the fifth year of Taihe, Zhuge Liang attacked Mount Qi.
He did not succeed and withdrew.
General Zhang He deeply pursued his army.
He was hit by a stray arrow.
He died at Mumen.
Cao Rui greatly regretted Zhang He’s death.
He sighed at court: “Shu has not yet been pacified, but Zhang He has died. What should we do?”
Chen Qun said: “Zhang He is indeed a good general. He is the state’s reliance.”
However, Xin Pi, Commandant of the Guards, believed that although Zhang He was regrettable, he was already dead.
They should not show weakness.
He therefore said to Chen Qun: “Duke Chen, what kind of words are these? At the end of Jian’an, the realm could not be without Emperor Wu (Cao Cao) for one day. Later, he entrusted the state to Emperor Wen (Cao Pi). Emperor Wen received the Mandate. During the Huangchu era, it was also said that the realm could not be without Emperor Wen. When he abandoned the realm, Your Majesty also rose like a dragon. Now, what the state lacks is certainly not Zhang He.”
Chen Qun said: “It is indeed as Xin Pi says.”
Cao Rui laughed and said: “Duke Chen can be said to be good at changing.”
Remonstrating about Princess Cao Shu’s funeral
In 232 CE, the sixth year of Taihe, Cao Rui’s beloved daughter Cao Shu died.
She was posthumously titled Princess Yi of Pingyuan.
Chen Qun memorialized: “The length of human life is determined by fate. Life and death have their own fixed share. Therefore, when sages established rituals, they either had limits or fully manifested them to seek fairness and conform to the Way of Heaven. Confucius’s parents’ joint burial mound was not repaired or decorated. It was very simple. Yanling Jizi’s eldest son died on the way back from Qi. He was buried between Ying County and Bocheng. There was a soul that did not return. Therefore, it is said that sages’ every action conforms to the Way of Heaven and Earth. Therefore, they can be passed down for a thousand years. Greatly virtuous people’s every action cannot exceed the law. Therefore, they become teachers for ten thousand generations. The princess died at only eight years old. Therefore, according to ritual, she does not yet qualify for a grand funeral. Moreover, it is not the anniversary or full month. If we use adult rituals to bury her and make more mourning clothes, making all civil and military officials wear them, and cry and mourn day and night, this has never happened since ancient times. Moreover, I have heard that Your Majesty will personally inspect the mausoleum and personally offer sacrifices on the road in the court and lift the coffin onto the carriage. I hope Your Majesty can suppress and abandon these harmful and unbeneficial matters. All funeral matters should be arranged by the ministers. You do not need to personally attend. This is the state’s greatest hope. I have heard that Your Majesty’s carriage will go to Mobei. Actually, it will go to Xuchang. You and the upper and lower people in the Empress Dowager’s palace all follow east together. The large and small officials in the court are all surprised. Some say you want to go east to avoid disaster. Some say you plan to find a suitable place to move and build a palace. Some do not know what you want to do. I, your servant, believe that good and bad fortune have fate. Disaster and fortune have people. Even if we move to seek safety, there will be no benefit. If you must move to avoid, then properly repair Jincheng in the northwest of the capital or the separate palace at Mengjin. Both can temporarily stay. This can also avoid the upper and lower people of the Western Palace sleeping in the open and delaying spring farming and busy farming. Moreover, if the enemies of Eastern Wu and Shu hear the news that you are going east, they will believe that you are taking defeat yourself. They will therefore strengthen their attacks and harassment against Wei. Then our troubles will be too many to count. Moreover, good scholars and worthies should be able to bear prosperity and decline, face safety and danger, uphold the Way and righteousness, and firmly believe in the Mandate of Heaven. They do not move their families to seek safety. People around them will also be influenced and transformed by them. They will eliminate fear. How much more is Your Majesty the lord of ten thousand states? When you are calm, the realm is stable. When you are restless, the realm will be chaotic. Your every action, how can it be slightly careless?”
Cao Rui did not listen.
Remonstrating about palace construction
In 235 CE, the third year of Qinglong, the court was constructing palaces.
The common people therefore lost all their farming time and benefits.
Chen Qun memorialized: “Yu the Great inherited the prosperous age of Tang and Yu. However, he still did not value constructing palaces. He hated luxurious clothes. How much more is the present? Since Emperor Ling died, the realm has been in great chaos. The common people who remain are few. Compared to the time of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing of Han, the present population does not exceed one large commandery of that time. Moreover, there are frequent border wars. The generals and soldiers are toiling. If we encounter drought and flood disasters again, the state’s worries will be deep. Moreover, Wu and Shu have not yet been eliminated. The state is still unstable. We should take advantage of the fact that they have not yet raised troops to attack. We should strengthen training of the army, encourage farming, make preparations, and wait in strict formation. Now Your Majesty abandons these urgent matters. Instead, you first construct palaces. I, your servant, am afraid that the common people will gradually become exhausted. In the future, what will we use to resist enemy troops? In the past, when Liu Bei came from Chengdu to Baishui, many guest houses were built in the post stations. Many labourers were conscripted and exhausted. Grand Ancestor believed he was exhausting the people. Now, if the Central Plains exhausts labour like this, this is exactly what Wu and Shu hope for. This is a matter related to the state’s safety and danger. I hope Your Majesty will carefully consider this matter.”
Cao Rui replied: “Eliminating Wu and constructing palaces can also be done together and completed together. After Wu and Shu are eliminated, we will stop troops and guard cities. How can we conscript labour again? You are the Minister over the Masses. Like Xiao He, who built Weiyang Palace in the past, you naturally have the responsibility to construct palaces.”
Chen Qun again said: “In the past, Liu Bang, Emperor Gao of Han, only fought for the realm with Xiang Yu. After Xiang Yu was destroyed, the palaces were all burned by fire. Therefore, Xiao He built the armoury and granary. These were all urgently needed facilities. However, when Emperor Gao saw that these buildings were built very magnificently, he was still angry and criticized Xiao He for not building them too luxuriously. Now, Wu and Shu have not yet been pacified. We really should not construct large buildings. If a person wants to do something or wants to obtain something, there is no excuse or explanation that cannot be found. How much more is Your Majesty the Son of Heaven? No one dares to disobey your will. If you previously planned to demolish the armoury, you can say it cannot but be demolished. If you later plan to repair it again, you can say it cannot but be repaired. If you must do something, although Your Majesty’s plan will not yield to your servant’s words, if you can resolutely change your mind, this is also not something your servant’s strength can achieve. In the past, when Emperor Ming of Han wanted to build Deyang Hall, Zhongli Yi strongly remonstrated. Emperor Ming followed his opinion. However, construction still began. After the palace was built, Emperor Ming said to the ministers: ‘If Director Zhongli were still here, this Deyang Hall could not have been built.’ Therefore, it is said, how would an emperor fear a minister? It is actually all for the common people. Now, I, your servant, cannot make Your Majesty pay attention and listen to my opinion. Compared to Zhongli Yi, I am far inferior.”
Cao Rui therefore somewhat reduced it.
Death
On the gui-si day of the twelfth month of 237 CE, the fourth year of Qinglong (7th day of the second month), Chen Qun died.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
His son Chen Tai succeeded to the position.
Cao Rui remembered Chen Qun’s merit and virtue.
He therefore divided Chen Qun’s household fief.
He enfeoffed one son as marquis.
Posthumous honours
In 243 CE, the fourth year of Zhengshi, Chen Qun was honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple.
Personality
Chen Qun was known for his upright and elegant character.
He was known for his ability to recognize people.
He was also known for his integrity and loyalty.
He often secretly memorialized about the court’s gains and losses.
Each time he memorialized, he sealed and hid the matter.
He destroyed the draft documents.
People at that time and his children and grandchildren could not know what he memorialized.
Some people criticized Chen Qun for being silent in his position.
During the Zhengshi era, an edict was issued to compile ministers’ memorials as famous ministers’ memorials and discussions.
Court officials then saw Chen Qun’s remonstrations.
They all greatly sighed.
Military achievements
Chen Qun was primarily a civil official and did not have major military achievements.
However, he did serve as Leader of the Central Army and General Who Guards the Army.
Relationships
With Liu Bei
Chen Qun served under Liu Bei and advised him against going to Xuzhou.
With Cao Cao
Chen Qun served under Cao Cao and helped establish Wei’s legal system.
With Cao Pi
Chen Qun served under Cao Pi and created the Nine-rank system.
With Cao Rui
Chen Qun served under Cao Rui and received the regency.
With Xun Yu
Chen Qun married Xun Yu’s daughter.
With Kong Rong
Chen Qun was friends with Kong Rong and often discussed people with him.
Anecdotes
Chen Shi’s prediction
When Chen Qun was still a child, Chen Shi predicted that he would prosper the clan.
Advising Liu Bei
Chen Qun successfully advised Liu Bei against going to Xuzhou, but Liu Bei did not listen.
Recognizing people
Chen Qun successfully recognized that Wang Mo and Zhou Kui would cause trouble.
He successfully recommended Chen Jiao and Dai Gan.
The Nine-rank system
Chen Qun successfully created the Nine-rank system for selecting officials.
Remonstrating about palace construction
Chen Qun successfully remonstrated with Cao Rui about palace construction.
Achievements
- Successfully created the Nine-rank system for selecting officials
- Successfully helped establish Wei’s legal system
- Successfully recognized talented people
- Successfully remonstrated about various matters
- Known for integrity and loyalty
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Chen Qun’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Huan Jie, Xu Xuan, Wei Zhen, and Lu Yu.
The Nine-rank system
Chen Qun created the Nine-rank system, which became a famous system in Chinese history and was used for selecting officials for centuries.
Secret memorials
Chen Qun often secretly memorialized about the court’s gains and losses.
He destroyed the draft documents so that people would not know what he memorialized.
The Yingchuan Chen clan
Chen Qun was from the prestigious Yingchuan Chen clan, which produced many famous officials.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Chen Shi said: “This child will certainly prosper our clan.”
Cao Zhi said: “Treating subordinates with courtesy, then the masses’ hearts will not be separated. Advancing and speaking good strategies, then the masses’ discussions will not be blocked. The one with the most pure virtue is Minister over the Masses Chen.”
Cao Rui said: “Duke Chen can be said to be good at changing.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Chen Qun acted according to names and righteousness. He had the reputation of a clear stream and elegant prestige. Chen Tai was broad and simple. He was able to continue the foundation. Wei’s affairs were unified in the court. They valued the interior and despised the exterior. Therefore, the eight Directors of the Imperial Secretariat were the positions of the ancient Six Ministers. 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 Qun is remembered as a key official who created the Nine-rank system and helped establish Wei’s legal system.
His integrity and loyalty are praised.
His ability to recognize people is also praised.
Timeline
- Unknown: Born in Xuchang, Yingchuan
- ?: Became friends with Kong Rong; discussed people with him
- 194 CE: Served as Biejia under Liu Bei; advised Liu Bei against going to Xuzhou; Liu Bei did not listen; Lü Bu attacked; Liu Bei defeated
- ?: Recommended as Maocai; appointed Magistrate of Zhe; did not take office; followed father to Xuzhou
- 198 CE: Joined Cao Cao; appointed Clerk in the Western Section of the Minister over the Masses’ Office; recognized that Wang Mo and Zhou Kui would cause trouble; recommended Chen Jiao and Dai Gan
- ?: Served as Magistrate of Cuo, Magistrate of Xiao, Magistrate of Zan, and Magistrate of Changping
- 199 CE: Father Chen Ji died; resigned from office; served as Clerk in the Minister over the Masses’ Office; appointed Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary; transferred to Army Adviser
- 213 CE: Transferred to Palace Attendant Imperial Secretary; discussed corporal punishment with Cao Cao
- ?: Transferred to Palace Attendant; concurrently led Clerk in the Eastern and Western Sections of the Chancellor’s Office
- 219 CE: Remonstrated about Liu Yi’s case; memorialized together with Huan Jie about Cao Cao accepting the throne
- 220 CE: Enfeoffed as Marquis of Changwu; transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat; created Nine-rank system; Cao Pi became emperor; transferred to Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat; added Palace Attendant; transferred to Director of the Imperial Secretariat; advanced to Marquis of Yingxiang
- ?: Remonstrated about enfeoffing Empress Bian’s parents
- 222 CE: Sent letter to Zhuge Liang asking about Liu Ba
- 223 CE: Recommended Bao Xun together with Sima Yi; wrote letter to Zhuge Liang together with others
- 225 CE: Led Central Army during Cao Pi’s campaign against Wu
- 226 CE: Acted with imperial credentials and commanded water army; appointed General Who Guards the Army; concurrently led Central Army; supervised affairs of Masters of Writing; memorialized together with others about Bao Xun; received regency edict
- 226 CE: Advanced to Marquis of Yingyin; fief one thousand three hundred households; promoted to Minister over the Masses; supervised affairs of Masters of Writing; memorialized about governance; recommended Guan Ning
- 230 CE: Remonstrated against Cao Zhen’s campaign against Shu; Cao Rui followed
- 231 CE: Discussed Zhang He’s death with Xin Pi
- 232 CE: Remonstrated about Princess Cao Shu’s funeral; Cao Rui did not listen
- 235 CE: Remonstrated about palace construction; Cao Rui somewhat reduced it
- 237 CE: Died; posthumous Marquis Jing
- 243 CE: Honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 22, Biography of Huan, Two Chen, Xu, Wei, Lu.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.