Chen Zhi 陳祗 Fengzong 奉宗

Contents

Biography

Early life

Chen Zhi was from Runan (in present-day Henan). His courtesy name was Fengzong. He was the great-grandson of Xu Jing’s elder brother. When Chen Zhi was young, he became an orphan and was raised by his great-uncle Xu Jing, the Grand Tutor of Shu Han. By the time he reached adulthood (around age twenty), he had already gained a reputation. He was stern and imposing in appearance, skilled in many arts, and knowledgeable in divination, astrology, and physiognomy. Fei Yi was deeply impressed by his talents.

Service as Palace Attendant

In 246, Dong Yun died. Lü Yi succeeded him as Director of the Masters of Writing, while Chen Zhi was exceptionally promoted by Fei Yi to succeed Dong Yun as Palace Attendant, in charge of palace affairs. From this time, Chen Zhi began to associate closely with the eunuch Huang Hao, and Huang Hao began to interfere in government affairs.

Director of the Masters of Writing

In 251, Lü Yi died. Liu Shan had Chen Zhi act as Director of the Masters of Writing while retaining his position as Palace Attendant, and also granted him the title General Who Guards the Army.

After Fei Yi was assassinated in 253, Jiang Wei was promoted to Grand General and changed Shu Han’s policy from recuperation to frequent northern campaigns. Chen Zhi remained at court to coordinate military supplies and handle court and palace affairs. Although Jiang Wei’s rank was higher than Chen Zhi’s, Jiang Wei was often away leading troops and rarely attended court. Chen Zhi pleased Liu Shan above and befriended eunuchs below, gaining deep favour. His influence at court even exceeded Jiang Wei’s.

Opposition to Qiao Zhou

In 257 (or 258 according to some sources), Qiao Zhou, seeing that Shu Han had launched many campaigns against Wei and that the state’s strength was declining, argued in court that Shu Han should not attack Wei. Chen Zhi strongly opposed this and engaged in a fierce debate with Qiao Zhou. After the debate, Qiao Zhou wrote the “Treatise on an Enemy State” (仇国论).

Death and legacy

Chen Zhi died in 258 (some sources record 259). Liu Shan was deeply grieved and wept whenever he mentioned Chen Zhi. He issued an edict: “Chen Zhi, in his office, took gentleness and harmony as his principles, handled affairs systematically, and promoted harmony and righteousness for all matters. His achievements were fair and brilliant. It is a pity his life was cut short, and I deeply mourn him. ‘If one has a good reputation in life, then add a fine posthumous title in death.’ I grant him the posthumous title Marquis Zhong (忠侯).” Chen Zhi’s son Chen Can was enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes, and his second son Chen Yu was appointed Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.

Character and relationships

Chen Zhi was skilled in various arts and divination, which impressed Fei Yi. After Dong Yun’s death, he succeeded him as Palace Attendant. At court, he flattered the emperor above and worked closely with eunuchs below, gaining great favour.

Pang Tong’s son Pang Hong was straightforward and outspoken, and he looked down on Chen Zhi. Chen Zhi suppressed him, and Pang Hong died while serving as Administrator of Fuling.

After Chen Zhi gained favour, Liu Shan increasingly resented Dong Yun, believing that Dong Yun had looked down on him. This was due to Chen Zhi’s flattery and Huang Hao’s slander.

Historical evaluations

Chen Shou: “Chen Zhi was stern and imposing in appearance. Skilled in many arts and knowledgeable in divination, Fei Yi was deeply impressed by him, so he was exceptionally promoted to succeed Dong Yun as Palace Attendant.” “Chen Zhi pleased the emperor above and associated with eunuchs below, gaining deep favour. His power exceeded Jiang Wei’s.”
Liu Shan: “Chen Zhi, in his office, took gentleness and harmony as his principles, handled affairs systematically, and promoted harmony and righteousness for all matters. His achievements were fair and brilliant.”

References

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 39, Biography of Dong Yun
Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 39, Biography of Qiao Zhou
Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 38, Biography of Xu Jing