A Family Debate That Shaped Chinese History
The anecdote begins with two grandsons of Chen Shi (known as Grand Tutor Chen of Taiqiu) debating their fathers’ merits. Chen Qun (styled Changwen), son of Chen Ji (styled Yuanfang), and Chen Zhong (styled Xiaoxian), son of Chen Chen (styled Jifang), could not determine whose father was more accomplished. They sought their grandfather’s wisdom, to which Chen Shi famously replied: “Yuanfang finds it difficult to be the elder brother; Jifang finds it difficult to be the younger brother.” This profound statement acknowledged both sons’ equal excellence while subtly highlighting the burdens of their respective positions.
This seemingly simple family moment encapsulates the extraordinary legacy of the Yingchuan Chen clan, one of the most influential families during the late Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms period. Their story reveals how moral virtue, political acumen, and educational values shaped one of China’s most remarkable dynasties.
Humble Origins and the Rise of Chen Shi
The Chen family’s prominence began with Chen Shi, who rose from humble beginnings in Yingchuan Commandery—a region known for its concentration of powerful aristocratic families. Despite lacking noble ancestry, Chen Shi’s reputation grew through his diligence, humility, and sense of responsibility.
One defining episode illustrates his character: When the powerful eunuch Hou Lan pressured the local governor to appoint an unworthy candidate, Chen Shi took the blame upon himself rather than embarrass his superior. He quietly arranged the appointment while shielding the governor from criticism, enduring public scorn until the truth later emerged. This act of self-sacrifice earned him widespread admiration and demonstrated his political shrewdness.
The Governance of a Moral Exemplar
As magistrate of Taiqiu, Chen Shi prioritized ethical governance over strict legalism. Two notable cases from Shishuo Xinyu highlight his approach:
1. The Case of the False Sick Leave
A minor official falsely claimed his mother was ill to obtain leave. Upon discovery, Chen Shi sentenced him to death, arguing that deceiving the state (disloyalty) and dishonoring one’s mother (unfilial conduct) were among the gravest offenses.
2. The Abandoned Newborn vs. the Murder Case
When faced with both a robbery-murder and a case of infant abandonment, Chen Shi prioritized the latter, declaring that familial betrayal was more severe than crimes between strangers.
These decisions reflected Confucian ideals that placed moral instruction above legal technicalities—a philosophy that defined Eastern Han governance.
Navigating the Perils of Factional Politics
Chen Shi’s wisdom extended to surviving the deadly factionalism of the late Han. During the infamous “Partisan Prohibitions,” when scholar-officials were persecuted by eunuchs, Chen Shi voluntarily surrendered to prison, declaring, “If I don’t enter jail, others will have no refuge.” His courage earned him respect even among adversaries.
Remarkably, Chen Shi maintained good relations with both reformist scholars and powerful eunuchs. When the notorious eunuch Zhang Rang’s father died, Chen Shi was the only prominent scholar to attend the funeral—a gesture that later saved many lives during the second wave of persecutions.
The Next Generation: Chen Ji and Chen Chen
Chen Shi’s sons, Chen Ji (Yuanfang) and Chen Chen (Jifang), inherited their father’s reputation. Known collectively with their father as the “Three Lords,” their portraits were displayed across commanderies as moral exemplars.
Chen Ji’s political career intersected with major figures of the Three Kingdoms era:
– He served under the warlord Dong Zhuo but opposed the move to Chang’an.
– As Chancellor of Pingyuan, he worked alongside Liu Bei, who deeply admired his governance principles.
– His son, Chen Qun, would become one of the most influential officials of the Cao Wei state.
Chen Qun: Architect of the Nine-Rank System
Chen Qun’s greatest legacy was the Nine-Rank System, which restructured official appointments by emphasizing family background and reputation over pure merit. This system:
– Consolidated aristocratic power under the Cao Wei regime
– Laid foundations for the later dominance of elite families in the Jin dynasty
– Reflected the Chen family’s ability to adapt institutions to political realities
Despite his pivotal role in Cao Pi’s usurpation of the Han throne, Chen Qun maintained a carefully crafted image of loyalty—publicly mourning the fallen dynasty while privately advancing the new regime.
The Breaking Point: Chen Tai’s Defiance
The family’s political trajectory took a dramatic turn with Chen Tai (Chen Qun’s son). During the crisis following Emperor Cao Mao’s assassination by Sima Zhao’s forces, Chen Tai boldly demanded the execution of the perpetrator, Jia Chong. When Sima Zhao suggested punishing a subordinate instead, Chen Tai retorted: “I only see those above [who should be punished], not those below.”
This act of defiance marked the end of the Chen family’s political ascent. Though they retained noble status, their influence waned under the Jin dynasty.
Legacy of the Yingchuan Chen Clan
The Chen family’s three-century journey reveals key insights about late Han and Three Kingdoms politics:
1. Moral Capital as Political Currency
Their reputation for virtue provided protection during turbulent times.
2. The Art of Strategic Alignment
They mastered the delicate balance between principle and survival.
3. The Evolution of Elite Power
From Chen Shi’s humble rise to Chen Qun’s systemic reforms, they shaped aristocratic dominance.
The phrase “difficult to be elder brother, difficult to be younger brother” (难兄难弟) endures in Chinese as a testament to their legacy—a reminder that excellence brings its own challenges, and that even the most illustrious families must navigate the shifting tides of history.