From Humble Beginnings to the First Rebel King

Chen Sheng’s journey from a landless peasant to the self-proclaimed “King of Zhangchu” remains one of history’s most dramatic social upheavals. Born into poverty in Yangcheng, Chen worked as a hired laborer, famously sighing to his fellow workers: “If we become rich and powerful someday, let’s not forget each other!” This phrase would later haunt him.

The spark came in 209 BCE when heavy rains delayed Chen’s conscripted peasant army from reaching their destination—a capital offense under Qin’s draconian laws. Facing certain death, Chen and his companion Wu Guang staged a desperate rebellion in Daze Township, famously declaring: “Are kings and nobles born to their status?” This revolutionary cry resonated across a Qin Empire buckling under forced labor, heavy taxation, and brutal repression.

The Meteoric Rise of the Zhangchu Kingdom

Chen’s rebellion spread like wildfire through the resentful countryside. Within weeks, his ragtag army captured Chen County—a strategic former Chu capital—where advisors persuaded him to declare himself king rather than restore the Chu royal line. The newly proclaimed “Zhangchu” regime attracted:

– Disaffected Qin officials like Zhou Wen, who brought military expertise
– Confucian scholars including Kong Fu (a descendant of Confucius)
– Ambitious opportunists like Zhu Fang and Hu Wu

The rebel court became a chaotic mix of peasant leaders, former aristocrats, and power-seekers. Chen, overwhelmed by governance complexities, delegated authority to questionable ministers while maintaining symbolic leadership.

The Fatal Flaws in Chen’s Revolution

Three critical weaknesses doomed the Zhangchu regime:

1. Strategic Myopia: Chen focused solely on destroying Qin without post-victory plans, rejecting Kong Fu’s proposal to establish a feudal system.

2. Leadership Erosion: Old comrades like Wu Guang grew alienated as Chen adopted imperial airs, executing childhood friends who addressed him familiarly.

3. Structural Fragility: The rebel coalition fractured as regional warlords like Xiang Liang and Tian Rong pursued independent agendas.

A telling incident occurred when Chen’s old peasant friends visited his palace. Amazed by the luxury (“So many things! Chen Sheng’s palace is DEEP!”), their rustic behavior embarrassed courtiers. Chen eventually ordered their execution—a decision that severed his grassroots connections.

The Military Collapse

Chen’s decentralized strategy—sending multiple armies westward simultaneously—proved disastrous:

– Wu Guang’s siege of Xingyang stalled
– Zhou Wen’s force was annihilated at Hangu Pass
– Other commanders declared themselves kings instead of fighting Qin

By winter 209 BCE, Qin general Zhang Han’s rehabilitated convict army counterattacked. After crushing Zhou Wen, Zhang Han besieged Chen’s capital. In a desperate last stand at Chengfu, Chen’s general Zhang He died fighting while Chen fled southward.

Betrayal and Legacy

In early 208 BCE, Chen was murdered by his own charioteer Zhuang Jia, possibly colluding with minister Zhu Fang. The assassins delivered Chen’s head to Qin forces, hoping for rewards.

Yet Chen’s revolution ignited the Qin collapse:
– Xiang Yu and Liu Bang later credited Chen as their inspiration
– Han Dynasty historians recognized him as the rebellion’s pioneer
– His cry “Kings and nobles—are they born to it?” became a lasting Chinese revolutionary slogan

The peasant king’s tragedy lies in his inability to transition from rebel to ruler. Surrounded by opportunists, alienated from his base, and lacking strategic vision, Chen exemplified how revolutions often consume their creators. His brief six-month reign demonstrated both the explosive potential of peasant discontent and the limitations of unrestrained rebellion.