19 Facts About Chen Yuanda

Chen Yuanda was an influential figure within the Han court, most known for his fierce remonstrations against the emperor, Liu Cong and his decadent lifestyle.

Chen Yuanda was born into the Rear Division of the Southern Xiongnu.

Chen Yuanda took a liking for reciting books and worked on the farms to sustain himself.

Chen Yuanda was knowledgeable, but was never received an invitation to serve from anyone of note until he reached the age of 40.

Liu Yuan was delighted that Chen Yuanda had joined him, but wished that he had done earlier.

Liu Yuan told him that had he came earlier, Chen Yuanda would have had a higher position than what he had now.

Under Liu Yuan, Chen Yuanda was a described as a loyal and trusted minister.

Chen Yuanda often gave advice to Liu Yuan and submitted private petitions that not even Liu Yuan's children knew its content.

Between 304 and 313, Chen Yuanda grew to the position of Minister of Justice.

Chen Yuanda reprimanded Liu Cong for this, as Cong had already carried out many projects in the past.

Liu Cong was insulted by Chen Yuanda's rebuking, and ordered him to be executed.

Chen Yuanda was being led under the trees of the court's garden when somehow, Yuanda managed to chain himself to one of the trees with the chains around his hands.

The attendants tried to free him, but Chen Yuanda refused to let them do so.

Chen Yuanda argued with him, telling him that it was against tradition to have more than one empress.

Later, Jin Yueguang was caught committing an immoral act, so Chen Yuanda sent a petition to Liu Cong in regard to it and forced him to depose her.

Cong was distraught by her death, and blamed Chen Yuanda for causing it.

However, Liu Cong's trust in Wang Chen Yuanda was entrenched, and Cong dismissed their attempts to win him over again.

Liu Yi's death greatly affected Chen Yuanda, who became depressed as a result.

Shortly after his friend's passing, Chen Yuanda returned to his home, where he committed suicide.