Chen Jinfeng facts for kids

Chen Jinfeng (陳金鳳) (893 – 17 November 935) was an important figure in ancient China. She became the Empress of the Min state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. This was a time when China was divided into many smaller kingdoms.

Chen Jinfeng was the third known wife of Wang Yanjun. He was a ruler of the Min state. Wang Yanjun was the first Min ruler to call himself an emperor. This made Empress Chen the first Empress of Min. Sadly, she was killed in 935 when Wang Yanjun was also assassinated.

Early Life

Chen Jinfeng was born in the year 893. Her mother was Lady Lu. Her father was Chen Yan, who was a governor of the Fujian area. Before Chen Jinfeng was born, her mother dreamed of a special bird called a fenghuang flying into her arms. This bird is a mythical golden phoenix, which is why Chen Jinfeng's name means "golden phoenix."

After her father Chen Yan passed away, her mother lived with Fan Hui. In 893, a general named Wang Shenzhi took control of the area. Fan Hui was killed. Chen Jinfeng, who was just a child, was then cared for by a relative named Chen Kuangsheng. He raised her in his home.

Life as a Concubine

In 909, Wang Shenzhi was now the ruler of the region. He was also known as the Prince of Min. He was looking for women from good families to join his palace. Chen Jinfeng was 16 years old at this time. People said she was very beautiful and a talented dancer.

Wang Shenzhi chose her to be one of his concubines, which was like a royal companion. She was given the title Cairen. She was highly favored, and Wang Shenzhi even built her a special palace near a lake. This way, she could often enjoy the view of the water.

After Wang Shenzhi passed away in 925, his son Wang Yanhan became the ruler. Later, Wang Yanhan was killed by his adoptive brother Wang Yanbing and his biological brother Wang Yanjun. Wang Yanjun then became the new ruler.

Wang Yanjun saw Chen Jinfeng one day and was very impressed by her. He made her his concubine and gave her the title Shufei. He favored her greatly, just as his father had.

Becoming Empress

In 933, Wang Yanjun decided to become an emperor. This meant he took the highest title in the land. In 935, he made Consort Chen his Empress. She became Empress even though he had another wife, Lady Jin.

Empress Chen also helped her relatives. She made Chen Kuangsheng, who had raised her, an official in the palace. Another relative, Chen Shou'en, also became an official.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Emperor Wang Yanjun became very ill. He suffered from strokes. During this time, Empress Chen became very close to some important officials, including Gui Shouming and Li Keyin.

Wang Yanjun's son, Wang Jipeng, was also involved in a close relationship with a lady-in-waiting named Li Chunyan. Wang Jipeng asked Empress Chen for help. Empress Chen spoke to Emperor Wang Yanjun and convinced him to allow Wang Jipeng to be with Li Chunyan.

However, there were growing tensions in the palace. Li Keyin had falsely accused a guard officer named Li Fang. Also, Chen Kuangsheng had been disrespectful to Wang Jipeng. Because of these issues, both Li Fang and Wang Jipeng were unhappy with the situation. They thought that Emperor Wang Yanjun would soon pass away, and Wang Jipeng would become the next emperor.

On November 16, 935, Li Fang sent soldiers to kill Li Keyin. This event shocked everyone in the Min state. The very next day, November 17, Emperor Wang Yanjun felt a little better. Empress Chen told him about Li Keyin's death. The Emperor was very shocked and ordered an investigation.

Fearing what would happen, Li Fang gathered his soldiers and had them enter the palace. The soldiers attacked Emperor Wang Yanjun, severely wounding him. He died shortly after. After this, Li Fang and Wang Jipeng killed Empress Chen, Chen Shou'en, Chen Kuangsheng, Gui Shouming, and Wang Jipeng's younger brother Wang Jitao. Wang Jipeng then became the new emperor.