| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 陈式, 陳式, Chén Shì |
| Nickname | Shu Han General |
| Other name | Trần Thức |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Langzhong County, Baxi Commandery (巴西郡阆中县; huyện Lãng Trung, quận Ba Tây) |
| Died | 231 |
| Death Reason | Died of natural causes |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Shu Han |
| Battles | Northern Expeditions against Cao Wei, Defense of Shu Han borders |
Biography & Historical Record
Chen Shi (died after 231 AD), was a military officer and general who served under the warlord Liu Bei and later within the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Yiyi, Ba Commandery, Chen Shi joined Liu Bei’s military forces during the regional expansions and campaigns in western China. Known for his active participation in various frontier defense operations and major military actions, he became one of the trusted field commanders under the overall direction of Zhuge Liang during the northern expeditions against Cao Wei.
Throughout his active military career, Chen Shi was involved in several high-stakes operations, including the seizure of Hexi and the defense of strategic mountain routes. However, his military record also includes notable failures, most famously during the fourth northern expedition in 231 AD, where he was tasked with commanding grain transport and forward positions but suffered severe setbacks due to supply failures and operational friction with fellow commanders like Li Yan, leading to heavy strategic consequences for Shu Han.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chen Shi is portrayed as a frontline military general who actively participates in Zhuge Liang’s northern expeditions against Cao Wei. Introduced during the campaigns in western China, Chen Shi often leads vanguard forces or takes charge of strategic outposts and supply routes.
His most notable appearance occurs in Chapter 91 and Chapter 100, where he is assigned to capture fortified positions or manage supply chains. During the fourth northern expedition in Chapter 101, Chen Shi’s tactical missteps and failure to maintain secure supply lines, compounded by the political machinations of Li Yan, force Zhuge Liang to prematurely withdraw his army, marking a crucial turning point in the northern campaigns.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “We must hold this stronghold at all costs to ensure the advancement of our main army!” — Chen Shi issuing orders during frontline defense operations.
Chen Shi (陳式) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Participating in the First Northern Expedition
Chen Shi joins Zhuge Liang’s initial northern expedition against Cao Wei, commanding frontline assault units tasked with capturing strategic commanderies.
The Supply Failure at the Fourth Expedition
During the fourth northern expedition, Chen Shi is responsible for supply management and forward operations, but transport failures and internal friction force a retreat.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Chen Shi on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Served as a field commander under his command during the northern expeditions against Cao Wei.
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị): Served as a military officer under his leadership during the regional expansions in western China.
Enemies
- Li Yan (李严, Lý Nghiêm): A fellow Shu Han official whose operational friction and political machinations regarding supply lines contributed to the failure of the fourth northern expedition in 231 AD.
- Sima Yi (司马懿, Tư Mã Ý): The primary Wei commander who opposed the Shu Han forces during the northern expeditions, including the campaign in 231 AD.
- Cao Wei (曹魏, Tào Ngụy): The rival state whose forces Chen Shi fought against throughout his career in the northern expeditions.
Other
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 71
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức): Chen Shi serves as a Shu commander during the Hanzhong campaign and participates in the fighting against Wei.
Chapter 98
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức): Chen Shi is assigned to the Shu forces operating around Chencang and the northern frontier.
Chapter 100
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức): Chen Shi joins Wei Yan, Zhang Ni, and Du Qiong in the Qigu Valley operation. He disobeys orders by advancing with 5,000 troops, is ambushed and defeated, and is later executed by Zhuge Liang for violating military orders.
In History
Summary
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức) was a Shu Han military commander who served under Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng).
Year: 231 AD
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức) commanded Shu forces during the northern campaigns against Wei and was involved in the loss of Wudu-related positions.
Historical Record
- Chen Shi (陈式, Trần Thức) was a real historical commander, although the surviving record of his career is brief.
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