Shen Chong

Life

Early life and career Shen Chong was a member of the Shen clan of Wuxing Commandery. He enjoyed reading military books when he was young, and his townsfolk all considered him a local hero. The Eastern Jin military commander, Wang Dun recruited him as an Army Advisor, later growing to the positions of Dragon-Prancing General and Interior Minister of Xuancheng. Shen Chong recommended his fellow native, Qian Feng, who also became a prominent advisor of Wang Dun. Both Shen and Qian knew about Wang's rebellious intent, often colluding with him in his plans. In 320, Wang petitioned to the court to have Shen Chong replace Gan Zhuo as the Inspector of Xiang province, but the court gave the position to the Prince of Qiao, Sima Zheng instead.

Wang Dun's first insurrection In 322, Wang Dun submitted a petition denouncing Emperor Yuan of Jin's partisan, Liu Wei for his crimes and raised his army against the capital, Jiankang. Shen Chong responded by gathering followers in Wuxing, and he was appointed Grand Commander and Chief Controller of military affairs in eastern Wu Commandery. The local Administrator, Kong Yu (孔愉) fled from Wuxing. Shen Chong then attacked and captured Wu Commandery, killing the Interior Minister, Zhang Mao (張茂). Around the same time, Wang Dun's forces occupied Jiankang and forced Emperor Yuan into submission.

With the court under his control, Wang Dun appointed Shen Chong and Qian Feng as his chief advisors. Shen Chong and his associates were all described as arrogant and cruel, often scheming and killing as they pleased. They expanded their military residences, seized the people's fields and homes, excavated the ancient tombs and plundered the marketplace. The gentry and commoners were divided, and many forewsaw that disaster would befall Wang Dun's group. Wang later appointed Shen as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Interior Minister of Wu.

Wang Dun had ambitions to seize the throne for himself, but he suddenly developed an illness in late 323. As the Interior Minister of Kuaiji, Zhou Zha (son of Zhou Chu), had long been a cause of worry for him, Qian Feng advised Wang Dun that they should strike at the Zhou clan of Yixing. In January or February 324, Wang Dun sent his Army Advisor, He Luan to Wu Commandery to deliver his instructions to Shen Chong. Shen had all of Zhou Zha's nephews in Wu executed before marching to Kuaiji with his troops, killing Zhou Zha in battle.

Wang Dun's second insurrection and death However, Wang Dun's health continued to deteriorated, and he had to delegate command of his forces over to his elder brother, Wang Han. No longer certain of his usurpation, Wang Dun encouraged his staff to save themselves by disbanding their armies and surrendering to the court. Despite his words, Qian Feng insisted on facing the imperial court in a decisive battle, so he secretly made an agreement with Shen Chong to rebel after their commander's death.

Nonetheless, Wang Dun's treasonous plot was leaked by his general, Wen Jiao, which prompted Emperor Ming of Jin to launch a campaign against him. Wang Han suffered a heavy defeat to the imperial forces at Yuecheng (越城; south of present-day Nanjing, Jiangsu), and Wang Dun soon succumbed to his illness. Emperor Ming sent a kinsman of Shen Chong, Shen Zhen (沈楨) to convince him to defect, promising Shen Chong the lofty position of Minister of Work. Shen Chong replied, "The responsibility of the Three Excellencies is heavy for all with eyes to see, how can I accept such a position? The ancients warned against generous rewards and sweet words. Furthermore, when a true man embarks on a venture, he must see it through to the end. Who will dare tolerate me if I change my course halfway through?" He then raised 10,000 troops to march on Jiankang with Wang and others. Before departing, he told his wife and children, "If a man doesn't raise the leopard-tail banner, then he shall not return." The month corresponds to 7 Apr to 6 May 365 in the Julian calendar. was also wanted for execution, but his neighbours used their funds to hide him and spare him from death. Later, as Shen Chong predicted, Shen Jing had Wu Ru and his entire clan killed.