Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Chen Su (陈肃, 陳肅, Trần Túc; c. 190s–?) was a nobleman of Cao Wei and the eldest son and biological heir of Chen Deng (陈登), the legendary grand strategist and governor of Guangling who twice annihilated Sun Ce’s invading armies.
Following Chen Deng’s untimely death at age thirty-nine, Cao Cao perpetually lamented that he had not heeded Chen Deng’s strategic counsel to annex Jiangdong earlier. When Cao Pi ascended the throne in 220 AD, he formally recalled Chen Deng’s magnificent achievements in destroying Lu Bu and guarding the Huai River frontier, appointing Chen Su as a court official and enfeoffing him as Marquis of Jiaohuai Ting (谯怀亭侯).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Legacy of Chen Deng: In literary traditions, Chen Su (陈肃) carries forward the illustrious scholarly lineage of Chen Deng and Chen Gui whose wisdom saved Xu Province from warlord chaos.
Chen Su (陈肃) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Birth in Xiapi
Born to strategist Chen Deng during the defense of Xu Province.
Enfeoffed as Marquis
Enfeoffed as Marquis of Jiaohuai Ting by Emperor Wen Cao Pi.
See historical sources cited below.
Key Relationships
Family
In Historical Accounts
- Sanguozhi (三国志): Volume 22 (Biography of Chen Deng): “Emperor Wen recalled Deng’s ancestral merit, appointed his son Su as a Gentleman of the Palace, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Jiaohuai Ting.”
In History
Summary
- Chen Su (陈肃, Trần Túc) was the son and heir of Chen Deng who was enfeoffed as a Marquis in Cao Wei.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi Volume 22 (Wei Shu 22, Biography of Chen Deng).