Abstract:

After the failure of Wu Mingche’s Northern Expedition in the 10^th year of Taijian era (578), Emperor Xuan of Chen implemented a reform of the power operation mechanism to cope with internal and external crises. This led to the reconstruction of a new decision-making pattern involving both seigniors and ministers. Chen Shuling was entrusted with significant responsibilities due to his extensive experience in governing local states and counties. He held positions such as the Governor of Yangzhou and the Grand Commander, deeply involving himself in court politics by controlling both the ministry of government affairs and military forces. Emperor Xuan attempted to balance the bureaucratic group by involving the royal family in politics. Nevertheless, his excessive reliance on Chen Shuling eventually led to an imbalance in the power structure. After Emperor Xuan’s death in the 14^th year of the Taijian era (582), Chen Shuling launched a coup when his assassination attempt on the crown prince Chen Shubao failed. This demonstrates the risk of losing control of seigniors due to reform. The Chen Shuling Incident was not only a direct consequence of Emperor Xuan’s reform, but also marked a turning point from decline to downfall of the Chen Dynasty. This incident reflects the internal relationship between the reconstruction of the power operation mechanism and the collapse of the dynasty in the late Southern Dynasties.

Key words: Chen Shuling, Emperor Xuan of Chen, Chen Dynasty, power operation mechanism, reform