Shuyuan Chen

Shuyuan Chen (5th century – September 19, 466), personal name unknown, was a concubine consort of Emperor Xiaowu of Song; as mother of rival emperor Liu Zixun, she was presumably honored as empress dowager before her execution upon the fall of Zixun.

As imperial consort

As a concubine consort of Emperor Xiaowu, Chen carried the second rank of Shuyuan. In 456, she bore Emperor Xiaowu his third son Liu Zixun. Neither she nor her son was favored by Emperor Xiaowu.

As princess dowager

In 464 when Emperor Xiaowu died, with Zixun having been created Prince of Jin'an and appointed governor of Jiang Province, Shuyuan Chen was created Princess Dowager of Jin'an and sent to live with her son.

As empress dowager

In January 466, Liu Ziye successor of Emperor Xiaowu was killed, and his uncle Liu Yu, Prince of Xiangdong succeeded as Emperor Ming of Liu Song; he forced Liu Zishang, Prince of Yuzhang and second son of Emperor Xiaowu, to commit [...], making Zixun the eldest living son of Emperor Xiaowu. Later in 466, local officials led by Deng Wan, chief of staff of Zixun, supported Zixun as a rival emperor. Shuyuan Chen was presumably honored as empress dowager, although it was not clearly recorded.

Initially, Zixun received support from most states and counties, but was suppressed seven months later; both Zixun and Empress Dowager Chen were executed by Shen Youzhi, a general of Emperor Ming, upon the sack of Xunyang capital of Jiang Province.