Chen Gong (simplified: 陈宫, traditional: 陳宮, pinyin: Chén Gōng), courtesy name Gongtai (公台 Gōngtái), was a strategist who first served Cao Cao and then defected to Lü Bu. He and Zhang Miao rebelled in Yan Province while Cao Cao was away attacking Xu Province, and they welcomed Lü Bu into the province. Chen Gong served as Lü Bu’s chief adviser until Cao Cao captured Xiapi in 198; he was then executed alongside Lü Bu.
Biography
Defection from Cao Cao
Chen Gong had served Cao Cao and was left with others to guard Yan Province when Cao Cao campaigned against Tao Qian in Xu Province. He and the Governor of Yan Province, Zhang Miao (張邈), rebelled and invited Lü Bu to take over. Cao Cao lost his base and had to fight a long campaign to recover Yan Province. The exact reasons for Chen Gong’s defection are debated in sources—some emphasise his disapproval of Cao Cao’s harshness.
Service under Lü Bu
Chen Gong became Lü Bu’s chief strategist. He advised Lü Bu on campaigns against Cao Cao and Liu Bei. At Puyang, Lü Bu and Cao Cao fought to a stalemate; later Lü Bu was driven to Xiapi, where Cao Cao besieged him. Chen Gong suggested splitting forces to threaten Cao Cao’s rear, but Lü Bu’s wife worried about leaving the city; Lü Bu did not follow the plan. The siege ended with Lü Bu’s capture and execution. Chen Gong was also taken and, when offered pardon by Cao Cao, refused and was executed.
Legacy
Chen Gong is remembered as the man who turned Yan Province over to Lü Bu and as Lü Bu’s most capable adviser. His defection was a major setback for Cao Cao and prolonged the conflict in the Central Plain. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms gives him a prominent role in Lü Bu’s story.