Chen Shi

Chen Shi  is a Shu officer and the supposed father of Chen Shou, author of the Record of the Three Kingdoms. He is known for being taken prisoner at Mt. Ding Jun by Wei and was exchanged for his safe return.

Historical Information
In 218, he participated in Liu Bei's campaign to conquer Hanzhong and was sent to barricade Mamingge (馬鳴閣). Chen Shi was attacked and defeated by Xu Huang. In 229, he continued to participate in the Northern Campaigns and was enumerated for his services and valor. He marched with Zhuge Liang against Guo Huai's army but suffered defeat. It is said that Chen Shi retreated to the west and no other records exist for him.

The Book of Jin and Chen Shou's records make no mention of Chen Shi's relation to Chen Shou. These sources instead mention his father to be an unnamed officer who served Ma Su. When his master was punished, his father was similarly disgraced and patronized. One source mentions that he was forced to shave his hair and another says that he was subjected to castration. Rumors of Chen Shi's relation to the author is believed to have began when the chronicles were being compiled. However, the full truth behind the matter of their relation is unknown.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
During the Hanzong campaign, he was one of Huang Zhong's vassals. He fought Wei's army but was captured. Simultaneously, Shu captured Xiahou Yuan's nephew, Xiahou Shang. Both parties had a temporary ceasefire and called to exchange their respective hostages. On the third northern campaign, he fails in his pursuit of the Wei army and tries to lay blame for the disaster on Wei Yan. Zhuge Liang was unconvinced of his deception and angrily had him executed.