Chen Shuozhen Rebellion Case

In 653 AD, during Emperor Gaozong's reign, Chen Shuozhen, a woman from Muzhou (modern-day Chun'an, Zhejiang), launched a rebellion with her brother-in-law Zhang Shuyin. Claiming to be the "Emperor Wenjia," she rallied followers using religious and mystical appeals, capturing several towns including Tonglu and Muzhou. The revolt briefly threatened Tang authority in the region. Cui Yixuan, the prefect of Wuzhou, led imperial forces to suppress the uprising. After fierce fighting, Chen's army was defeated; she and Zhang were captured, publicly tried, and beheaded for treason. Their rebellion was crushed within months.

Chen Shuozhen and Zhang Shuyin were convicted of high treason and executed by beheading. Thousands of their followers were also killed or dispersed.

Whether the uprising was a legitimate peasant resistance against oppressive rule or an illegitimate act of witchcraft-inspired treason; the contested legitimacy of a female emperor in the Confucian political order.

Chen Shuozhen is recognized as the first woman in Chinese history to proclaim herself emperor, predating Wu Zetian. Her rebellion became a symbolic reference for female political ambition and peasant resistance. It also prompted Tang authorities to strengthen local military control and religious surveillance to prevent similar uprisings.