Chen Jingxing

Chen Jingxing, a figure from the Ming Dynasty, whose birth and death years are unknown but who died in 1582, was the father of Lady Xiao'an, Empress Dowager Mingmuzong. His ancestors were from Jianchang in Yongxiu County, Jiangxi. His grandfather, Chen Zheng, inherited a hereditary Hundred Household due to military merits, later moving to Youwei in Tongzhou.

Chen Jingxing was born into a military family, fond of reading. At twenty, he achieved excellent results in the imperial examination for Sheng Yuan (Literature Degree). During the reign of Prince Yuming of Emperor Muzong, his daughter was chosen to be a consort, and he was granted the official title of Qianhu (Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard).

In the first year of Longqing (1567), he was enfeoffed as Duke of Guan'an. He conducted himself with respect and caution, handling ceremonies such as sacrifices and imperial decrees with fasting and reverence. His family educated descendants with humility and forbearance.

He died in 1582 and was posthumously honored as Taizi Taibao (Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince). His family received material benefits and aid from the court, which was regarded as an honor by the people.

Among his descendants, Chen Changyan, Chen Jiayan, Chen Shanyan, and Chen Mingyan successively held positions in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Chen Changyan died early; his son, Chen Cheng'en, requested to inherit his grandfather’s title. After the emperor's assessment, he was appointed to the position of Dudu Tongzhi (Commander-in-Chief Deputy).