A native of Pingyu, Runan (north of present-day Pingyu County, Henan), Chen served as Grand Commandant (太尉) during the reign of Emperor Huan and later as Grand Tutor (太傅) in Emperor Ling's time.
[3] In the 160s,[4] when a teenage Xu Shao went to Yingchuan Commandery (潁川郡; covering present-day southern and central Henan), he visited and mingled with many reputable men in the region, except for Chen Shi.
Later, when Chen Fan's wife died, many people attended her funeral, but Xu Shao did not show up.
When asked, Xu Shao replied, "Taiqiu[5] is too well-acquainted, it's difficult for him to be thorough; Zhongju is a serious person who hardly makes compromises.
"[6] In July or August 165,[7] Chen Fan was appointed Grand Commandant, replacing Yang Bing.