A group of officials headed by Huang Zhao (黃昭) and Xiao Gongchen (蕭拱辰) opposed Zheng Jing succeeding to the throne of Tungning.

The method worked by the evaporation of water and created high-quality salt, making Tungning self-sufficient.

[2] Chen is also credited for introducing agricultural techniques such as storing water for annual dry periods and growing sugar cane as a cash crop.

Chen also created many new policies to develop Tungning's agriculture, education, finance, industry, and trade.

After coming back from a failed campaign in 1680, Feng Xifan and Liu Guoxuan ousted Chen Yonghua from power out of jealousy.