Chu Yuan

Chu Yuan (褚淵) (435[1] – 19 September 482[2]), courtesy name Yanhui (彥回), formally Duke Wenjian of Nankang (南康文簡公), was a high-level official of the Chinese Liu Song and Southern Qi dynasties.

Chu Yuan had one son by this point, whom they were unable to take with them, and in retaliation Liu Shao had the child put to death.

Soon, Emperor Ming promoted Chu and Yuan Can to high level posts, preparing them to be in charge of the government after his death.

In late 472, they added Emperor Ming's distant cousin Liu Bing into the decision process, and after the general Xiao Daocheng suppressed the rebellion of Emperor Houfei's uncle Liu Xiufan (劉休範) the Prince of Guiyang in 474, Xiao was added to the circle as well, and the four were known as the "four nobles" (四貴).

In 477, Emperor Houfei, by now aged 14, was growing increasingly impulsive and violent, often wandering outside the palace with his guards and killing all people or animals they encountered.

Xiao became fearful after the incident, and he initially discussed with Yuan and Chu the possibilities of deposing the emperor, but could not get them to go along with his plan.

In response, the general Shen Youzhi arose with the troops of his Jing Province (荊州, modern central and western Hubei), accusing Xiao of wanting to usurp the throne.

However, Liu Bing panicked during the preparation stage, and fled to Yuan's defense post at the fortress of Shitou Cheng several hours in advance of the scheduled time, alarming Xiao and allowing him to further start a counterinsurgency, arresting and killing several generals aligned with Yuan and Liu Bing before they could act.

The popular opinion at the time, however, severely criticized him for not being more protective of Liu Song and acquiescing to Southern Qi's takeover.

In 480, at a feast hosted by Emperor Gao's crown prince Xiao Ze, Chu got into an argument with another official, Shen Wenji (沈文季), and Shen, in anger, yelled out, "Chu Yuan calls himself a faithful subject, but after he dies, how would he be able to face Emperor Ming of Song?"