Her father, Chen Jingxing (陳景行), was an imperial guard.

The future emperor Longqing married Lady Chen after the death of his first primary spouse and son.

[1] Another reason for her removal was reportedly that she had at one occasion made the emperor angry by criticizing his indulgence in women and music.

[2] Chen, however, were kindly treated by the crown prince, who took to habit of always visiting her on his way to his father and mother.

When the crown prince became emperor in 1572, he granted her as well as his mother the title of empress dowager, and reportedly always treated her with the respect a son was due to his mother, as was customary for a son to the main spouse of his father.