Li Linfu
In 746, after the chancellor Li Shizhi was removed from office due to machinations by his colleague Li Linfu, Li Linfu believed that Chen had a subservient personality and would be easy to control, and therefore recommended Chen to succeed Li Shizhi. Emperor Xuanzong gave Chen the designation "Tóng Zhōngshū Ménxià Píngzhāngshì" (), making Chen a chancellor "de facto". It was said that Chen followed Li Linfu's directions in all matters and that Chen merely signed all documents that Li Linfu wanted him to sign. Later, he was made "Zuǒ Xiàng" (), the head of the examination bureau and a post considered one for a chancellor, as well as the minister of defense (兵部尚書, "Bīngbù Shàngshū"). He was created the Duke of Yǐngchuān ().