Prince Shangchen was the son of King Cheng of Chu and was the original Crown Prince. In 626 BC King Cheng tried to make his other son Prince Zhi the new crown prince on the advice of his wife Zheng Mao. When Shangchen learned of his father's plan, he surrounded the palace with his soldiers and forced King Cheng to hang himself. Shangchen then
ascended the throne. He was succeeded by his son King Zhuang of Chu.[1]