Early Life
Sima Dewen was born to Emperor Xiaowu of Jin and his concubine Consort Chen Guinü in 386, as their second son, four years after Consort Chen had given birth to their oldest son, Sima Dezong. Contrary to the developmentally disabled Sima Dezong, who was described as even unable to put on clothes himself, feed himself, or be aware whether he was hungry or full, Sima Dewen was described as an intelligent child. From his childhood, he became accustomed to care for his brother, perhaps particularly in light of their mother's death in 390. Their father did not have any other sons. Despite Sima Dezong's developmental disability, however, Emperor Xiaowu appeared to not have considered not making him his heir and making Sima Dewen his heir instead. Indeed, in 387, when Sima Dezong was just five years old and Sima Dewen was just one, he created Sima Dezong crown prince. In 392, Emperor Xiaowu created Sima Dewen the Prince of Langye—the most honored title for a prince after crown prince. In 396, Emperor Xiaowu was strangled by his favorite concubine Consort Zhang, and Sima Dezong became emperor (as Emperor An). Sima Dewen continued to care for his daily living.
Read more about this topic: Emperor Gong Of Jin
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