Chen Yan, a modern history enthusiast, accidentally traveled to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when Liu Bei was stationed in a new area and was weak, so he joined his army as an ordinary counselor. He had no extraordinary powers, but relied on his familiarity with the history of the Three Kingdoms to provide pragmatic strategies at key points - he advised Liu Bei to gather the refugees in Jingnan in advance to replenish food and troops, helped Zhuge Liang complete the diplomatic details of uniting Wu to resist Cao Cao, reminded Guan Yu to be wary of Dongwu sneak attacks to protect Jingzhou, and recommended Pang Tong, Fazheng and other talented people to do their best.
He always abided by his duties as a subordinate and did not overstep his authority or make any rash advances. He assisted Liu Bei in integrating the two states of Jingyi and appeasing the people. He optimized the method of transporting grain and grass during the Battle of Hanzhong. Before the Battle of Yiling, he urged to postpone the invasion of Wu to avoid losses. In the end, with the joint efforts of Zhuge Liang, Guan Zhang, Zhao Mahuang and other civil and military officials, Liu Bei's group gradually wiped out Cao Wei and Soochow, ended the troubled times, and rebuilt the Han Dynasty. Chen Yan was also recorded in the history of the New Dynasty as the "Hanying Guest Minister".
