Chen Jie assumed the following appointments: Registrar (主簿) of the governor of Yi Province; "baozhongling" (褒中令); West Commandant (西部都尉) of Yongchang Commandery (永昌郡); Administrator (太守) of Jianning (建寧) and Xinggu (興古) commanderies. Chen Jie was also well known for his literary talent. Chen Fu, Chen Li and Chen Jie each wrote more than 10 works out of the over 200 writings attributed to Chen Shou. The "Jin Shu" mentioned that Chen Shou fell sick during the filial mourning period after his father's death. Some guests who visited his home expressed disapproval when they saw him being served medicine by his servants, because he was expected to lead an austere life during that period. His fellow townsfolk criticised him when they heard about it. According to the "Huayang Guozhi", Chen Shou was a close friend of Li Xiang (李驤), who was equally famous as him. Li Xiang, whose courtesy name was Shulong (叔龍), was from Zitong Commandery (梓潼郡). He was known for his talent and was recommended as a "xiucai" (秀才) and served as a Gentleman of Writing (尚書郎). He was reassigned to be the Administrator (太守) of Jianping Commandery (建平郡), but he declined the appointment and claimed that he was ill because he wanted to remain in Zitong. He was then appointed as the Administrator of Guanghan Commandery (廣漢郡; around present-day Guanghan, Sichuan). Relations between Chen Shou and Li Xiang deteriorated later and they started making false accusations against each other. Other officials scorned them for their petty quarrels. According to the "Jin Shu", Chen Shou's mentor, Qiao Zhou, often told Chen, "You'll become famous for your talent. However, it might not be a misfortune if you encounter any setback. You should be more mindful about what you do." Fang Xuanling remarked that Chen Shou's experiences – being demoted and humiliated when he was in Shu, and again while he was serving under the Jin dynasty – fitted what Qiao Zhou said about him.