Three Kingdoms: Beginning with Liu Chen’s Ascension to the Throne

When Eastern Wu gave up its ambitions to launch a surprise attack on Jingzhou, when Guan Yu’s fame did not end at Maicheng, and when Zhang Fei’s roar did not fall silent beneath his own tent, the history of the Three Kingdoms had already changed course. In 221, Liu Bei declared himself emperor in Chengdu, and the Wu-Shu alliance became unbreakable. In 226, Cao Pi died and the young Cao Fang ascended the throne, cementing a three-way stalemate that would last for twenty years. By 245, Liu Bei was eighty-four and nearing the end of his life. Liu Shan, his grandson Liu Chen, and veteran generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Ma Chao gathered at his bedside, alongside Huang Ying, son of Huang Zhong, and Zhuge Liang. With the whole court looking on, Liu Bei overruled all objections and passed the throne of Shu Han to his grandson Liu Chen. Once more, the board of the war-torn age was rocked by stormy waves. “Chen’er, I entrust this realm to you.” “I will muster the whole nation’s forces for a northern expedition. I will bathe Luoyang in blood!” “Father, is this the Han you guarded for twenty years? At last, I understand.” “Remember, my son: the will of the people is the future of the Han.”