My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

"A way to have the best of both worlds?"

Zhuge Liang narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of contemplation in his gaze, but he failed to immediately grasp the deeper meaning behind Liu Bei's words.

After a brief pause.

Zhuge Liang cupped his hands and asked:
"I wonder if Your Majesty has a solution that satisfies both sides? I hope Your Majesty will enlighten me."

Liu Bei slowly sat down again, his expression calm and composed, and said unhurriedly:
"The solution I have in mind is to grant the title of Duke without establishing a state."

“Those who are granted the title of duke can only enjoy the benefits of the fief, but do not need to go to the fief to take up their post. In this way, the meritorious officials can receive the rewards they deserve, and the controversy can be avoided.”

As Liu Bei spoke, he gently tapped the armrest with his hand, his eyes revealing confidence in his solution.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang's eyes lit up instantly, and he suddenly understood, realizing Liu Bei's intentions.

Liu Bei's intention was clear: he wanted to make the title of Duke like that of a county marquis or a township marquis, so that the recipient could only enjoy the tax revenue of the fiefdom within the country, but would no longer have the supreme power to establish a state and appoint officials.

In layman's terms, it transformed the title of Duke from one that originally held immense power into an honorary title similar to that of Grand Tutor.

Although the Grand Tutor held a prestigious position and enjoyed a very high status in the court, he had no real power. His main duties were to advise the emperor and teach the crown prince.

In this way, the outstanding achievements of the recipient can be fully demonstrated, allowing them to enjoy unparalleled glory and respect, without arousing slander and suspicion from the people.

After all, the recipient of the title was merely a duke, collecting taxes from his fief. All other military and political power in the country was controlled by officials appointed by the court, and had nothing to do with the duke.

In that case, what reason would people have to discuss or worry that the recipient of the title would follow the example of Cao Cao and Wang Mang, establish a state, and plot to usurp the throne?

"Your Majesty's method is indeed a brilliant strategy that kills two birds with one stone, but..."

Zhuge Liang first nodded slightly, indicating his approval of Liu Bei's suggestion, but then revealed a hint of worry in his tone.

"However, this method of bestowing titles has never appeared in history before. I am afraid that it violates the rules of etiquette and will attract unnecessary criticism."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled, his expression revealing his magnanimity.

"The system of rites is created by people and is not immutable. I will use any system that is beneficial to the Han Dynasty. Why be so rigid and bound by the old system?"

"This system has never existed before, so I will set a precedent for it. Subsequent rulers may follow suit. As long as it brings benefits to the Han Dynasty, why should we fear what others say?"

"I am willing to be a pioneer who breaks with the old and establishes the new, and to open up a new system for the future of the Han Dynasty!"

Zhuge Liang was deeply impressed by Liu Bei's open-mindedness and adaptability, and a sense of admiration welled up in his heart.

So he gladly cupped his hands in greeting and said:
"Your Majesty has rebuilt our Han Dynasty and is a pioneering ruler. It is only natural for you to create new systems. I believe this system is feasible!"

Seeing that Zhuge Liang also wholeheartedly agreed with his suggestion, Liu Bei's concerns vanished instantly, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. He immediately gave the order:

"Since the Prime Minister also thinks this system is feasible, then you should take the lead and draft a suitable ducal title for Bowen, Yunchang, Yide, and Zilong."

Zhuge Liang gladly accepted the order.

Just as he was about to take his leave, he saw Liu Bei's smile vanish instantly, his expression turn serious, and he reached out and grabbed Zhuge Liang's sleeve.

"Is there anything else Your Majesty wishes to instruct?"

From Liu Bei's solemn expression, Zhuge Liang keenly sensed that Liu Bei must have something important to discuss with him.

Liu Bei gave Chen Dao a meaningful glance, and Chen Dao, understanding, immediately dismissed the Imperial Guards. For a moment, the hall fell silent, leaving only Liu Bei and his minister Zhuge Liang.

"There is something I have been pondering for a long time. This matter concerns the future rise and fall of my great Han Dynasty. I would like to hear the Prime Minister's opinion."

Liu Bei lowered his voice, his expression slightly grave.

"Previously, the Crown Prince was eager to gain merit and wanted to attack Hanzhong, but he failed and almost let Zhang Lu take the opportunity to seize Tongguan. You also know about this, Prime Minister."

"If Tongguan had fallen to Zhang Lu at that time, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

"Fortunately, Bowen had foreseen this, so I secretly ordered Yunchang to lead the troops from Luoyang to Tongguan to reinforce the defenses, which is how we defeated Zhang Lu's surprise attack."

"Bowen and his men then pursued the enemy into Hanzhong, captured Nanzheng in one fell swoop, and successfully recovered Hanzhong Commandery."

"At that time, Bowen and his men originally intended to lead their troops to pursue the victory, capture Yangping Pass in one fell swoop, and kill Zhang Lu, this traitor, so as to completely eliminate this threat."

"But who would have thought that the Crown Prince would take the lead and enter Hanzhong through Xiegu, and then order Bowen and his men to stop the pursuit and return to Chang'an without authorization."

At this point, Liu Bei's tone clearly revealed a hint of dissatisfaction and disappointment towards Liu Shan.

"You're aware of this matter, Prime Minister, aren't you?"

Liu Bei's gaze fell upon Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang could naturally discern the emotion in Liu Bei's words, so he nodded and said:
"I am naturally aware of this matter. The Crown Prince is young and ambitious, and eager to establish merit. I can understand his feelings."

"It's just that the Crown Prince's prolonged siege of Yangping Pass failed, while Bowen and his men captured Chang'an instead. In the end, the Crown Prince's order actually had a remarkable effect."

Zhuge Liang certainly knew that Liu Shan's move was intended to seize credit, but he deliberately did not say it outright, instead presenting an objective account of the outcome.

Liu Bei's face darkened, and he snorted coldly:
“Prime Minister, you don’t need to cover for the Crown Prince. He is clearly disregarding state affairs and only thinking about gaining merit and establishing his authority, completely ignoring the overall situation.”

"As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince should prioritize the interests of the nation. How could he do something so foolish for his own selfish reasons?"

"Who would have thought that his selfish motives would backfire and lead to Bowen and his men recapturing Chang'an? It was just a stroke of luck!"

Liu Bei became more and more excited as he spoke.

Zhuge Liang coughed lightly and said:

"The Crown Prince is young and impetuous, and it is understandable that he is eager to make merits and establish his prestige."

"In any case, as long as the outcome is beneficial to the Han Dynasty, it's fine. Perhaps after this incident, the Crown Prince can learn a lesson and become more mature and stable in the future."

Liu Bei shook his head, his expression growing increasingly grave, and said with deep concern:

"As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince bears the heavy responsibility for the future of the Han Dynasty, yet he neglects state affairs for his own selfish desires. How can I entrust the Han Dynasty to such a person?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang was suddenly startled.

Liu Bei was no longer expressing dissatisfaction with Liu Shan; his words clearly hinted at the possibility of establishing a new crown prince.

At the very least, there were doubts about Liu Shan's character, and people believed that he was not a qualified crown prince.

Just as Zhuge Liang's mind was racing, Liu Bei took a deep breath and asked seriously:
"Prime Minister, I would like to ask you a question: Do you truly believe that A Dou is suitable to be the Crown Prince of our Great Han Dynasty?" (End of this chapter)