In fact, before the Song Dynasty, the title of The History of the Three Kingdoms was not popular. Everyone called this era roughly Wei-Jin period, linked this era with the post-Jin period, and represented this era with Wei's regime. Therefore, in ancient times, Cao Wei was always regarded as the orthodox regime in the Three Kingdoms. Although Wu and Shu were recognized, they were not recognized as orthodox.

Cao Wei can be called orthodox for several reasons. First, it occupied the Central Plains, the political and economic center of China, and controlled the capital of the pre-Han Dynasty. Moreover, Cao Wei was established on the basis of the Eastern Han Dynasty and can be considered as the successor of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Moreover, because Cao Wei has the largest area, the largest population and the strongest strength among the three regimes, it is most appropriate to regard it as orthodox.

However, in fact, since the Jin Dynasty, many people did not admit this statement. For example, Fu Jian and Liu Cong, who entered the Central Plains to establish political power at that time, loved the Shu-Han regime even more. Fu Jian often compared himself to Liu Bei, while Liu Cong established the Han regime with Shu Han orthodoxy. In the Song Dynasty, many people were depressed when they heard that Liu Bei was defeated, and they were very happy when they heard that Cao Cao was defeated.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the emotions of supporting Shu Han, sympathizing with Liu Bei and hating Cao Wei became the mainstream. So far, we all like Shu Han better. Obviously, Cao Wei is regarded as orthodox by historians, but why do people prefer Shu Han?

What is important is that the Shu-Han regime was established by the Han imperial clan after the demise of the Eastern Han Dynasty and can be regarded as its successor, so its legitimacy has been greatly strengthened. As we all know, Liu Bei is a relative of the Han Dynasty. Especially recognized by Emperor Xian of Han Dynasty, it is called "Liu Huangshu". At that time, besides Xian Di, Liu Bei was the most famous representative of the Han Dynasty. After Cao Pi forced Xian Di to settle down, the Eastern Han Dynasty perished, and Liu Bei became the orthodox representative of the Han Dynasty, just like the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty.

With the prestige of the Han Dynasty, it is normal for the Shu-Han regime to be regarded as the new moon of the Han Dynasty. Cao Wei usurped the Han Dynasty and was despised by many people. Later generations also thought that Cao Pi's betrayal of the Han Dynasty was an act of rebellion. Under the background that loyalty to the monarch was the moral norm in ancient times, its legitimacy was questioned, which also led to people's disgust.