Palace Attendant侍中

The chief civil and military officer of a commandery (太守 tàishǒu); the principal unit of local governance throughout the Han and Three Kingdoms.

Head of the imperial secretariat (尚书令), responsible for processing all official documents and communications. One of the most powerful administrative positions.

An official selection system (九品中正制) created by Chen Qun under Cao Wei in 220. Officials were ranked in nine grades based on local assessments of talent and character.

The ritual transfer of imperial power (禅让) from one dynasty to another, presented as voluntary. Cao Pi's forced abdication of Emperor Xian in 220 set the pattern for the end of …

Commander of the imperial guard and selector of military officers (中护军). A position of great trust, controlling access to the emperor and military appointments.

The highest civil office under the emperor, responsible for overseeing the bureaucracy and advising the sovereign.