Liu Bei (i.e. Emperor Zhaolie of Han) was the monarch of the Shu state during the Three Kingdoms period, so his popularity in the Three Kingdoms period was still relatively high. Logically speaking, when Emperor Zhaolie of Han zhaolie selected an heir, there were four candidates. Because he had four sons in this life, not only Liu Chan. It's just that the other three sons are not as well-known as Liu Changgao, but that doesn't mean they are not the sons of Emperor Zhaolie of Han. Then, Emperor Zhaolie of Han obviously had four sons, so why did he have to pass on to Liu Chan when he was about to die?
First, the eldest son Liu Feng did not have the conditions for inheritance
The eldest son of Emperor Zhaolie of Han was named Liu Feng, a son who had been quite popular with Emperor Zhaolie of Han. The reason why Emperor Han Zhaolie did not pass the throne to him was because he was not the biological son of Emperor Han Zhaolie, but could only be regarded as a son that Emperor Han Zhaolie had adopted. Some people may say that if the adopted son is really powerful, there is also a possibility of competing with his own son for the throne in the future. But in fact, Liu Feng had no chance to compete with Liu Chan and others for the throne. Because as early as the time when Emperor Zhaolie of Han was still alive, Liu Feng had already been executed by order of Emperor Zhaolie of Han. As for the reason, Liu Feng refused to lend Guan Yu a helping hand when he was in crisis.
Second, Liu Chan is more able to consider the people of the world
After excluding Liu Feng, the eldest son, let's look at the specific situation of the other three sons of Emperor Zhaolie of Han. Although Liu Chan always showed a look of only promises and no promises, compared to his other two brothers, he was quite concerned about the people of the world. In this way, if Emperor Zhaolie of Han did not pass the throne to Liu Chan, but to one of Liu Chan's two younger brothers, then the people of Shu might have no future at all. In view of this, Emperor Zhaolie of Han had no choice but to pass the throne to Liu Chan.
3. Liu Chan has the status of the eldest son
In ancient China, the eldest son of a concubine was always eligible to inherit all the inheritance systems of his fathers. That is to say, if the head of the family wants to choose an heir, it is logical that he should give priority to his own eldest son. Only in the absence of a firstborn or deceased son can one of the other sons be considered to inherit everything for him. Emperor Zhaolie of Han did not have a concubine, but Liu Chan had the status of the eldest son. Therefore, in this case, it is also reasonable for Liu Chan to inherit the throne of Emperor Zhaolie of Han. And Liu Chan's two brothers-in-law only had to obediently assist Liu Chan. Another reason is that Liu Bei has always regarded himself as Emperor Liu, and to a large extent, he must conform to the rules of the Han Dynasty, and Liu Chan, as the eldest son of Concubine, had to be pushed to a position. Poor Liu Feng, who was not his own child, although he had just taken on the identity of the eldest son. But it didn't work.
Fourth, Liu Chan is easier to be pinched by Kong Ming
Before the death of Emperor Zhaolie of Han, he had to make plans for the future of the entire Shu kingdom. Otherwise, his life would be in vain. Although he believed during his lifetime that Kong Ming would be truly loyal to himself, he had no way of guaranteeing that after his death, Kong Ming would be as loyal to the future heir of the Shu Kingdom as he was loyal to him. Therefore, in order to avoid Kong Ming's attempt to plot against the Shu kingdom immediately after his death, Emperor Zhaolie of Han could only choose to let Liu Chan inherit his throne. Because of his sons, Liu Chan was relatively easier to be pinched by Kong Ming. And as long as Liu Chan can be obedient to Kong Ming, then Kong Ming will not find a legitimate reason for rebellion.
Fifth, Emperor Zhaolie of Han made more efforts to cultivate Liu Chan
Liu Chan was the eldest son of Emperor Zhaolie of Han, and he was also the one who Zhao Yun risked his life to save from Cao Cao's camp, so naturally Emperor Zhaolie of Han would show a more favored look towards him. Because of this, Emperor Zhaolie of Han usually took time out to educate Liu Chan himself after he was busy with official duties. That is to say, Emperor Zhaolie of Han made more efforts to cultivate Liu Chan. It can even be said that from the very beginning, he cultivated Liu Chan in the same way as cultivating heirs. In this way, when he died, he could only pass the throne to Liu Chan.
It can be seen that the reason why Liu Chan was able to become the new monarch of the Shu state after Emperor Zhaolie of Han was not simply because he had the special status of the eldest son. You know, if there is no difference between Liu Chan and his two younger brothers in terms of personality and temperament, then even if Liu Chan still has the opportunity to become the monarch of the Shu Kingdom, Kong will find a way to depose him tomorrow. After all, such a monarch is not only despised by Kong Ming, but also not controlled by Kong Ming, where will Kong Ming be willing to continue to assist him?