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The Three Excellencies (三公) was the collective name for the three highest executive posts of the Han Dynasty. They were the Grand Commandant, the Minister over the Masses and the Minister of Works. Each was responsible for different areas of government, but the boundaries were often blurred. Together, the Three Excellencies were the emperor's closest advisors. Toward the end of the dynasty, the positions were often sold to men of wealth to raise state revenue. They were abolished by Cao Cao in 208 and replaced with the position of Lieutenant Chancellor.
