As for Liu Bei, during this period of time while talking with Cao Cao, he has gotten quite a grasp on Cao Cao's bottom line, and he knows Cao Cao's thoughts. He even feels tempted by Cao Cao's proposal; they have seen the combined combat power of the three families, which is truly powerful.
None of the three people yield to each other, although Liu Bei's strength is the greatest, fighting a war to unify the Central Plains would inevitably cost some of the Central Plains' essence. But now the Emperor has shown the demeanor that a monarch should possess, Liu Bei is considering merging the three families under the Emperor's name.
This way, Liu Bei's vow is fulfilled, revitalizing the Han Dynasty without coveting the position of Emperor. More importantly, the vital energy of the Han Dynasty's world is preserved, and as for military and political issues after the merger of the three families, in Liu Bei's view, this is completely not a problem.
