In ancient Chinese society, it was not uncommon for “servant girls” to accompany noble daughters when they got married. These women were entrusted with the task of continuing to take care of the daughter after she entered her husband’s house.
Specifically, some of these servant girls could even be married off to the daughter’s husband as concubines, becoming “secondary wives”. However, due to their low social status, they would often not be married with the same dignity as the formal wife.
However, due to their low social status, the concubines were often not married with the same dignity as the formal wife.
There was an old saying: “It’s better to be the wife of a poor man than the concubine of a wealthy family”. The reason being that even as concubines in wealthy households, these women were still not respected due to their poor backgrounds.
They were often looked down upon and oppressed by the main wife and the husband, and even had to work hard like ordinary maids. However, there was a chance for a better life if the concubine gave birth to a son who could continue the family lineage. In fact, this was often the main purpose for taking in concubines. In the case of having a son, the concubine mother would have less contact with the child, but still remained a strong support for the family.
In addition to taking concubines to bear children, wealthy men in ancient feudal society also used women as gifts or for exchange in return for goods or opportunities.
In addition to taking concubines to bear children, wealthy men in ancient feudal society also used women as gifts or for exchange in return for goods or opportunities. This behavior reflected a deep-seated belief in “valuing males and devaluing females” within the community. However, this manner of behavior not only lacked humanity but also caused harm to women.
Women in feudal times had to face many difficult emotions. Those from wealthy families had the opportunity to choose their main wives and find suitable husbands. On the other hand, girls from poor families were often forced to marry rich men to repay debts or bear children as concubines. Even in the lucky case of finding a “perfect match” to marry, their lives were still more difficult and bitter compared to being concubines of others.
Why did eunuchs in the past get married even though they couldn’t have children?
There is a common misconception that eunuchs never get married, but the reality is that most of them do. The truth behind it is quite heartbreaking.
Unspoken rule stops Qing dynasty concubines from making noise during intimate moments
During the rule of the Qing Dynasty, concubines were required to maintain absolute silence during their encounters with the emperor. They were forbidden from making any sound at all.
Unspoken rules that forced Qing dynasty concubines to stay silent while being inspected by the emperor
When in the presence of the emperor, all concubines must maintain silence. This is a mandatory rule, and no one is allowed to disobey.
Why does a concubine need to be led back to the palace after being favored by the emperor?
This was the rule in the ancient harem. Once they were favored by the emperor, the concubines were escorted back to the palace to rest.
Who is the “thê” and who is the “thiếp” among ancient men’s “tam thê tứ thiếp”?
Why did people in the past have “three wives and four concubines”? Who are these “three wives” and “four concubines”?
