The traditional mindset often associates military barracks with strict discipline and an environment devoid of female presence. However, this prohibition only exacerbates the natural physiological needs of soldiers, especially during prolonged campaigns away from home.
Instead of seeking humane solutions, some ancient dynasties chose a cruel path: introducing women, mostly widows or those accused of crimes, into the barracks to serve the soldiers. This practice, known as the “concubine system,” originated in the Spring and Autumn period and was first implemented by King Goujian of Yue.
After a humiliating defeat at the hands of King Fuchai of Wu, Goujian harbored a deep grudge and began his quest for revenge. During his preparations, he noticed that despite their physical health, his soldiers lacked fighting spirit and were lethargic and unfocused. The root cause was attributed to their prolonged separation from their wives and families, resulting in psychological repression and fatigue.
To address this issue, Goujian ordered the gathering of all local widows and brought them into the barracks as temporary wives for his soldiers. During the day, these women tended to cooking and laundry duties, and at night, they attended to the soldiers’ physiological needs. This arrangement significantly boosted the army’s morale, and the soldiers became more eager to train and fight, contributing greatly to Yue’s eventual victory.
However, behind this apparent “success” lay the tragic stories of countless women forced into a life of humiliation, serving as sexual instruments within the barracks—a heartbreaking historical footnote.
Setting a precedent, subsequent dynasties continued and expanded upon this “concubine” system. During the reign of Han Wudi, the scale of this practice became particularly concerning. Beyond conscripting widows, the Han dynasty also forced the wives and daughters of convicted criminals into the barracks, both as punishment and to utilize them as a “resource for military service.”
These women, already facing dire circumstances due to their families’ misfortunes, were further plunged into a cycle of tragedy. Confined to the cold barracks, they not only had to shoulder domestic duties but also became instruments to satisfy the desires of men burdened by the pressures of war.
This system persisted for centuries until it was officially abolished by Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang. Recognizing the detrimental effects of this practice on military discipline and its negative impact on the populace, he put an end to the “concubine” system.
This marked a significant shift in Chinese military and social history, signaling a move towards a more dignified view of women and a reinforcement of military ethics based on discipline rather than desire.
The Majestic Mausoleum: A 54-Year Odyssey that Surpasses the Greatness of the Qin Emperor’s Eternal Resting Place
The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum may be an architectural marvel, but prepare to be awe-struck by the Maoling Tomb. With its colossal scale and half-a-century-long construction, Maoling, the resting place of Han Wudi, is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent achievements in China’s rich historical tapestry.
