We really understand"Three wives and four concubines"How bitter and joyful is the institution of marriage?
Three wives and four concubines"The Ancien Régime was a long time ago, and polygamy seemed to be the norm at the time. However, when we put aside our understanding of the old system and delve into the historical archives, we will find countless unknown facts behind it.
i."Rogues"Older versions of the term --"Three wives and four concubines", often mentioned by the common people.
In today's society,"Lai"Almost a household word. These poor people are always depicted"Perfect"Life: three wives and four concubines, extravagance, drinking and merry, invincible. They may not realize that in the old days before them, ** and gentlemen described their luxurious life in the same way.
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the country was rich and strong, and the Quartet was conquered and a lot of wealth was accumulated. As a trophy, beautiful women naturally became a delicacy on their table. As a result, these powerful people gradually began to resent it"Monogamy"legal model. In their opinion, this is a waste. How can a woman enjoy such honor and wealth alone? Thus, polygamy developed in ancient society.
Second, false"Three wives and four concubines"--Where do these numbers come from?
People often say"Three wives and four concubines"The numerical meaning of the institution of marriage has been the subject of much debate. Do locals really have three wives and four concubines? What do these numbers really mean? There are different opinions in the field of historiography.
Three wives"The concept was first proposed by Qi Linggong, the monarch of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period. According to legend, Qi Linggong was indecisive and could not choose between three wives. Under the repeated persuasion of the ministers, Qi Linggong finally made up his mind: marry them all home!
The second theory holds that"Three wives"It refers to three spouses who are in different periods and play different roles, namely the first wife, the second wife, and the second husband. Among them, the eldest wife has the highest status, and her heir is the eldest son, who takes over the family business. Unmarried wives usually succeed to the throne after the death of their main wife and have a lower status. The direct wife is a popular concubine and has the same status as the main wife.
What is"Four concubines"？Originally, it referred to four types of concubines: noble concubines, good concubines, cheap concubines, and concubines. Among them, the noble concubines have the highest status, and some are even on an equal footing with their wives; Cheap concubines have the lowest status, usually from prestigious families; Concubinage is the most common.
It can be seen from this"Three wives and four concubines"And there is no exact meaning. In the eyes of the locals, it is just a metaphor for living in luxury, exaggerating power and status. In ancient times, it was really possible"Three wives and four concubines"There are very few people, and most of them are in the air.
Qi Linggong III: The ancestor of the unstable three wives.
Three wives"The term originates from the love story of Qi Linggong, the monarch of the vassal state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Qi Huan Gong is naturally amorous and extremely picky about women. He was loved by the women in the palace with his delicate face and graceful figure. But he himself is just as picky and always turns a blind eye to these beauties. One day, three different women caught the attention of the lustful Qi Huan Gong.
Ling Gong's cousin A is beautiful and kind, and downright generous; The prime minister's daughter, B, is beautiful and intelligent; The magician's daughter, C, is charming and good at taking care of people. These three beauties have their own characteristics, so Linggong is very embarrassed. At the repeated insistence of the ministers, Linggong finally made a decision: since it is so difficult to choose, it is better for everyone to go to the harem together.
So,"Three beauties"It became the prototype of the harem of the Qi Kingdom"The Third Lady"Also promoted to lady. Since then,"Three wives"It has not only become a major feature of the harem of the Qi Kingdom, but also has become a future generation"Three wives and four concubines"The prototype of the project. Of course, more and more people regard Qi Linggong as"Trigamy"The originator of the mountain.
Fourth, the fourth aunt is too bitter - it is difficult to be a concubine.
Although in the eyes of the aborigines,"Three wives and four concubines"It is a symbol of status and power, but for most women, it is a lifelong shackle.
As concubines at the bottom of the concubinage system, married wives are often bullied from all sides. Not only did they have to submit to the heavy chores imposed by their husbands, but they also had to endure the exclusion of other concubines. In addition, the master's love for them is even more difficult, which makes them always fearful. In this unsatisfactory situation, the concubines had to live a hard and boring life in the lively and mobile harem.
Xiaoyu is an ordinary concubine, originally the daughter of an ordinary civil official family in the capital. One day, when she was out of town, she was favored by a powerful person and sent her to the palace as a concubine. Since then, Xiaoyu's life has become turbulent.
After Xiaoyu entered the house, she found that there were already two concubines living in it. She thought they would sympathize with her, but she was surprised to find that her master was not interested in her. In addition, she worries that she will not be able to take care of her housekeeping. Fortunately, she gradually found a confidant, that is, Xiao Hong, a concubine like her.
Xiao Hong entered the room a few days earlier than him and knew something about the situation at the door, so he stared at Xiaoyu every day. He also opened his heart and told Xiaoyu about his helplessness. It turned out that she herself was also the master's **, and was later expelled from the main house for rebellion. Now, the owner only comes occasionally, and life is not much better than a light rain.
Hearing this, Xiaoyu realized that her identity was just a concubine. The only thing she can do is endure in silence and continue to live...
v.The concubine of the powerful - the ugliness of the family should not be publicized.
The life of an ordinary concubine is still difficult, how can a noble-born concubine not suffer? Not only do they have to endure their husbands' **, but they also have to carefully maintain family relationships.
The general of the Chu State made great achievements in the war, and was appointed as the chief historian, with more than 10,000 fiefdoms. Zizhong's father, Ziyun, was the minister of King Huai of Chu and made great achievements for the state of Chu. In order to thank Ziyun and improve the relationship between the two families, he agreed to take his sister Ziyun as a concubine. Later, the two families married, and Ziyun's sister was also favored and entered Zizhong's harem as his wife.
But the good times didn't last long. Zizhong has a suspicious personality, and the sisters have repeatedly had Cold War conflicts. Sister Ziyun is very cunning and has sowed discord in front of Zizhong countless times. Zizhong gradually began to look at her unpleasantly, and even considered expelling her from the harem. At the critical moment, Ziyun's sister stepped forward and settled the matter. However, her husband and sister are jealous of her, and her life becomes increasingly difficult.
vi.The past of the Oiran concubine - experienced family affection and pain.
Speaking of"Four concubines", one might think that they are of low status and are the unhappiest people in life. But this is not the case with history.
The peculiarities of concubines inspired men to conquer, so they were pampered, even if their origins provoked a revolt from women. called"The first beauty in history"Shih Tzu is a well-known example.
Xi Shi was originally the Oiran of a restaurant in Yueguo, Suzhou. Due to the witty relationship between Xi Shi and the envoys of the Chu State, Xi Shi's beauty spread to the Yue Imperial Palace. Gou Jian, the king of Chu, was greatly moved when he heard the news, proposed to Xi Shi many times, and finally took Xi Shi into his arms. Since then, Xi Shi has become one of the most popular concubines in the harem of the king of Chu. Shih Tzu's legendary experience made this"Flower Princess"Become a talking point after dinner.
Of course, even if this concubine from the land of fireworks has sympathy, she will not escape the fate of court dramas. After Gai Heng's death, Xi Shi was given a cold reception by King Chu Kaolie and was later executed. His legendary life ended in court turmoil.
Looking at the three wives and four concubines in the ancient harem system, we can see the successful scenes left by history: strong male hosts, indecisive men who cannot choose, and beautiful and noble women. But there are countless untold facts behind this. As mentioned earlier, both the lowest-status concubines and the highest-ranking noblewomen were tortured and lived with"Happiness and contentment"Diametrically opposed lives.
In my opinion, the family should be a microcosm of the country. It is difficult for an emperor to please all his concubines, and it is equally difficult for a man to take care of his many wives and concubines. I think that's an old saying"Many wives do not support the family"The deep meaning of .
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