If you have ever watched Chinese historical dramas about the harem of dynasties, you must have seen scenes of concubines scolding palace maids. Historians say that this is just a fictional plot, in reality, there are specific and clear rules for punishment in the palace. Concubines cannot scold palace maids for the following reasons.
Influence of Confucianism
The ancients believed that using harsh words to scold the palace maids was like tarnishing one's own dignity. In feudal times, concubines were also influenced by Confucianism.
Confucianism says: “A dignified and simple appearance shows the value of one’s temperament. If one’s clothing is too extravagant, it will reveal vulgarity.” Therefore, they attach great importance to etiquette, conduct, and speech. Those who come from noble families place even greater importance on this.
Concubines, influenced by Confucianism, should pay attention to their words and not arbitrarily scold the palace maids. (Photo: Sohu)
The ancient kings highly valued the virtues of their concubines. Therefore, concubines always had to pay attention to standards and speech. If the queen or concubines used harsh words to scold the palace maids, others would think that they were terrible women with no manners, which would not only affect their reputation but also harm their family.
Fear of gossip
There were thousands of people in the palace, so if something happened, it would immediately spread everywhere. Therefore, sometimes, the concubines scolding the palace maids could be blown out of proportion.
If the emperor were to hear about this, he would find the person mean and spiteful and hate him. Many concubines were even disfavored and banished to the cold palace because of this.
Palace maids are also the ones who keep the secrets of the concubines, so the master will not scold them at will. (Photo: Sohu)
Fear of secret being revealed
The palace maids are close people, working with their masters almost 24 hours a day. Therefore, they know everything about the concubines. For example, who the concubine is in league with, who she is harming, are all secrets that the palace maids know. Therefore, if they are beaten and scolded by their masters, in a moment of resentment, they can reveal these secrets. The fact that the matter is exposed is also something that the concubines fear.
In history, Concubine Uong Thi was a concubine who married into the palace at the age of 17. She gave birth to a princess shortly after entering the palace, so her position became increasingly stable. However, because she was favored by the emperor, Concubine Uong Thi became even more arrogant.
One time, the concubine beat a palace maid to death for a small mistake. The story was spread by many rumors and reached the emperor's ears. As a result, the emperor was furious and ordered the punishment of Concubine Uong Thi. At the same time, he forbade this concubine from getting close to the princess.
Quoc Thai (Source: Sohu)
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