In ancient Chinese society, the marital system had its uniqueness, among which the most prominent was the "polygamy" system. Under this system, the relationship between the wife and concubine became an important factor for family harmony. This article will explore the relationship between the wife and concubine in ancient times, as well as its impact on families and society.

The Status and Responsibilities of the Wife

In ancient families, the wife's status was irreplaceable. She was the mistress of the household, responsible for managing household affairs, caring for children, and serving her husband. The wife's status and dignity were protected by law and society, and she enjoyed a certain authority in the family. At the same time, the wife also had the responsibility to maintain the harmony and stability of the family and handle the relationship with the concubine.

The Status and Role of the Concubine

The concubine's status in the family was relatively low. They mainly entered the family for the purpose of giving birth to children and satisfying their husband's needs. Concubines usually came from lower social classes, and their family backgrounds and education levels were often inferior to the wife's. Therefore, in the family, the concubine needed to respect the wife and obey her arrangements and management.

The Relationship between the Wife and Concubine

1. Harmonious Coexistence: In some families, the wife and concubine could coexist harmoniously, working together for the prosperity of the family and the growth of their children. In this case, the family was often harmonious, and the husband could also receive better care.

2. Conflict: However, in many families, there were conflicts between the wife and concubine. These conflicts may stem from competition for the husband's favor, jealousy, conflicts of interest, and other reasons. In this case, the family often fell into disharmony, which could even lead to the breakdown of the family.

The Key to Family Harmony

In ancient society, family harmony was considered the cornerstone of family happiness. The relationship between the wife and concubine directly affected family harmony. Therefore, the wife needed to be tolerant and caring towards the concubine; the concubine needed to respect the wife and obey her arrangements. At the same time, the husband also needed to treat the wife and concubine fairly and balance the family relationships.

Conclusion

The relationship between the wife and concubine in ancient times was complex, with both harmonious moments and painful years of conflict. This relationship had a profound impact on families and society. By understanding the relationship between the wife and concubine in ancient times, we can better understand the family life of ancient society and the importance of family harmony to individuals and society.

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