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HIS 3501B

HIS 3501B. Palace Women and Court Politics in Imperial China. The Palace Living and Influence of Princess in Han Dynasty. Introduction. Articles and books discussing the Han empresses as well as

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HIS 3501B

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  1. HIS 3501B Palace Women and Court Politics in Imperial China The Palace Living and Influence of Princess in Han Dynasty

  2. Introduction • Articles and books discussing the Han empresses as well as • the marriage alliance system can be easily found • essays and books focusing on the Han princesses very little and piecemeal • ∴ traditional beliefs: •  Han princesses are not important towards the political history •  They only contributed in marriage alliance — to stop the invasion of the Barbarians • In fact, princesses in Han Dynasty had played very significant roles in political and social aspects • Focus on the princesses in Two Hans and discuss their livings and influences • Change the traditional belief of the people that Han princesses were weak and they were always forced to sacrifice in HeQin (和親) System Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  3. Flow of Presentation • Classification of Han princesses (By Charlie) • The palace living and Morality of the Han princesses (By Jackie) • 3. The influence of Elder Princess (長公主） • (By Angel) • The influence of Heqin Princess (和親公主）(ByCherry) • Conclusion (By Charlie)

  4. 1. Classification of Han princesses • Not all princesses in Han Dynasty had the same status and faced the same fate • Han princesses were roughly divided into two categories • Normal kind of princesses • Elder princesses Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  5. i) Normal kind of princesses (Gongzhu 公主) • In general the emperor’s daughters • The system began in Han Dynasty • During the Eastern Han, emperor’s daughters are mostly titled ‘County Princesses (Xian Gongzhu 縣公主) • They are named according to some counties’ name • e.g. Princess Wuyang (舞陽公主) and Princess Nieyang (涅陽公主) Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  6. ii) Heqin princesses(和親公主） • They were sent to the tribes to make marriage alliances • This was particularly popular in Western Han • 13 princesses were sent to places like Xiongnu (匈奴) and Wusun(烏孫) • In our report, Heqin princesses are one of our focuses Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  7. iii) Elder princess (Zhang Gongzhu 長公主) • Elder princesses In broad sense, elder princesses = the sisters of the emperors • Sisters of the dead emperors = ‘Great elder princess’ (Da Zhang Gongzhu 大長公主) • In some special cases, the daughters of the present emperor could also be named elder princess so long as they were revered and in high status • Elder princesses in Han Dynasty were in very high status • They possessed huge power in influencing the emperors Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  8. 2.The Palace living and Morality of the Han princesses 2.1 The dressing and hair style of Han princess • Princesses were regarded as the richest ‘gentlewomen’ a) Official dressing • Their official dressing was equal to other feudal lords • The official dressing was made of silkworm which known as “Canyi” (蠶衣） • The official clothing was mainly dark in colour which also known as “Shenyi” (深衣） Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  9. b) Daily dressing • Their cosmetics, accessories, hair style etc were similar to the rich gentlewomen in Han dynasty • Colour of clothing showed the status • The clothing of princess usually contained 12 colours • The collar and the lower hem of gown (下擺/ 下身衣服接邊) had double bindings(滾邊) • The backside of robe(裙裾,裙子末端) was very long, when they walked, this would be dragged（拖著行） • This was similar to the dressing of gentlewomen in middle-age Europe Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  10. c) Hair style • “Bun” （髮髻）was the most popular hair style • There were many different types of buns, such as Duo Maji(墮馬髻） • Jinguo(巾幗） : adding a black silk scarf on the bun • The headdresses which made of precious material, such as the 5-coulors pearl (五彩玉珠） • The Pear hung down and sway when they walked • This headdress was so-called BuYao (步搖） Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  11. 2.2 The treatment of the Princess in Han dynasty • Status Elder princess • They could enjoy the same ritual and privilege as other feudal lords(藩王) Heqin princess • They could enjoy equal status than other noblemen (諸侯) • This was much higher than their original position • After the Heqin princesses married to the alien ruler, many of them could enjoyed more privileges • eg: Princess Jieyou(解憂公主) and Princess Xijun(細君公主) ; WangZhaoJun etc. • They could receive a lot of presents • They were accompanied by hundreds followers, including Eunuchs, maid etc to the alien tribe Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  12. b) Feudal land & Tax Revenue • Both empress & elder princess could receive feudal land • Elder princess was granted large piece prosperous of land • eg: Princess Huyang (湖陽公主)—sister of emperor GuangWu(光武帝) was granted large piece of land in Luoyang (洛陽)– the capital of Eastern Han • The tax revenue of feudal land was belonged to the feudal princess • eg: The case of princess E Yi (鄂邑公主)— sister of emperor Ji (漢景帝) • Her tax revenue was greater than Xiaohe(蕭何)— who had great contribution to the establishment of Han empire Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  13. c) Princess Palace & Vassal • Elder princess owned a splendid palace herself • She could recruit her household vassal freely • There was 1 Jialin(家令)– chief chamberlain whose salary was much higher than the head of county (縣令) • Other minor posts, such as :ZhuPu(主薄) who act as a secretary; Pu(仆) who was the private driver of princess • Princess could adjust the number of her vassal when this was necessary Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  14. d) Arrangement of marriage Elder princess • Themarriage of Elder princess would be arranged by the emperor • The emperor would actively involved in this • The emperor was also concerned about the feeling of her • eg: The marriage of princess PingYang (平陽公主) & senior general WeiQing(衛青) was assigned by emperor Wu(漢武帝) Heqin princess • The marriage of Heqin princess was also arranged by the rulers • But the emperor simply made a decision and he would not attend the wedding Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  15. 2.3 The morality of princess in Han dynasty • The moral restriction to them was loose a) Remarriage • Marriage was arranged by the emperor • The emperor usually considered other factors,such as the political consideration rather than the purity of the princess • Remarriage was common Heqin princess • Their were always placed on a passive position • If their husband died, they would be arranged to another marriage • eg: Wang Zhaojun was forced to remarry to the next Chanyou(單于) of Xiongnu Elder princess • They could enjoy more freedoms in choosing their husband • They were spoiled & capricious and behaved unscrupulously • For example, princess Pingyang(平陽公主) & princess Jingwu (敬武公主) • They had married several times after the dead of their husband Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  16. b) Male Prostitute (男寵) • Some Elder princesses had male prostitute • eg: Princess E yi (鄂邑) had a fornication(私通) with a man called DingWaiRen(丁外人) • With the support of senior princess, Ding was powerful • He persuaded princess E yi to slander Huoguang(霍光)— his enemy • He persuaded her to launched a coup against emperor Zhao(漢昭帝) • This reflected the Elder princess was able to shelter her followers to do whatever they wanted Jackie, Leung Yin Ling

  17. 3. The influence of Elder princess (長公主） 3.1 Elder Princess affected the throne to inherit • Princess Liu Piao (劉嫖) also called Princess Guantao(館陶長公主) • She was born of emperor Wen(漢文帝) and Empress Dou(竇皇后) • And she was emperor Jing(漢景帝)’s older sister • An ambition women /interested in politics • Took her daughter Chen Jiao(陳嬌) as the political chips. • She wanted to betroth her daughter to crown Prince Liu Rong (劉榮) • But Liu Rong ‘s mother Consort Li refused Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  18. Emperor Jing’s another Consort Wang took the opportunity and had Chen Jiao betrothed to Prince Liu Che(劉徹) • After her daughter Chen Jiao is betrothed for Liu Che. Princess Liu Piao therefore took action positively because she wanted to overthrow crown Prince Liu Rong • She began incessantly criticize Consort Li for her jealousy • Pointed out that if Consort Li became empress dowager, many concubines might suffer the fates of Consort Qi who was tortured and killed by Empress Lü (呂后) • Emperor Jing (景帝)was shocked upon the suggestion • Finally, Prince Rong was deposed from the successor position • Then Liu Che became crown prince • He succeeded to the throne emperor Wu(漢武帝) Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  19. 3.2 Elder Princess affected the politics stable Example I : Princess E yi (鄂邑公主) • Princess Eyi (鄂邑公主) was born of Emperor Wu(漢武帝) • She was Emperor Zhao(漢昭帝)'s older sister. She served as Emperor Zhao's caretaker • Early in Emperor Zhao's reign, the palace was run by her • Princess E yi formed a conspiracy with Prince Yan with important official Shangguan An (上官安) to against official Huo Guang (霍光) • They both wanted to gain more power over Huo • However, Emperor Zhao, who trusted Huo, did not act on the allegations • She then planned a coup, but was discovered Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  20. Example II: Princess Liu Piao(劉嫖) • Emperor Jing(漢景帝) toleration, causes her to become a not be ignored character in the Chinese palace • After Princess Ping Yang(平陽公主) offered the singer Wei Zifu (衛子夫)as a concubine circa 1. • Her brother Wei Qing(衛青) also gained the Emperor's love • Grand Princess Liu Piao(劉嫖), and Empress Chen Jiao (陳嬌), angry that Consort Wei had siphoned off the imperial favor • They kidnapped Wei Qing & wanted to kill him privately as retaliation • Princess Liu Piao recommended her lover Dong Yan(董偃) to Emperor Wu he revered the favors of Emperor • He often comes in and goes out in the palace to participate in the activity • Some official criticized that Princess Liu Piao’s lover causes the king to ignore a proper occupation Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  21. 3.3 Princess affected the candidate for empress • Shangguan Jie (上官階) wanted to marry his Granddaughter to the emperor • Shangguan Jie found someone to support his plan • He found Princess Eyi's (鄂邑公主)lover, Ding Wairen (丁外人) • He encouraged Ding to persuade the princess on the | soundness of the marriage • In order to find someone help her legitimize relationship with Ding Wairen • Princess E yi(鄂邑公主) agreed and she helped the young Lady Shangguan to create an imperial consort Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  22. 3.4 Princess could help some people to gain and abuse power • Princess Liu Piao(劉嫖) was a powerful person outside and inside the palace • Therefore the harem concubines always flatter her, asked her to praise them in front of the emperor • Princess would help people to encourage the influence in the palace • Some people would abuse power by relying on the power of princess • Princess Hu Yang(湖陽公主)was Emperor GuangWu(光武帝)’s elder sister • She very despotic. She had one group of lackey. They wrested away the land, bullied the common people Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  23. Her most favor and trust's steward, was relies on the power of the master was domineering and tyrannical, has killed an innocent common people • He relied on princess to escape the responsibility • After the official Dong Xuan(董宣) caught her steward • She complaint to the emperor • Because Emperor GuangWu must respect elder sister • He summoned Dong Xuan to the imperial palace and reprimanded him • We could find that as a result of princess's asylum, the criminal could get off scot-free Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  24. 3.5 Princess affected local society's morality Example I: Princess Liu Piao • Princess Liu Piao(劉嫖) after her husband died, she didn’t like to remain as a widow • She had a lover --Dong Yan(董偃) privately • It also became an open secret in the Chang An city(長安城) • Emperor Wu(漢武帝) still approved and agreed their relationship • Many officials thought that Emperor Wu spoiled Princess Liu Piao(劉嫖) • They ruined society morals, let the relationship between men and women became licentious • Illegal sexual relations after emperor approved, but could legalize Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  25. Example II: Princess E Yi(鄂邑公主) • After her husband died, she also had a lover, Ding Wairen (丁外人) • Because of the influence of these princess, the social climate has changed • People became open-minded • Local women had certain independent right in the marriage • It displays from women could select the husband, lover or remarry Angel, Ng Pik Sik

  26. 4. The influence of Heqinprincess (和親公主） Aim of Heqin policy( political marriage) • To cement relations with rulers of minority nationalities in the border areas by marrying daughters of the Han imperial family to them • eg: Princess Jieyou(解憂公主) Wu Sun(烏孫) • Princess Xiejun(細君公主) Wu Sun • Wang Zhaojun (王昭君) Xiong Nu(匈奴) Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  27. 4.1 Political influence of the Heqin princesses • XiongNu : the greatest threat to the stability to the northern and western border of the Han dynasty • Heqin princessesplayed a vital role in gaining the military allies for Han against her great enemy- XiongNu • Princess Jieyou :married to the leader of Wusun • Leading to the military alliance between Han and Wusun • Succeeded in defeating XiongNu • The stability of Han dynasty in the western and northern border could be maintained Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  28. 4.2 Economic influence of the Heqin princesses • The exchange of economic resource between the Han dynasty and the minority groups a) Inflow to Han dynasty: • eg. Wusun horses( 烏孫馬), camels, etc b) Outflow to the west: • Paddy, cotton, etc • Opening of market(互市) where both the local specialty of Han dynasty and minority nationalities were sold Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  29. 4.3 Cultural influence of the Heqin princesses a)Spread of the Han culture to the west • Princess Xijun (細君公主) built a palace in WuSun • She brought the Han’s palace rite and architectural characteristic to Wusun • The spreading of Chinese music to the west • Princess Xijun brought Pipa(琵琶) to XiongNu when she was sent to WuSun • Wusun was the minority that mostly influenced by the Han culture • Such as the architecture, irrigation system, political system, rites and custom, etc. b) development of mixture tie of Han and tribal blood • Princess Xijun (細君公主) had a daughter • Princess Jieyou(解憂公主) had four sons and two daughters Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  30. 4.4 The social status of the Heqin princesses • The political marriage helped to raise the social status of the Heqin princesses Heqin princesses’ background • the distant relative of the royal family, or the descendants of the guilty people • eg. both Princess Jieyou and Princess Xijun were descendants of a guilty member of the royal family • After being chosen, they got the title of “princess” • Became the principle wife and enjoyed high prestige in the foreign place • (Since they represented the Han dynasty) • eg. Princess Jieyou and Princess Xijun became the ‘mother of the country’ and enjoyed high prestige in Wusun Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  31. If the Heqin princesses were talent and clever • They could also actively participate in politics • Therefore, the political marriage could help to increase the social status of the Heqin princesses. Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  32. 4.5 The passive role of Heqin princesses • Though the Heqin policy helped to raise the social status of the Heqin princesses, they still had some sacrifices: a) Freedom to choose a husband • Since the men they married were assigned by the Emperor • They had no chance to refuse • b) They married to foreign place • They went to a foreign place where the custom, language were totally different form their mother country Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  33. c). Forced to accept the custom of the minority groupswhich were unacceptable in the Chinese society • Remarriage of women was common in the tribal society • Same as cross-generation marriage • To the Han Princesses: unacceptable because women’s virtue was very important. • eg: Princess Xiejun was first married to the ruler of Wusun but she was remarried with the grandson of her former husband • To Xiejun, it was difficult to accept : remarriage and cross-generation-marriage • So, wrote the letter to Wudi for returning to China • But,Wudi refused, “follow the custom of Wusun for the sake of gaining the alliance of Wusun against XiongNu” • Therefore, Princess Xiejun was forced to accept the custom of Wusun Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  34. Short conclusion of Heqin policy • Passive role of Heqin princesses • The policy ignored the willingness of the princesses • They still scarified themselves for the sake of the country • Contributions: Political ,economic, cultural contribution • It also helped to raise the social status of the Heqin princesses Cherry, Wong Ching Yee

  35. 5. Conclusion • Though the power of elder princesses in Han Dynasty was relatively very high, it was ultimately given by the emperor • If the emperor did not give much power to the elder princesses, they would not have been so powerful and influencing • Power of the emperor↑, power of the elder princesses ↑ • In Han Dynasty, the power of emperors was quite high • ∵ according to the above presentation, the power given to the elder princesses was high Charlie, Yu Pui Ki

  36. Bibliography: • 1. 班固撰， 顏師古注, <<漢書>>，北京 ： 中華書局 : 1962 。 • 2. 范曄撰，李賢等注, <<後漢書>>，香港：中華書局香港分局,1971。 • 3. 徐天麟，<<西漢會要>>，上海 ：上海人民出版社：1977。 • 4. 張末元， <<漢代服飾參考資料>>，北京：人民美術出版社： 1959 。 • 5. 楊樹達，<<漢代婚喪禮俗考>>，上海 : 上海古籍出版社， 2000。 • 6. 蔣玉幸，<<中國後宮漫話>>．合肥市 : 黃山書社：1996。 • 7. 安作璋，<<公主傳>>，鄭州市：河南人民出版社 ：1992。 • 8. 牟潤孫，<<漢初公主及外戚在帝室中之地位試釋 >>，臺北 : 中央硏究院 ，1952。 • 楊舒眉， <漢代宮廷女性與文化關係>，<<南都學壇>>， 2006年06期， 頁8。 • 崔銳，<論西漢三大外戚豪門>，<<西北大學學報(哲學社會科學版)>>， 2006年第2期，頁157。 • 賈麗英， <論漢代和蕃女性>，<<鞍山師範學院學報>>，2005年01期，頁8-13。 • 姚景州，<解憂公主與漢代西域初探>，<<東南文化>>，2000年03期， 頁89 – 91。 • 燕玲，<遠嫁烏孫的漢家公主>，<<揚州文學>>， 2004年S1期，頁63。 • 崔明德，<論中國古代和親的功能>，<<煙臺大學學報(哲學社會科學版)>>，1996年，　　04期，頁57-59。

  37. Thank You !!!

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