In the Tang Dynasty, despite the open social atmosphere, there was a peculiar phenomenon - the scholars were reluctant to marry princesses, even if the relationship between men and women in this era was not as rigid as in ancient times. A review of the Old Tang Book reveals some fascinating accounts of the refusal of the scholars to marry their sons during that period, even though marrying a princess meant prosperity and wealth.
Funeral etiquette: the trouble of complicated Xi
An important obstacle was the strict funeral etiquette associated with marrying a princess. The Book of the Old Tang Dynasty records the situation during the Wenzong period, where qualified men pretended to be sick and avoided the honor of being a princess's concubine. This unusual behavior stems from the three-year mourning period that the princess must follow if her husband dies, including wearing mourning clothes. Such a heavy funeral burden discouraged the nobles from being involved with the royal family.
The mystery of the concept of the door
In the Tang Dynasty, society's emphasis on the concept of family made marriage decisions more complicated. The scholars not only valued the illustrious family background, but also the family cultural traditions, family customs and enviable marital relationships. The royal tradition was seen as heterogeneous and restrictive, which made the nobles shy away from the idea of accepting the princess as a princess. For them, maintaining family heritage and values is far more important than the connection of the royal family.
Misconduct and disregard for women's morals
Many Tang princesses were known for their extravagance and indulgence, which also deepened the hesitation of the scholars. In historical records, as stated in the New Tang Dynasty Book and the Biography of the Emperors and Princesses, the extravagance, willfulness and even brutality of the princesses form part of the image. This concern for morality exacerbated the hesitation of the nobles about royal marriages. In the context of the feudal society's emphasis on women's morality, it was difficult for the scholars to tolerate marital relations that could destroy family harmony, not to mention that they themselves were rich and illustrious, and did not need to pursue the glory and wealth of the royal family.
Conclusion: Interpreting the marital dilemma of the Tang Dynasty
In the complex society of the Tang Dynasty, the refusal of the scholars to marry the princess appeared as a multi-layered phenomenon. Beyond the allure of royal connections, funeral etiquette, the concept of the family, and concerns about the princess's behavior all play a key role in shaping the marital landscape. In considering these factors, the nobles placed family, values, and family harmony above the temptation of royal marriage, creating a unique marriage culture for that dynamic era.