Tang Dynasty Wife's Family Research

Waiqi, generally means the family of the emperor's mother or wife, namely the family and relatives of imperial concubine too. They make full use of the relations in court and the power of imperial concubine, indulge in creature comforts and dignified honor, and participate in the center of confidentiality, and play an important role in the ancient political activities. The politics of Waiqi in the Tang Dynasty is the transitional period in our country. Waiqi in the former period of the Tang Dynasty continue the strong and prosperous momentum since the Han Dynasty, while in the later period, along with the changes of social environment, Waiqi disgrace gradually and the corresponding social status has declined rapidly as well, thereafter until the end of the Qing Dynasty, Waiqi fall into decay.At first, the change of Waiqi in the Tang Dynasty has reflected in the family background of the imperial concubine. The family status of imperial concubine in the Tang Dynasty is high as a whole, but from the specific period, the trend is descending, especially in the late period of the Tang Dynasty. The number of the imperial concubines who were born in the family of medium or inferior feudal official or ordinary people increased gradually. Since the rule range of the central power moved from Guanlong to Shandong and the regions in the south of the Yangtze River, the birthplace of imperial concubine in the Tang Dynasty also experienced the same spread process. According to the surnames of these imperial concubines, it is found and proved that some of the concubines owning the same surname were from the same family which reflects that large Waiqi families from generations to generations in the Tang Dynasty turned up at times, especially in the former period.The political, economical benefits and courteous reception of daily life of Waiqi in the Tang Dynasty also turn up some changes in the former and later period. In the former period, Waiqi are appointed as province officials and control centre power, some are appointed as general and responsible for guard duty. Although in the later period, Waiqi also enjoy high posts with salaries to match, they have no real power. With the decline of the Tang dynasty and status itself, economical treatment of Waiqi is falling to some extent. The convention of marrying princess in the Waiqi family in the former period in the Tang Dynasty also fade to some extent.In addition, Waiqi in the Tang Dynasty being in a transitional period, cover all the typical sorts and features of Waiqi in the history. In the early days of the Tang Dynasty, Waiqi make use of soldiers to assist political affairs, which really takes effect in the help of Waiqi. During the regime from Gaozong to Suzong, Waiqi are autocratic and the policy is in a mess, they are lordly, luxurious, loose and idle. From the Daizong period, Waiqi often follow the rules and standards, they are often modest and self-controlled. In fact, the behaviour of Waiqi in the different period is firmly related to the social environment at that time. Owning to the collapse of the Patriarch System, the establishment of the imperial civil examination system, the need of the rulers and the gradual decline of the family power and so on, Waiqi in the Tang Dynasty experienced the process of ups and downs.