r/Writeresearch • u/The-Uchiha-Writer Awesome Author Researcher • 2d ago

Ancient China harem help

Whats the difference between a concubine and a consort in Imperial China?

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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u/kschang Sci Fi, Crime, Military, Historical, Romance 1d ago

Which dynasty?

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u/LordAcorn Awesome Author Researcher 2d ago

Ancient China covers a lot of different systems but they all had a kind of concubine hierarchy. These functioned kind of like modern cabinet positions and women from more importantly families would be appointed to higher levels in the system. The names for each position changes through the ages. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Chinese_harem_system

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u/justhere4bookbinding Awesome Author Researcher 2d ago edited 2d ago

I believe concubines are mistresses, consorts are legal spouses.

Edit: oh nvm I think I was getting it mixed up with the European titles