As we all know, in ancient China, men could marry three wives and four concubines. Even in the Republic of China, rich and powerful warlords invited several concubines into the yamen.

However, although men used to have several wives, there was actually only one wife. In other words, China has been monogamous since ancient times, but all the first wives are called concubines. It was only after the founding of New China that men were legally prohibited from polygamy.

In people's imagination, these aunts were swept away almost overnight. Not only have they suffered a lot of gossip, but many people are lonely and have no viability. How on earth should they survive?

In order to take care of the lives of these concubines, the Marriage Law promulgated in 1950 formally and clearly stipulated monogamy, but it also made additional provisions, that is, if a wife who had been polygamous before liberation did not file for divorce after the promulgation of the Marriage Law, her marriage relationship could continue.

Of course, some friends may ask, didn't monogamy be announced in the early years of the Republic of China?

Yes, but the political power at that time was basically dominated by officials and warlords of the previous dynasty (especially the Beiyang period). They are deeply influenced by traditional ideas and can't limit their desires at the same time. Therefore, monogamy is just shouting slogans and posturing, and concubinage is still prevalent. For example, Yuan Shikai has nine concubines.

At that time, the wife needed the words of a matchmaker to get married, and the concubine only needed to pay the dowry and carry it home in a small sedan chair.

It can be seen that their status is not equal. The so-called concubine room is only used to meet the physiological needs of men or to carry on the family line.