From what I understand, her grandmother is the “real” head of the household when the father is just a useless figurehead. Also, in Chinese culture, there is a long tradition of the oldest member of the family holding the most respect and everyone looks to them for advice and decision making.
That’s what I was wondering. Respect for the eldest or she comes from a strong family and maybe wealth of her own.
He is weak but the dad does seem to really care for her.
It is interesting the power balance between the wives and concubines.
If I remember correctly, she was the legitimate wife of the his father. Minglan’s father was the son of a concubine, I believe. When his father died, the grandmother still took care of Ml’s father and supported him. That’s why I think he still cares a lot for the grandmother.
It truly is. There are so many questions that can raised in comparison to society today. Like everything was out and in the open in the past, but currently, having a secret mistress is like the new “trend.” Either way, both is terrible and unfortunate for both the real wives and concubines/mistresses.
Beverly
April 21, 2019 at 2:05 PM
Can someone explain something in Minglan? How does the grandmother retain such power? And why is it such a boon for a child to be raised by her?
bea
April 21, 2019 at 2:42 PM
From what I understand, her grandmother is the “real” head of the household when the father is just a useless figurehead. Also, in Chinese culture, there is a long tradition of the oldest member of the family holding the most respect and everyone looks to them for advice and decision making.
Beverly
April 21, 2019 at 3:39 PM
That’s what I was wondering. Respect for the eldest or she comes from a strong family and maybe wealth of her own.
He is weak but the dad does seem to really care for her.
It is interesting the power balance between the wives and concubines.
bea
April 21, 2019 at 3:59 PM
If I remember correctly, she was the legitimate wife of the his father. Minglan’s father was the son of a concubine, I believe. When his father died, the grandmother still took care of Ml’s father and supported him. That’s why I think he still cares a lot for the grandmother.
It truly is. There are so many questions that can raised in comparison to society today. Like everything was out and in the open in the past, but currently, having a secret mistress is like the new “trend.” Either way, both is terrible and unfortunate for both the real wives and concubines/mistresses.
KDFL
April 21, 2019 at 9:31 PM
Because she comes from a very renowned family and is the eldest family member.