From Attendant Officer to Imperial Son-in-law:A Discussion on the Side-horse Duwei of the Double-Jin and Southern Dynasties
The Side-horse Duwei was a very special official position in ancient China,initially only manag-ing the affaires of the emperor's deputy chariot and horse.Latter,it served as the attendant and hon-ored ralatives of the distinguished officials,and after several changes during the double-Jin and South-ern dynasties,it became the exclusive title of the emperor's son-in-law.The transformation from the attendant to emperor'son-in-law can only be reasonably explained by linking it with the medieval sys-tem of the aristocratic family and corresponding rules of social status.From the double-Jin to the first half of the Liu Song dynasty period,the Side-horse Duwei Contains a dual attributes of the attendant of-ficer and emperor's son-in-law titles.It was mainly held by first-class aristocrats owning the political background of third rank or above.With the decline of the imperial court,the emperor's son-in-law became dominant and the Side-horse Duwei was specifically referred to the identity during the reign of emperor Xiaowu of the Song dynasty.The career advancement of the imperial son-in-law was closely related to his rank and status.It can serve as the starting point for official career development and also take on the role of a transition ladder,holding important positions and ensuring that he was promoted to the position of third grade central authority head,thus achieving a replica of his identity and status.Since the middle period of Liu Song in the Southern dynasty,the family status standards of the Side-horse Duwei became increasingly strict and his privileges in officialdom have been more guaranteed,fully demonstrating the principle of prioritizing kinship and nobility in aristocratic politics.
Double-Jin and Southern dynastiesSide-horse DuweiAttendant OfficerImperial Son-in-lawOfficial Career Promotion
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
