Jonathan Spence's book is a fascinating and eye-opening view into rural China (Shantung) in the 16760s. The sources for his book are the local history of Tan-cheng county, the accounts by one of its magistrates, and the plays of Pu Sung-ling.
The story gives you an interesting and illuminating acount that reads like a novel. The woman Wang ran away from her husband with another man, then returned to him, and then was found dead.
A husband , according to Ming/Qing legal codes could divorce his wife for 7 reasons: inability to have sons; lascivious behavior, failure to serve her in-laws properly, talking too much, being a thief, overly jealous, or having a serious illness. There were 3 exceptions but they did not apply in the case of adultery.
But the law also said if the husband refused to send her away after she had committed a divorceable act...the husband could be given 80 blows!
He had taken her back and nothing was done. He had even bought a new sleeping mat...Later she was found dead in the woods.
Read the book to find out the details!!! It's only 160 pages... you will enjoy it!!![Edit by="mwhittemore on May 19, 10:14:34 AM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="mwhittemore on May 19, 10:15:40 AM"][/Edit]
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