The Confucian Four Books for Women

Acknowledgements Note on Editions, Commentaries, and Translation Chronology of Chinese Dynasties Essential Classic Chinese Terms with Corresponding English Translation Introduction: Uncovering the Confucian Four Books for Women: Why Nü sishu? Why Now? I. The Han Women: Ban Zhao and the Lessons for Women (c. 45-117) Introduction Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of Ban Zhao Original Preface to This Work by Ban Zhao Chapter 1 The Lowly and the Weak Chapter 2 Husband and Wife Chapter 3 Respect and Compliance Chapter 4 Women's Conduct Chapter 5 One-Mindedness Chapter 6 Conceding Obedience Chapter 7 Harmony with Younger Brothers-and-Sisters-in-Law II. The Tang Women: The Song Sisters and the Analects for Women (?-820/825) Introduction Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of the Song Sisters Original Preface to This Work by the Song Sisters Chapter 1 Establishing One's Person Chapter 2 Learning the Work Chapter 3 Learning the Rituals Chapter 4 Rising Early Chapter 5 Serving One's Parents Chapter 6 Serving Parents-in-Law Chapter 7 Serving One's Husband Chapter 8 Instructing Boys and Girls Chapter 9 Managing the Household Chapter 10 Hosting Guests Chapter 11 Harmony and Gentleness Chapter 12 Guarding One's Integrity III. The Ming Imperial Women: Empresses Renxiaowen and the Teachings for the Inner Court (1361-1407) Introduction Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of Empress Renxiaowen Original Preface to this Work by Empress Renxiaowen Chapter 1 Virtuous Nature Chapter 2 Self-Cultivation Chapter 3 Prudent Speech Chapter 4 Careful Conduct Chapter 5 Diligence Chapter 6 Frugality Chapter 7 Watchfulness Chapter 8 Accumulating Good Deeds Chapter 9 Becoming Good Chapter 10 Revering Sagely Teachings Chapter 11 Admiring Wise Role Models Chapter 12 Serving One's Parents Chapter 13 Serving One's Ruler Chapter 14 On Serving Parents-in-Law Chapter 15 Performing Religious Rites Chapter 16 Model Motherhood Chapter 17 Friendly Relationship with Family Clans Chapter 18 Benevolent Love for the Young Chapter 19 Treating Imperial Concubines Chapter 20 Treating Imperial Consorts' Maternal Relatives IV. The Ming Women: Madame Liu and the Short Records of Models for Women (c. 16th century) Introduction Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of His Mother, Madame Liu Chapter 1 Unifying Thesis Chapter 2 Queenly Virtues Chapter 3 Model Motherhood Chapter 4 Filial Conduct Chapter 5 Chastity and Ardency Chapter 6 Loyalty and Righteousness Chapter 7 Benevolent Love Chapter 8 Upholding Ritual Propriety Chapter 9 Wisdom Chapter 10 Diligence and Frugality Chapter 11 Talent and Virtue Appendix: Liu Xiang's Biographies of Women vis-à-vis Wang Xiang's Four Books for Women: Comparative Timelines and Categories of Women's Virtue Bibliography Index