ABSTRACT
The selection of a bridegroom of humble birth for a family immeasurably above him in social status was by no means unique in Imperial China, which was a happy combination of feudal tradition with the best elements of democracy. Brains, initiative and tact" could raise the peasant to the prince, and the lack of such qualities degraded his descendants to their original level. The local squire took an interest in the village school and, if his attention were drawn to a particularly brilliant scholar, he acquired merit by acting as his patron. Should the lad be successful in passing the competitive examination and be appointed to an official post, he could easily contract a marriage, where his wife's wealth and influence fUI;:hered his career. The titles, however, were personal and not hereditary, and a duke's grandson, if he won no honour in the service of the coufltry, reverted to a commoner.
