Do ancient princesses really need to be proficient in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting?

Whether the princess is proficient in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting depends on the actual situation. Different dynasties have different rules, but it is certain that most princesses do not need to be proficient in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting.

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, the requirements for women's ethics were lower and the atmosphere was more open. The emperor thinks that his daughter is the most distinguished woman in the world, so it is natural to live as one pleases without being too restrained. Therefore, the princesses in the Tang and Song Dynasties have no rigid requirements for talent. Some princesses have no ink on their chests, but they can still enjoy a luxurious and rich life. However, some princesses are very interested in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. There are not a few famous princesses in history, but most of them are exaggerated by their status as princesses, and there are still a few truly talented princesses.

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, there was a princess who had to be proficient in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, and that was the princess who was about to be sent to kiss. Especially in the Tang Dynasty, kissing the princess is not uncommon. These princesses shoulder the heavy responsibility of teaching Chinese culture to foreigners, so they must have excellent cultural literacy. In addition to playing chess, calligraphy and painting, these princesses even have a basic understanding of agriculture, animal husbandry or astronomical divination, which can be said to be versatile.

After the Tang and Song Dynasties, in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, ethics gradually deepened and became harsh. If the princess is really a straw bag with no ink in her chest, it will damage the reputation of the royal family. Therefore, emperors usually invite some scholars to be teachers for princesses. Under the influence of these literati, princesses will generally get by even if they can't reach the level of outstanding talent. However, compared with the lovely girl who needs to marry into a big family, or the prostitute who needs to attract guests with literary talent, the princess's literary talent is inevitably not as good as theirs. Princesses don't need to work hard in this respect, and their origins determine that they can live as they please.