Ban Zhao, a prominent female historian and scholar during the Han dynasty in early China, is known for her contributions to literature and her views on women's roles in society. In her work "Lessons for Women" (Nü Jie), she emphasized several virtues for women, which are reflective of Confucian values. These virtues include:
- Obedience - Loyalty and submission to one's husband and family were seen as important qualities.
- Modesty - Femininity and modest behavior were highly regarded.
- Diligence - The value of hard work and industriousness, particularly in the context of household management and family care.
- Frugality - Being economical and managing resources wisely was emphasized as a virtue.
- Faithfulness - Loyalty to family and husband was considered essential.
These virtues collectively reflect the Confucian ideals of the time, highlighting the roles of women in the domestic sphere and their importance in maintaining family harmony.