women in the ming dynasty generally
a) were encouraged to read and write.
b) sought employment outside of the home.
c) were usually confined to the household.
d) became powerful in the confucian hierarchy.

C) were usually confined to the household.

As the ancient China culture stated, the woman was always in the shadow of her husband, as soon as the husband died, she would have to be taken in in the house of her eldest son.

to keep us neatruel and not get involved in any wars

he assumed control of treaty negotiations with a hostile power