Legitimate vs Concubine-Born (嫡庶)

The standard definition in Chinese discussion: children of the wife are di (legitimate), children of a concubine are shu (concubine-born). Reddit threads on consort and concubine show that English-speaking viewers already have a vocabulary for palace rank (imperial consort, noble consort, concubine), but its granularity does not align exactly with di and shu.

The most important correction: a shu daughter was often registered under the legitimate mother when she left the household, and inheritance was bound mainly to the di or shu status of sons. Historically the practical gap for women was smaller than the dialogue in dramas suggests. For dramatic conflict, shows routinely amplify the absoluteness of the hierarchy.

One-line explanation: "In drama, legitimate vs concubine-born is amplified for conflict; historically, the practical gap was narrower, especially for daughters who were re-registered under the legitimate mother when they left the household to marry."

Subtitle compensation: keep the short gloss di (legitimate) / shu (concubine-born) on first appearance rather than giving only "legitimate" or only "concubine-born". Viewers need to see that these are two Chinese concepts, not two separate English ones — that is what makes them notice the drama may be inflating the distinction.

Evidence level: A (specific counter-examples exist for the historical correction). Related entries: gifting women, filial piety, gongdou.