However, it is known from contemporary sources that there were many deviations to this rule, especially in regard to mothers over their sons, and empresses who ordered around and openly humiliated their fathers and brothers.
Det er dog kendt fra samtidige kilder, at der forekom mange afvigelser fra denne regel, særligt med hensyn til mødre over deres sønner, og kejserinder som trynede og åbenlyst ydmygede deres fædre og brødre.