In the centuries following the fall of the Han Empire, Chinese women
a. found themselves restricted to a greater degree than ever before because of the cultural influence of the nomadic peoples who conquered much of northern China.
b. were removed from positions as priests, nuns, and reclusive mediators in Daoist movements.
c. benefited from the growing influence of Buddhism, which provided some women with an alternative to family life in Buddhist monasteries.
d. were encouraged by the writings of Ban Zhou to be more assertive in their relationships to men.
Answer: C