Final answer:
Slavery was prevalent in ancient China and was deeply integrated into the society and economy, including both privately-owned and state-owned slaves. While there might have been some cases of manumission, rising out of slavery was generally very difficult, especially in later dynastic periods such as the Tang. Hence, slavery played a significant role in the economy and was not limited to specific regions or social classes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slavery played a complex role in ancient China and was indeed present and institutionalized in various forms throughout Chinese history. During the Tang Dynasty, for instance, not only were slaves working for the officials, but the government also issued market contracts validating the sale of slaves, such as in the kingdom of Gaochang. Additionally, the state owned some slaves, captured in wars or as a result of criminal sentences. The conditions of slaves could also be hereditary, and the institution was deeply entrenched into the social structure. Slavery's prevalence in ancient China indicates that it was widespread and had a significant role in the economy and social hierarchy.
Privately-owned slaves, who could have sold themselves into slavery or been captured and sold illegally, were part of the economy too. They could be artisans, laborers, or be involved in other specialized professions. While there were opportunities for some slaves to eventually buy their freedom, especially in earlier periods like the Han Dynasty, it became increasingly difficult in later periods such as the Tang Dynasty to rise out of slavery. Despite some regional differences in the prevalence of slavery, its presence was an integral part of ancient Chinese society, making the claim that it was limited to certain regions or abolished early in ancient China inaccurate.