Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from?

Châu AnhDec 07, 2024 at 16:18

 4  |  0 Discuss  |  Report

Follow on

Many people still believe that the courtesans were recruited to the palace to have a more luxurious and fulfilling life than the majority of workers in feudal society.

However, according to Sohu, ancient Chinese courtiers had many "hidden corners", in contrast to the glamour we often see in historical films. The courtesans are usually the ones with the lowest status in the harem. One of them is facing the situation of not being able to have children after leaving the palace, or when being recruited by the emperor as a concubine.

Most of the courtesans were chosen from the common people. In addition, the part of the courtesans who commit crimes by their families will be forced to work as courtesans specializing in low-level jobs. In addition, there are a number of courtesans donated by local officials or smaller countries. They are very beautiful, can dance, sing, embroider...

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 1

The palace maidens entering the palace must be taught and trained by the group of managers. They are trained from walking, combing their hair, putting on makeup to eating and sleeping. All actions are very strictly regulated. If they make a small mistake, the courtesans can be beaten, kneeled, and even given death by the emperor and the concubines.

Not only the servants of the cabinet masters, the new courtesans also have to serve and be under the management of the old courtesans. All the daily personal work of the old courtesan, such as washing her face, combing her hair, washing her feet, bathing... are all in charge of the new courtesans.

If the courtesan during the service does not make any major mistakes until the age of 25, she can leave the palace. However, leaving the palace does not mean that they are freed, on the contrary, a bigger "thunderstorm" is waiting for them outside.

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 2

In Pu Yi's autobiography My Half Life Ago, the last emperor of the Chinese feudal dynasty, wrote that the courtiers did not dare to marry after being expelled from the palace. They mainly live the rest of their lives in tragedy, poverty, and rarely return to become civilians who can integrate into society.

The reason is that in ancient times, the imperial court often selected female courtiers who were 13-14 years old, but it was not until they were 25 years old that they could leave the palace. At that time, this age was too old, because the ancients often got married and gave birth to children at the age of 15. Therefore, after the courtesans leave the palace, it is difficult for them to find a single man, they only have 2 choices: become someone else's concubine or stay there.

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 3

The second reason is that their health is seriously affected, especially fertility.

The work of the courtesans in the palace is often extremely hard. They are required to be on duty at all times to serve members of the royal family no matter day or night, so much so that they hardly get a break. Standing, walking, and working for long periods of time every day exhausted their bodies.

Moreover, there are a lot of regulations in the palace. If not careful, the courtesans may face severe punishment, which puts a huge amount of mental pressure on them.

Under such intense physical and mental pressure for a long time, most of the courtiers experience endocrine disorders, affecting fertility.

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 4

The living environment in the palace is not everywhere gorgeous and fully equipped as many people mistakenly believe. Although this may be true if talking about the residence of the emperor and members of the royal family.

However, the residence of the courtiers and slaves is completely the opposite: Cramped, crowded and poorly ventilated. In addition, the number of servants in the palace is very large, so diseases are easy to multiply.

Moreover, the food of the palace maidens is often not well guaranteed. With limited food sources, they can only get basic supplies and unbalanced nutrition. Living in such a harsh environment for a long time will reduce the body's resistance, making it susceptible to many diseases, which also affects fertility.

Not only that, but once the courtesans entered the palace, they would be almost isolated from the outside world. They can't love or marry freely, causing their emotions to be suppressed for a long time. This leads to an emotional state of loneliness and depression, and has a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 5

As a "worm, an ant", the courtesans often have to endure many acts of abuse and injury. If a courtesan has a beautiful appearance, they will suffer more abuse because they attract the attention of men, even the emperor. This makes them accept abusive behaviors and intentional injuries, especially damage to the genitals, affecting fertility.

According to Sohu, it is no coincidence that most of the courtiers in ancient times were infertile after leaving the palace. It is the result of many causes, from intense work and mental pressure, harsh living environment, as well as always facing the risk of abuse and physical damage.

Ancient palace maidens were often infertile, difficult to give birth, where did the reason come from? - Photo 6

Did you LIKE this article?
Yes
No

Related topics

The Qing Dynasty concubine bathed in luxury so expensive that the eunuchs and palace maids were also terrified

The Qing Dynasty concubine bathed in luxury so expensive that the eunuchs and palace maids were also terrified
team youtube3 years ago
During the Chinese feudal dynasties, the Emperor was the one who held the highest status and power. To maintain the royal bloodline, the kings at that time mostly owned harems with thousands of concubines and beauties. Once upon a time, becoming the king's wife was the...

 4  |  0 Discuss  |  

The palace maid left the palace, 25 years old, still young and beautiful, but no man dared to marry her, why?

The palace maid left the palace, 25 years old, still young and beautiful, but no man dared to marry her, why?
Bảo Nam3 months ago
In the ancient Chinese royal palace, palace maids (maids or maids) were the overwhelmingly numerous class because they were responsible for chores, laundry, serving tea and water, and taking care of the owner's meals and daily activities.

 1  |  0 Discuss  |  

Without a market, fully clothed, and forbidden to leave the palace, where do concubines spend their monthly money?

Without a market, fully clothed, and forbidden to leave the palace, where do concubines spend their monthly money?
Keng1 year ago
Sometimes you can't leave the palace for a whole year, and there are no shops in the palace. Many people are curious about what the concubine will use the bonus money for. Knowing this, everyone was surprised.

 4  |  0 Discuss  |  

Palace maidens and eunuchs in the Forbidden City never dared to eat the king's leftovers, why is that?

Palace maidens and eunuchs in the Forbidden City never dared to eat the king's leftovers, why is that?
Như Ý3 years ago
How is the king's leftovers handled? In the ancient dynasty of China, the Emperor was the person who sat in the highest position, not only worshiped by the subjects, but also considered the son of God. Compliance will be severely punished. With such an important position, the...

 1  |  0 Discuss  |  

Concubines in the past had a terrifying "privilege" that even the main wife did not have.

Concubines in the past had a terrifying "privilege" that even the main wife did not have.
Minh Lợi1 week ago
In feudal Chinese society, concubines were seen as mere commodities, bought and sold without any significant rights, and did not even have an official position in the husband's family tree.

 2  |  0 Discuss  |  

Li Lianying's sister revealed the shocking secret about Cixi's death, shocking everyone who heard it.

Li Lianying's sister revealed the shocking secret about Cixi's death, shocking everyone who heard it.
Phượng Vũ2 months ago
After the death of Empress Dowager Cixi, her death has always been a mystery that has made future generations curious. Later, her sister Li Lianying revealed something related that surprised everyone.

 1  |  0 Discuss  |  

The palace maiden cleansed the "dragon hole" for the Emperor, the strange act is still favored, why?

The palace maiden cleansed the "dragon hole" for the Emperor, the strange act is still favored, why?
Tuyết Ngọc2 months ago
Washing the dragon's hole for the Emperor is known to be an important ritual in the ancient court. Many courtiers had to fight, even using many tricks to perform this ritual. Why?

 1  |  0 Discuss  |  

Palace maid "changed her life", became queen thanks to eunuch writing 1 wrong word?

Palace maid "changed her life", became queen thanks to eunuch writing 1 wrong word?
JLO3 months ago
Empress Dowager Dou - Dou Yifang is a special case in feudal China. She went from being a lowly palace maid to becoming a noble mother of the world just because of a eunuch's mistake.

 4  |  0 Discuss  |  

Eunuchs must stay here for a month after being purified before being allowed out!

Eunuchs must stay here for a month after being purified before being allowed out!
Bảo Nam4 months ago
Eunuch is not a highly regarded job but can bring in a lot of money and have opportunities for advancement. However, the price of becoming a eunuch is having to undergo a process of castration, losing the ability to continue the family line.

 1  |  0 Discuss  |  

Doctor Thinh publicly announced that he had children and revealed about the children's mother. Fans discovered something special

Doctor Thinh publicly announced that he had children and revealed about the children's mother. Fans discovered something special
Hoàng Phúc1 year ago
Recently, on his personal page, doctor Cao Huu Thinh suddenly posted a reunion photo of 5 babies in the only quintuple birth in Vietnam. It is known that this is a rare birth that took place in 2013 at Tu Du hospital.

 3  |  1 Discuss  |  

Brides in the past had to wear a red headscarf when getting married, which seemed so romantic but scary

Brides in the past had to wear a red headscarf when getting married, which seemed so romantic but scary
JLO1 year ago
In many historical films, it is common to see brides in ancient times wearing red veils. In fact, it is considered a symbol of romance and celebration but has a bloody story behind it.

 1  |  1 Discuss  |  

Traffic violations in the past: Being severely punished by the king, even the prince had a hard time escaping!

Traffic violations in the past: Being severely punished by the king, even the prince had a hard time escaping!
JLO1 year ago
The laws in feudal law all delineate different behaviors that pose a risk of harming the community when participating in traffic and are accompanied by sanctions depending on the level of violation.

 3  |  1 Discuss  |