Eunuch serving concubines in their baths, thought it was "easy work with high salary", but when he got the job he was disillusioned

In the luxurious palace, besides the maids, the eunuchs were the ones who suffered the most humiliation. Not only did they have the task of running errands, they also had to take on the arduous task of serving the concubines, especially bathing them.

In ancient Chinese feudal society, eunuchs were a special class. Because the emperors owned three palaces and six courtyards with hundreds of concubines, they needed a lot of servants. Although there were many female servants in the palace, men were still needed for many heavy tasks. However, to avoid being betrayed, the emperors chose to castrate these men before sending them to work in the palace - thus, eunuchs were born.

The role and rank of eunuchs in the Qing Dynasty palace

Eunuchs were an indispensable service force in the Qing Dynasty's harem and court. Although they lost the ability to reproduce, they were still men and played an important role in the operation of the palace.

Over time, eunuchs were divided into different ranks, from the lowest ones who served menial tasks to the trusted high-ranking eunuchs who worked close to the emperor or important concubines.

Eunuch ranks were often determined based on seniority, ability, and loyalty. High-ranking eunuchs often had power and influence in the palace, and could even interfere in political or internal palace affairs.

However, the life of a eunuch was not easy. They had to strictly follow palace rules, be closely monitored, and endure a lot of psychological pressure due to living far from their families, losing their rights as men, and facing dangers in the palace.

Eunuch's bath service

After losing their precious organs, eunuchs could do almost everything in the palace, including bathing the concubines. Many modern people think that serving the beauties in the harem while bathing is a "light job with high salary". However, the reality is completely the opposite, this is a job full of fear and pressure for eunuchs.

According to Sun Yaoting, the last eunuch in China, bathing concubines was not simply a matter of helping them undress and clean their bodies. Each bath was a long series of rituals, requiring eunuchs to be extremely careful and patient.

The concubines in the palace had the habit of not moving their bodies while bathing. They completely left everything to the eunuchs, from undressing, washing, to stepping into the bath. The eunuchs had to kneel down to show respect and avoid making the concubines uncomfortable.

Because bathing takes a long time, this job makes eunuchs feel extremely tired and stressed. They also have to ensure that the palace's secrets are kept secret and avoid any mistakes during the service.

After bathing, the eunuchs were tasked with wrapping the concubines in cotton blankets and taking them to the emperor’s palace to receive favors. Afterwards, the eunuchs would take the concubines back to their own palaces. This task required the eunuchs to interact with the concubines many times a day, creating great pressure both physically and mentally.

The life of a eunuch after leaving the palace

After leaving the palace, the lives of eunuchs also encountered many difficulties. Due to the loss of fertility and the lack of their own families, many eunuchs lived alone, lacking economic and spiritual support.

Some tried to integrate into the outside world, but due to prejudice and physical and psychological differences, they were often discriminated against or kept in seclusion. A few eunuchs who had high positions in the palace could receive help or material benefits from the court, but most had to fend for themselves.

Qing Dynasty concubine selection process

To become a concubine in the palace, young women not only had to be beautiful but also had to go through a very strict and rigorous selection process under the close supervision of the emperor and officials.

Traditionally, young women from noble families or commoners were selected based on standards of beauty, health, and moral character. The selection process, which took place every few years, was called the “concubine selection test.” The young women had to participate in competitions that tested their appearance, education, and delicate skills such as manners, court etiquette, and even their singing and dancing abilities.

After passing the exams, the girls were sent to the palace to train and prepare themselves for the strict life of the imperial court. In particular, before being favored by the emperor, the concubines had to undergo thorough health checks, including bathing to ensure there were no signs of illness or dangerous plots. This rule was to avoid assassination or transmitting diseases to the emperor.

Reason for requiring concubines to bathe before favoring

The requirement for concubines to bathe before meeting the emperor was not only a matter of ritual but also a strict safety rule in the palace. This was to ensure that concubines were in the best possible condition, both physically and mentally, when meeting the emperor.

In addition, bathing is also a way to check for unusual signs, such as wounds or signs of poisoning, to prevent plots to assassinate the emperor. Therefore, eunuchs and maids must be extremely careful when helping concubines bathe, avoiding mistakes that can cause serious consequences. After receiving favor, concubines must also bathe again to clean their bodies, maintain hygiene and prepare for the next activities in the harem.

Life and regulations in the Qing Dynasty harem

The Qing harem was organized with many strict rules to maintain order and the emperor's power. Concubines were divided into many ranks, each with its own rights and obligations. Concubines had to adhere to a strict schedule, from waking up, eating, exercising to receiving guests and receiving favors. They were not allowed to move freely and had to follow the palace's arrangements.

Bathing was also part of this framework, with strict rules to ensure hygiene and show respect for the emperor. Concubines were not allowed to bathe themselves but had to have eunuchs or maids serve them. All activities in the harem were closely monitored, from eating to communicating, to avoid conflicts or conspiracies to fight for power. Therefore, although life in the harem was luxurious, it was also full of pressure and isolation.

Why do concubines in power still follow the hidden rules with eunuchs? Tuyết Ngọc16:47:43 26/03/2024If they want to have the opportunity to approach the emperor, receive favors and strengthen their status, concubines must always follow the unspoken rules with the eunuchs in the palace, no matter how powerful they are.