Within the three thousand concubines of ancient China, not everyone was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the emperor’s favorite concubines. For the less favored concubines and palace ladies, especially when they were still young, they had to find ways to alleviate their loneliness and sexual needs. Here are the methods they often used:
Same-sex Relationships
In the palace, there was only one real man, and that was the emperor, while the rest were eunuchs. For the concubines or palace ladies who were not favored by the emperor, they were not allowed to interact with other men in the palace, while they were at an age when sexual desires were at their peak. Some individuals with high sexual needs may choose to engage in same-sex relationships with other concubines. However, these relationships often only lasted for a short time.
In addition, the eunuchs were not allowed to have families, and the concubines did not have husbands, so they could form temporary relationships to alleviate their loneliness in the palace. In these cooperative relationships, they lived together as husband and wife and created a considerable stability. However, the eunuchs could not fulfill the sexual needs of the concubines in the usual way and often used special methods. However, these methods were still kept secret and were not recorded in historical documents.
In some cases, the private relationships between concubines and eunuchs were even supported by the empress and other palace ladies. The reason was that each concubine had the potential to become a consort of the emperor, and if that happened, they could become rivals to the current consorts.
Overcoming the Barriers
Every individual has emotions and desires, and concubines are no exception. In the palace, where there were no male presence, concubines and palace ladies had to deal with overwhelming feelings of loneliness. For those with high needs or in favorable circumstances, they could try to communicate with the palace guards to alleviate their sense of emptiness.
However, this was strictly forbidden within the imperial palace. If discovered, the consequences could be very serious, even threatening their lives.
Why did eunuchs in the past get married even though they couldn’t have children?
There is a common misconception that eunuchs never get married, but the reality is that most of them do. The truth behind it is quite heartbreaking.
Silence rule forces Qing dynasty concubines to keep quiet during intimate activities
During the Qing Dynasty, imperial consorts were expected to maintain silence and refrain from making any noise while being attended to by the emperor.
Unspoken rule stops Qing dynasty concubines from making noise during intimate moments
During the rule of the Qing Dynasty, concubines were required to maintain absolute silence during their encounters with the emperor. They were forbidden from making any sound at all.
Unspoken rules that forced Qing dynasty concubines to stay silent while being inspected by the emperor
When in the presence of the emperor, all concubines must maintain silence. This is a mandatory rule, and no one is allowed to disobey.
Who is the “thê” and who is the “thiếp” among ancient men’s “tam thê tứ thiếp”?
Why did people in the past have “three wives and four concubines”? Who are these “three wives” and “four concubines”?
