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Why are eunuchs always afraid to serve the concubines during bathing?

In reality, eunuchs always feel fearful when serving the concubines during their baths. What is so burdensome about it that makes them so afraid?

Administrator

21 February, 2024

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In the feudal period, there were thousands of concubines in the imperial palace, so the number of eunuchs serving in the palace was extremely large. In fact, eunuchs always felt terrified whenever they served concubines in this matter.

Eunuchs always feel terrified when serving concubines

In order to serve in the Emperor’s harem, eunuchs had to go through a purification process before entering the palace. Eunuchs were deprived of their physical characteristics after the purification process and no longer had traditional social roles like men.

Being on duty next to the concubines, one of the tasks that eunuchs had to do every day was to assist them in bathing. However, the pain and challenges behind this job that eunuchs have to endure are understood by few. Despite being in close contact with the Emperor’s concubines in the harem, they are always limited in the role of loyal servants. The existence of eunuchs is both a guarantee for the order of the harem and a constraint on their own destiny. They live in an environment full of prohibitions and dangers, facing countless psychological and physical tensions.

Eunuchs have to be very careful in their relationship with concubines. While serving them during bathing, they need to interact with the concubines’ bodies in the most natural way. This is definitely a huge challenge for eunuchs, who are born male. They must tightly control their behavior and emotions to not cross boundaries, while still fulfilling their duties professionally and with enough formality. If they behave improperly towards the women belonging to the Emperor, eunuchs will certainly face the worst fate.

In addition, eunuchs must be sensitive in observing and discerning the psychological changes of concubines during bathing. They need to understand the personalities, preferences, and needs of the concubines in order to perform their job better. At the same time, they also need to deal with various unexpected situations, such as changes in the mood of concubines and unexpected incidents during the bathing process, to ensure that this task is carried out safely and smoothly.

During the process of bathing the concubines, eunuchs had to endure not only physical effort but also various technical and emotional challenges. The bathing conditions at that time were far inferior to modern times, they had to prepare hot water, mix fragrance, and even massage the concubines themselves. This process often took three or four hours and the concubines only had to sit quietly in the tub without moving, making most eunuchs exhausted after each time serving the concubines

More importantly, eunuchs need to constantly restrain their inner emotions and desires. Although they have lost their masculine characteristics, male hormones are still secreted. They are well aware of their own status and limitations, and understand that they are only a low-ranking group, with no chance of entering the good graces of the concubines or having the strength to confront the Emperor, the ruler of the empire.

In conclusion, the job of eunuchs serving concubines in bathing is full of pain and challenges. They are not only tortured physically but also suffer psychological and emotional torment. In their eyes, this job is a test and a spiritual training.

Eunuchs can still “get married”

It is also because of the relationship between the harem and the eunuchs that the phenomenon of Eunuchs marrying concubines arose. Eunuchs get married mainly to escape loneliness. They are looked down upon by society, so they long for the warmth of a wife to soothe their longing. This is completely understandable.

Most of the wives of eunuchs are female officials in the palace. Because life in the palace is isolated from the outside world, only female officials can be paired with eunuchs, so they can rely on each other. Eunuchs have lost their male characteristics and are not women either, so their psychological and physiological natures are distorted, and their hearts have no refuge. Therefore, their personalities are very abnormal. They cry and get angry for no reason over small things. When they see someone stronger than them, they beg and bow down, showing their insecurity and weakness.

The unpredictable personality makes people not want to be with them. Because of loneliness, they have an empty feeling inside and yearn to be cared for, so they “get married” to alleviate this loneliness. Of course, the “marriage” of eunuchs here is only a formal and implicitly understood arrangement in the palace, rather than any organized ceremony. The concubines understand the suffering of eunuchs, as well as the appreciation of the master-servant relationship helping each other in difficult times, so they turn a blind eye, even support such actions.

Frequently asked questions

In ancient China, eunuchs were afraid to serve concubines during their baths due to a widespread belief that the steam from the bath could restore their manhood. This belief was rooted in the idea that the steam contained the ‘qi’ or vital energy of the concubines, which could potentially reverse the effects of castration. It was a fearful notion for eunuchs as it challenged their very existence and sense of self, leading to anxiety and reluctance to perform this particular duty.

The relationship dynamic between eunuchs and concubines within imperial harems was complex. Eunuchs were tasked with attending to the daily needs of concubines, including bathing, dressing, and other intimate duties. While some eunuchs may have developed close relationships with certain concubines, their primary allegiance was to the emperor. They were expected to maintain strict discipline and secrecy within the harem, often acting as informants for the emperor to ensure the concubines’ loyalty and obedience.

The fear of serving concubines during their baths had a significant impact on the daily lives and routines of eunuchs. It created a sense of anxiety and unease, causing them to avoid or delay bath-related duties as much as possible. This fear also contributed to the development of unique customs and rituals within the harem. For instance, eunuchs might perform elaborate ceremonies or prayers before entering a concubine’s bath chamber, in an attempt to ward off any potential ‘restoration’ of their manhood.

Yes, there are historical anecdotes that provide insight into the fear eunuchs experienced. One such account involves a eunuch named Li Yu, who served during the Ming dynasty. Li Yu was known to be extremely cautious and fearful when it came to serving concubines during their baths. He would often make excuses to avoid the task, and when forced to do so, he exhibited great nervousness and unease. This anecdote illustrates the very real and profound impact that this belief had on the lives and behaviors of eunuchs in ancient China.

To alleviate their fear and protect themselves from the perceived threat of steam, eunuchs employed various measures and rituals. These included wearing amulets or talismans believed to possess protective powers, performing intricate rituals before entering bath chambers, and even avoiding certain foods or engaging in specific activities thought to increase the potency of the steam’s effects. While these practices may seem superstitious, they provided eunuchs with a sense of control and security in an environment filled with anxiety and uncertainty.