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The Daytime Maid Works Tirelessly, But Why Does She Fear Her Master’s Slumber at Night?

12 September, 2024

In ancient China, women often endured lowly statuses and strict social stratification. This was especially true for palace maids, who lived in extremely harsh conditions beyond imagination.

Why were ancient palace maids so afraid when their mistresses slept?

Palace maids had to not only toil during the day but also endure anxiety and pressure at night while attending to their mistresses’ sleep. They were the lowest class in the palace, often treated unfairly and bullied. Assigned to serve powerful concubines and officials, the maids could be easily punished if they displeased them.

While we often see glamorous depictions of concubines and maids in films, the reality was filled with hardship and endurance. Maids never knew the temperament of their mistresses and faced the risk of beatings if they encountered a violent one. In the vast palace, they knew no one could protect them from abuse.

Palace maids not only toiled during the day but also endured anxiety and pressure at night.

By day, exhausting and tedious tasks like sweeping, laundry, and meal preparation were inevitable parts of a maid’s life. However, these chores were still more bearable than the pressures and fears they faced at night.

At night, when their mistresses retired to bed, the maids had to keep vigil by their sides, never allowed to doze off. They were responsible for ensuring their mistresses were properly covered, and if the latter needed water in the middle of the night, it had to be provided promptly without any negligence. Any slight mistake could lead to severe punishment, and the consequences would be even more dire if they were caught sleeping.

To stay awake throughout the night, the maids devised various methods. They often carried needles to prick their hands when feeling sleepy, instantly jolting them awake. Others placed sharp twigs or thorns in their shoes, so that if they dozed off, the pain would wake them up. These measures showcase the desperate efforts of the maids to survive in the harsh palace environment.

The maids devised creative methods to stay awake throughout the night.

Many maids dreamed of leaving the palace, escaping their enslaved lives, finding husbands outside, and living normal lives. However, this was no easy feat and often remained a distant hope. Strict regulations and constant surveillance made it challenging for them to fulfill this aspiration.

The lives of palace maids in China’s history are a long tale of endurance, sacrifice, and longing for freedom. Despite oppression and injustice, they persevered and clung to hopes of a better life, even if it might never come to pass. Their struggles and resilience became an integral part of the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese history.

Frequently asked questions

The daytime maid is a hardworking and diligent woman who works tirelessly during the day, tending to her master’s every need. However, at night, she fears the slumber of her master and is filled with anxiety and worry.

The maid is afraid that her master might pass away peacefully in his sleep, leaving her unemployed and without a source of income. This fear stems from her strong work ethic and dedication to her job, as well as the societal pressure to be financially independent.

The maid’s fear keeps her constantly on edge and anxious. She becomes obsessed with ensuring her master’s health and well-being, going to great lengths to tend to his every need. She may also struggle with sleep herself, staying up at night to keep watch over her master.

The maid takes on a multitude of tasks to ensure her master’s comfort and health. She prepares his meals, tends to his garden, manages his finances, and even practices traditional medicine to treat his ailments. She is dedicated to creating a peaceful and comfortable environment for her master.

The maid’s fear of unemployment and financial instability highlights the societal pressure on individuals to be self-sufficient and financially independent. Her story also reflects the expectations placed on women to be caretakers and domestic workers, often facing financial insecurity and societal judgment.