Gaining the Emperor’s Favor
For palace attendants, gaining the Emperor’s favor was undoubtedly the fastest way to change their destiny.
However, with thousands of beautiful women in the palace, how could one capture his eye?
Some attendants dressed distinctively, adorning unique flowers in their hair or embroidering intricate patterns on their dresses, hoping to attract the Emperor’s attention.
Others cultivated talents such as dancing, singing, painting, or poetry, wishing to be noticed by the Emperor.
Seeking the Emperor’s Favor
The competition among palace attendants was fierce. Even if one gained the Emperor’s favor, there was no guarantee of keeping his heart for long.
Moreover, the struggle for his attention was dangerous, as attendants often resorted to scheming and harming each other.
Same-Sex Relationships
Same-sex relationships, or “lesbianism,” emerged among palace attendants in ancient China. However, the term later became associated with relationships between attendants and eunuchs.
This practice is believed to have started during the Han Dynasty but became more common during the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty.
The Practice Dates Back to the Han Dynasty
These relationships were quite prevalent. With men being incomplete and women unable to marry, they found comfort, shared experiences, and emotional support in each other’s company. The relationship between eunuchs and attendants often progressed beyond romance to a marital-like bond.
Naturally, this was forbidden within the palace, so they communicated through secret signals. A eunuch who acted as a husband to an attendant was called a “Tai Ho,” a term that likened the eunuch to a delicacy enjoyed by the attendant.
Over time, Emperors became aware of these relationships but often turned a blind eye, showing compassion for their subjects.
Illicit Affairs
Many attendants, uninterested in same-sex relationships or realizing their chances of gaining the Emperor’s favor were slim, sought forbidden relationships with the inner palace guards. However, this was extremely risky, as such affairs were strictly prohibited. If discovered, the punishment for a consort engaging in illicit relations was severe, often involving being caged and thrown into the river.
The Unfavored Concubine Was Banished to the Cold Palace, Why Did Eunuchs Fight to Serve Her? What Were Their ‘Needs’?
For reasons unknown, Imperial concubines’ demotion to the Cold Palace did not deter eunuchs from vying to serve them.
Revealing the secrets of how ancient women satisfy their sexual desires, you won’t believe what they did
Even as concubines, with lowly status, they still have their own personal needs that need to be addressed.
Unveiling the secrets of ancient female desires, leaving many people astonished.
Even as concubines with low status, they still have their own private needs that require attention and resolution.
Why do disgraced concubines get banished to the cold palace while eunuchs compete to serve them?
When confined to the palace, a concubine loses her power and status. However, why do the eunuchs still strive to serve?
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?
