The first approach mentioned is that of “facing reality.”
The term “facing reality” encapsulates two main aspects: the relationships between palace maids, and between eunuchs and maids. Within the harem, the most important male figure is the emperor, while the rest are eunuchs. For maids who are not favored by the emperor and have no access to men, they often form same-sex relationships for comfort.
The term “facing reality” refers to maids and eunuchs sharing meals, having crushes, or exchanging private emotions to alleviate loneliness and seek spiritual solace. These relationships are usually short-lived and not meant to be long-term.
The concept of “facing reality” describes the relationships formed between maids or between maids and eunuchs within the harem. In this confined space, eunuchs have no family, and maids have no husbands, so they easily bond to share their loneliness. However, if the relationship persists, it is termed a “long-term partnership.”
Although eunuchs have undergone castration and cannot physically satisfy maids’ sexual needs like a typical partner, they find other ways to stimulate the maids’ senses, creating a form of “facing reality” that inflicts physical and mental harm on the maids.
The second approach employed by maids is adultery.
Within the confines of the harem, loneliness intensifies, driving some maids to seek comfort from palace guards to fulfill their physical desires.
However, such actions are considered taboo in the royal realm, and if discovered, severe punishment awaits. Nonetheless, many maids accept the risk, hoping to alleviate their solitude.
The third approach is to attract the emperor’s attention.
This strategy is often chosen by ambitious maids. However, to captivate the emperor, they require not only beauty but also timely opportunities and favorable circumstances. What about the maids who never get a chance to meet the emperor? How can they implement this plan?
Maids who serve the emperor’s concubines directly have more opportunities to make an impression on him. When the emperor favors a particular concubine, he may also notice beautiful and suitable maids, giving them a chance to rise through his patronage.
Thus, whenever the emperor partakes in festivities or leisure with his concubines, the attractive maids strive to capture his attention and even find ways to approach him when he is intoxicated or less inhibited. These moments present opportunities for the maids to get closer to the emperor.
Lastly, the fourth approach is to flirt with the emperor.
Many emperors throughout history preferred entertainment like hide-and-seek, dancing, or strolling over reviewing official documents. Seizing these moments, maids would showcase their allure and captivate the emperor’s attention. Once they caught his eye, they became special and significant to him.
In summary, maids within the imperial palace yearn for love and empathy. Fulfilling their physical needs becomes a priority, despite the risks and unintended consequences. This drives them to sacrifice their youth and face formidable challenges throughout their lives.
