Why should eunuchs serve the emperor instead of maids?
In the ancient Chinese court, the selection of people to serve the emperor was always strictly selected and considered. Among the many choices, the eunuch gradually became the main bearer of this role, rather than the maid. There are deep historical reasons and court cultural considerations behind this choice. This article will explore many aspects of why it was the eunuchs and not the maids who served the emperor.
1. Historical Background and Court Culture
In ancient China, the emperor was the supreme ruler of the country, and the people who served around him naturally needed to be carefully selected. Since the pre-Qin period, the eunuch system has gradually emerged and reached its peak in the Eastern Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties. In these dynasties, eunuchs were not only responsible for the chores of the court, but also gradually got involved in state affairs and became an indispensable part of the court.
At the same time, the handmaidens also played an important role in the court. They were mainly responsible for serving the daily life of the emperor and concubines, as well as handling some harem affairs. However, compared to eunuchs, the position and influence of handmaidens in the court was relatively weak.
2. The difference between a eunuch and a maid
Gender & Identity
The most significant difference between a eunuch and a maid is gender and status. A eunuch is a man who has his genitals removed by special means, while a maid is a woman. In ancient court cultures, men were seen as more masculine and powerful beings, while women were relatively weak and delicate. Therefore, eunuchs have natural advantages in terms of physical strength and endurance, and are more suitable for some work that requires a lot of physical strength and energy.
Power & Influence
In the court, eunuchs tended to have access to more political information and secrets, so they had more power and influence. Through their long court life, the eunuchs accumulated a wealth of political experience and connections, which allowed them to influence the situation in the court and the emperor's decision-making to a certain extent. Maids, on the other hand, have a relative lack of such power and influence, and they play more of the role of executor and auxiliary.
Loyalty and trust
In the emperor's view, eunuchs were more loyal and trustworthy than maids. Since the eunuchs lost their fertility and they were unable to have offspring and family power, their loyalty was more out of loyalty and admiration for the emperor personally. The maids, on the other hand, may have ties with other forces in the court because of their family and relatives, thus threatening the emperor's rule.
3. The advantages of eunuchs serving the emperor
Physical superiority
As men, eunuchs have a natural advantage over maids in terms of physical strength. They can take on more manual labor and heavy work such as carrying heavy objects, cleaning the palace, etc. These tasks were not sufficient for the maids, but the eunuchs were able to do them easily.
safety
Eunuchs, having lost their fertility, did not have emotional entanglements or personal affairs with the emperor. This allowed the emperor to feel more at ease and at ease with the eunuchs, without worrying that they would pose a threat to his rule.
Tightness
Eunuchs often had access to more confidential information and political decisions in the court. Because of their high loyalty and trustworthiness, the emperor could feel more comfortable entrusting them with this confidential information. Maids, on the other hand, may leak confidential information or make wrong decisions due to their lack of political experience and judgment.
Fourth, the limitations of the maid's service to the emperor
Physical limitations
Maids are physically weaker than eunuchs, and it is difficult for them to undertake some tasks that require a lot of physical strength and energy. As a result, they may not be able to perform important tasks or duties while serving the emperor.
Emotional entanglements
As women, the maid may have emotional entanglements or personal feelings with the emperor. This emotional entanglement may not only affect the emperor's judgment and decision-making ability, but also pose a threat to the situation in the court and the security of the emperor's rule.
To sum up, eunuchs have more advantages and applicability than maids in serving the emperor. Not only did they have a physical advantage, but they were also able to play more important roles and responsibilities in the court. Therefore, in the ancient Chinese court, eunuchs gradually became the main candidates to serve the emperor.
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