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Throughout the long history of imperial China, eunuchs have always played a significant role in court life. From the notorious \"Ten Eunuchs\" during the Three Kingdoms period to the famous Li Lianying, the image of eunuchs has often been one of scandal and corruption. It seems that in every dynasty, the rulers who brought about the fall of their empires always had an influential eunuch or \"court faction\" around them. Despite the negative stereotypes surrounding eunuchs, it's essential to acknowledge that, in feudal society, the life of a eunuch was arguably the most miserable.

In a society that placed immense value on family and continuity, where \"not having descendants is the greatest dishonor,\" the duty of passing on one's lineage was a sacred obligation for every man. The eunuch, however, was a direct contradiction to this expectation. In fact, eunuchs were often referred to as \"unfilial,\" earning them the label of \"eunuch factions\" or \"castrated parties.\" Although some high-ranking eunuchs like Gao Lishi and Wei Zhongxian became immensely powerful, the majority of lesser eunuchs lived in constant danger.

The primary role of a eunuch was to serve the royal family and nobility, whether it was the emperor or a prince. The seemingly simple task of \"serving the master\" often meant walking on eggshells, where one wrong move could result in severe punishment. Instead of just \"waiting on others,\" eunuchs were often forced to live at the whim of their masters, constantly dancing on the edge of danger. In a sense, they were more like living puppets, controlled by the ever-changing moods of those they served.

Sun Yaoting, known as the last eunuch of imperial China, became a symbol for many fascinated by the inner workings of the royal court. However, Sun's fame did not stem from his knowledge of palace secrets but from his role as the first to expose the corruption of the imperial system. Sun Yaoting lived in the Forbidden City for seven years, surviving because of his quick wit and adaptability. However, it was never his choice to live this way. In his memoir, The Palace Memoirs, Sun described the hardships faced by the many \"small eunuchs.\"

Initially, Sun Yaoting's job was to do odd jobs around the Forbidden City. Like all newcomers, he was assigned an \"elder eunuch\" as a mentor. These \"elder eunuchs\" were supposed to teach the new eunuchs the ropes of palace life, especially how to avoid making costly mistakes. However, Sun's mentor, despite years of service, never imparted any wisdom. Whenever Sun asked questions, the elderly eunuch would simply reply, \"The palace's affairs must be understood through insight!\" Sun was baffled by this vague advice.

One scorching summer day, while delivering tea to his mentor, Sun noticed something unusual. Despite the oppressive heat, his mentor and a few other elderly eunuchs were chatting energetically, while the younger eunuchs were drowsy, struggling to stay awake. In the palace, eunuchs had to be alert at all times, especially in front of the masters, as showing signs of drowsiness could result in severe punishment. Sun was puzzled—why was it that his mentor and the senior eunuchs seemed unaffected by fatigue, while the younger eunuchs were on the brink of sleep?

Curious, Sun decided to \"bribe\" his mentor to learn the secret behind staying alert. He knew that his mentor enjoyed wine, so Sun bought some fine wine and delicacies to offer as a tribute. Although the elder eunuch drank himself into a stupor, Sun still did not get the answers he sought. Frustrated and resentful, Sun reluctantly helped his mentor to bed. As he removed the eunuch's boots, something fell out that would finally explain everything: a small, spiny \"burdock\" seed. Upon closer inspection, Sun realized that the elderly eunuch's boots were deliberately made larger than his feet, with the burdock sewn into the inner lining. The sharp spines of the seed would prick the eunuch's feet whenever he began to doze off, keeping him awake.

This small discovery was just a glimpse into the difficult life of a eunuch. In addition to these uncomfortable tricks, eunuchs also had to deal with more humiliating aspects of their job. Due to their lack of reproductive organs, they often had to wear towels in their underwear to manage bodily functions, especially during hot summers when sweat and odor were unavoidable. This was a big reason why eunuchs were often referred to as \"stinky eunuchs.\" Despite the discomfort, they had to constantly change clothes and towels to ensure they did not smell in front of their masters.

While figures like Gao Lishi, Wei Zhongxian, and Li Lianying are remembered as powerful eunuchs who wielded great influence, most of the lesser eunuchs faced daily dangers, from physical punishment to the constant threat of death. The reality of their lives was far from glamorous. The practice of stuffing towels in their pants or using spiny seeds to stay awake was just a part of the brutal existence they endured every day. This was the true hardship behind the facade of the eunuch's life.