Why Were Imperial Physicians Allowed in the Inner Palace Despite Being Unable to Be Castrated?
Since the establishment of the feudal society in China, emperors have been surrounded by numerous attendants, including palace maids and eunuchs. Palace maids primarily performed lighter tasks, such as serving tea to the emperor and his consorts. If fortunate enough to gain the emperor’s favor, these maids could be promoted to the rank of concubines. However, palace maids lacked the strength to handle heavier duties, which led to the establishment of eunuchs.
Alongside this, another issue arose: the potential for illicit relationships between eunuchs and imperial consorts. Throughout Chinese history, there have been many such scandals, including that of Empress Dowager Zhao Ji of the Qin Dynasty, the mother of Qin Shi Huang, who secretly engaged with a eunuch.
From the Eastern Han Dynasty onward, all eunuchs were castrated to prevent them from “polluting” the inner palace. In the imperial court, apart from the emperor, no other man was allowed to enter.
Of course, this statement is not entirely accurate, as there were still many men permitted to enter the inner palace. These were the imperial physicians, who could not be castrated. But if this is the case, why were emperors not worried about potential misconduct with the consorts when allowing imperial physicians into their palaces?
Imperial physicians are always accompanied by eunuchs 24/7. (Illustrative image).
Some historians suggest that the castration of imperial physicians is a significant humiliation. Moreover, most imperial physicians were elderly and their health was not suitable for enduring the painful process of castration and its long-lasting aftermath.
Having experienced many ups and downs in life, these physicians were well-educated and knowledgeable, fully aware of what should and should not be done. If they entertained improper thoughts, it would negatively impact their reputation.
Additionally, when imperial physicians entered the inner palace, they were always accompanied by eunuchs 24/7. When a consort required medical attention, she would first alert the eunuchs in the Imperial Pharmacy. Then, the eunuchs would summon the imperial physician to the consort’s quarters.
The entire medical examination process would be monitored by the eunuch standing beside them. Any inappropriate behavior from the physician would be observed by the eunuchs and palace maids.
The prescribed medicine would be divided into two parts: one part for the physician to administer and for the head of the Imperial Pharmacy and the eunuchs to use first. If there were no toxins or unusual occurrences, the remaining medicine would be given to the consort.
Furthermore, the pressure of treating royal family members is immense, leaving the physicians little time to think about anything else. They are required to deliver effective treatment results within a very short timeframe. At times, the emperor would even wait to see the prescription. Therefore, the processes of examining, diagnosing, and prescribing medicine occur very quickly.
Notably, there exists a rule in the imperial court: If a patient dies, the physician responsible for the treatment will be dismissed or punished, potentially affecting their family as well. Consequently, imperial physicians must devote all their efforts to treatment, leaving no time to entertain thoughts of misconduct with the beautiful consorts of the palace.
