A Series of Manuals on Eunuchs Throughout Chinese History -- Tong Guan

Author: Song Shiren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-06-01
Features: Tong Guan, entering the palace as a eunuch in his youth, served under the trusted eunuch Li Xian favored by Emperor Shenzong. Due to his cleverness and charm, he gained Li Xian's trust. After Shenzong's death, Li Xian was demoted, and Tong Guan was also affected, remaining silent in the palace for a time. When Emperor Huizong ascended the throne, Tong Guan discovered that this flamboyant emperor enjoyed writing poetry, painting, and thus allied with Cai Jing, exploiting his abilities to extort and loot famous paintings and antiques from the people to present to Huizong, eventually earning his favor. From then on, he rose rapidly in rank. He served as a military inspector, holding military power for nearly three decades. Not only did he falsely claim military honors in wars and conceal defeats to deceive the people and gain favor, but he also built his faction, harmed loyal officials, and openly sold offices and titles. At that time, a folk song circulated: "Three thousand taels of silver, become a secret guest; five hundred taels, promoted to a magistrate." Due to Tong Guan's immense power in the court, officials from all sectors of the government sought his favor. After Emperor Qinzong ascended the throne, under the strong demand of the court officials, an edict was issued to publicly announce Tong Guan's ten crimes, and he was eventually executed.