Authorized Exits from the System

This chapter examines how the Qing viewed its responsibility towards palace eunuchs when they were either too sick or too old to serve. The Qing envisioned that their responsibility for the livelihood of a palace eunuch would end as soon as he was no longer able to perform his duties. Upon discharge from the system, the government would restore the eunuch’s commoner status and attempt to sever all ties and relinquish all responsibility for its former servants. Qing regulations stipulated that retired eunuchs were to return to their native places and support themselves. However, eunuch reintegration into society ran into obstacles upon implementation.