In early episodes, Jinshi is introduced as a high-ranking eunuch managing the Imperial Inner Court entrusted with supervising the Emperor’s concubines, children, and palace protocol. His youthful beauty, composed demeanor, and political access make him stand out from typical eunuchs. However, clues gradually emerge that his role is a disguise.
Clues That Hint at His Deception
- He engages in sword training and displays a strong, healthy physique uncommon for castrated males in the palace.
- His attendant prepares special medicinal concoctions likely hormone suppressants to maintain his appearance and voice.
- He holds private meetings with the Emperor and demonstrates influence inconsistent with typical eunuch status.
The Real Identity Behind the Alias
As layers of intrigue unfold, Jinshi is revealed to be Ka Zuigetsu the Emperor’s biological son, though publicly registered as the Emperor’s younger brother. This identity was swapped at birth for political and personal reasons, and Jinshi grew up unaware of his true royal lineage.
A Bet That Changed His Fate
When offered the role of Crown Prince, Jinshi declined. Following a game of Go with the Emperor, he made a wager: if he won, he could live disguised as a eunuch and avoid inevitable political burdens. He won thus earning the right to assume the eunuch identity as a means of self-preservation and avoidance of succession.
Why Jinshi Pretended to Be a Eunuch
The choice to live as a eunuch was not forced it was Jinshi’s own decision for multiple reasons:
- To escape the pressures of succession and imperial duties.
- To protect his personal desires and preserve freedom, especially in relationships.
- To avoid scrutiny: a eunuch identity allowed him safe access to the Concubines’ Palace without raising questions.
The Methods Behind the Persona
Although historically eunuchs were made through castration, Jinshi and his attendant Gaoshun avoided this. Instead, they rely on a daily concoction likely based on starch or sweet potato that suppresses male hormones, reduces libido, and maintains a soft voice. This approach allows Jinshi to function within the Rear Palace without physical mutilation.
How Others React to His Deception
Most at court treat Jinshi as a proper eunuch, unaware of his true identity. Yet Maomao, the apothecary, suspects deeper truths her keen observations about his behavior, physique, and social standing hint at his hidden lineage.
The Political Stakes of His Disguise
By hiding as a eunuch, Jinshi avoids assuming the Crown Prince position and maintaining public distance from imperial succession. This enables the Emperor to keep him close yet uninvolved in the politics of rule. The disguise also helps deflect palace intrigue, as eunuchs traditionally wield influence in non-hereditary roles, making Jinshi less of a threat in others’ eyes.
Role of Tribal Loyalty
Beyond personal motives, Jinshi’s disguise serves palace stability. As a eunuch, he can observe inner court affairs and report risks to the Emperor acting as both guardian and spy. It gives the Emperor a trusted insider within the Rear Palace, without elevating Jinshi as a political rival.
Jinshi’s Personal Desires
Jinshi’s avoidance of succession also reflects his personal priorities. He expresses reluctance toward power and yearns for a life beyond imperial expectation. His affection for Maomao, a commoner and apothecary, contrasts sharply with his expected duty as royal heir. Remaining a eunuch gives him a chance at freedom and personal happiness even if in disguise.
So, why is Jinshi a eunuch? Because he chose to be one. He crafted that identity to evade royal expectations, protect his autonomy, and serve the Emperor undercover. His fake persona is supported by hormone-suppressing medicine rather than castration, and is rooted in a bet that allowed him to reject succession. Jinshi’s story reveals the intersection of identity, politics, and personal agency in a court rife with secrets.
- He was born Jinshi but is really Ka Zuigetsu, hidden as the Emperor’s son.
- The eunuch identity was a voluntary disguise to avoid succession and political burdens.
- He uses medication to maintain the façade without physical castration.
- His role granted him access and influence while keeping him under the Emperor’s protection.
- His love for Maomao and desire for freedom drives his decision to remain Jinshi the eunuch.
Understanding why Jinshi is a eunuch invites us into a story of hidden lineage, palace intrigue, and the lengths one might go to escape destiny. His disguise is as much a shield as a choice one that shapes his identity and defines his path in the imperial court.
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