CHAPTER XIV. 123

THE PALACE EUNUCHS Their Grades--The Chief Eunuchs--Li Lien Ying--His Power with the Courtiers--“L’Eminence Grise” of the Court--The Shut-in Position of Chinese Imperial Rulers--Need of an Unofficial Messenger--Personal Appearance of Li Lien Ying-- Sui, Her Majesty’s Second Eunuch--Punishment of Eunuchs-- Pupils--Opium Smoking--Pets--Good Manners of the Eunuchs.