Songyin is a direct descendant of the Tongjia clan. The Tongjia clan has been in charge of the Imperial Household Department for eighty-five years, with as many Chief Eunuchs as there have been emperors.
The Tongjia clan doesn’t have a large male lineage. In Songyin’s generation, there were four daughters. The eldest passed away, leaving Songyin as the second daughter. The position of Chief Eunuch thus fell on her shoulders.
Songyin navigates the Forbidden City with ease. A capable young woman is well-liked. It doesn’t matter if she’s getting older without a suitor. The word has come from the top: she may choose freely from the imperial princes and nobles.
(credit : loveeattea)
