The unusual power of several eunuchs came from the privileged position of the eunuchs within the inner sanctum of the Forbidden City. Since the emperor's children were normally raised in the profound seclusion of the Forbidden City, they were cared for almost exclusively by the eunuchs. This close trusting relationship gave the lucky eunuchs whose master rose to the throne a special closeness with the emperor which led to great influence and position.For others their role as intermediaries between the inner sanctum and the outer sanctum of the palace, where officials and influential figures could visit, meant they could use this position to significantly help or trouble important figures-which in some cases led to corruption—an aspect heavily emphasized in Chinese history books.
