The Rise of Eunuch Dominance in Late Tang Politics

The mid-9th century Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) witnessed an unprecedented crisis: eunuchs controlling the imperial court. This systemic imbalance originated decades earlier when emperors began relying on castrated palace servants to counterbalance the power of aristocratic factions and military governors. By Emperor Wenzong’s reign (826-840 CE), eunuchs commanded the elite Shence Army, manipulated official appointments, and even decided imperial succession.

Historical records reveal shocking examples of their overreach:
– Emperor Xianzong (r. 805-820) was murdered by eunuch Chen Hongzhi
– Emperor Jingzong (r. 824-826) fell victim to eunuch Liu Keming’s conspiracy
– Both Emperor Muzong (r. 820-824) and Wenzong owed their thrones to eunuch-backed coups

This toxic environment created what historians call the “Eunuch Problem” – a metastasizing power structure that rendered emperors virtual prisoners in their palaces.

Emperor Wenzong’s Secret Rebellion

Determined to reclaim imperial authority, the bookish Wenzong initiated covert operations against the eunuchs. His first attempt in 830 CE involved chancellor Song Shenxi, who allegedly plotted with Prince Li Cou (Wenzong’s brother). When eunuchs discovered the scheme through their intelligence networks, they framed Shenxi for treason, resulting in his exile.

The emperor then adopted a daring new strategy: recruiting eunuch-recommended officials as double agents. In 834 CE, two unlikely allies entered the court:
– Zheng Zhu: A physician introduced by powerful eunuch Wang Shoucheng
– Li Xun (born Zhongyan): A Confucian scholar skilled in Yijing divination

These outsiders became Wenzong’s trusted advisors precisely because their eunuch connections provided perfect cover. The emperor strategically promoted them – Zhu as military governor of Fengxiang and Xun as chancellor – creating an anti-eunuch power base.

The Sweet Dew Plot Unfolds

On November 21, 835 CE (Dahan 9th Year), the conspirators executed their bold plan:

1. The Heavenly Omen: General Han Yue reported “sweet dew” (auspicious nectar) on pomegranate trees near the Zuo Jinwu barracks – a sign of divine favor
2. The Trap: Officials suggested Emperor Wenzong inspect the phenomenon personally, intending to lure eunuchs into an ambush
3. The Unraveling: When chief eunuchs Qiu Shiliang and Yu Zhihong noticed armed soldiers hiding behind curtains, they fled and kidnapped the emperor

Chaos erupted as 500 imperial guards clashed with eunuch forces. Though the conspirators killed dozens of eunuchs, their failure to secure Wenzong proved disastrous.

The Bloody Aftermath

The eunuchs’ retaliation was swift and brutal:
– Mass Executions: Shence Army troops slaughtered 600-700 officials in the palace, then hunted down another 1,000 across Chang’an
– High-Profile Targets: Li Xun fled to a Buddhist monastery but was captured and beheaded. Zheng Zhu was killed en route to the capital
– Family Annihilation: Nine prominent families suffered extermination under Tang’s collective punishment laws

By the purge’s end, the government lost most senior officials. Chancellor Wang Ya and other unaware ministers were executed despite having no involvement.

Cultural Shockwaves and Historical Legacy

This failed coup, later named the “Sweet Dew Incident,” profoundly impacted Tang society:

1. Political Consequences: Eunuch control became absolute until the dynasty’s collapse in 907 CE. Wenzong died under house arrest in 840 CE, lamenting his powerlessness
2. Literary Responses: Poets like Li Shangyin wrote veiled critiques, comparing eunuchs to “frost that kills spring flowers”
3. Institutional Changes: Later dynasties (especially Ming) studied this event when designing their own eunuch containment policies

Modern historians view the incident as emblematic of institutional decay – when parallel power structures (like the Shence Army) undermine constitutional governance. The Tang’s inability to reform its eunuch system ultimately contributed to China’s tumultuous 10th-century fragmentation.

The Sweet Dew Coup remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked institutional power and the fragility of political reform movements – themes that resonate across cultures and centuries.