The Number One Eunuch in the Late Qing Dynasty——li Lianying

Li Lianying (original name Li Jinxi, November 12, 1848 - March 4, 1911), born in Dacheng County, Shuntian Prefecture, Zhili Province, was the chief eunuch during the Cixi period of the Qing Dynasty. Li Lianying became a eunuch in the fifth year of Xianfeng's reign, and after entering the palace, she became the chief steward. When he was 61 years old, he stayed in mourning for Cixi for a hundred days and then retired. He accompanied the Empress Dowager Cixi for nearly fifty-three years and was the most powerful eunuch in the late Qing Dynasty. He was also the first person to call the Empress Dowager "Lafayette". Li Lianying won the full trust of Cixi and the fear of powerful ministers with her sweet mouth, smart mind and handsome appearance.