A Gay Love Story at the Imperial Court

How was homosexuality viewed in China 2,000 years ago? 🏳️‍🌈

Idiom of the Week: 断袖之癖 (duàn xiù zhī pǐ)

Meaning: Literally “the passion of the cut sleeve” - euphemism for male homosexuality.

Homosexuality wasn’t uncommon in ancient China; in fact, it was particularly prevalent within the Imperial Court. Emperors and court officials, protected by their high status, were less fearful of publicly displaying their same-sex relationships. Many Chinese emperors throughout history had male lovers.

One particular imperial love story, however, left a significant mark on Chinese culture and even contributed a chengyu (idiomatic expression) to the language, referring specifically to homosexuality.

Let’s explore why the term “Cut Sleeve” has become a euphemism for homosexuality in Chinese today.

现代社会，多元化价值观齐发展，对于不同性取向的人群，比如今天要讲到的男同性恋，我们也都有了相比于以往更客观的态度。不过在古代，男同性恋的确是一个"见不得光"的群体，即便虽然如此，中国同性恋群体出现在大众眼前的时间，依旧比我们想象的要早，即使他们从来都得不到什么好名声。

• 价值观 (jiàzhíguān): values

• 见不得光 (jiànbùdéguāng): to be kept in the dark / to be shameful

• 依旧 (yījiù): still / as before

• 好名声 (hǎo míngshēng): good reputation

In modern society, diverse values coexist and develop, and we now hold a more objective attitude towards people with different sexual orientations, such as the gay community we will discuss today. However, in ancient times, gay men were indeed a group that had to remain "in the shadows." Even so, the presence of the LGBTQ+ community in China became visible to the public much earlier than we might imagine, although they were never held in good regard.

在中国古代，敢于直接且不加掩饰地展现出自己独特的性取向，还不在意来自旁人指指点点的，一般都是位高权重之人。而这种人往往行事放荡不羁，自然也不可能有什么好名声，顺带着也让古代的男同性恋群体也被污名化。中国古代很多关于男同性恋的典故都是和国家权贵显要者相关的，比如我们今天要讲到这个关于男同性恋的典故：断袖之癖。

• 掩饰 (yǎnshì): to conceal; to disguise

• 位高权重 (wèigāo quánzhòng): high status and power

• 行事 (xíngshì): to act; to conduct oneself

• 放荡不羁 (fàngdàng bùjī): unrestrained and uninhibited

• 顺带 (shùndài): in addition; incidentally

• 污名化 (wūmínghuà): to stigmatize

• 权贵显要者 (quán guì xiǎnyào zhě): influential and powerful figures

In ancient China, those who dared to openly and unapologetically display their unique sexual orientation, without caring about the criticism of others, were usually people of high status and power. Such individuals often behaved in a rebellious and unrestrained manner, naturally gaining a bad reputation. As a result, the gay community in ancient times also became stigmatized. Many stories about gay men in ancient China are connected with influential and prominent figures of the state. For example, today we will talk about one such story related to gay men: the "Passion of the Cut Sleeve."

这个典故涉及到的主要人物，一位叫董贤，一位则是西汉王朝实际意义上的最后一任君主汉哀帝（因为后面两位都是王莽的傀儡）。汉哀帝的皇位从严格意义上来说，算是捡来的。由于汉成帝的皇后赵飞燕没有子嗣，但又不希望自己的地位被其他妃子怀孕所取代，所以，她接受了来自定陶王刘欣的祖母傅太后的贿赂，帮助刘欣取得了太子的位置。一年以后，刘欣继位，也就是后来的汉哀帝。

• 涉及 (shèjí): to involve; to relate to

• 傀儡 (kuǐlěi): puppet; one who is manipulated

• 捡来 (jiǎnlái): to pick up; to come by (something)

• 子嗣 (zǐsì): offspring; children

• 妃子 (fēizǐ): imperial concubine; wife of a prince or emperor

• 贿赂 (huìlù): bribery; to bribe

The main figures involved in this story are a man named Dong Xian and Emperor Ai of Han, who was, in a practical sense, the last ruler of the Western Han Dynasty (since the two emperors who followed were mere puppets of Wang Mang). Emperor Ai’s ascension to the throne was, strictly speaking, rather fortuitous. Since Emperor Cheng of Han’s empress, Zhao Feiyan, had no children but didn’t want her position to be replaced by concubines who might become pregnant, she accepted a bribe from Empress Dowager Fu, the grandmother of Liu Xin, the Prince of Dingtao. With her help, Liu Xin secured the position of crown prince. A year later, Liu Xin ascended the throne, becoming Emperor Ai of Han.

对于刘欣来说，自己登上皇位基本上全靠几个女人在背后操作，而自己本身并没有付出过什么太大的代价，于是年仅十九岁就登上了皇位的刘欣，性格十分傲慢随性。他继位后颁布的一系列规定，大多在颁布不久之后又将其随意打破，导致西汉王朝积累已久的问题依然无法解决。不过汉哀帝最为著名的还是他对董贤的过分宠爱。

• 傲慢随性 (àomàn suíxìng): arrogant and carefree

• 颁布 (bānbù): to issue; to promulgate (a decree or regulation)

• 随意 (suíyì): at will; as one pleases; freely

• 宠爱 (chǒng'ài): to pamper; to favor; to dote on

For Liu Xin, ascending to the throne was essentially the result of manipulation by several women behind the scenes, and he himself didn’t pay much of a price for it. As a result, Liu Xin, who became emperor at the age of just nineteen, developed a very arrogant and carefree personality. After his accession, he issued a series of decrees, most of which he arbitrarily overturned shortly after, leaving the long-standing problems of the Western Han Dynasty unresolved. However, Emperor Ai of Han is most famously known for his excessive favoritism towards Dong Xian.

董贤是西汉御史董恭的儿子，此人虽然没什么治国理政的能力，但天生丽质，姿容端丽，长相柔美，简而言之，有种阴柔之美。刘欣还是太子的时候，当时才十五六岁的董贤担任刘欣的东宫宿卫太子舍人，算是一个闲职。之后刘欣当了皇帝，董贤升任了负责在未央宫殿下传报时辰的郎官，这意味着董贤可以时常近距离的接触汉哀帝。

• 御史 (yùshǐ): censor; an official responsible for monitoring and inspecting the behavior of government officials

• 天生丽质 (tiānshēng lìzhì): naturally beautiful; endowed with beauty from birth

• 姿容端丽 (zīróng duānlì): elegant appearance; graceful looks

• 闲职 (xiánzhí): idle position; a post with little responsibility

• 郎官 (lángguān): a low-ranking official; typically in charge of specific duties within the imperial

Dong Xian was the son of Dong Gong, a censor during the Western Han Dynasty. Although he lacked the ability to govern or administer state affairs, he was naturally beautiful, with graceful and delicate features, possessing a kind of soft, feminine beauty. When Liu Xin was still the crown prince, the fifteen or sixteen-year-old Dong Xian served as a palace attendant, a rather idle position. After Liu Xin became emperor, Dong Xian was promoted to the position of langguan, responsible for announcing the time under the Weiyang Palace, which gave him frequent opportunities to be in close proximity to Emperor Ai of Han.

虽然这个官职离汉哀帝很近，不过董贤这种小官不是特殊情况的话是很难受到皇帝的注意的。但可能是冥冥之中注定的缘分吧，在登基两年后的一天，刘欣偶然像殿外远望的时候，看到了当班的董贤，那一刻，汉哀帝对他怦然心动。于是他急切地询问了董贤的姓名，并且当场就授予董贤黄门郎的官职，甚至还让董贤坐在自己腿上和自己聊天。

• 缘分 (yuánfèn): fate; predestined relationship; a fateful connection

• 怦然心动 (pēngrán xīndòng): to have one's heart flutter; to be suddenly infatuated or moved emotionally

• 黄门郎 (huángménláng): an official title for an inner palace attendant or aide

Although this position brought Dong Xian physically close to Emperor Ai, it was unlikely for someone in such a minor role to attract the emperor’s attention unless under special circumstances. But perhaps it was fate. Two years after his enthronement, one day while gazing outside the palace, Liu Xin happened to notice Dong Xian on duty. In that moment, Emperor Ai was struck with infatuation. Eager to know more, he immediately inquired about Dong Xian’s name and, on the spot, promoted him to the position of huangmenlang (an inner palace official). The emperor even went so far as to invite Dong Xian to sit on his lap and chat with him.

汉哀帝对董贤的宠爱与日俱增，不断给董贤升官，先是驸马都尉，不久之后甚至让他当了大司马，掌管国家大权。汉哀帝爱屋及乌，因为董贤的妹妹和董贤容貌十分相似，所以他便把董贤的妹妹也召进了宫中，封为昭仪。原本汉哀帝还顾忌董贤有妻子，会时不时放他回去陪伴妻子，但董贤却表示不愿离开，汉哀帝只得把董贤的妻子也接到了宫中，让董贤不必宫内宫外来回跑。

• 驸马都尉 (fùmǎ dūwèi): Commander of the Imperial Guards (title for a prince consort)

• 大司马 (dàsimǎ): Grand Marshal; a high-ranking military official

• 爱屋及乌 (àiwū jí wū): to love everything associated with a beloved person (literally "to love the house and even the crow on the roof")

• 昭仪 (zhāoyí): a title for a high-ranking consort or imperial concubine

• 顾忌 (gùjì): to have concerns or reservations; to be cautious or wary

Emperor Ai’s affection for Dong Xian grew stronger by the day, and he continually promoted him. First, Dong Xian was made fuma duwei (Commander of the Imperial Guards), and not long after, he was even appointed as da sima, granting him control over the state’s highest military affairs. Emperor Ai’s love for Dong Xian extended beyond him; since Dong Xian's sister bore a strong resemblance to him, the emperor also summoned her to the palace, granting her the title of zhaoyi (a high-ranking consort). Initially, Emperor Ai was mindful of the fact that Dong Xian had a wife and occasionally allowed him to return home to be with her. However, Dong Xian expressed a desire not to leave the emperor's side. In response, Emperor Ai brought Dong Xian’s wife into the palace as well, so that Dong Xian wouldn’t have to shuttle between the palace and his home.

汉哀帝和董贤在宫中生活的时候那叫一个如胶似漆，两人经常同起同坐，甚至一起睡在龙榻上。而本文标题中所提到的"断袖之癖"，正是两人在这如胶似漆的时期留下的典故。说有一天董贤和汉哀帝白天一起睡觉，结果董贤睡着后，头歪到了汉哀帝的龙袍上，结果汉哀帝不忍心起身弄醒董贤，就用剑硬生生把龙袍给割断了，这也就是所谓的"断袖之癖"的来历。

• 如胶似漆 (rú jiāo shì qī): inseparable; closely bonded (literally "like glue and lacquer")

• 龙榻 (lóngtà): imperial bed; a bed used by the emperor

• 龙袍 (lóngpáo): dragon robe; the ceremonial robe worn by the emperor

Emperor Ai and Dong Xian were inseparable during their time in the palace, constantly together, whether sitting or rising, and they even shared the imperial bed. The story behind the phrase "the passion of the cut sleeve," mentioned in the title of this article, originates from this deeply affectionate period. It is said that one day, while Dong Xian and Emperor Ai were napping together during the day, Dong Xian, after falling asleep, rested his head on the emperor’s sleeve. Not wanting to wake him, Emperor Ai, rather than moving, took a sword and cut off the sleeve of his robe. This is how the term "the passion of the cut sleeve" came to be.

汉哀帝对董贤的宠爱使得董家"一人得道，鸡犬升天。"董贤的父亲成了少府，被赐爵关内侯，董贤的岳父出任将作大匠，而董贤的小舅子也当上了金吾卫，连董家的奴仆都时常受到汉哀帝的赏赐。汉哀帝让董贤担任贵为百官之首的大司马，甚至负责接见了匈奴单于，当匈奴单于对董贤如此年轻感到惊讶时，汉哀帝却表示是因为董贤德才兼备、出类拔萃。匈奴单于竟然信以为真，恭喜汉哀帝得到了贤臣，实在是很有戏剧性。

• 一人得道，鸡犬升天 (yī rén dé dào, jī quǎn shēng tiān): "one person achieves success, and even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven" (meaning that when one person rises in status, their family and associates also benefit)

• 少府 (shàofǔ): Minister of Finance; a high-ranking official in charge of state finances

• 赐爵关内 (cìjué guān nèi): to confer the title of Marquis of Guannei (a noble title)

• 大匠 (dàjiàng): Master Craftsman; a high-ranking official responsible for construction and crafts

• 金吾卫 (jīnwǔwèi): Imperial Guards; the elite guard responsible for the protection of the emperor

• 奴仆 (núpú): servant; slave

• 匈奴单于 (xiōngnú shānyú): the chieftain of the Xiongnu (a confederation of nomadic tribes)

• 德才兼备 (dé cái jiān bèi): both virtuous and talented; a person with both moral integrity and capability

• 出类拔萃 (chūlèi bácuì): outstanding; exceptional; standing out from the crowd

• 贤臣 (xiánchén): wise and virtuous minister; a capable and loyal advisor

• 戏剧性 (xìjùxìng): dramatic; theatrical; having the quality of drama

Emperor Ai’s favoritism towards Dong Xian led to the entire Dong family rising to prominence, a situation often described as "one person achieves success, and even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." Dong Xian's father was appointed shaofu (Minister of Finance) and granted the title of Marquis of Guannei. Dong Xian's father-in-law became the Director of the Imperial Workshops, and even Dong Xian's brother-in-law was made Captain of the Imperial Guards. The Dong family’s servants frequently received rewards from Emperor Ai as well. Dong Xian, elevated to the highest position as da sima (Grand Marshal), was even tasked with receiving the Xiongnu chieftain. When the chieftain expressed surprise at Dong Xian's young age, Emperor Ai explained that it was because Dong Xian was exceptionally virtuous and talented. Remarkably, the chieftain believed this and congratulated Emperor Ai on having such a wise minister, adding an almost theatrical twist to the story.

不过，汉哀帝这种放浪形骸的生活方式注定无法长久，汉哀帝在位仅七年，便因为服用过量春药而驾崩了。原本就在汉哀帝和董贤手中逐渐衰弱的西汉王朝此时愈加风雨飘摇。董贤在汉哀帝去世后，因为没人"罩着"，其软弱无能的特性便显露出来，整日只知哭哭啼啼。最后使得太皇太后王政君选择召回了在汉哀帝继位后被赶走的王莽，让他重新主持政务。王莽在新皇帝汉平帝继位的元年，就以太后的名义将董贤驱逐出宫，并罢去了他的大司马一职，董贤和他的妻子，在当天便自杀身亡。董贤死后，朝廷没收了董家所有财产，并将其家人迁往远方。

• 放浪形骸 (fànglàng xínghái): to live an unrestrained or indulgent lifestyle; to act without care for conventions

• 春药 (chūnyào): aphrodisiac

• 驾崩 (jiàbēng): to pass away (used for emperors)

• 逐渐 (zhújiàn): gradually; progressively

• 衰弱 (shuāiruò): weak; declining; debilitated

• 愈加 (yùjiā): even more; increasingly

• 风雨飘摇 (fēngyǔ piāoyáo): precarious; unstable (literally "swaying in the wind and rain")

• 罩着 (zhàozhe): to cover or protect (colloquial, referring to someone providing support or backing)

• 驱逐 (qūzhú): to expel; to drive out

• 罢去 (bàqù): to dismiss; to remove from office

• 迁往 (qiānwǎng): to relocate; to move to another place

However, Emperor Ai’s extravagant lifestyle was destined to be short-lived. He reigned for only seven years before passing away from an overdose of aphrodisiacs. At this point, the Western Han Dynasty, which had been gradually weakening under the rule of Emperor Ai and Dong Xian, became even more unstable. After Emperor Ai’s death, Dong Xian, lacking any protection, revealed his ineffectual and weak nature, spending his days in tears and lamentation. Ultimately, Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun chose to recall Wang Mang, who had been driven away after Emperor Ai's ascension, to take over the administration. In the first year of the new emperor, Emperor Ping of Han, Wang Mang, acting in the name of the Empress Dowager, expelled Dong Xian from the palace and stripped him of his title as Grand Marshal. On that very day, Dong Xian and his wife committed suicide. Following Dong Xian's death, the court confiscated all of the Dong family's property and exiled his relatives to distant lands.

Hope you find this drama of ancient China as captivating as we did!

Antoine & Dorota