Eunuch Li Lianying (1848- 1911) was a royal eunuch during the Qing Dynasty, and was a favorite of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who was the real ruler of China for forty years from 18691909. Li Lianying was known to be dominant in court affairs, controlling everything from the actions of other eunuchs. Both his servility to his master and his brutality over other officials were unsurpassable. Li interfered with all state affairs. Officials in and out of the palace scurried to curry his favor.
