While not as famous as Wei Zhongxian, Tong Ai’s actions were equally ruthless. He was a eunuch during the Northern Wei Dynasty (401-452) who audaciously murdered the crown prince and two emperors, creating chaos in the court, and climbed to the highest levels of political power. He was even granted the noble title of king, a rare honor for a eunuch.
Tong Ai’s rise to power began when he indirectly caused the death of the crown prince, marking his entry into the world of fame. Born into a lowly background, he was punished for his crimes by being sent to the palace as a servant. His quick wit, ability to navigate social situations, and respectful demeanor earned him the affection of his peers and superiors. However, these traits were merely a façade to hide his true malicious and scheming nature. Tong Ai served the crown prince, Tuoba Huang.
Illustration of eunuch Tong Ai.
Despite being a eunuch, his ambitions were high. One day, he secretly spied on the crown prince and a palace maid, only to be caught and demoted to the lowest rank of eunuchs, enduring a life filled with hardship. However, fortune smiled upon him soon after. During a hunting trip led by Emperor Taiwu, Tuoba Dao, Tong Ai’s quick and diligent nature caught the emperor’s attention, leading him to become a trusted servant by the emperor’s side.
Seizing this opportunity, he worked hard to please the emperor, eventually becoming a key figure responsible for daily affairs. With his newfound influence, Tong Ai plotted to take revenge on the crown prince. Noticing a conflict between the emperor and the crown prince, Tong Ai manipulated circumstances to inform the emperor of supposed treachery by the crown prince, who was expanding his military forces and engaging in relationships with the emperor’s consorts. The emperor, focused on distant campaigns and believing Tong Ai’s reports without thorough investigation, ordered the arrest of all officials in the Eastern Palace. When Tuoba Dao returned to the capital, the crown prince was so frightened that he died at just 24 years old. In this incident, Tong Ai was essentially the indirect cause of the crown prince Tuoba Huang’s death.
After the crown prince’s death, Emperor Taiwu, filled with regret for his actions over the past 20 years, fell into a drunken rage. Fearing for his life, Tong Ai saw an opportunity. In early 452, during another hunting trip, the emperor, in a drunken stupor, was isolated by Tong Ai and another trusted eunuch, who smothered him with a pillow.
The imperial physician, fearing Tong Ai’s power, falsely concluded that the emperor died from exhaustion and drunkenness. It was unfathomable that a eunuch could kill an emperor so easily. The sudden death of Emperor Taiwu created a succession crisis. The rightful heirs were Tuoba Ji, the grandson of the deceased crown prince, or his brother, Prince Tuoba Han. However, Tong Ai wanted neither of them to ascend the throne, as both had grievances against him. Instead, he aimed to have Tuoba Yu, the sixth son of Emperor Taiwu, take the throne, as they shared a close friendship.
With this plan in mind, he concealed the emperor’s death and summoned Tuoba Yu to the palace. Tong Ai then feigned a royal order from the empress, luring the officials into a trap. Those who opposed him were executed, including Tuoba Han.
Emperor during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Tuoba Yu ascended the throne as emperor, and Tong Ai was appointed as Grand General, Grand Chancellor, and Prime Minister, wielding immense power in the court. He became the first minister in Chinese history to hold such authority resembling that of an emperor.
Aware of his illegitimate rise to power, Emperor Tuoba Yu resorted to bribery to win over the officials. The emperor indulged in excesses, neglecting state affairs, while Tong Ai, believing himself to be the “great benefactor” of the emperor, abused his power and ruled tyrannically. Many officials advised the emperor to eliminate Tong Ai. The emperor secretly gathered trusted allies to plot against the treacherous eunuch. When Tong Ai learned of this, he was furious. Seizing the opportunity while the emperor was out of the city at night, Tong Ai ordered his assassination. At this point, the emperor had only been in power for a little over seven months.
Once again, Tong Ai managed to suppress the news, but only Liu Ni, a commander in the palace guards, was aware of the situation. Realizing the danger to the imperial family and court, Liu Ni quietly informed the imperial advisor Yuan Xia. The two conspired with the Southern Minister Liu Li to devise a plan. Liu Li secretly brought Tuoba Ji into the palace. Liu Ni rallied the palace guards and issued a decree: “Tong Ai has murdered the emperor and is a great rebel; Prince Tuoba Ji must be protected and crowned.” Yuan Xia discreetly led a force to capture Tong Ai and his accomplices. Tuoba Ji became the fourth emperor of Northern Wei at just 13 years old, known in history as Emperor Wencheng. After assuming the throne, Emperor Wencheng ordered the execution of Tong Ai, his associates, and all of their families to avenge his father. Ultimately, this cunning and ruthless eunuch met a tragic end that he could never have anticipated.