Which side did Eunuch Hoi take in the K'ang Hsi/Obai conflict?

[Ken Cheng]

Eunuch Hoi stood on the sidelines during the conflict between Emperor K'ang Hsi and Obai during the early part of DOMD, but he knew the conflict was occurring. Did Eunuch Hoi side with the emperor, or with Obai...or perhaps the old eunuch chose to remain neutral in the conflict and would support whoever came out ahead?

[Ian Liew]

He stayed away from the conflict because he had a mission to carry out which was entrusted to him by Shunzhi. Given his loyalty to Shunzhi, I would be surprised if he would stand idly by if Kangxi was really in mortal danger. There would be no reason for him to support Oboi, and while he had his own agenda, I am sure if he really needed to get involved he'd aid Kangxi. His overriding priority was to find the killer of Concubine Dong, though, and nothing would distract him from it.

[Ken Cheng]

Eunuch Hoi is an interesting character; it's hard to tell if he's one of the good guys or one of the bad guys.

[Mandred Skavenslayer]

Didn't the Qing have a law prohibiting the domestic part of the palace from interfering in politics.

As eunuchs were considered domestic servants Hoi could not interfere in the power struggle.

I think it is best to view Hoi as a loyal servant, his loyalty to his master overriding any moral concept.