Why did the Ming court rely so heavily on imperial eunuchs to carry out its policies rather than on traditional Confucian officials?

The Ming court relied heavily on imperial eunuchs because they were seen as more loyal to the emperor, lacking familial ties that could lead to power struggles or factionalism typical among Confucian officials. Eunuchs often held significant influence and could act quickly and decisively, enabling the emperor to implement policies without the bureaucratic delays associated with traditional officials. Furthermore, the eunuchs' unique position allowed them to serve as intermediaries between the emperor and the broader bureaucracy, facilitating direct communication and control. This reliance increased during times of political instability, when the central authority sought to consolidate power and manage potential threats.