Hiring servants/slaves were pretty common in the olden days, especially
for the rich. Originally, 仆役宫 「Pu Yì Gōng 」 was about one's servants
and subordinates as the Emperor(s) wanted to know the loyalty of his
officials and servants. However, servants and subordinates were the
closest people to the Imperial family as there was daily interaction.
So for this reason, this palace was also called Friends Palace.
Even though there is no longer slavery now, the original meaning is retained,
and indicate one's relationship with subordinates at work or domestic helper
at home; any hired help will fall into 仆役宫. Whether one's subordinates or
helpers are competent and of great help is also indicated.
Friends are important people in one's growing up years. The Chinese
saying, 近朱者赤, 近墨者黑 「Jìn zhū zhě chì, jìn mò zhě hēi 」rings true
for most people. Friends are able to influence one's beliefs and behaviour,
sometimes more than any other people would.
So, the kind of friends one has will shape his life to some extent. Whether one's
friends are true and loyal or are just weather friends or backstabbers, bring happiness
or troubles, all these will be indicated in here. 'Friends' here covers close friends,
acquaintances, classmates, girlfriends/boyfriends, business partners and network.
If one is a public figure, celebrity or performer, his rapport with his supporters,
fans or audience will be covered in 仆役宫. If one is a teacher or mentor, his
relationship with his students or disciples will also be indicated here.
In the olden days, one finds his status through servants.
But in this age, one needs his friends to find himself.
