The reason for this is the accessories of ching i emphasize virtue and moderation. Dressed in a simple manner, she's far from a carefree and vivacious female role. Also, there are many emotional scenes by the leading female role, so water sleeves gradually became a tool to help convey these ideas.
一般說來，國劇的生、旦、淨、丑都有水袖戲，而又以青衣使用水袖最為頻繁，原因是青衣的扮相莊重賢淑、衣著樸素，遠不及花旦的自由靈活；而且青衣角色的內心戲又特別多，水袖遂成了輔助表達意念的工具。