Empress Dowager Cixi of China Part 1: Coup There It Is | 4
Jan 15, 2024
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Empress Dowager Cixi, a former concubine who rose to become one of China’s most powerful empresses, reveals her extraordinary journey to power. She shares the tumultuous events of 19th-century Beijing, where chaos and resolve defined her early life. Cixi's strategic rise within a male-dominated court showcases her ambition and cunning. As she navigates love and sacrifice amidst political intrigue, her story becomes one of resilience and determination, challenging societal norms to reshape the empire's future.
Empress Dowager Cixi's ascent to power involved strategic alliances and a coup, highlighting her cunning in a male-dominated environment.
Her personal sacrifices, exemplified by the execution of a loved one, reveal the harsh realities inherent in wielding power.
Deep dives
The Rise of Empress Dowager Sashi
Sashi, originally a concubine, seized unprecedented power in 19th-century China, transforming the nation for nearly five decades. Her journey began at 11 when she entered a life of hardship, supporting her family through sewing. By 25, amidst foreign threats, she sensed her potential to lead and decided she could govern better than the men surrounding her. This ambition drove her to eventually become one of the most influential figures in Chinese history, demonstrating her ability to rise from a lowly background to a position of immense authority.
Sashi's Strategic Relationships
Sashi formed key alliances that enabled her to navigate the male-dominated court effectively. Initially, she faced challenges as a low-ranking concubine, especially after losing her chance at becoming Empress to a rival named Sian. However, Sashi’s friendship with Sian proved advantageous, allowing her to stay relevant in the palace and eventually lead to both women ruling together. Together, they capitalized on their unique positions to establish a stronghold over power, aiming to reform and modernize China.
Shifts in Power Dynamics
After the death of her husband, the Emperor Qianfeng, Sashi faced the threat of being marginalized as a widowed concubine. To combat this, she uncovered an ancient decree that allowed multiple Dowager Empresses and quickly leveraged this to maintain her status. Sashi then proposed a bold coup alongside Sian to take control of the regency intended for their young son, establishing themselves in governance. This strategic maneuver allowed them to take the reins and implement vital reforms for the country.
Conflict and Sacrifice
Sashi's reign was not without turmoil, especially following her burgeoning affection for a eunuch named Little An, whose subsequent execution she ultimately sanctioned to protect her position. Faced with the demands of leadership and her personal desires, Sashi wrestled with the implications of her decisions. The execution of Little An marked a tragic turning point, showcasing the harsh realities of power where love is often sacrificed for political survival. This heartbreaking choice underscored the extent of her commitment to maintaining her authority amid constant threats and challenges to her leadership.
Empress Dowager Cixi wasn’t born into power – she took it. After participating in a 19th century version of The Bachelor, Cixi was chosen as one of the Emperor’s concubines. In part one of this two-part series, Cixi uses her cunning, wit, and scrappy attitude to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the most powerful Chinese empresses of all time. But getting power is one thing – keeping it will prove to be an entirely different challenge.