Even The Royals Empress Dowager Cixi of China Part 2: Villain Era | 5
Jan 22, 2024
Cixi, the formidable empress of China’s Qing dynasty, discusses her ruthless rise from concubine to powerful Regent. In a gripping narrative, she reflects on the heartache of losing loved ones and the chilling execution that propels her desire for revenge. Power struggles in the Forbidden City become increasingly complex with her choice of an empress for her son, amidst external threats and familial loyalty. As she navigates reform and betrayal, Cixi reveals the heavy toll her ambitions exact on her legacy and the future of China.
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Effective Female Co-Regency
- Cixi and Empress Dowager Ci'an ruled jointly and combined strengths: Cixi managed policy while Ci'an handled court relations.
- Their partnership stabilized reforms and made China appear well-governed during their regency.
Neglected Reforms Led To Military Collapse
- China entered the First Sino-Japanese War underfinanced and with an obsolete navy, exposing leadership failures.
- Cixi returned from retirement when the military and reforms she championed were neglected by Guangxu.
Blackmail To Regain Influence
- Cixi discovered corruption tied to the emperor's favorite concubine Pearl and used it to blackmail Guangxu.
- She leveraged the scandal to regain influence by promising secrecy if he cooperated with her.