FAQ About Empress Dowager Cixi

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18 days ago | beth

How did Cixi rise to power in the Qing court?

Cixi rose to power initially as a low-ranking concubine after giving birth to the Tongzhi Emperor, the only son of the Xianfeng Emperor. Recognizing her son as the heir, she gained significant political influence. Upon his ascension to the throne in 1861, Cixi co-ruled as regent with Empress Dowager Ci'an, her power growing with her shrewd political maneuvers.

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