Cixi: The Dragon Empress - The Thinking Girl Treasury of Dastardly Dames

Cixi "The Dragon Empress" (The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames)

by Natasha Yim

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8412 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

The Rise of a Concubine

In 1835, amidst the splendor of the Forbidden City, a young Manchu woman named Cixi entered the imperial harem as a concubine to Emperor Xianfeng. Born into a humble family, she possessed an astute mind and a determined spirit. Through cunning and wit, she swiftly ascended the ranks, becoming Xianfeng's favorite concubine and the most influential woman in the imperial court.

The Dragon Empress Ascends

In 1861, Emperor Xianfeng's untimely death thrust Cixi into the limelight. As the mother of the young heir, Tongzhi, she assumed the role of Empress Dowager regent. With her unyielding resolve and political acumen, she outmaneuvered her rivals and consolidated her power. Cixi became the Dragon Empress, ruling China with an iron fist for nearly half a century.

Political Cunning and Diplomacy

Cixi's reign was marked by a remarkable combination of autocratic rule and shrewd diplomacy. She ruthlessly suppressed internal dissent and external threats. During the Boxer Rebellion, she supported the anti-foreign movement, leading to an eight-nation alliance against China. Yet, later, she cleverly embraced modernization and technological progress, recognizing the importance of Western technology in strengthening the nation.

Patron of the Arts and Education

Beyond her political prowess, Cixi was also a keen patron of the arts and education. She commissioned magnificent palaces and gardens, adorned with exquisite paintings and calligraphy. She supported the establishment of the first modern universities in China, fostering a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. Her passion for education extended to young women, as she founded the Jinghua Girls' School, providing them with unprecedented opportunities for higher learning.

The Dragon Empress's Legacy

Cixi's rule was both controversial and transformative. Her iron-fisted style and suppression of dissent cast a shadow over her legacy. However, her modernization efforts and support for education laid the groundwork for China's future progress. She remains a complex and enigmatic figure, a woman who ascended from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and influential rulers in Chinese history.

The Thinking Girl Treasury of Dastardly Dames

Cixi takes her place among the extraordinary women featured in the Thinking Girl Treasury of Dastardly Dames. This captivating collection celebrates the lives and accomplishments of women who defied convention, pushed boundaries, and left an indelible mark on history. From pirates and spies to rebels and revolutionaries, these dastardly dames inspire awe and admiration.

Cixi, the Dragon Empress, was a force to be reckoned with. Her rise to power, political cunning, and enduring legacy make her an unforgettable figure. As a testament to her extraordinary life, she has earned her rightful place in the Thinking Girl Treasury of Dastardly Dames. Her story continues to ignite the imaginations and inspire generations to come.

Cixi "The Dragon Empress" (The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames)

by Natasha Yim

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8412 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE