Empress Dowager Ci'an - As Co-regent For The Guangxu Emperor

As Co-regent For The Guangxu Emperor

During the late 1870s, Empress Dowager Cixi became ill from liver complaints, so Empress Dowager Ci'an had to rule on her own. During this time, she had to deal with the war with Russia over Ili. In 1871, Muslims rebelled in Xinjiang. The Chinese soon lost power and Russia occupied the Ili basin region. China regained power over Xinjiang in 1877. In 1879, Russia suggested that it maintain a strong presence in the region but China did not agree. The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Saint Petersburg in February 1881.

Although Ci'an rarely left the Forbidden City, she did visit the Imperial tombs to pay respect to her husband and ancestors. In 1880, while at the Eastern Qing tombs, Ci'an, probably prompted by Prince Gong to assert herself and her rights, took precedence in all the ceremonies. While at Xianfeng's tomb a friction started between Ci'an and Cixi. Ci'an as Empress Consort of the deceased Emperor took centre spot. She told Cixi to stand to the right and reminded her that she was only a concubine while her husband was alive. The vacant spot on the left was reserved for Xianfeng's first consort, Lady Sakda. No further friction occurded that day. It is not recorded how Cixi felt about this.