Kang Youwei

Kang Youwei is considered a great reformer of late Qing China. He was an eminent Confucian scholar who also commanded some knowledge of the West. As a result, his image in Chinese historiography is generally very positive. Moreover, he composed several works dealing with the strengthening and modernization of the Chinese state.

In the series, Kang’s figure is portrayed increasingly negative. This is especially prominent in the actor’s mimicry. The great reformer who aided the strengthening of the Imperial Court and the Chinese people, rather resembles a strict, arrogant, conservative, and feudalist teacher.

Kang desired China’s modernisation, but only under the guidance of the Guangxu emperor. His actions following his failure in 1898 are merely emotionally motivated out of gratitude for the trust accorded to him by the Guangxu emperor, not out of concern for the country or its people. Selected scenes even ridicule Kang – such as the scene in which he tries to flee the country in a wooden container following his defeat in 1898. It has therefore been a much-voiced criticism that the series only mocks Kang Youwei.

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