Instalment 9 (1894)
Scene 1: At the Imperial Palace; Cixi is tasting different types of coffee
Li Hongzhang is introducing a variety of foreign coffees to the Empress Dowager. Actually, Li is hoping to instrumentalise the occasion to convince Cixi of the advantages his international joint bank project will bring after all. But she does not give her consent as she (who is guided by the warnings voiced by the Qing Prince) does not wish to open an occasion for Li to widen his own spheres of influence.^ At the end of the audience, however, Cixi, who is versed in the art of politics, offers her maid Hong’er as a present to Li in recompense.
Scene 2: At Kang Youwei’s private school; Sun Yatsen is visiting
Young Sun Yatsen turns up at Kang Youwei’s school “Wanmu Caotang” and holds a speech in front of all students. Energetically – if very clumsy and inexperienced – he speaks of the possibility of a revolution against the Manchu reign and of the founding of a democratic republic. He cherishes high hopes regarding Kang’s support for his own ideas. However, Kang does not advocate a struggle involving bloodshed. In Kang’s opinion, a constitutional monarchy suits China best. Since Sun’s radical ideas are not met with approval, he leaves Kang’s school disappointed.
Scene 3: At the Japanese parliament
The Japanese Navy is developing sufficient strength to prepare an attack on China. Premier Itô Hirobumi and his faction, who wish to engage in war with China, are planning to instrumentalise an uprising which has just broken out in Korea, to send Japanese troops with 8000 soldiers to Korea. This would give Japan the opportunity to attack Chinese troops in Korea – an occasion which could then serve as grounds on which to commence war with China. The Japanese Tennô, meanwhile, keeps to his promise: he only takes one meal a day until Japan gains victory over China in the upcoming war.
An express telegram sent by Yuan Shikai from Korea informs Li Hongzhang of the Japanese troops which are already on their way to Korea. Li is hesitant and first only sends one very small Chinese troop to Korea. At this moment, neither he nor his political advisors are fully aware of the grave consequences the Korean crisis will have.
The upcoming 60th anniversary of the Empress Dowager Cixi is troubling Li for two reasons: first, he has not yet found an appropriate present. Second, he is suffering from a severe leg ailment. He therefore has to exercise kneeling for hours at home using a kneepad in order to prepare for kneeling hours at the anniversary ceremony.
For the anniversary celebrations, the Forbidden City is decorated with red lanterns and silk ribbons. The Japanese ambassador hands a diplomatic memorial to the Chinese foreign office, announcing that Japan is severing all diplomatic ties with China. At the same time, Cixi is trying on her anniversary gown. She has no wish to discuss with Li Hongzhang whether China should enter war with Japan. Instead, she passes on the decision to the Guangxu emperor this time. In any case, the celebrations have to go ahead as planned.
| previous next | back to top |