Instalment 22 (1900)
Scene 1: In the Forbidden City
The allegedly „ill“ emperor is being examined by court physicians in his bed chambers. When, after thorough examination, the first physician concludes that the emperor is not ill, Xiao Dezi makes clear that the physicians are to find an illness. The second physician then feigns to have discovered an illness.
Scene 2: At the Summer Palace
During a walk, the two conservative court officials Gangyi and Xu Tong hand Cixi a petition which requests the abdication of the emperor. Although Cixi basically agrees with their opinions, she still hesitates and contends that she wishes to consult with Ronglu and Li Hongzhang before taking such a grave decision.
Scene 3: In the Forbidden City; Cixi’s quarters
When Cixi receives Li Hongzhang who has just returned from his trips abroad, Li presents her and Li Lianying a microscope. Both are very impressed. Moreover, Li states clearly that he agrees with Kang Youwei’s reform propositions and counts himself to the “Kang” faction. When Cixi tries to touch upon the planned abdication of the emperor, Li pretends to be a mute – and thereby demonstrates his opposition to the plan. Even more, he manages to wind himself out of a loyalty conflict between Cixi and the emperor. Finally, Cixi informs Li that he has been appointed Governor General of the two Guang provinces (Guangdong und Guangxi).
During a meeting of the foreign ambassadors with Ronglu, the German Ambassador Baron von Ketteler complains about the Court’s lack of initiative to counter the anti-foreign aggressions. Ronglu replies that internal Chinese affairs are only to be regulated by the Chinese Imperial Court. But the foreign ambassadors go on to mention that they wish to have the emperor examined by a Western physician, since they do not believe the claims of the emperor’s “illness”. Moreover, they make absolutely clear that they will only accept the emperor as head of the Chinese state, no one else. Ronglu tries to avert their demands stating that such a decision can only be made by Cixi personally.
On the same evening, Gangyi and Xu Tong come to call on Ronglu and to ask him about his opinion regarding the emperor’s abdication. Ronglu feigns a sudden illness and escapes to Li Hongzhang to discuss the matter with him. Li explains to Ronglu the scale which possible consequences of such an abdication could reach and reminds him of his responsibilities. Thus, Ronglu returns home and meets his guests with determination. Thus, they leave in quarrel, and Ronglu prepares himself to see Cixi.
When Ronglu arrives, Cixi has already made herself comfortable in her bed and is relaxing while listening to Western (!) music. Despite these informal surroundings, she receives him but is shocked when he suddenly breaks down crying in front of her. Finally, he can convince her to soften her plans to forcefully abdicate the emperor. For this, he also makes use of a telegram of the Governor Generals Zhang Zhidong and Liu Kunyi. Finally, they agree that the emperor should be examined by a Western physician.
Thus, the emperor is finally examined by a French physician. But the physician cannot detect any illness except a physical weakness. Once again, the foreign ambassadors voice their unified support for the emperor and Cixi is furious.
Later, the German Ambassador von Ketteler is obstructed on his way home to be “searched”. He starts shooting and is ultimately killed.
At an audience with Cixi, the Prefect of Shandong,Yuxian attempts to convince her of the merits of the anti-foreign “Boxer Movement” which is taking hold in Shandong. Despite his many arguments for the movement, Cixi remains opposed to it. But then she is informed of Ketteler’s murder. Given the grave change of circumstances and in estimation of the consequences this will bring for the Court, Cixi gives in to make use of the strength of these “Boxer troops”.
Zhang Zhidong and Sheng Xuanhuai, advisor of Li Hongzhang (who now serves as Governor General of the Southern Guang provinces), and an intimate of Liu Kunyi, Governor General of Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Anhui, meet in the South. The two envoys try to convince Zhang of a joint effort of the Southern Governor Generals to rescue the stability of the country, i.e. prevent the onrush of the Boxers into the Southern provinces. Finally, Zhang agrees to the plan.
At Court, the demands of the foreign powers in response to the murder of Ketteler are delivered. The Court officials, though, are counting on the strength of the “Boxers”, but Cixi remains doubtful.
| previous next | back to top |