Instalment 29 (1902)
Scene 1: Canton; at Tan Zhonglin’s residence
In the middle of the night, Cen Chunxuan, the new Governor of Guangdong, comes to call on the Governor General of the two Guang provinces Tan Zhong-lin. Caught completely unaware, Tan receives Cen who straightforwardly accuses him of being an accomplice in the corrupt dealings of Zhou Rongyao, maritime customs service administrator. Cen also makes utterly clear that he intends to take measures against these dealings.
Scene: In the Forbidden City
Cixi has herself photographed by a foreign photographer posing as Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy, together with Li Lianying and the son of the Qing Prince, Zaizhen. In jest they start to discuss how Cixi bears similarities to Guanyin, and Li Lianying proposes that Cixi should in future be addressed as “Pusa Dashi” (Great Bodhisattva). Cixi declines, but says she would not oppose to be called “Lao Foye” (Old Buddha). Then a petition is brought, upon which Cixi has the photography session halted and sends for Qu Hongji.
Scene 3: In the Forbidden City
Cixi and Qu Hongji discuss the content of a petition which has been submitted by Cen Chunxuan and which sharply criticises the Qing Prince and requests Tan Zhonglin’s dismissal. On being asked by Cixi about his opinion on the matter, Qu restrains to voice an opinion. Cixi decides to have the Qing Prince give his account of the matters and Qu supports her decision. Following the audience, Qu has a student of his send Cen Chunxuan a telegram which encourages Cen to go ahead with his inquiries into the matter.
At the Qing Prince’s residence, Zaizhen informs his father that Zhou Rongyao has fled Guangzhou and is looking for a shelter with them. Moreover, when the Qing Prince initially takes the matter light-heartedly, his son makes clear that the prince himself is about to get into the line of fire. Zaizhen then takes leave from his father who is evidently disturbed by the matter. Before leaving, though, he notes that Cixi should in future not be addressed as “Taihou” (Empress Dowager) anymore.
Later, Yuan Shikai comes to call on the Qing prince together with Yang Shiqi. The prince is known for his corrupt nature and Yuan and Yang have come to offer him an impressive gift of money. Initially, Zaizhen greets them telling them that his father is not feeling too well. He then takes the bonds and retires to speak to his father about this. However, under the current circumstances his father has no choice but to decline the money. Yuan Shikai and Yang Shiqi are very surprised by this reaction and return back to their residence. Following Yuan’s departure, the Qing prince and Zaizhen fight about the decision to reject the money offer. Then the Qing prince tells his son that he has plans to commission Yuan with “getting rid of” Zhou Rongyao.
While discussing what has just happened in the Qing Prince’s residence, Yuan Shikai is informed that Zaizhen has come to pay him a visit. Yuan immediately receives him and Zaizhen explains his request. Shortly afterwards, Zhou Rong-yao also arrives, desperately begging Yuan for help. Yuan, who is now responsible for the foreign affairs together with the Qing Prince, secures a position in the Belgian embassy for Zhou in order to smoothly place him outside of his enemies’ reach.
Cixi has summoned an audience in which to decide on the posthumous honorary name for the recently deceased Ronglu. The Qing prince is not satisfied with the recommendations made and gives a moving speech in which he takes sides with both Ronglu and Li Hongzhang and advocates for a name containing the character “Zhong” (loyalty). All those present are evidently impressed by his speech. At this moment, another petition against the Qing prince is brought in. Cixi has the prince defend himself. He manages to state his case elegantly and merits Cixi’s approval. In reply to the question whether it does not bother him that Cen Chunxuan is constantly accusing him, the Qing Prince compares Cen to a dog who is trying to prove his loyalty by constantly „biting”. But, as a little revenge, he proposes that Cen should be appointed Governor General of the “complicated” provinces Yunnan and Guizhou. Cixi gives her consent and then retires to take a walk together with the Qing prince. Before departing, however, she decides on “Wenzhong” as a posthumous honorary name for Ronglu.
On the same evening, Yuan Shikai and the Qing prince meet. The prince finally agrees to accept the money. Yuan compliments his clever decision to have Cen Chunxuan sent to the Southwest. The Qing prince accepts the compliments and asks Yuan to “take care of his son”, Zaizhen. At first, Yuan hesitates but ultimately he swears brotherhood with Zaizhen and thereby seals the bond with the house of the Qing Prince.
Yuan Shikai receives Cixi in Tianjin for the opening of an exhibition of foreign products. Cixi is evidently pleased by the things she sees. When she is later even shown a film, she is very amused. Then, she takes a rest on a Western sofa in the presence of the officials and Yuan Shikai. Being very impressed by everything she has seen, she starts to discuss the current efforts at modernisation in comparison to those Kang Youwei initially proposed. Finally, she recognises the merit of Kang’s ideas and demands that the officials find ways of modernising China which surpass Kang’s ideas in effectiveness!
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