Chapter 364 Chapter 363 Dezong Aixinjueluo Zaitian

Emperor Guangxu, Zaitian, was the ninth emperor of the Qing Dynasty since Emperor Shunzhi.Emperor Guangxu was intelligent and eager to learn since he was a child, with keen intellect, and determined to do something.But he could not get rid of the various coercion of the Queen Mother throughout his life. In the end, his ambition of governing the country was stifled, and his personal family life was ruthlessly trampled on. He became a prisoner in the hands of the Queen Mother. In a life full of tragedy, he passed away full of regret and resentment. On June 28th in the tenth year of Tongzhi (AD 1871), the Chunwang Mansion by the Taiping Lake in Xuanwumen, Beijing had a festive atmosphere, and the luxurious and solemn compound was full of vitality. He came to the world and brought new joy and celebration to Chun Wangfu.This child was later Emperor Guangxu Zaitian.

Speaking of which, Xiao Zaitian's family background is prominent.His grandfather was Emperor Daoguang, the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, his father was Prince Chun, the seventh son of Emperor Daoguang, and his mother was Yehenala, the younger sister of Empress Dowager Cixi. When Zaiyun was young, he was smart, beautiful, and very likable. In addition, his eldest brother, third brother, and fourth brother died early, and the other younger brothers were not yet born, so he was loved by his parents and was regarded by Yizhen and his wife as the apple of their eye. .In such a superior environment and family, Zaitan could have lived a carefree life.However, an accidental event changed his life path.

On December 5th in the thirteenth year of Tongzhi (AD 1874), Emperor Tongzhi, who had been a puppet emperor for 13 years, died of illness.The Empress Dowager West is very valuable for her son, and now her son's death has brought her great difficulties.Because Emperor Tongzhi died early and had no son, according to the family law of the Qing Dynasty, after the death of Emperor Tongzhi, a person should be selected from among the younger relatives to be the heir of Emperor Tongzhi and inherit the throne.At that time, Emperor Tongzhi was under the generation of Pu, and according to the convention, one person should be selected from the generation of Pu to succeed Emperor Tongzhi and proclaim himself emperor.However, if this is done, then the Empress Dowager West will be honored as the Empress Dowager because her grandchildren are emperors. Although the Empress Dowager is also very noble, she is far away from her blood relationship and cannot continue to control the power of the Qing Dynasty.This is indeed an unacceptable thing for the Queen Mother who is obsessed with power.The Empress Dowager Xi was unwilling to let it go, she thought hard and finally came up with a solution, which was to let Prince Jin's son Zai Tian succeed to the throne.Zai Tian was young and was of the same generation as Tongzhi Emperor Zai Chun, so he could still maintain his status as empress dowager and take charge of the government. Besides, in terms of kinship, Zai Tian was both his nephew and his nephew, and had a close relationship, which was beneficial control.After making up her mind, the Empress Dowager West immediately held an imperial meeting in the Xinuang Pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The Empress Dowager said to the royal family nobles, military ministers and other officials present: "The emperor's body is very weak. If something happens, who can continue in the clan?" Datong?" As soon as the words fell, Wen Xi, Minister of Internal Affairs, said: "Please choose a virtuous person from Pu's generation to be the emperor." This is what the Empress Dowager fears the most. He no longer wanted to go around in circles, so he said sharply: "There is no one in Pu's generation who can be established as emperor. Yitian's son (Zaitian) is 4 years old and is a close relative. I want him to succeed him." Then, the Queen Mother suddenly When the news of Emperor Tongzhi's death was announced, all the officials were stunned, weeping loudly and making a fuss.Under such circumstances, no one raised any objections, so the Queen Mother's conspiracy succeeded.On the same day, the 4-year-old child Zai Tian was welcomed into the palace and officially became the emperor, and the next year was changed to the first year of Guangxu.

After Guangxu entered the palace, he left his biological parents and lost his happy and happy life.In order to cultivate Guangxu as her taming tool, the Queen Mother carefully shaped and domesticated the little emperor from many aspects.When the little Emperor Guangxu first entered the palace, he was only 4 years old, and he still needed others to take care of him.To be fair, the Empress Dowager still cared more about Emperor Guangxu.The Empress Dowager sometimes let Emperor Guangxu sleep on her bed, cared for Emperor Guangxu's body, took care of Emperor Guangxu's diet, and added or subtracted clothes for him according to seasonal changes. When she was happy, she even dictated Emperor Guangxu to read the Four Books and Five Classics.The Queen Mother thought that as long as she cared about Emperor Guangxu, a "mother-child" relationship could be established between her and Emperor Guangxu, and feudal filial piety could be used to strengthen the control and restraint of Emperor Guangxu.In order to achieve this goal, the Empress Dowager, while caring for Emperor Guangxu, cut off his relationship with his biological parents unkindly, and even Prince Chun and his wife dared not give Guangxu food.The Empress Dowager also carefully selected some palace eunuchs to serve Emperor Guangxu, and asked them to always tell Emperor Guangxu that he was not the son of Prince Chun, and that the Empress Dowager was his only mother. In 1881, the Empress Dowager Ci'an of the East Palace died suddenly, and the Empress Dowager West took full control of the government and Emperor Guangxu.

The Empress Dowager also understood that caring and caring alone is not enough, but necessary rules and systems are also needed so that she can establish her own authority and dignity and control Emperor Guangxu permanently.For this reason, she formulated some inviolable regulations for Emperor Guangxu.Every morning, Emperor Guangxu must go to the residence of the Queen Mother to say hello to the Queen Mother.As Emperor Guangxu grew older, the Empress Dowager's requirements for Emperor Guangxu became more stringent.When Emperor Guangxu kowtowed to pay his respects, Emperor Guangxu did not dare to get up without the order of the Queen Mother. If he was unhappy with the Queen Mother, Guangxu had to kneel and dared not express any dissatisfaction.Whenever the Empress Dowager went out on a whim, Emperor Guangxu had to accompany her personally, even in the scorching summer or in the cold winter of the north wind.In this way, the young Emperor Guangxu did not have any personal freedom, and lived under the power of the Queen Mother all day long, which left a great shadow and trauma on Emperor Guangxu's young heart, causing Emperor Guangxu to fall into unspeakable pain.Because of this, Emperor Guangxu was very afraid of seeing the Queen Mother. Every time he saw the Queen Mother, he was always trembling like a lion and a tiger, for fear of angering the Queen Mother.This fear has affected his life to a certain extent.

Fortunately, Emperor Guangxu's masters, especially Weng Tonghe, still loved this "student" very much.Weng Tonghe once served as the master of Emperor Tongzhi Zaichun, and this time he served as the master of Emperor Guangxu. He hoped to train Emperor Guangxu to be a wise emperor who governed the country.In the process of teaching, Weng Tonghe repeatedly explained to Emperor Guangxu the legacy of the saints, the way to rule chaos in ancient and modern times, and pointed out that as an emperor, he should be diligent in governing and loving the people, and be good at accepting advice.Emperor Guangxu listened very carefully to the master's explanation. Although some problems were beyond the comprehension of children of a few years old, Emperor Guangxu still listened and memorized them attentively.Weng Tonghe not only taught, but also cared about Emperor Guangxu in life. He warmed the wounded heart of Emperor Guangxu with the love of his elders. Although they had the titles of monarchs and ministers, their relationship was very harmonious.Weng Tonghe won the respect and trust of Emperor Guangxu, and became an important figure that Emperor Guangxu relied on in the future.Emperor Guangxu was intelligent by nature, had a strong memory, loved reading, was inquisitive and inquisitive, so he made rapid academic progress.Whenever Weng Tonghe asked questions, or asked him to recite books he had read, he could handle them with ease.

Hard work pays off.By the twelfth year of Guangxu (AD 1886), the 16-year-old Emperor Guangxu had already experienced a full ten-year study career. He not only had a deep understanding of the traditional history of the Six Classics, but also had certain readings and conclusions. The ancient and modern, the ability to analyze right and wrong, completed the learning task well.At this time, Emperor Guangxu was no longer an ignorant child. He began to have his own thoughts, began to have the awareness of participating in politics, and showed more and more interest in government affairs. In the thirteenth year of Guangxu, Emperor Guangxu was already 17 years old. At that time, he had reached the age of marriage.According to the practice of the Qing Dynasty, once the young emperor got married, he would be in charge of the government independently.This once again created a problem for the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother has a strong desire for power, so it was certainly not her original intention to let her return to Guangxu.But she knew in her heart that procrastination was not an option, as it would cause dissatisfaction and criticism from some people.What's more, she has already made a promise, that is, once Emperor Guangxu is successful in his classics, he will return to the government, and she does not want to have a bad reputation for breaking her promise.After much deliberation, she found a way.On June 10, the twelfth year of Guangxu, the Queen Mother issued a decree, publicly declaring that a pro-government ceremony will be held next year, so that Emperor Guangxu will be in charge.Regarding the hypocrisy of the Queen Mother, his relatives understood it with confidence, and hurried out to make things right.A few days later, Prince Jin Yixuan, Prince Li Shiduo and others made a memorial, requesting the Western Dowager to retrain the government for a few more years.The Empress Dowager pushed the boat with the current, pretending to be helpless, saying that the emperor was young and had to support him in case of trouble. Minister Wang begged many times, so he had to train in politics for a few more years.On October 26, the Empress Dowager and her cronies formulated another "Regulations on Training and Administration", which stipulated that all major military and political affairs, such as the appointment and removal of officials above the second rank, and examination questions, should be submitted to the Empress Dowager's will. feasible.This actually affirmed the dominance of the Empress Dowager by legal means, and only allowed Emperor Guangxu to hold a so-called "pro-government" ceremony. In the hands of Emperor Guangxu.

Because Guangxu was 18 years old, it was time for ordinary people to get married.Therefore, on June 19th in the fourteenth year of Guangxu, the Empress Dowager Xi issued a decree declaring that a grand wedding will be held for Emperor Guangxu next year and that he will personally preside over the administration.In feudal society, marriage often became a tool for rulers to fight for power and profit, and concubines had a great influence on the emperor, and the Empress Dowager, who was born as a concubine, knew it very well.Therefore, she attached great importance to Emperor Guangxu's wedding, especially the selection of the queen.On October 5th, choose empress and concubine for Emperor Guangxu in the Tihe Hall of the Imperial Palace.At that time, there were five candidates. The first one was the daughter of Du Tong Guixiang, who was also the niece of the Empress Dowager Xi; the second was the two daughters of Dexin, the governor of Jiangxi;According to the tradition of the Qing Dynasty, those who choose the queen will be given Ruyi, and those who are chosen as the concubine will be given a purse as a token of their choice.According to the wish of the Queen Mother of the West, she certainly hoped that her niece would be chosen as the queen, so as to further strengthen the control of Emperor Guangxu through the queen.But it can't be too explicit. In order to make a gesture, she faced Emperor Guangxu, pointed to the five women standing in a row and said, "Emperor, you can decide who can be elected, and the one who agrees will be granted the wish." Then he handed Ruyi to Emperor Guangxu.Emperor Guangxu wanted to find a gentle and agreeable wife for himself, but he didn't dare to express it, so he humbly said: "This important matter should be presided over by the emperor's father (the name of Emperor Guangxu to the Queen Mother), and the ministers dare not take it on their own." Insisting on letting Emperor Guangxu choose on his own, Emperor Guangxu had no choice but to agree.Facing the several women in front of him, he inspected them one by one, pondered for a while, and then walked up to Dexin's daughter, intending to give her wish and choose her to be his queen.At this time, the Empress Dowager called out "Emperor", and Emperor Guangxu was startled, but he immediately understood the Empress Dowager's intentions. Although he was unhappy, he had no choice but to give Ruyi to Guixiang's daughter.After the above actions, the Empress Dowager Xi saw that Emperor Guangxu loved Dexin's daughter.She thought that if she chose Dexin's daughter as a concubine, she would worry about competing with her niece for favor in the future, so instead of doing it, she hurriedly ordered someone to hand over a pair of purses to Changxu's two daughters.The post-election activities ended hastily under the brutal interference of the Queen Mother.Although Emperor Guangxu was the king of a country in name, he didn't even have the right to choose his own concubine. Later, another unfortunate marriage tragedy was caused.

After the queen and concubine are selected, the big wedding should follow.The wedding of Emperor Guangxu was grand and grand, and the cost was quite astonishing. According to incomplete estimates, Emperor Guangxu used 4126.935 taels of gold, 4.824183 million silver, and 2758 strings of money for his wedding, which shows the luxury of the royal family. A few days after the marriage, according to the will of the Queen Mother, a formal "pro-government" ceremony was held for Emperor Guangxu in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.The Empress Dowager lived in the Summer Palace intermittently, as if giving way.Emperor Guangxu officially ruled the government himself.

After the big marriage and pro-government, Emperor Guangxu's situation was not satisfactory, and he did not become the real master of the Qing Dynasty.At that time, the Queen Mother's power had already formed, and some ministers closely followed the Queen Mother, but they acted according to the Queen Mother's will, and did not take Emperor Guangxu seriously at all.All the administration of personnel in the Qing Dynasty was controlled by the Empress Dowager West and her cronies. Emperor Guangxu had no right to make decisions on major events in the court, and had to ask the Empress Dowager West for instructions.Therefore, Emperor Guangxu is still a nominal emperor. The 30 years of Emperor Guangxu's reign was an eventful time for the Qing Dynasty.The big powers stepped forward and stepped up their aggression against China, and the degree of China's semi-colony deepened sharply.Faced with the invasion of the great powers, the vigorous young emperor proceeded from his rule and the interests of the country and the country, and with great indignation, actively took the lead in the war, showing full of national indignation and concern for the country. During the Sino-French War, Emperor Guangxu was still a primary school student in the study. Due to his age, it was impossible to have a comprehensive understanding of the Sino-French war situation, and of course it was impossible to come up with valuable strategies. However, the little emperor showed the characteristics of young people Vigorous, clearly expressing his attitude towards the war of resistance.In his conversation with his master Weng Tonghe, he expressed concern about China's prospects and firmly supported Zhang Shusheng, governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, Zhang Zhidong, governor of Shanxi (later transferred to governor of Guangdong and Guangxi), and others' anti-Japanese war ideas.After the war began, the Empress Dowager and others always wanted to negotiate a peace. The French side proposed that China must pay compensation. After Emperor Guangxu heard about it, he believed that compensation must not be made.After the disastrous defeat at the Mawei Sea Battle in July of the tenth year of Guangxu, Emperor Guangxu became more angry and resolute in his attitude, advocating adding troops to Zhennan Pass to beat the French invaders.However, to the disappointment of the little emperor, China finally signed a humiliating treaty with France.This greatly stimulated the little emperor. He was thinking, why did the Qing Dynasty always succumb to foreigners? Not long after Emperor Guangxu came to power, the Qing Dynasty faced a more serious crisis.Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan has established a joint dictatorship of the landlord and bourgeoisie, arrogantly trying to dominate the world, and has embarked on the road of foreign aggression and expansion. Its neighbor China, which is separated from it by a narrow strip of water, has become its primary target of aggression. In the spring of the 20th year of Guangxu (AD 1894), a peasant uprising broke out in North Korea. Due to the historically formed clan relationship between China and North Korea, the Qing government was invited by the North Korean government to send troops into North Korea in May to help the North Korean government suppress Peasant uprising.When the Qing army sent troops, it actively notified Japan in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Sino-Japanese Treaty of Tianjin" signed in the eleventh year of Guangxu.However, Japan took this opportunity to make a big fuss. The uprising in North Korea had been suppressed. When China notified Japan that it was preparing to withdraw its troops, it deliberately launched a war by sending a large number of troops to North Korea under the pretext of protecting Japanese nationals.In order to calm the situation, the Qing government proposed that both China and Japan withdraw their troops at the same time. Japan not only refused to accept it, but instead increased its troops again and again and provoked the Chinese garrison. The Sino-Japanese war was imminent. In this case, two completely different propositions emerged within the Qing government.The Compromisers, represented by the Queen Mother of the West and Li Hongzhang, advocated compromise for their own self-interest.When the country was preparing for war against the enemy and needed emergency funds, the Empress Dowager decorated the Summer Palace and other places in order to prepare for her 60th birthday, and squandered money recklessly. In her opinion, nothing was more important than her 60th birthday.Li Hongzhang, who held a heavy army, was afraid of losing the strength he had painstakingly managed, so with the support of the Queen Mother, he used the excuse of provocation and blindly follow the stubborn mistakes.On the contrary, the main combat faction represented by Emperor Guangxu and others put the national interests first and insisted on the policy of preparing for war and resisting the enemy.When Japan showed signs of aggression, Emperor Guangxu did not hesitate to express his attitude towards the war of resistance. He devoted himself to the war and actively supported the calls of government and opposition officials to prepare for war and resist the enemy. Since the tension between China and Japan intensified in May of the 20th year of Guangxu until the Qing government officially declared war on Japan on August 1, Emperor Guangxu, with the support of the resistance faction, prepared for the War of Resistance with great enthusiasm and efforts.First of all, Emperor Guangxu insisted on relying on his own strength and opposed the erroneous policy of Li Hongzhang and others who pinned their hopes on the suspension of Lieutenant.Before the Sino-Japanese War officially broke out, the powers of various countries expressed their willingness to mediate for China and Japan for their own interests.Li Hongzhang and others believed in this kind of hypocrisy and regarded it as a life-saving magic weapon. They frequently communicated with ministers from various countries, did not pay attention to preparations for war, and pinned all their hopes on the mediation of the great powers.Emperor Guangxu was very disgusted with this, emphasizing that the war of resistance should rely on its own strength and not rely on other countries.From late May to early June, Emperor Guangxu ordered Li Hongzhang several times in a row, asking him to recognize the harsh reality that Japan deliberately provoked the war, and to dispatch soldiers as soon as possible, prepare ammunition, food and salaries, and prepare for the battle.It also clearly pointed out that the mediation of the great powers of various countries is unreliable, and they all have their own intentions, so don't be paralyzed and fooled.The reason why Emperor Guangxu did not agree to the policy of using the great powers to stop was because on the one hand, Emperor Guangxu doubted the sincerity of the great powers, and on the other hand, he was unwilling to rely on other countries to show weakness.However, with the support of the Queen Mother, Li Hongzhang ignored Emperor Guangxu's accusations, went his own way, and continued to hope for the mediation of the great powers.In late June, the Japanese army raided a Chinese troop carrier off the coast of Toyoshima, North Korea, resulting in the heroic sacrifice of thousands of Chinese officers and soldiers.Li Hongzhang was elated because the destroyed troop carrier was the British ship Gao Sheng hired by Li Hongzhang. He believed that Britain would order Japan to compromise.Emperor Guangxu was very angry about this, and told Li Hongzhang several times in a row not to miss the opportunity and wait and see, but to immediately organize the army to fight, otherwise he will be severely punished.Secondly, Emperor Guangxu actively raised funds to provide material conditions for preparing for the war.The war was urgent and a large amount of supplies were needed. However, the Qing government's finances were tight at that time, which made Guangxu very embarrassed.However, in order to prepare for her birthday ceremony and build the Summer Palace, the Empress Dowager spent a lot of money and put the war behind her.In order to concentrate China's strength and prepare for war, Emperor Guangxu asked the Queen Mother to stop building the Summer Palace and spend the money on military expenses at the risk of being scolded by the Queen Mother.The Queen Mother of the West was very angry about this, and scolded Guangxu for being unkind and unfilial, but due to the situation, she had to reluctantly issue a decree and agree to Emperor Guangxu's request.And agreed to simplify the preparations for the Longevity Celebration.Emperor Guangxu urged the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Naval Affairs Yamen to withdraw more than 3 million taels from the salt tax, customs duties, and Dingyin in various provinces, and hand them over to Li Hongzhang for military expenses.Although Emperor Guangxu was suppressed by the Queen Mother of the West and resisted by Li Hongzhang and others, he made great efforts and painstaking efforts to prepare for the war. In late June of the 20th year of Guangxu, the Japanese army launched an unannounced war and launched an attack on the Chinese garrison in Asan, North Korea. , the main combat faction is also more active.People have exposed Japan's aggression, reprimanded Li Hongzhang and others for deceiving the imperial court, resisting the holy will, and repeatedly losing opportunities for the wrong country.The backbone of the main combat faction, Zhirui, the right servant of the Ministry of Rites, and Wen Tingshi, a bachelor of the servant, asked Emperor Guangxu to be arbitrary, strictly enforce rewards and punishments, expand the navy, review diplomatic relations, and save the overall situation of the War of Resistance.Inspired by the voices of the Anti-Japanese War, Emperor Guangxu's attitude towards the Anti-Japanese War became more determined.On August 1 of this year, Emperor Guangxu formally promulgated an edict, declaring war on Japan.In this edict, Emperor Guangxu slammed Japan's aggressive behavior of coercing North Korea and injuring our warships, and solemnly pointed out that Japan's behavior was not only unreasonable, but also a robbery that did not abide by treaties and public laws; ordered Li Hongzhang to send troops immediately , quickly advanced and suppressed, and fought back in self-defense; and ordered the generals and governors all over the coast to strictly guard each mouth, step up preparations for war, and be ready to attack the Japanese army at any time. In a feudal society, the emperor's decree should have absolute authority, and the courtiers only had the obligation to implement it without the right to raise any objections. However, this routine did not work here for Emperor Guangxu, because Emperor Guangxu had no real authority.Therefore, although Emperor Guangxu was very anxious and spoke harshly, the Zhuhe faction who held real power turned a deaf ear and remained indifferent.Guangxu could only use the limited power in his hands, and because of Li Hongzhang's lack of command, Lushun fell, he was dismissed from his post and kept in office, removed from the top hat, and supervised and punished the Zhuhe faction as much as he could. In the first month of the twenty-first year of Guangxu (AD 1895), the Weihaiwei naval battle failed, and the entire Beiyang Navy was wiped out.The Japanese aggressors believed that the time had come, and revealed to the Qing government that if they sent people who were highly respected, well-known, and had the right to cede land to Japan to negotiate, China and Japan could negotiate peace.At that time, although the main peace faction became a frightened bird, it was in chaos, and even the main war faction such as Emperor Guangxu could not come up with a good strategy.According to Japan's request, the Empress Dowager advocated sending Li Hongzhang to Japan to seek peace, but Emperor Guangxu objected.But the Empress Dowager summoned the court ministers alone and ordered Li Hongzhang to come to Beijing for training, Yi?Carefully said: "The emperor's intention is not to let him come to Beijing." The Queen Mother was furious, and said arrogantly: "I can make half of my opinion!" As the first-class plenipotentiary minister, he announced that all the punishments given to Li Hongzhang by Emperor Guangxu before that would be exempted, and he would be rewarded with a feather crown and a yellow jacket, and he would be dismissed and retained in his post. After Li Hongzhang arrived in Japan, he signed the "Treaty of Shimonoseki" with Japan on March 23, ceding Taiwan to Japan.On March 29, the text of the treaty was sent to Beijing.When Emperor Guangxu saw the harsh content of the treaty, he was very indignant and had mixed feelings. He said sadly: "If Taiwan is cut off, all the hearts of the world will go. Why do I think the world is the master?" The treaty cannot be recognized, and domestic public opinion has also demanded that the treaty be abolished and the war resumed, and the strategy of moving the capital to a protracted war of resistance was proposed.Therefore, although Sun Yuwen and others repeatedly forced Emperor Guangxu to ratify the treaty, Emperor Guangxu did not agree and refused to sign with Bao.Emperor Guangxu thought that if he wanted to abolish the contract and fight again, he had to move the capital, so Emperor Guangxu went to the Summer Palace in person to try to get the Queen Mother's permission. shattered.On the eighth day of April, Emperor Guangxu was helplessly forced by the empress dowager and other forceful words. He signed the treaty with tears in his eyes and ratified the "Treaty of Shimonoseki". The disastrous defeat in the Sino-Japanese War and the signing of the "Treaty of Shimonoseki" aggravated the national crisis. The whole country was shocked.Under the persecution of the times, the call for saving the nation and preserving its existence gradually increased. This was not only reflected in the fact that some rulers set off an upsurge in pursuing the art of prosperity, but more importantly, the bourgeois reformers represented by Kang You stepped onto the stage of history.Under the impact of the waves of the times, Emperor Guangxu also entered the most vigorous period of his life. In desperation, Emperor Guangxu approved the "Treaty of Shimonoseki", cessation of land compensation, opening ports and other unequal contents, and the Qing Dynasty lost a lot of rights and interests, which made Emperor Guangxu fall into extreme pain and depression.He thought, if the ancestral land was lost in his own hands, wouldn't he become a sinner of unfaithfulness and filial piety through the ages?After learning from the pain, he pondered hard, why the Qing Dynasty, which had always regarded itself as the Celestial Dynasty, was defeated by the "small country"?This problem has always troubled him, making him sleepless and restless. What is the way out for China and how can it strengthen itself?Although Emperor Guangxu was full of enthusiasm for this, he didn't know where to start.At this time, Weng Tonghe once again acted as the guide of Emperor Guangxu.Weng Tonghe determined to train Emperor Guangxu to be a "Ming Jun" since he became Emperor Guangxu's master.During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, Weng Tonghe actively fought and fought resolutely with Sun Yuwen and other peace factions.Weng Tonghe was shocked by the disastrous defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1885. He realized that the Qing Dynasty could not be saved by relying on the legacy of his ancestors alone.His thinking changed rapidly, from a feudal orthodox figure who respected the king and rejected barbarians to an enlightened figure with reform ideas.The changes in Weng Tonghe's thoughts directly affected Emperor Guangxu.Weng Tonghe stated the advantages of the West in front of Emperor Guangxu many times, pointed out the need to learn from the West, and recommended Kang Youwei and his ideas to Emperor Guangxu many times.As a matter of fact, Emperor Guangxu first learned about some situations in the outside world through Weng Tonghe and others. The enlightenment and inspiration of Weng Tonghe and others made the depressed and distressed Emperor Guangxu suddenly enlightened. He saw hope and a road to save the country. faintly displayed in front of him.This made Emperor Guangxu very excited. He became interested in the situation in the outside world and liked to read new books. In order to learn more about the situation abroad, Emperor Guangxu searched for books about the situation abroad through various channels.Emperor Guangxu asked Weng Tonghe and others for Huang Zunxian's "National History of Japan", read it in detail, and got a general understanding of the situation in Japan.In the spring of the twenty-fourth year of Guangxu (AD 1898), through Weng Tonghe's "presentation", Emperor Guangxu obtained Kang Youwei's "Japan's Political Change", "Russian Peter's Political Change" and the Englishman Timothy Lee's compilation. Books such as "A Brief Introduction to the New History of Western and Western Countries", "A Record of the Change and Prosperity of Various Countries".After Emperor Guangxu got these books, he read and studied hungrily as if he had found a treasure. Sometimes he sat at his desk and read hard, sometimes he meditated endlessly.Although due to various conditions, the books that Emperor Guangxu read were very one-sided, and his understanding of Western countries was still very superficial.However, after all, he knew some new things and new ideas that had never been heard before, and understood some new principles.At this time, Emperor Guangxu's mind became more open-minded. He began to realize that many parts of China were lagging behind foreigners, and many things could not be compared with the great powers. How could he not be beaten passively?Acknowledging his own shortcomings and daring to face up to reality, Emperor Guangxu began to shatter the illusory concept of "heavenly supremacy", and began to doubt and even cast aside traditional ideas and the legacy of his ancestors.Emperor Guangxu began to show disgust for those arrogant, stubborn and ignorant feudal bureaucrats, and even regarded the classic books that were originally regarded as treasures for governing the country as useless things, just a pile of waste paper, and ordered his subordinates to burn them.By this time, Emperor Guangxu not only had the enthusiasm to save the country, but also found a way to save the country, that is, reform and reform.He is determined to imitate foreign countries to reform the past and reform the old, and make great efforts to govern. But at this time, Emperor Guangxu was still a nominal emperor, without the arbitrary decision-making power that feudal emperors had.On the top is the control and restraint of the Queen Mother, and on the bottom there are many diehards who obstruct and resist.It is not easy for Emperor Guangxu to reform under such circumstances!In order to support the reform activities of Kang Youwei and others, and to put the desire for reform into reality, Emperor Guangxu did some work within his ability during the spring and summer of the twenty-fourth year of Guangxu.First of all, Emperor Guangxu broke through the obstruction of the diehards and opened up connections with Kang Youwei and others.Previously, due to the interference of the diehards, Guangxu had not seen Kang Youwei's "Letter on the Bus" and the previous few letters to the emperor of the Qing Dynasty.In the 21st year of Guangxu, Emperor Guangxu admired Kang Youwei's "Fourth Book of the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty" indirectly.Later, in the "Fifth Book of the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty", Kang Youwei pointed out in an extremely heavy and sad tone that if you follow the old ways and don't think about making progress, I am afraid that "the emperor and all his ministers will not be able to obtain Chang'an commoners" in the future, which means that there will be no reforms. It is possible to repeat the tragedy of Emperor Chongzhen hanging Meishan.Kang Youwei's thesis aroused a strong resonance in Emperor Guangxu's heart. Emperor Guangxu appreciated Kang Youwei's loyalty and courage, which aroused his belief and determination to reform and strengthen himself.He immediately issued an order to the ministers of the General Administration that if Kang Youwei had an order in the future, it should be submitted on the same day without hindrance.This initially opened up the connection between Emperor Guangxu and Kang Youwei and other reformers.Secondly, Emperor Guangxu supported the reform actions of Kang Youwei and others and helped them fight against the destruction of the diehards.Faced with the reform activities of Kang Youwei and others, the die-hards hated and feared like a concubine, clamoring loudly that "the law of the ancestors cannot be changed."In response to the attack of the diehards, Emperor Guangxu clearly stood on the side of Kang Youwei and others. He said: "If the ancestral land cannot be preserved today, why is there any law for the ancestors?" He and others established the "Protection Council" in Beijing, and put forward the slogan "Protect the country, the species, and the religion" in order to organize reform forces.The bureaucrats of the feudal diehards rose up to attack one after another. Yushi Wenti made a memorial, slandering Kang Youwei for recruiting party members and committing chaos.At this critical moment, Emperor Guangxu confronted the diehards and said, "Wouldn't it be very good to be able to protect the country!" He supported the National Defense Council in time.In the end, Guangxu wanted to win the permission of the Queen Mother and obtain the decision-making power for the reform.Emperor Guangxu knew in his heart that without fighting for decision-making power, in other words, without obtaining the permission of the Queen Mother, the so-called reform is ultimately empty talk.Emperor Guangxu showed his greatest courage and publicly demanded power from the Queen Mother of the West.Emperor Guangxu once summoned the Queen Mother's confidant, Prince Qing Yikuang, and asked him to tell the Queen Mother: "I don't want to be the king of subjugation. If I still don't give me power, I would rather abdicate." Yikuang went to the Queen Mother and said, Furious, she immediately said: "He doesn't want to take this seat? I don't want to let him sit for a long time." But after thinking for a while, the Empress Dowager Xi realized that it was not time to abolish the emperor, so she asked Yikuang to tell Guang Zhu The Emperor: "The Empress Dowager will not stop the Emperor from doing business." Hearing these words, Emperor Guangxu heaved a sigh of relief, and felt more at ease.In this way, Emperor Guangxu finally won some power for the reform. Although this power is temporary, limited, and very unstable, it is an important prerequisite for the implementation of the reform. On June 11th in the twenty-fourth year of Guangxu, Emperor Guangxu resolutely promulgated the "Ming Ding Guoshi" edict, officially announcing the reform and innovation.In this imperial edict, Emperor Guangxu sharply criticized those conservative forces who stuck to the old rules and obstructed change; he pointed out the harsh current situation of the disparity between China and foreign countries and the decline of the country; he clearly pointed out the rationality of innovation and affirmed that the reform is irresistible The inevitable trend.The edict ordered all ministers, big and small, both at home and abroad, from the princes to the common people, to work hard and be angry.A total of 103 days have passed since the "Ming Dingguo Shi" edict opened the prelude to the reform, and the reform died on September 21.During this period of time, Emperor Guangxu issued a total of about 180 reform decrees, and the most one day issued 11 decrees.Judging from the content of the decree issued, it involves almost all important aspects of national life, mainly including: selecting and appointing talents who are proficient in current affairs and aspiring to reform; opening schools and developing modern education; encouraging scholars and people to write letters; Translating books and studying abroad; developing modern industry, commerce, agriculture and transportation; rewarding inventions and creations; rectifying civil affairs and reforming finances; rectifying the navy and army and strengthening national defense forces, etc. The promulgation of the "Ming Ding Guoshi" edict was like a thunderstorm, which aroused strong and complicated repercussions in the society at that time.Some enlightened officials and scholar-bureaucrats applauded, responded positively, and debated reforms. They saw the hope of ZTE from Emperor Guangxu's reforms.However, as far as Chinese society was concerned at that time, the feudal diehards were still very powerful. They were ignorant, conservative, and short-sighted. Form a very decadent and stubborn social force.Emperor Guangxu's reforms not only impacted traditional Chinese ideas and ethics, but also directly touched the vital interests of these stubborn ministers, arousing their frenzied attacks and opposition.Therefore, if the reform plan designed by Emperor Guangxu and the reformers is to become a reality on the land of China, it will inevitably require an arduous struggle. On the fourth day (April 27) after Emperor Guangxu promulgated the "Ming Ding Guo Shi" edict, the Empress Dowager took pre-emptive measures in order to control the momentum of the reform and prepare the conditions for strangling the reform movement in the future. On this day, the Empress Dowager Forcing Emperor Guangxu to issue an edict announcing: First, on the charge of arrogance and arrogance, weng Tonghe, the co-organizer of the university and the Minister of the Ministry of household affairs, was dismissed from his post, and he was expelled from the capital to return to his hometown, thus cutting off the left and right arms of Emperor Guangxu; Officials above the second rank need to thank the Queen Mother, thus controlling the right to appoint and remove personnel; third, Wang Wenshao was transferred to the central government as the Minister of Military Affairs, and the Governor of Zhili of the Ronglu Department was appointed (soon to be awarded), thus capturing the capital Strong military power.The essence of these decrees is that the Empress Dowager not only controlled the military power and strengthened the stubborn conservative forces, but also weakened the power of Emperor Guangxu and his support.Faced with the pressure from the Queen Mother, Emperor Guangxu also took countermeasures.The next day (the 28th), Emperor Guangxu summoned Kang Youwei, and the meeting place was next to the Empress Dowager, the Hall of Renshou in the Summer Palace.He appointed Kang Youwei to "walk in Zhangjing, the Prime Minister's Office of State Affairs", and allowed him to specialize in memorial affairs.But compared with the strength of the Empress Dowager to support the diehards, Guangxu's methods are much softer. By the middle of August in the twenty-fourth year of Guangxu (AD 1898), the reform had been carried out for nearly three months. Although Emperor Guangxu tried his best, due to the opposition of the diehards, the actual progress was slow and the effect was not great.在这期间，光绪帝尝到了改革的酸辣苦咸，也感受到了守旧派的愚昧和狡诈。但是，他知道改革变法的事业不能停止，必须继续前进，否则将前功尽弃。所以，在8月中下旬，光绪帝又采取了一系列措施，把变法运动推向深入。 首先，废除旧衙门，严厉打击顽固分子的破坏行为。变法开始的时候，光绪帝接受了康有为的建议，只增新衙门，勿废旧衙门。可是，顽固派的干挠破坏使光绪帝十分恼火，他认为有必要对守旧大臣进行警告和处置，所以光绪帝冲破了“只增新、不黜旧”的框框，果断地向封建旧官僚体制开刀，裁撤闲散机构和冗员。光绪帝颁布谕旨，把中央的詹事府、通政司、光禄寺、鸿胪寺、太仆寺等衙门裁撤，同时宣布，上下冗员也一律裁撤尽净。并严词警告内外诸臣，不准敷衍了事，多方阻挠，否则定当严惩，决不宽贷。光绪帝的大胆举措，使清朝的守旧官僚们惊心动魄，人心惶惶，都怕丢掉自己的乌纱帽，有的甚至被吓得大哭不止。 其次，提拔维新人才，加强变法力量。分别诏谕任命内阁侍读杨锐、刑部主事刘光第、内阁候补中书林旭、江苏候补知府谭嗣同，均赏加四品卿衔，在军机章京上行走，参与新政事宜。虽然这4个人的经历和思想认识不尽一致，但却都有变法愿望，尤其是谭嗣同，更是坚定的变法维新人士。 再次，光绪帝准备模仿西方国家设立议院，开懋勤殿以议制度。设议院，兴民权本是康有为等宣传变法时的重要内容。但是变法开始以后，鉴于严峻的现实，康有为放弃了这一主张。光绪一帝对设立议院有一个认识过程，逐渐产生加紧实施以推进改革的想法。对此，顽固派既恨又怕，百般劝阻。大学士孙家鼐危言耸听地说：“若开议院，民有权而君无权矣。”光绪帝曾决然回答说：“朕只欲救中国，若能拯救黎民，朕虽无权又有何妨？”八月下旬，光绪帝想把设议院的主张付诸实施，康有为劝他说：“现在守旧之徒充斥朝廷，万不可行。”光绪帝想了想，接受康有为的建议，但他不肯完全放弃自己的主张，因此准备采取变通方式，即开懋勤殿。其目的在于把维新的骨干人物集中在一起，并聘请国外政治专家，以议论制度，全面筹划变法事宜，作为变法运动的最高指挥中心。 可以看出，到光绪二十四年八月中下旬，光绪帝拿出了自己最大的勇气，大胆推进变法，维新运动向纵深发展。可是，变法的深入，使光绪帝和顽固派的矛盾更加尖锐，尤为重要的是，光绪帝的改革行动，激怒了一直伺机而动的西太后。八月十九日，因礼部尚书怀塔布等官员压制维新派，光绪帝一怒之下，将礼部尚书、侍郎六个官员全部撤职。对光绪帝罢免怀塔布等人，顽固派大臣十分不满，纷纷要求西太后出面制止。怀塔布的妻子经常在颐和园侍候西太后，深得西太后的喜欢，她利用这种机会，更是多次哭哭啼啼，请求西太后的庇护。有一天，光绪帝照例到颐和园向西太后问安，西太后满面怒容，厉声说道：“朝列重臣，非有大故，不可轻弃；如今你以远间亲，以新间旧，依靠康有为一人而乱家法，何以面对祖宗？”光绪帝分辩说：“祖宗若在今日，其法也不会与以前一样；儿臣宁愿坏祖宗之法，也不愿弃祖宗之民，失祖宗之地，为天下后人笑。”西太后心想，不能再让光绪帝干下去了，自己收拾局面的时候已到。于是，西太后便和其亲信开始了紧张的密谋活动。他们一面大造舆论，散布紧张空气，一面加紧进行军事部署，准备发动政变。遵照西太后的旨意，荣禄密调聂士成的武毅军进入天津，命董福祥的甘军进驻北京附近的长辛店，蠢蠢欲动，局势骤然紧张起来。 面对西太后等人的进逼，光绪帝也感到形势危急，于是便同维新派一起，也加紧制定对策。八月三十日，光绪帝给康有为一个密诏，让他和谭嗣同等迅速筹划，设法相救。可是光绪帝和维新人物既没有实权，也无军队，因此显得十分软弱，当即陷入手忙脚乱的境地。九月初，在康有为等人的支持下，光绪帝先后两次召见当时以维新派面目出现，手握一定军权的袁世凯，给他加官进爵，竭力拉拢，幻想利用袁世凯的军队来保护自已，保护维新事业。可是，狡诈的袁世凯并未明确表示要真心诚意地为光绪帝效劳。至此，光绪帝也认识到败局已定，无法挽回了。在这种情况下，为给将来的维新事业留下组织力量，光绪帝于九月二日密谕康有为说：“你可迅速外出，不可迟延。你一片忠爱热肠，朕所深悉，望你爱惜身体，善自调养，将来更效驰驱，共建大业。”这时，康有为、谭嗣同等也在为保护光绪帝而做积极的努力。九月三日，谭嗣同夜访袁世凯，请求袁世凯杀荣禄，围颐和园，袁世凯假意答应。九月五日，光绪帝又接见了来华游历的日本前首相伊滕博文，希望他帮助自己。当天，光绪帝第三次召见袁世凯，命他保卫圣躬。可以看出，光绪帝以及维新派在紧急关头，病重乱投医，未能拿出任何切实可行的应急办法。相反，西太后及其亲信却做了大量的准备，已经磨刀霍霍，准备动手了。 在这新旧较量的关头，善于见风使舵的袁世凯，雪上加霜，又给光绪帝等人捅上了一刀。九月五日，袁世凯被召见以后，立即乘火车赶回天津，把光绪帝及维新派的谋划全盘告诉了荣禄。荣禄立即乘车赶到北京，告诉了西太后。西太后听到荣禄的报告后，十分恼怒，她痛恨维新派，更痛恨光绪帝，恨不能立即处置他们。第二天黎明，西太后在重兵控制北京后带人直奔光绪帝的寝宫，光绪帝知道事情不妙，慌忙出来迎接，西太后也不理睬光绪帝。命人搜查光绪帝的寝宫，把全部奏章席卷而去。然后怒斥光绪帝说：“我抚养你20余年。你竟听小人之言要谋害我？”光绪帝吓得浑身战栗，面色发白，慌忙回答：“我无此意。”西太后唾了光绪帝一口，说：“痴儿，今日无我，明日还有你吗？”当日，又以光绪帝的名义颁布谕旨，重新让西太后训政。随后颁布谕旨，捉拿维新党人。康有为、梁启超等人已在政变以前逃出，幸免于难。九月十三日，谭嗣同、康广仁、刘光第、林旭、杨锐、杨深秀等6人在北京菜市口被杀，史称“戊戌六君子”。至此，光绪帝及其维新派的变法活动就被以西太后为首的顽固派绞杀了，光绪帝的变法图强方案也就被无情地摧毁。随之，光绪帝进入了他一生中最苦闷和痛苦的时期。 戊戌变法失败以后，光绪帝生活境遇更加恶化了。为了彻底消除光绪帝的政治影响，西太后曾连续3次对光绪帝组织围攻和斥责。西太后发动政变的当天，在便殿召集起一大群顽固守旧大臣，令光绪帝跪在案前，并置竹杖于座前，如同审讯一般。她质问光绪帝说：“天下者，祖宗之天下，你怎敢任意妄为，各位大臣，皆我多年历选，你怎能任意不用。你竟敢听信叛逆蛊惑，变乱典刑。康有为能胜于我选用之人？康有为之法，能胜于祖宗之法？”面对西太后的斥责，光绪帝虽然不敢顶撞，但也不想忍气吞声，他为自己分辩说：“我自己固然糊涂，但洋人逼迫太急，为了保存国脉，通融试用西法，并不是听信康有为之法。”第二天，光绪帝再次被西太后等人围攻，西太后还逼迫光绪帝颁布捉拿康有为的谕旨。第三天，西太后组织顽臣，将光绪帝寝宫、书房等处搜去的奏疏文稿拿出来，逐条批驳，要光绪认罪。此后，又把光绪帝押解到瀛台的涵元殿，囚禁起来。 瀛台是中南海中的一个人工岛屿，四面环水，一面设有板桥，以便出入。西太后把光绪帝囚禁在瀛台后，选派20多名太监轮番看管。太监每天送“御膳”之时，就架起跳板，走进瀛台，“进膳”之后，便撤掉跳板。光绪帝只能望水哀叹，不能离开瀛台一步，为此他曾写下“欲飞无羽翼，欲渡无舟楫”的诗句。生活在瀛台的光绪帝，接触的都是那些令人讨厌的太监，所到之处，无非是瀛台上的几座殿阁，没有什么乐趣。他在看时，往往哀叹：“我还不如汉献帝。”光绪帝无法排解自己心中的闷气和怨恨，有时往往把太监作为自己发泄的对象，经常对他们发脾气，罚令长跪，还天天书写袁世凯的名字，以表达自己的怨恨之情。贵为一国之君的光绪帝，成为一名不见天日的囚徒。 其实，按照西太后的意愿，何尝不想彻底废掉光绪帝呢？只是迫于外界的压力，不敢贸然行事，所以才把光绪帝押入孤岛。可是西太后囚禁光绪帝一事，不仅引起国内舆论的哗然，而且也引起各国列强的注意。列强各国感到，西太后的复旧很有可能使中国回到排外的时代去，与其如此，还不如支持开明的光绪帝，对自己更有利，于是他们对光绪帝的处境表现出前所未有的关心。英、日驻华公使极力帮助康有为、梁启超出逃，并再三要求觐见光绪帝。英国在华的舆论工具《字林西报》也多次发表文章，抨击西太后，赞扬光绪帝。这一切，都给西太后很大压力，使她不敢断然对光绪帝下毒手。但她一直担心光绪帝的存在会威胁自己的权力和统治，忍气吞声地寻找机会实现她的废帝阴谋。 正当西太后为废掉光绪帝而忙碌时，中国大地上爆发了义和团运动，西方列强出兵武力干涉，爆发了八国联军侵略中国的战争。在对待义和团的剿抚问题上，尤其是对外国武装干涉的战和问题上，清朝统治阶级内部存在着严重的分歧，于是展开了一场激烈的争论。光绪帝对此忧心忡忡，虽身陷囹圄，但却及时表明了自己的态度。光绪二十六年（公元1900年）五月二十日，西太后在仪鸾殿召开第一次御前会议，到场的有大学士、六部九卿，光绪帝也奉西太后之命到场。会上，吏部侍郎许景澄、太常寺卿袁昶等人极力主张议和，而载漪等人却从自己的私欲出发，说：“义民可恃，其术甚神，可以报仇雪耻。”竭力煽动对外宣战，两者相持不下。光绪帝则说：“现在人人喜言兵，然而甲午中日之役，创钜痛深，可引以为鉴。况且诸国之强，十倍于日本，联合而谋我，怎样才能抵御呢？”分析完利害得失后，光绪帝断然说：“断无同时与各国开衅的道理。”五月二十一日，西太后再次召开御前会议。一开始，西太后便怒气冲冲，她对列强各国庇护康有为等人，干涉自己的废立活动十分不满，积怨甚深，所以一向对外妥协的西太后，现在却决心对外开战了。她说：“今天的事，各位大臣都看到了，我为江山社稷着想，不得已而宣战；然而成败未可知，如果宣战之后，江山社稷仍无法保全，诸公当谅解我的苦心，不要归咎我一人。”西太后话音刚落，载漪等人立即应声附合，大谈宣战。光绪帝心中十分焦急。国家安危，在此一举，想到这里，光绪帝再次表示异议，他说：“战不是不可言，但中国积弱，兵不足恃，用乱民孤注一掷，会有什么好处呢？”接着他又耐心地分析说：“民众均未经训练，一旦上阵，在枪林弹雨之中，以血肉之躯抗击敌人，怎么能持久？所以，不要以民命为儿戏！”西太后听了光绪帝的话，心中老大不自在，但她没有正面反驳，质问光绪帝说：“依你之见怎么办呢？”光绪帝回答说：“寡不可以敌众，弱不可以敌强，决没有一国能敌七八个国家的道理。现在，只有停战议和才是上策，其次就是迁都。”由于两者争议不休，所以这次会议仍未能就和战问题作出决定。五月二十二日，举行第三次御前会议，西太后及载漪等人控制了局面，大喊大叫，不可一世，决意向列强宣战。光绪帝看到无法挽回，欲言又不敢言。他拉住许景澄的手，沉痛地说：“兵端一开，朕一身不足惜，只是苦了天下的百姓了。”我们知道，光绪帝在中法战争和中日战争中，一意主战，是一个积极的主战派，那么他在义和团时期为何力主求和呢？这主要是从中外力量的悬殊考虑，虽然光绪帝的主和也并非什么高明的见解，但起码在了解外情这一点上比西太后等人高明一筹。 西太后等人不顾光绪帝等人的反对，一意孤行，盲目主战，于五月二十五日正式颁布了对列强的宣战上谕。然而西太后等人既没有御敌的力量和本领，也没有彻底抗战的决心，结果清军节节败北，七月二十日北京陷落，西太后只得仓皇出逃。当西太后逃出北京之际，光绪帝要求留下来，以便同外使会谈，收拾残局，并乘机摆脱西太后的控制。可是未被西太后应允，只得随西太后出逃。在逃亡的过程中，光绪帝所到之处，凄凉萧条，满目疮痍，民不聊生，新仇旧恨一齐涌上心头。他痛恨列强的侵略，更加怀念自己的变法维新事业，也更加怨恨出卖自己的袁世凯。他每到一处，往往画一个龟，在龟背上填写袁世凯的名字，然后粘在墙上，用小竹弓射击，然后再取下来剪碎，用这种最简单的办法来发泄自己胸中的闷气。 光绪二十七年（公元1901年）七月二十五日，经西太后批准，李鸿章、奕劻等人与各国列强签订了屈辱的卖国条约《辛丑条约》。十一月，光绪帝随西太后回到北京，当他看到被列强破坏后的京都情景时，立即感到一种无法排泄的耻辱，不可遏止的愤怒。 面对国亡无日的残酷现实，光绪帝多么渴望自己能够独掌大权，继续推行新政啊！然而，自幼养成的怯弱秉性使他无法摆脱西太后的控制，相反，为了自己的安全，只得屈从在西太后的淫威之下。可是，即便是这样，光绪帝也还是耐心地等待时机。为了更好地了解世界，光绪帝仍然朝夕研读书籍，尤其留意有关西学的书。而且，光绪帝还坚持每日以一定的时间学习英文，虚心向人求教，持之以恒，因此对西方文化有了更深的了解。 政治上的挫败，生活中的不幸，使光绪帝陷入无法自拔的痛苦和郁闷之中，整日忧愁解难，焦虑不安，这极大地损伤了他的身体，使他的健康状况日益变坏。光绪三十四年十月二十一日，光绪帝抱着自己终生的遗憾在瀛台涵元殿病逝，终年38岁。 光绪帝死后，葬于崇陵，谥号“景皇帝”，庙号“德宗”。