The Tongzhi Emperor (1856–1875), born Zaichun, ascended the throne at the age of six following the death of his father, the Xianfeng Emperor. His reign was marked by political turbulence and personal struggles, many of which stemmed from his fraught relationship with his two mothers: Empress Dowager Ci’an, his adoptive mother, and Empress Dowager Cixi, his biological mother. This article explores the origins of this unusual dynamic, the key events that shaped their relationships, and the lasting impact on Qing dynasty politics and culture.

The Palace Rules and Early Upbringing of the Tongzhi Emperor

From the moment of his birth, Zaichun was taken from his biological mother, Noble Consort Yi (later Empress Dowager Cixi), and placed under the care of Empress Niuhuru (later Empress Dowager Ci’an). This practice was customary in the Qing imperial court—since the empress had not borne any children, the offspring of other consorts were legally considered hers.

Another strict palace tradition dictated that imperial consorts who gave birth were required to drink a “milk-suppressing decoction” prepared by court physicians, ensuring they could not nurse their own children. Instead, the emperor’s sons were breastfed by wet nurses selected from outside the palace. Thus, from infancy, Zaichun was raised at a distance from his birth mother, setting the stage for a lifelong emotional divide.

The Death of Xianfeng and the Rise of the Two Empresses Dowager

When Xianfeng died in 1861, six-year-old Zaichun was thrust onto the throne as the Tongzhi Emperor. Too young to rule, the empire fell under the regency of his two mothers: Empress Dowager Ci’an (the senior empress dowager) and Empress Dowager Cixi (the biological mother).

In theory, one might expect the young emperor to have been closest to his birth mother. Yet historical records suggest the opposite—Tongzhi favored Ci’an and often clashed with Cixi. This strained relationship had deep roots in three major conflicts.

### 1. Harsh Parenting vs. Maternal Warmth

As a child emperor, Tongzhi’s days were filled with rigorous studies rather than state affairs. Ci’an, known for her gentle demeanor, frequently comforted him, expressing sympathy for his exhausting schedule. Cixi, however, adopted a strict and demanding approach. According to the Diary of Weng Tonghe, a high-ranking official and tutor, Cixi’s “excessive harshness” in supervising the emperor’s education bred resentment, pushing her son further toward Ci’an’s kindness.

### 2. The Battle Over the Emperor’s Marriage

A defining conflict arose in 1872 when Tongzhi, then 17, was expected to marry. Cixi insisted on selecting a bride herself, favoring the beautiful but frivolous daughter of Fengxiu, a high-ranking official. Tongzhi, however, preferred Alute, a highly educated Mongol noblewoman two years his senior. Ci’an supported the emperor’s choice, arguing that an older, wiser empress would better guide the young ruler.

In a public ceremony, Tongzhi defiantly handed the ceremonial “ruyi” (a scepter symbolizing imperial authority) to Alute, publicly humiliating Cixi. This act deepened the rift between mother and son, while strengthening his bond with Ci’an.

### 3. The Power Struggle Over Regency

Qing tradition dictated that a child emperor should assume full power at 14. Precedents set by the Shunzhi and Kangxi Emperors supported this rule. Yet Cixi, reluctant to relinquish control, delayed Tongzhi’s marriage and political autonomy for years. Only when he turned 17—far older than customary—did she finally arrange his wedding, knowing marriage would necessitate his formal rule.

Cultural and Political Implications

The tension between the two empresses dowager reflected broader struggles in late Qing governance. Cixi’s domineering personality and political ambition clashed with Ci’an’s conciliatory approach, mirroring the dynasty’s internal conflicts between reformist and conservative factions.

Tongzhi’s preference for Ci’an also highlights a psychological dynamic—his personality, like Cixi’s, was strong-willed and temperamental. Ci’an’s patience and adaptability made her the ideal counterbalance, whereas Cixi’s authoritarianism only provoked rebellion.

Legacy and Modern Reflections

Tongzhi’s reign was tragically short—he died at 19, possibly from smallpox or complications from a rumored wild lifestyle. His death left Cixi to dominate Qing politics for decades, shaping China’s turbulent path into the 20th century.

The relationship between the two empresses dowager remains a poignant study in power, motherhood, and tradition. Modern historians often debate whether Cixi’s iron-fisted rule was a product of circumstance or personal ambition, while Ci’an’s understated influence offers an alternative model of female leadership in imperial China.

Ultimately, the Tongzhi Emperor’s story is not just one of palace intrigue but a microcosm of the Qing dynasty’s decline—a tale of familial discord that mirrored the empire’s unraveling.