Known historically as the Empress Dowager Cixi, also referred to as the Empress Xiaochin Xian, was the actual ruler of the late Qing Dynasty. She excelled in the game of power and dominated China for nearly half a century during the late Qing period. Despite her reign being controversial and corrupt, few dared to directly challenge her authority. The reasons behind this deserve further exploration.

Firstly, Empress Dowager Cixi was proficient in the art of politics, skilled in controlling court officials through checks and balances and the art of influence. She was willing to use bribery, promotions, and even threats to consolidate her position. Officials knew that opposing Cixi often meant the end of their political careers, and possibly even their lives. Therefore, despite their dissatisfaction, they had to submit to her power.

Secondly, Empress Dowager Cixi held control over the military. In feudal society, the military was a crucial force determining the stability of political power. She appointed loyal generals to ensure that military power did not fall into others' hands. These generals were typically highly loyal to her, making her nearly unchallengeable militarily.

Moreover, the social environment of the time also played a role in protecting Cixi's status. The influence of Confucianism led people to generally respect tradition and hierarchy, opposing the disruption of the status quo. As the mother of the emperor, Empress Dowager Cixi's status was nominally second only to the emperor, making it difficult for people to challenge the image of a "mother of the nation" on legitimate grounds.

Additionally, changes in the international environment also had an impact on Empress Dowager Cixi's rule. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Western powers deepened their interference in China, preferring a stable Chinese government to safeguard their interests. Empress Dowager Cixi, with her diplomatic skills and clever alliance strategies, received some degree of support or acquiescence from foreign powers.

Finally, although popular dissatisfaction had accumulated for a long time, due to the lack of effective organization and leadership, combined with limited access to information and knowledge, it was difficult for the people to form a powerful force to overthrow the regime. Empress Dowager Cixi effectively suppressed popular resistance through propaganda and opinion control.

In summary, Empress Dowager Cixi was able to firmly establish her power because she was proficient in the operation of power, skilled at manipulating court politics and the military, and benefited from the dual protection of traditional concepts and the international environment. Although her rule was controversial, she did demonstrate rare political wisdom and tactics for a woman in feudal society.

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