In the history of the Qing Dynasty, the names of the two female rulers, Empress Dowager Ci'an and Empress Dowager Cixi, are remarkably similar, sparking curiosity among many. Are they related by blood? What is the reason for the similarity in their names? This article will uncover the historical story behind it.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that Empress Dowager Ci'an and Empress Dowager Cixi did not have a direct blood relationship. Empress Dowager Ci'an, also known as the Consort of the Emperor Xianfeng, was originally named Niu Hulu, and was the empress of the Qing Emperor Xianfeng. Empress Dowager Cixi, also known as the Consort of the Emperor Xianfeng, was originally named Yehe Nala Xingzhen, and was the concubine of Emperor Xianfeng. Although they were both concubines of Emperor Xianfeng and lived in the Forbidden City, they were not sisters or relatives by birth.

So, why are their names so similar? It has to do with their honorific titles. In the Qing Dynasty, the honorific titles of queens and empress dowagers were usually composed of a series of auspicious words expressing respect and blessings for them. Both Empress Dowager Ci'an's title "Consort of the Emperor Xianfeng, the Honorable and Auspicious Empress Dowager" and Empress Dowager Cixi's title "Consort of the Emperor Xianfeng, the Honorable and Auspicious Empress Dowager" contain the character "ci", which represents kindness and benevolence in Chinese culture, serving as a beautiful implication for female rulers.

In addition, both of their names contain the character "xi". In traditional Chinese culture, "xi" symbolizes good fortune and happiness, representing the aspiration for a better life. Therefore, the inclusion of the character "xi" in their honorific titles also served as a auspicious wish for their reign.

Despite the similarity in their names, Empress Dowager Ci'an and Empress Dowager Cixi differed greatly in their characters and political achievements. Empress Dowager Ci'an was known for her kindness and benevolence. During her reign, the politics were clear and the country was stable. On the other hand, Empress Dowager Cixi was a famous female power figure in Chinese history. She was intelligent and decisive, skilled in intrigue. Under her reign, the Qing Dynasty experienced a period of glory but also suffered from controversy.

In conclusion, the similarity in the names of Empress Dowager Ci'an and Empress Dowager Cixi is not due to any blood relationship between them, but rather the widespread use of auspicious words in the honorific titles of queens and empress dowagers in the Qing Dynasty. These words not only expressed respect and blessings for them but also reflected the society's beautiful expectations for female rulers at that time.

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