Cixi

Cixi, also known as the Empress Dowager, was a powerful and influential figure in the late Qing dynasty of China. Born in 1835, she began her rise to power as a concubine of Emperor Xianfeng and eventually became the de facto ruler of China after his death. Cixi is known for her political acumen, having navigated the complexities of court politics and foreign relations during a time of significant upheaval in China. Her legacy is marked by both modernization efforts and resistance to reform, as well as a controversial reputation for her authoritarian rule.