History has no "what if," and even if it did, it wouldn't change anything. The East Empress Dowager's character is not suited for ruling a complex country.
Upon careful reflection, there truly isn't anyone more outstanding than the Empress Dowager Cixi in the current Qing court, so everyone acknowledges her absolute leadership.
Empress Dowager Cixi's courage, tactics, and political acumen are all top-notch. If someone could surpass her, they would have long since ousted her from the central power.
"Do you think the current Emperor is unfit for use?" the East Empress Dowager asked, thinking if he had half the ability of Zhu Wencong, she wouldn't be so anxious and fearful.
"He's very smart, very capable, but governance doesn't rely on these; reason is preached to those who like to talk about reason.
The ministers are most skilled at sophistry. If you talk about rules, they can trample all over you; throughout history, benevolent emperors are often inept.
