Yixin Zhongxing Xianwang (Upper and Lower)

Author: Xu Qian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Yixian (1832-1898), one of the leading figures of the late Qing Dynasty's Self-Strengthening Movement. He was the sixth son of Emperor Daoguang and was enfeoffed as Prince Gong in the first year of the Xianfeng reign. In October 1860, when British and French invading forces captured Beijing, Emperor Xianfeng fled to Rehe, while he remained in the city to negotiate as the full-power envoy, signing the humiliating Treaty of Beijing with the British and French. The following year, upon the accession of the Tongzhi Emperor, he colluded with Empress Dowager Cixi, with the support of foreign invaders, to launch the "Qixiang Coup." He was appointed as the Regent Prince and the chief Grand Councilor, overseeing the Imperial Household Department for Handling Affairs with Foreign Countries.