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The End of the Empire （6）
Abdication of Qing Court |
| CCTV.COM 2002-07-28 15:07:21 |
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In 1911, the atmosphere in Beijing became very tense when provinces proclaimed their independence one after another. All kinds of stories spread in the city.
In appearance, the Forbidden City retained the serenity of an empire; but its masters sensed their approaching end. Prince Regent Zai Feng was at the end of his tether. Empress Dowager Longyu held court. She took the blame on herself and ordered the release of all political offenders. On the other hand, she summoned Yuan Shikai to Beijing. That was her last trump card.
 The opportunity Yuan Shikai had been waiting for had finally come. He took his time in accepting a post. He hinted to Beiyang Army to "Wait and see". He only accepted his post when he had gathered both military and political power in his hands. While he continued to exert pressure on the South by dispatching more troops, he sent men to have secret contacts with the revolutionary government in Wuchang too. The peace envoy of the Qing court was Yuan Shikai's trusted follower Tang Shaoyi. The chief representative of the South was an experienced diplomat Wu Tingfang. Five peace talks were held in Shanghai. There were many obstacles.
In order to bring an end to the war between the South and the North and to overthrow the Qing government as quickly as possible, the government in the South made a commitment. If Yuan Shikai supported the setting up of a republic and forced the Qing court to abdicate, he would be elected president.
When Sun Yat－sen took up the post of provisional president, he wired Yuan Shikai again repeating his promise. The Forbidden City was very concerned about the negotiations between Yuan Shikai and the government in the South. But the horrible day finally came. On Jan. 16, Yuan Shikai arrived at the Hall of Moral Cultivation and asked Empress Dowager Longyu to call a meeting of the nobles to discuss the emperor's future.
Yuan Shikai was apparently forcing Puyi to abdicate. This left a deep impression on the 6－year－old emperor.
Yuan Shikai took his leave from Empress Dowager Longyu and left the palace by East Flowery Gate where revolutionaries attacked him. Yuan Shikai used this assassination as an excuse to give more pressure to the Qing government by claiming to be unwell and stayed away from court. Discussions on abdication went on more vigorously than ever in the palace. Liang Bi, general of palace guards, opposed firmly. Although Longyu called many meetings, no agreement was reached. Liang Bi became the next target of assassination.
In the night of Jan. 26, 1912, Liang Bi was killed by a bomb outside his home. The assassin was a young revolutionary called Peng Jiazhen who died in the act. The same day, Duan Qirui and 50 generals fighting at the front wired the Qing court, pressing the emperor to abdicate. Empress Dowager Longyu had no choice.
On Feb. 12, 1912, in Emperor Xuantong's name, Empress Dowager Longyu issued a decree announcing abdication.
 Favorable treatment to the Qing court was promulgated at the same time. The Qing emperor kept his title, but his jurisdiction was no bigger than the Forbidden City.
Empress Dowager Longyu broke down after she read the abdication decree. A dynasty that had ruled China for as long as 268 years was brought to an end amid tears of a widow.
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Editor: Liu Baoyin CCTV.com
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