Ancient China attached great importance to differences in social status, and even in a special environment such as the harem of the Qing Dynasty, there was still a clear identity gap between Cixi and Ci'an. Ci'an had a beautiful appearance and a likable quality, so he was favored by Emperor Xianfeng. And when Cixi was first favored, Ci'an was already a high-profile figure in the harem. Considering their family background, Ci'an's background is more noble, while Cixi is just a concubine who has just been favored by the emperor.
Therefore, from the perspective of status, Cixi cannot be compared with Ci'an. Ci'an had a better understanding of Emperor Xianfeng's thoughts. As a concubine who gradually rose to prominence with her beauty, the Empress Dowager Cixi was in stark contrast to Ci'an, who became the overlord of the harem by virtue of her beauty. Ci'an showed a more mature and stable image. As a person close to Emperor Xianfeng for many years, whether it is the emperor's thoughts or the next move, Ci'an can accurately grasp and even prepare in advance.
Therefore, it is very important for Emperor Xianfeng to have someone who knows him so well. Ci'an is extremely intelligent, and she is also very politically tough. Having spent decades in the harem struggle, Ci'an knew that only by absolute political means could he consolidate his position. Therefore, when seeing that Cixi gave birth to a son for Emperor Xianfeng, Ci'an still behaved very calmly, because she was sure of everything and was not worried that Cixi would shake her position.
It was not until after the death of Emperor Xianfeng that Ci'an, who was not interested in politics, made a very decisive decision to elect the Empress Dowager Cixi as the real ruler of the Qing Dynasty. However, according to relevant historical records, Ci'an played a key role in the power struggle of the Qing Dynasty. It can be said that she did not control the power by the Empress Dowager Cixi, but by controlling the Empress Dowager Cixi, she actually controlled the entire Qing Dynasty. This is enough to show how tough her political skills are. Cixi only gained the appreciation of Emperor Xianfeng because she gave birth to a son.
The inheritance of the ancient imperial family was very important, especially the birth of an imperial heir, which was of great significance to the status of a concubine. Because it can quickly elevate her status. It was by virtue of this advantage that the Empress Dowager Cixi gradually won the favor of the emperor. At that time, she was still young and immature, and wisely chose to retreat into the background for the time being, respecting Ci'an's position rather than risking a fight with Ci'an, who was in a stable position, because that would undoubtedly be self-inflicted. As the center of power, the royal family of the Qing Dynasty is naturally changing, and the harem is part of it.
In such a political storm, the slightest carelessness can be discredited. Both Ci'an and Cixi understood this, so Ci'an knew how to win the emperor's favor, and Cixi knew how to keep a low profile to avoid provoking those in a position of stability.