# Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi — With the Empress Dowager of China character guide > Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi in With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine A. Carl. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the Empress Dowager, Dowager Empress Tze-Hsi, Her Majesty **First appearance:** 0002-with-the-empress-dowager-of-china ## Snapshot China's formidable Dowager Empress, a poet and scholar who has ruled behind the throne for forty-five years and now sits for an American painter. ## Who they are She governs an empire while quoting classics from memory with her favorite daughter-in-law, her literary gifts as sharp as her political instinct. Courtiers call her the Old Buddha, investing her with sacred authority she neither discourages nor needs. Her decision to allow a foreign woman to paint her portrait is itself a calculated act, and everything the narrator sees of her flows from that uneasy intimacy between ruler and observer. ## Relationships ### [Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/emperor_kwang_hsu) _family_ Aunt and nephew, with the Empress Dowager acting as regent and dominating the Emperor's life, keeping him under her control. ### [Prince Ch'un](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/prince_chun) _family_ Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, with Prince Ch'un being a loyal supporter and frequent advisor to the Empress Dowager. ### [Lady Yu-Keng](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/lady_yu_keng) _professional_ Lady Yu-Keng serves as the Empress Dowager's lady-in-waiting and interpreter, enjoying a close but formal relationship. ### [Whar-Mou-Lahn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/whar_mou_lahn) _family_ Whar-Mou-Lahn is a young relative of the Empress Dowager, treated with affection but also as a subordinate in court hierarchy. ### [Mrs. Conger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/mrs_conger) _social_ Mrs. Conger is the American minister's wife, and the Empress Dowager treats her with diplomatic courtesy and curiosity. ### [Wang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/wang) _professional_ Wang is a eunuch and personal servant to the Empress Dowager, trusted with intimate tasks and court gossip. ### [Hailo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/hailo) _professional_ Hailo is a eunuch in the Empress Dowager's service, responsible for various court duties and personal errands. ### [Confucius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/confucius) _psychological_ The Empress Dowager frequently invokes Confucius's teachings to justify her authority and moral governance, treating him as a symbolic guide. ### [Grand Secretary Yung Lu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/grand_secretary_yung_lu) _professional_ Yung Lu is a trusted advisor and minister, and the Empress Dowager relies on his counsel for political decisions. ### [Late Emperor Tung-Chih](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/late_emperor_tung_chih) _family_ Tung-Chih is her deceased son, and the Empress Dowager mourns him while also using his memory to legitimize her power. ### [Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/emperor_kwang_hsu) _family_ Aunt and nephew, with the Empress Dowager acting as regent and dominating the Emperor's life, keeping him under her control. ### [Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/emperor_kwang_hsu) _family_ Aunt and nephew, with the Empress Dowager acting as regent and dominating the Emperor's life, keeping him under her control. ## In the story ### [Introductory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/introductory) The subject of the portrait, who approves the sitting and receives Carl graciously, but whose character is misrepresented in the press. ### [With the Empress Dowager of China](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/with-the-empress-dowager-of-china) The central figure of the chapter, whose daily life, personality, and political acumen are the primary focus of the author's observations. ### [I: My Presentation and First Day at the Chinese Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/i-my-presentation-and-first-day-at-the-chinese-court) The Empress Dowager, who greets Carl warmly, poses for the first portrait, and invites her to stay at the palace. ### [II: Personal Appearance of Her Majesty—A Chinese Repast—Boating](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/ii-personal-appearance-of-her-majesty-a-chinese-repast-boating) Gives a second sitting for the portrait; her personal appearance is described in detail; she smokes a water-pipe and cigarettes; she orders lotus flowers during the boating trip. ### [III: The Palace of the Emperor’s Father (Prince Ch’un, the Seventh Prince)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/iii-the-palace-of-the-emperor-s-father-prince-ch-un-the-seventh-prince) Set aside the palace for Carl's use and had it restored. ### [IV: Her Majesty’s Throne-Room—Some Personal Characteristics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/iv-her-majesty-s-throne-room-some-personal-characteristics) The Empress Dowager is the central figure of the chapter. She decides to remove her nail-protectors for the portrait, suggests adding a lotus flower, and shows her love of nature by walking in the orchards and gardens. Her actions and preferences are described in detail. ### [V: The Young Empress and Ladies of the Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/v-the-young-empress-and-ladies-of-the-court) Mentioned as the reigning Empress Dowager, aunt of the young Empress, and the one who selected the secondary wife. Also noted for her kindness to the nurse who saved her life. ### [VI: Continuation of the Portrait—Her Majesty’s Dogs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/vi-continuation-of-the-portrait-her-majesty-s-dogs) The Empress Dowager poses for the portrait, studies Carl, and shows her fondness for dogs, eventually gifting Carl a puppy named Me-lah. ### [VII: Festivities at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/vii-festivities-at-court) Invites the author to the birthday festivities, oversees all preparations, and personally guides the author through the theater. ### [VIII: His Majesty the Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/viii-his-majesty-the-emperor-kwang-hsu) His 'august aunt and adopted mother'; co-ruler who still holds significant power, with whom he maintains formal but friendly relations. ### [IX: The Emperor’s Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/ix-the-emperor-s-birthday) Hosts the birthday celebrations, dressed with extreme simplicity to avoid vying with the Empress, and strictly oversees court dress details. ### [Peking—The Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/x-peking-the-sea-palace) Directs the arrangement of the portrait and materials, treats the portrait as sacred, and suggests Carl visit the Sea Palace. ### [XI: Some Characteristics of Her Majesty—Second Visit to the Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xi-some-characteristics-of-her-majesty-second-visit-to-the-sea-palace) Shows her statesmanship and childlike interests, her love of rain and gourds, and her titles 'Lao-Fo-yeh' and 'Lao-Tzu-Tzung'. ### [XII: Return to the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xii-return-to-the-summer-palace) Returns to the Summer Palace, resumes portrait sittings, orders new easels and yellow boxes, and shares a scenic view with Carl, showing her artistic soul and kindness. ### [XIII: The Steam-Launch—Semiannual Sacrifices to Confucius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xiii-the-steam-launch-semiannual-sacrifices-to-confucius) Shows her adaptability and intelligence by using steam-launches, remains calm during mishaps, and participates in the Confucian ceremony. ### [XIV: The Palace Eunuchs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xiv-the-palace-eunuchs) Her Majesty's Chief Eunuch is described as powerful and capable; she is noted for her acute sense of smell for opium and her strict punishments for eunuchs who smoke. ### [XV: The Literary Tastes and Accomplishments of the Empress Dowager](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xv-the-literary-tastes-and-accomplishments-of-the-empress-dowager) Her literary tastes, memory, calligraphy, and personal habits are detailed. ### [XVI: The Great Audience Hall—Some Official Customs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xvi-the-great-audience-hall-some-official-customs) Mentioned as receiving urgent telegrams and despatches outside audience hours during grave events, showing her active role in state affairs. ### [XVII: The Summer Palace and Its Grounds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xvii-the-summer-palace-and-its-grounds) Her favorite residence; she watches the road from the palace, points out the Emperor's approach, and feels keenly the foreign depredations to temples. ### [XVII: The Summer Palace and Its Grounds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xvii-the-summer-palace-and-its-grounds) Her Majesty's gardeners cultivate a green chrysanthemum variety that delights her. ### [XVIII: The Festival of the Harvest Moon—Work on the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xviii-the-festival-of-the-harvest-moon-work-on-the-portrait) The Empress Dowager is the subject of the portrait and the central figure of the court. She is pleased with the portrait's progress and invites Mrs. Conger to see it. She participates in the Harvest Moon ceremony with bows and offerings. ### [XIX: A Garden Party at the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xix-a-garden-party-at-the-summer-palace) Hosts the garden party, receives the ladies with great tact and cordiality, comments on foreign dress and hair color. ### [XX: I Begin a Second Portrait of Her Majesty—The Palace Painters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xx-i-begin-a-second-portrait-of-her-majesty-the-palace-painters) Decides on the placement of her sixteen characters and seals on the first portrait, commissions a second informal portrait, and expresses curiosity about Western dancing. ### [XXI: A European Circus at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxi-a-european-circus-at-the-palace) Arranges for the circus, pulls the first turnip, shows interest in the animals, and displays antipathy to feline creatures. ### [Palace Customs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxii-palace-customs) Her daily schedule, sleeping habits, dining preferences, and strict enforcement of court etiquette are described in detail. ### [Her Majesty's Anxiety—Her Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxiii-her-majesty-s-anxiety-her-birthday) Shows visible anxiety and fatigue due to state troubles; reluctantly participates in elaborate birthday celebrations, refusing new title to save money. ### [Her Majesty's Anxiety—Her Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxiii-her-majesty-s-anxiety-her-birthday) Receives prostrations from the Emperor, Empress, Princesses, and Imperial Family on a throne in the Palace halfway up the terraced hill. ### [XXIV: The Winter Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxiv-the-winter-palace) Arrives at the Winter Palace in a grand procession, expresses her preference for the Summer Palace, and shows her quarters to Carl. ### [XXV: Peking—Beginning the Portrait for St. Louis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxv-peking-beginning-the-portrait-for-st-louis) The subject of the portrait, she insists on her preferred hand position and discusses the size of the portrait, while showing anxiety over rumors of war. ### [XXVI: Some Social Customs—Manchu and Chinese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxvi-some-social-customs-manchu-and-chinese) Hosts brides at court, receives their obeisances, and shows favor to the widow of Grand Secretary Yung Lu. ### [XXVII: Present-Giving in China](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxvii-present-giving-in-china) The Empress Dowager is the central figure in this chapter, depicted as a generous gift-giver who personally designs and orders presents for Katherine Carl, showing her consideration and desire to please. ### [XXVIII: Some Winter Days at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxviii-some-winter-days-at-the-palace) Poses for the portrait, shows anxiety over the political situation, and is touched by Carl's mourning attire. ### [XXIX: Religious Rites in China](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxix-religious-rites-in-china) Participates in the ceremony of the awakening of Spring, partaking of the first radish and lettuce, and making wishes for national prosperity. ### [Her Majesty the Empress Dowager](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxx-her-majesty-the-empress-dowager) The chapter's central figure, detailing her noble origins, rise to power, political acumen, and her role during the Boxer Rebellion and subsequent flight. ### [XXXI: The Empress Dowager’s Charities, Sense of Justice, Extravagance, and Personal Characteristics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxi-the-empress-dowager-s-charities-sense-of-justice-extravagance-and-personal-characteristics) Portrayed as patriotic, charitable, just, tactful, and socially adept, yet also impulsive and capable of sarcasm and cruelty. ### [XXXII: The Chinese New Year—Official Audience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxii-the-chinese-new-year-official-audience) Celebrates the New Year with gifts and decorations, but is anxious about the war. She suggests changes to the portrait's hands and moves the Court to the Sea Palace. ### [XXXIII: Continuation of the St. Louis Portrait—Spring Days at the Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxiii-continuation-of-the-st-louis-portrait-spring-days-at-the-sea-palace) Consults almanacs for auspicious date to finish portrait, supervises painting details, requests jewel changes, enjoys spring activities, flies kites, and inspects new buildings. ### [XXXIV: Finishing and Sending Off the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxiv-finishing-and-sending-off-the-portrait) Her Majesty closely monitored the portrait's progress, arranged viewings, and decided to gift it to the United States. ### [XXXV: Return to the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxv-return-to-the-summer-palace) Hosts a Garden Party, pins a peony on the author's dress, decides to show the portrait, and later asks the author to fix a detail on the gown. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Featured in illustrations such as boating excursion, calligraphy, bird calling, and portrait. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/endnotes) Subject of the poetic tribute and central figure in the endnotes' clarifications. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/empress_dowager_tze_hsi - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters