Cixi named Empress Dowager and co-regent after the Xianfeng Emperor's death, beginning her rule.
On August 22, 1861, after the death of the Xianfeng Emperor, Cixi, along with Empress Dowager Ci'an, was appointed as co-regent for her son, the Tongzhi Emperor. This role marked the onset of her de facto control over the Qing Empire. She maneuvered her position adeptly, overcoming obstacles posed by traditional power structures and gaining the trust of key palace factions. As co-regent, she established herself as a central figure in the Qing Court, wielding substantial authority behind the scenes, a precursor to her long-standing influence over national policy and reform efforts.