Cixi gives birth to her son, the future Tongzhi Emperor, solidifying her political power.
On March 27, 1856, Cixi gave birth to Zaichun, later known as the Tongzhi Emperor, the only surviving son of the Xianfeng Emperor. This event was pivotal in Cixi's life as it catapulted her from a low-ranking concubine to a politically significant figure. The birth of her son positioned Cixi within the inner circles of power in the Qing dynasty, eventually leading to her role as Empress Dowager. As mother to the heir, her influence in court politics grew, setting the stage for her later regency and profound impact on China’s governance.