Cixi leads coup to assume joint regency with Ci’an.
On November 8, 1861, Cixi, alongside Empress Dowager Ci'an, orchestrated the Xinyou Coup, overthrowing the regents who controlled the Qing empire after the Xianfeng Emperor's death. This strategic move positioned Cixi and Ci'an as the regents for the young Tongzhi Emperor, allowing Cixi to establish herself as a formidable political force and setting the stage for her years of influential rule.