Cixi was famous for her extravagance and ostentation, but why couldn't she celebrate her 60th birthday in the Summer Palace?

During preparations for the celebration, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 broke out before her birthday, which was on the 10th day of lunar October. The repeated failure of the Qing Dynasty army led to the extension of the war to the seashore of Lushun from Korea, and officials suggested using money earmarked for her birthday celebration as military expenditure.

Flying into a rage, Cixi replied,"If anyone makes me unhappy, I will make them suffer!" Due to the corruptness of the government and the appeasement policy of Cixi, the Qing Dynasty army was defeated again and again, despite endeavors of the soldiers.

Even the Northern Fleet met its Waterloo. The news of defeat enraged the entire nation. Under these circum-stances, Cixi was forbidden to release an edict and celebrations planned in the Summer Palace were suspended immediately. All ceremonies were moved to the imperial palace, however, nearly 10 milion Liang of silver had been used, 7 million more than the military expenditure.

Due to Cixi's persistence in the policy of appeasement, Li Hongzhang was sent to Shimonoseki, Japan, to sign the contemptible Treaty of Shimonoseki, including causes of land cession and repayment of military expenditure. Military failure led to her quislism. Ignoring the people's indignation, she celebrated her 63rd birthday in the Summer Palace when condition seemed to be alleviated a little. A succession of plays was put on in the grand Dehe Theatre for eight days. Colorful sunshades were put up in front of the Hall of Benevolent Longevity and the sounds of drums and bells echoed each other, a scene of jollification.

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