Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20130923 | Jung-Chang's ground-breaking biography reassesses the reputation of this formidable 19th century stateswoman who single-handedly dragged China into modernity. Based on newly available documents, this biography comprehensively overturns the conventional view of the Dowager Empress as a deeply conservative and cruel despot. Jung Chang vividly describes how Cixi fought against monumental obstacles to change China. Under her the ancient country attained virtually all the attributes of a modern state: industries, railways, electricity, telegraph, and an army and navy with up-to-date weaponry. It was she who abolished gruesome punishments like 'death by a thousand cuts' and put an end to foot-binding. She inaugurated women's liberation, and embarked on the path to introduce parliamentary elections to China. A fast-paced and gripping story which takes us inside the mind of a brilliant political strategist. Read by Pik-Sen Lim Produced by Gemma Jenkins. Jung Chang's biography of the woman who single-handedly dragged China into modernity. |
| 02 | 20130924 | Cixi forms an important political alliance and launches a palace coup. |
| 03 | 20130925 | Jung Chang's biography of this remarkable 19th century stateswoman continues. Following the death of her son, Emperor Tongzhi, in 1875, Cixi adopted the three year old son of her sister and named him the new Emperor. This saw her return to power as the Empress Dowager and she continued to push through her reforms. Read by Pik-Sen Lim Produced by Gemma Jenkins. Cixi adopts the three-year-old son of her sister and names him Emperor. |
| 04 | 20130926 | A young ambitious reformist looks to topple Cixi from power, and a battle of wits ensues. |
| 05 LAST | 20130927 | Cixi faces her greatest challenge as ruler, when anti-Western feeling leads to violence. |