Reign Behind a Curtain

After the Anglo-French joint invasion and the destruction of the Old Summer Palace, the Xianfeng Emperor indulges in hunting at the Chengde Mountain Resort and Prince Gong is becoming more influential in the Qing government through frequent negotiations and operations with foreign powers. Rumours have it that Prince Gong is planning a rebellion with foreign supports, but Empress Dowager Cixi often rebuts such claims before the Emperor.